7 Things To Do Before Summer Ends

Be sure to check these activities off your Bergen County bucket list before the seasons change.

Did you realize that Labor Day weekend is just seven days away? It may seem like summer just started; however, the reality is we’ll be flipping the calendar to September and sending the kids back to school in no time.

But don’t put away your shorts and T-shirts just yet: There’s still plenty of time to soak up the sun and check off all the boxes on the summer-of-fun-in-Bergen bucket list. Grab the kids and all your family and friends and make sure you hit up these spots and participate in these events before the season officially ends next month.

Walk among the budgies at the Bergen County Zoo, Paramus. Whether you’re a birder or not, you’ll appreciate the sight and sound of hundreds of colorful budgies. It’s free to enter the enclosure (reservations are not required), which is filled with these friendly parakeets. Just remember to wear appropriate clothing—unless you believe bird droppings on your shoulder are good luck.
216 Forest Ave., Paramus, 201.634.3100

Feel the sand at Darlington County Park, Mahwah. Swim season at the county’s beach is winding down (it runs until Sept. 4), so be sure to bring the family for a day of splashing and sand-castle building. It’s only $8 for adults and $6 for ages 5 to 17 on weekdays; the price for adults increases to $10 on weekends.
*600 Darlington Ave., Mahwah, 201.327.3500

Pick peaches at Demarest Farms, Hillsdale. September is the final month of peak peach season, so stock up on your favorites at this local farm. Buy them by the bundle at their farmstand or enjoy a day in the orchards and pick your own fruit from the trees.
*244 Werimus Rd., Hillsdale, 201.666.0472

Dip your feet in the MacMillian Reservoir, Mahwah. The short hike from the Ramapo Valley County Reservation parking lot to this body of water includes a modest incline, but you can catch your breath when you reach this inspiring vista. Though swimming isn’t permitted, you can kick off your shoes and soothe achy feet in the cool water.
608 Ramapo Valley Rd., Mahwah, 201.327.3500

Walk or bike Saddle River County Park. The days may be getting shorter, but that means you’ll have more shade to complete a workout along this 6-mile trail (that’s 12 miles roundtrip), which runs from Ridgewood to Rochelle Park. But don’t take it too seriously: Be sure to stop and soak up the scenery at the Wild Duck Pond in Ridgewood as well as the relaxing Glen Rock and Dunkerhook areas.
760 Saddle River Rd., Saddle Brook

Build an ice cream sandwich at Stack Creamery, Westwood. We love cones and cups, but sometimes (aka all the time) biting into an ice cream-filled sandwich can bring the same amount of joy. At this shop, simply pick from a variety of ice cream flavors that will be mashed between two massive cookies of your choice (chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, even a brownie), then finish off your favorite toppings. Pro tip: Ask for extra napkins.
*287 Westwood Ave., Westwood, 201.722.4780

Cool off at Votee Park, Teaneck. There are plenty of hot days left this summer, and the spray park at Teaneck’s largest park is the perfect place for kids of all ages to beat the heat.
*Palisade Avenue, Teaneck, 201.837.1600

What are your favorite things to do in Bergen during summer? Tell us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.