8 Ways To Celebrate MDW—Without The Shore
If you don’t want to drive to the beach this weekend, try these family-friendly ideas for a memorable holiday.
Some folks head to holiday sales or host a grilled feast over Memorial Day weekend, but it seems like everyone suddenly wants to head for the same exit on the Parkway. If you’re looking for a little adventure without the shore crowds, there are plenty of activities and nearby escapes that feel worlds away—minus the traffic headaches.
From charming small town festivals to outdoor retreats to low-key day trips, these nearby getaways deliver all the long-weekend fun without the beach badge lines, packed boardwalks or bumper-to-bumper stress. Pack the snacks, cue up the playlist and hit the road!
Head to the shore. No, not down the shore—we’re talking about a hike along the banks of the Hudson River. Palisades Interstate Park is roughly 12 miles long, running from Alpine at its northernmost point to Fort Lee and the shadow of the George Washington Bridge. There are scenic lookouts at the top of the cliffs, hiking trails that meander through the woods and along the rocky shores of the Hudson River. Finish the day with a small picnic at the Englewood Boat Basin, or head to Fort Lee Historic Park on May 25 for an afternoon of live music, movies and more.
Be a sport. There’s something about a little friendly competition that instantly makes a long weekend more memorable. MDW is the perfect excuse to gather friends, rally the family and channel your inner athlete—no elite skills required. Tee off with a casual golf outing at one of Bergen’s six courses, organize a backyard cornhole showdown, challenge the cousins to pickleball bragging rights or keep it classic with a round of mini golf and post-game ice cream. The best part isn’t who wins—it’s the laughs, the trash talk and the stories everyone will still be bringing up long after the holiday weekend ends.
Bring the outside indoors. Summer is all about taking in the fresh air, but sometimes you can find the great outdoors inside. American Dream in East Rutherford has everything from indoor skiing and a massive water park to mini golf and an aquarium. Who needs a resort when so much fun is centrally located at this shopping and entertainment center in our own backyard?
Enjoy a taste of the season. Nothing says summer in New Jersey like boardwalk pizza or a tall ice cream cone. The good thing is you needn’t be by the beach to savor these flavors. Some of the state’s best slices are served right here in Bergen, including last year’s Readers’ Choice award winners Pizza Nova in Tenafly, Kinchley’s Tavern in Ramsey and Sanducci’s Pizza Kitchen in River Edge. Want a foot long? 1950 Originals in Westwood does a mean ripper, as do Hiram’s in Fort Lee and Hank’s Franks in Lodi. Finish your food tour with a sweet treat at one of Bergen’s best ice cream shops. (Cranberry Junction and Van Dyk’s are readers’ favorites.)
Satisfy your carnival cravings. If your taste buds are craving funnel cake, fried Oreos and cotton candy, there’s a carnival in town just for you. This MDW, you can experience festival festivities, including food, games, activities, music, performers and more at the Holy Trinity Parish Carnival in Hackensack and the L.E.A.D. Fest Carnival in Paramus.
See the dinos before they’re gone. It’s the final weekend of Sue: The T. Rex Experience, a premium exhibit at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. The interactive program, which ends its run on May 25, features a full-scale replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton as well as other dinosaurs, a multimedia show and more.
Board a battleship. Celebrate MDW on board the Intrepid Museum in New York City, which is hosting several free and paid events. There will be a free screening of Top Gun on the flight deck on May 22, a battle of the bands with music and dancing on May 23 and a variety of special displays and activities all weekend long.
Travel back in time. For those willing to drive about 90 minutes south (away from the beach), the New Jersey Renaissance Faire is open May 23 and 24 at the nearby Burlington County Fairgrounds. Bring the entire family to see sword fighters, musicians, magicians and acrobats while you browse vendors, play games and dine with delicious food.
How are you celebrating Memorial Day? Share your favorite photos with us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.
