Cool It! 10 Ways To Beat The Heat
Don’t let the dog days of summer dissuade you from having fun without overheating.
To heck with it—sit square in front of the air conditioner. Stroll the aisles of the chilly grocery store looking at things you don’t even need to buy. Submerge in a backyard pool till you’re way past pruny and smell chloriney even to yourself. These are tried-and-true ways to find relief when August’s heat and humidity get oppressive, and there’s no knocking them. But when you’re ready for variety, here are 10 other summertime salvations:
Enjoy a rooftop sip… at The Concourse Club, Wood-Ridge. There’s no better time to grab a cocktail at this swanky, nearly two-year-old lounge in southern Bergen County. Sitting atop the Element by Westin Hotel, the rooftop bar has unobstructed views of Teterboro Airport, so you can guess which celebs are coming and going. Of course, you’ll feel like an A-lister yourself thanks to the club’s VIP service and its seemingly endless list of creative drinks and light bites.
379 ROUTE 17 S., WOOD-RIDGE, 201.710.6459; CONCOURSECLUBNJ.COM
Get into the swing of things… at Golfzon Range by Leadbetter, Little Ferry. This indoor golf simulator is less than a year old, so the high-tech equipment at the immaculate facility is almost brand-new and in tip-top shape. This means all your drives, chips and putts from the range will be precisely measured and accurate no matter which simulated course you play. Stop in to perfect your game on your own or sign up for one-on-one lessons with on-site pros.
260 BERGEN TPKE., LITTLE FERRY, 201.983.0215; GOLFZONRANGE.COM
Paddle at your own pace… at Overpeck Park, Ridgefield Park. Don’t worry about tides and currents when you take a kayak, canoe or standup paddleboard onto Overpeck Creek—the water is usually calm. (True, it can be choppy on windy days.) Launch your own craft using the public dock or rent one on-site and enjoy a self-guided paddle tour of the park’s central waterway. Pro tip: If you forget a hat and sunscreen, you can paddle along the shady, tree-lined shore—just be cautious in shallow water.
54 FORT LEE RD., RIDGEFIELD PARK, 201.968.0808; HACKENSACK RIVERKEEPER.ORG
Bury your feet in the sand… at Darlington County Park, Mahwah. With open lawns, dozens of wooded trails and sports facilities, this park is one of Bergen’s crown jewels. Set up your chairs and blanket on the beach along Darlington Lake, the perfect spot to cool off, catch some rays and build sand castles. The park also features a Splash Zone for little ones, which includes a Wibit brand floating obstacle course. Just leave Fido at home, as pets are not permitted on the beach.
660 DARLINGTON AVE., MAHWAH, 201.327.3500; CO.BERGEN.NJ.US
Thai one on… at Pimaan Thai in Emerson. Science tells us that perspiration cools off the body, but sweating needn’t mean “working up” a sweat. Instead, enjoy some spicy food to get your sweat glands going. Salmon green curry or fiery drunken noodles from Pimaan Thai—a former BERGEN Readers’ Choice winner for “best Thai restaurant”—are treats to your taste buds, but the spice will certainly boost your heart rate. If you’re unsure about the heat level, you can request that the chef reduce the spiciness of your order.
79 KINDERKAMACK RD., EMERSON, 201.967.0440; PIMAANTHAI.COM
Duck into a movie… at Teaneck Cinemas, Teaneck. What could be cooler than sitting in a dark, air-conditioned room while watching a popular flick on the big screen? Head to this neighborhood movie house to catch the latest Hollywood blockbusters—and don’t forget to grab fresh popcorn and candy for the entire family. The best part? Before 6 p.m., when the day is hottest, tickets are extra cheap.
503 CEDAR LANE, TEANECK, 201.530.7409; TEANECKCINEMAS.COM
Roll a strike… at Bowlero, Fair Lawn and Wallington. With 32 lanes in Fair Lawn and 48 in Wallington, bowlers of all ages and skill levels have plenty of opportunities to achieve new high scores. In between rolls and frames, visitors at either facility can check out the arcade and pool tables and grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant. Be sure to check both bowling alleys’ specific locations online for bowling specials and deals.
22-22 MAPLE AVE., FAIR LAWN, 201.797.5400; 299 PATERSON AVE., WALLINGTON, 973.773.9100; BOWLERO.COM
Go on a clay-date…at Mudspinners: Pottery Studio & Gallery, Ridgewood. You’re probably familiar with paint-and-sip studios, where you and your friends create masterpieces while enjoying a glass or two of wine. Now you can get down and dirty with your crew while making a ceramic bowl or vase. This Ridgewood studio offers special “Mud & Merlot Nights” as well as sessions for kids, private and large groups and parties.
580 N. MAPLE AVE., RIDGEWOOD, 201.981.2792; MUDSPINNERS.COM
Take the kids to an indoor playground… at Catch Air in Hasbrouck Heights and Paramus. Let your little ones burn off some energy, get some exercise and make new friends at this safe, exciting, air-conditioned indoor play facility. The new and modern centers in Hasbrouck Heights and Paramus feature soft, three-story play castles, slides, tunnels, interactive toys and much more. They’re both ideal spots for kids’ parties or if you just want to let your child run around on a summer day.
69 ROUTE 17, HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, 201.713.2156; 224 ROUTE 4, PARAMUS, 201.620.2125; CATCHAIRPARTY.COM
Get some summer ice time… at The Rink at American Dream, East Rutherford. From a massive water park to indoor skiing, there’s so much to do at the mega mall and entertainment center. With its mass appeal, ice skating is the ideal summer escape, and there’s open ice time at The Rink for everyone. The ice meets all National Hockey League regulations, making it the perfect surface for experienced skaters and novices alike. (Ice “buddies” in a variety of fun shapes are available for those just starting out.)
1 AMERICAN DREAM WAY, EAST RUTHERFORD, 833.263.7326; AMERICANDREAM.COM
