7 Fun Fall Activities In Bergen
Pumpkin painting, apple picking, leaf peeping—complete your autumn bucket list without leaving the county.
Now that you’ve switched out tees and shorts for sweaters and flannels, it’s time to grab your favorite pumpkin spice sip and soak up everything the season has to offer. And you won’t have to travel far to do so: There’s a plethora of things to do this fall in Bergen County.
But with so many activities from which to choose, where should you start? We’re here to help you answer that question. If you liked the summer bucket list we created for you, our fall to-do list below is chock full of family-fun ideas for the entire season:
Taste the flavors. There’s more to fall than apple cider and pumpkin spice (though we can’t resist apple cider donuts), and many Bergen restaurants roll out updated menus that feature seasonal ingredients. In some towns, you can even enjoy a week-long of specials. Fort Lee, for instance, is hosting restaurant week now through Oct. 8, showcasing a variety of seasonal, classic and international cuisine.
Raise a pint. It’s Oktoberfest season, so you might be raising a stein of German brew instead. Festivals celebrating this annual event are scheduled all month long, giving visitors a chance to learn about German culture, participate in dances and songs and sample a variety of beers and delicious cuisine. The Bergen County Historical Society in River Edge, for example, is hosting the BaronFest Beer Festival on Sept. 30, featuring three local craft breweries as well as live music, family-friendly activities and more.
Pick your own. Is it even fall if you don’t go apple picking? Don’t miss out on the season’s best apples, whether you make fresh cider, pies—or simply want to munch on a Gala or Pink Lady for lunch. Bring your family, friends or significant other for an afternoon of apple picking at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale. Just be sure to make a reservation online, where you can sign up for hayrides too!
Decorate a pumpkin. Filling the home with skeletons, spiderwebs and assorted ghouls is a pastime for many families, but don’t forget about an old-fashioned Jack-o’-lantern to show off your creativity. Whether you carve a face or paint a design on a pumpkin, it’s an activity that’s suitable for all ages. Fresh & Fancy Farms in New Milford, among other places, not only sells pumpkins of every size, but it also hosts free pumpkin painting sessions every weekend in October.
Run for a cause. A fall 5K is perfect for runners of all levels, from New York City Marathon trainees to those who’d rather walk 3.1 miles. The events are even better when registration fees go to a good cause. The Tomorrows Children’s Fund Join Hands 5K, for instance, is happening on Oct. 1 at Saddle River County Park in Saddle Brook (there’s a virtual race too). The event is raising money for the patients and families at TCF. There are several breast cancer awareness walks taking place in October that are also worth checking out.
Peep the leaves. Leaves in Bergen County will really begin changing colors in mid-October, so start making your plans now. You can admire the fall hues of the trees outside your window, but you can catch a bigger show at many Bergen County parks. If you want to make a road trip out of your leaf peeping, there are many destinations within driving distance that you and your family should explore as well.
Enjoy a fright. ’Tis the season to be spooky, and Bergen County knows how to provide a scare with the best of them. From homeowners to businesses, everyone tends to get in on the action, creating haunted houses, scary hayrides, mysterious corn mazes and fields. One of the best attractions is the Halloween House in Paramus, which includes themed rooms and child-friendly exhibits.
How do you and your family celebrate fall? Tell us on Instagram @bergenmagnj
