10 Kid-Friendly Day Trips To Take Now
You and your young ones will enjoy these start-of-summer getaways, both in and out of Bergen.
It’s tough to be a kid during the school year, what with coloring in the lines, prepping for college and maintaining one’s social cool. That’s why most students consider summer their favorite season.
After a full year of book reports, science experiments or parallel bars that bedevil your student, she or he surely merits a kid-friendly, summertime travel treat. Great news—you can have fun there too.
Here are a few daytrip destinations, right here in Bergen, that just might do the trick:
American Dream, East Rutherford. There’s much more than shopping at this Bergen staple (though, if you or your teen are looking for shopping, you’ll be more than pleased with the offerings here—browse shops like Bath & Body Works, Gucci, Lululemon and many, many more). You can also stop by the full indoor DreamWorks waterpark or the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, hit the slopes at Big Snow or explore the Hasbro game room—and that’s just the start.
The Barrymore Film Center, Fort Lee. You can see the history of movie magic at this museum and cultural center. Browse the current exhibit, “Classic Film Posters from The Konstantino Spanoudis Ikon Collection,” which features more than 100 years of movie posters. Then, check out both classic and modern film screenings held daily—this weekend’s offerings include 1995’s Sense and Sensibility (starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet) and Fleischer Cartoons: Greatest Hits, where you can see classic animation on the big screen. Another upside? This is a trip you can make on a rainy day, or one too hot to spend outside.
The Bergen County Zoo, Paramus. Located in Van Saun Park, our county’s zoo is small but mighty. See monkeys, prairie dogs, anteaters, bald eagles and more. You can also grab a ride on the mini zoo train or the carousel, both perfect for young children. If you duck out of the zoo early and need to cool down, Van Saun also boasts an impressive splash pad, perfect to keep kids entertained for a few hours.
Paramus Mini Golf, Paramus. How about some summer competition? This outdoor mini golf course is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with its water features, vintage obstacles and charming statues. If you want more outdoor fun afterward, this course is right down the road from the Dunkerhook Area of Saddle River County Park. Enjoy the playground and the scenic views (or set up another competition—this park has three tennis courts).
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale. Pick-your-own peaches at this Hillsdale farm is set to open any day now (check their website and Facebook page for more information!). In the meantime, browsing the farm’s market is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon and pick up the treat of your choice. You also can set kids free on the farm-themed play area with a giant slide and lots of room to climb.
Want to venture outside of Bergen? We recommend these options:
Dylan’s Candy Bar & the M&M Store, New York, N.Y. See what “a kid in a candy store” really looks like at these two sweet destinations. You’ll find the M&M Store right in Times Square, with two floors filled with chocolate and chocolate-themed apparel (and cartoons of the M&M mascots). About a mile and a half away at 20 Hudson Yards is Dylan’s Candy Bar, where 7,000 different confections are available to browse. Bulk sour candy, giant gummy bears, fudge, specialty chocolate—there’s something to satisfy any craving, plus accessories, apparel and even home goods.
Boundless Adventures, Harrison, N.Y. Adventure awaits in Westchester County with this popular high-rope and zipline course. Seasoned professionals will help your kids into secure harnesses and climbing gear before they take to the treetops on the high ropes course (and the professionals remain close at hand). There are 11 unique courses at the park, each one with series of 10 to 14 obstacles for a rousing physical and mental challenge. Then come as close as you can get to flying with the 23 ziplines, which cater to every level of skill.
Delaware River Tubing, Kingwood. Enjoy a real-life “lazy river.” River tubing perfectly balances an easy, laid-back afternoon in the water with the spirit of outdoor adventure, and there are plenty of spots along the Delaware River to rent the gear and have professionals help you get started. Big Bear Gear River Tubing in Kingwood is the exclusive tubing operator on this portion of the river, licensed by the state of New Jersey. It will provide the river tube and a personal flotation device to keep everyone safe; you’ll enjoy a five-mile drift down the water. The trip takes from 90 minutes to three hours, depending on weather and other conditions. Make sure you check the forecast before heading out!
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach. What better way to welcome the summer than a beach trip? Jenkinson’s isn’t our state’s first boardwalk (that’s Atlantic City’s), but it’s one of the most kid-friendly. Besides a fun house, a Victorian ice-cream parlor, four arcades and classic games of chance, there’s also an amusement park with rides for everyone. Younger children can enjoy bumper cars, a carousel and a fun slide, while tweens and teens can take a turn on the Pirate’s Plunge (which drops you from 50 feet up), a large, spinning swing ride or the Tidal Wave coaster.
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Township. If you’re looking for thrills, look no further. Six Flags Great Adventure is a wonderland of stomach-dropping roller coasters, more relaxed classic rides, arcade games and live entertainment. Those looking for a good stomach-drop will find much to like with the iconic Superman coaster, the wooden El Toro and the Jersey Devil coaster, which is one of the world’s fastest single-rail roller coasters. If you’re seeking a slower pace (or you don’t want Dad to get motion sickness), try the classic log flume if you don’t mind getting damp, Houdini’s Great Escape for a little bit of magic or the magic teacups for the young ones.
Want to read more about these destinations? Check out the June issue of BERGEN!
