5 Activities To Enjoy Outside—Or Inside
Don’t let the weather dictate your fun! No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find both indoor and outdoor options in Bergen.
How about this weather we’re having? Pardon the small-talk, but we’re been volleying relentless rain and oppressive heat all summer long (though we’ve still managed to eke out a few sweet evening walks and checked out some great rides).
Does that mean we’re going to give up and stay home? Of course not! No matter what activity you’re craving, you’ll find fantastic options all over Bergen—indoors and out. If it’s too wet or too hot to take your adventure outside, shift gears and opt for an alternative. For instance:
Want to golf? If you’re feeling the call of a full 18 (or the back nine for the Twilight rate), our county has six full public courses where you can book a tee time. For something a little more low-key, there’s outdoor mini golf at Paramus Mini Golf in Paramus and mini golf plus a driving range at Closter Golf Center in Closter. In case of rain or dangerous heat, bring it indoors at Blacklight Mini Golf in East Rutherford or Monster Mini Golf in Paramus, where the courses glow in the dark, or the Bergen Golf Zone in Ramsey, where state-of-the-art simulators can help you perfect your swing.
Want to swim? If the weather cooperates, you may be enjoying your own backyard pool, socializing at one of Bergen’s many public town pool options (including outdoor summer destination Darlington Lake) or heading to one of our local splash pads. If storms threaten, you don’t need to give up a day of water fun. Local YMCAs, such as Ridgewood and Wyckoff, offer family swim and lap swim hours throughout the summer, and gyms such as the Fountain Fitness Center in Ramsey offer access to indoor swimming. Want more of an adventure? The largest indoor waterpark in North America is in the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford.
Want to grab a racket? Grabbing some friends and playing a few friendly games of pickleball is a great way to spend a summer afternoon. If the sun is shining, many of Bergen’s parks boast courts where you can set up and play, including both the Rochelle Park and Glen Rock areas of the Saddle River County Park and Samuel Nelkin County Park in Wallington. For an indoor game, check out options such as the Bergen County Pickleball Club in Tenafly, the Bergen Pickleball Zone in Ramsey and Prestige Pickleball Club in Northvale.
Want to learn something new? If the day is too beautiful for indoor learning, stroll the Fort Lee Historic Park in Fort Lee, which not only contains stunning views of the Hudson but also a recreated Revolutionary War camp and a visitor center filled with exhibits and information about our county’s role in the American Revolution. You’ll find similar pleasures at Historic New Bridge Landing, the headquarters of the Bergen County Historical Society. Weather chasing you inside instead? In Oradell, check out the Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum, which displays exclusively wildlife art, or the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee for some movie history or a historical flick.
Want to listen to some music? Nothing goes better with a summer night than great live music. Stop by the Amphitheater at Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield Park and the Stage at Riverside County Park in North Arlington for free concerts throughout the rest of the summer (check out Big Hicks at Riverside on July 29 or ARENA Relive The Rock at Overpeck on July 31). Looking for a more sheltered venue, or one with some AC? Check out Ridgewood’s Steel Wheel Tavern or the Orange Lantern in Paramus for a rotating cast of local bands sure to make your night memorable.
How are you enjoying the summer? Tell us all about it on Instagram @bergenmagnj, and don’t forget to tag us in all your best moments!
