8 Activities That’ll Make You Forget It’s Cold
Cabin fever? Get out of the house and enjoy winter fun at these Bergen happenings.
You may want to hibernate for the rest of winter following this week’s frigid temperatures, but trust us, there are plenty of reasons to venture out of the house this weekend. (Plus, we’re certain many of you may have a little cabin fever.)
Below are a few family-friendly events happening in Bergen County that are packed with fun, laughs, thrills and much more to warm you up and get your heart pumping.
Winter wonders. Check out the winning entries of the 2025 Global Lunar New Year Photography Competition in the American Dream mall’s Court A in East Rutherford. The display opens Friday, Jan. 24 and will run until Feb. 12.
New Year’s party. Garden State Plaza in Paramus will hold its free Lunar New Year Celebration beginning at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 in the Family Entertainment Court. Traditional live performances, dragon and lion dances and other interactive cultural activities will take place during the family-friendly festival.
A tale as old as time. Bring the entire family to the Wyckoff YMCA on Saturday, Jan. 25 to watch “Beauty and the Beast” performed by the YMCA’s Y Arts Kids. The 30-minute production tells the story of Belle and the Beast in a format that is suitable for all ages. The show begins at 2 p.m.
Laughs and surprises. Magician, illusionist and mentalist Kevin Lane will present Magic & Comedy on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center. The show will spotlight Lane’s stage artistry, which is presented with humor and magic. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. Tickets are available online.
Something sweet. Bundle up and head to the Tenafly Nature Center to learn all about Maple Sugaring. The program is held both indoors and out, giving participants the chance to identify a maple tree, tap it and boil down sap to make fresh, warm syrup. There are sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Registration is required.
A need for speed. For more outdoor fun for your entire crew, head over to Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah for a snowtubing session or two. Unlike skiing and snowboarding (both of which are also offered at Campgaw), tubing doesn’t require special skills other than the ability to hold on to the tube. (There are height and weight requirements.) Tickets for a two-hour session can be purchased online.
Reach new heights. You might not be ready to ascend Everest yet, but you can start scaling new heights at one of Bergen’s many indoor climbing gyms. The Gravity Vault in Upper Saddle River and Goat Climbing Gym in Hackensack, for instance, have programs and climbing courses for all skill levels. Times and sessions vary; check individual websites for details.
Meet at the playground. The neighborhood jungle gym might be covered with snow and ice, but our county is home to many indoor playcenters where kids can get much needed physical activity. Watch them run, jump and play in a climate-controlled environment. (In some cases, adults can participate too.) Check individual websites for fees and times.
What are your favorite winter activities? Share your fun photos and tag us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.
