Bergen County

Explorer

Places to Go

71 places

Attraction

Wyckoff

A beloved family-run farm market in Wyckoff offering fresh homegrown produce, a barnyard petting zoo, U-Pick fields, fresh eggs, and a bakery. Abma's is a Bergen County institution — families return season after season for the strawberry picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and year-round events. One of the best spots in the county to connect kids with where food comes from.

African Art Museum of the SMA Fathers

Museum

Tenafly

One of five museums worldwide founded by the Society of African Missions, this remarkable collection spans traditional masks, sculptures, textiles, and everyday objects from across sub-Saharan Africa. The museum offers a rare window into the diverse cultures, spiritual traditions, and daily life of African peoples — a genuinely unique cultural institution in Bergen County.

Alpine Lookout (Palisades)

Nature

Alpine

One of the most spectacular viewpoints in the entire region. From atop the Palisades cliffs, you get sweeping views of the Hudson River, the Manhattan skyline, and the George Washington Bridge. Completely free and accessible year-round. Don't miss it.

Entertainment

East Rutherford

The Western Hemisphere's largest entertainment and retail complex, anchored by Nickelodeon Universe (an indoor theme park with 35+ rides), DreamWorks Water Park, Big Snow (an indoor ski and snowboard slope open year-round), and Legoland Discovery Center. Whatever the weather, there's a full day of family activity here.

Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre

Entertainment

Paramus

Bergen Community College's 1,150-seat performing arts theater hosting student productions, touring shows, concerts, and community events. Home to the Theatres at Bergen program and professional-quality stagings year-round.

Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey

Museum

Teterboro

Located at Teterboro Airport — New Jersey's oldest operating airport — this museum celebrates the state's rich aviation history with historic aircraft, air and space artifacts, photographs, fine art, and a model collection of over 2,500 pieces. Great for kids who love planes, and a fascinating stop for anyone interested in how aviation shaped the 20th century.

Barrymore Film Center

Entertainment

Fort Lee

A not-for-profit cultural cinema in Fort Lee — the birthplace of the American film industry. The Barrymore presents classic films, documentaries, independent cinema, world cinema, and live performances while celebrating the remarkable role this Bergen County town played in the earliest days of moviemaking. Named after the legendary Barrymore acting family who worked in Fort Lee's silent-film era studios.

Baylor Massacre Burial Site

Historic Site

River Vale

A somber Revolutionary War site commemorating the Baylor Massacre of September 28, 1778, when British dragoons under General 'No-Flint' Grey attacked sleeping American soldiers of the 3rd Continental Light Dragoons. More than 100 soldiers were killed or captured. A burial ground and historic marker preserve the memory of the fallen.

Belskie Museum of Art & Science

Museum

Closter

A hidden gem dedicated to the work of Abram Belskie, a sculptor and medical illustrator whose anatomical models were used in medical schools across the country. The collection includes fine art sculpture alongside medical illustration work that is both beautiful and educational. One of the more unusual and memorable museums in Bergen County.

Bergen County Audubon Society

Nature

Bergen County

Founded in 1941, the Bergen County chapter of the National Audubon Society runs free field trips and programs throughout the year — including weekly bird walks at DeKorte Park (Meadowlands), hawk watches at the Palisades, and guided nature walks at local preserves. Events are open to members and non-members alike.

Bergen County Players / The Little Firehouse Theater

Entertainment

Oradell

One of New Jersey's oldest and most beloved community theater companies, founded in 1932 and performing in a charming converted firehouse. The intimate 150-seat venue stages six productions per season — musicals, dramas, and comedies — with talented local actors. A true community gem.

Bergen County Zoo

Attraction

Paramus

Home to over 300 animals — red pandas, Amur leopards, arctic foxes, Patagonian maras, and many more — set inside Van Saun County Park. The zoo is free with park admission and includes a miniature train ride, a vintage carousel, and shaded picnic areas, making it one of the best free family outings in the county.

Bergen Museum of Art & Science

Museum

Paramus

Bergen County's flagship museum featuring rotating art exhibitions, natural history displays including a mastodon skeleton, and science exhibits. Offers educational programs, workshops, and family-friendly special events throughout the year.

Entertainment

Englewood

Bergen County's premier performing arts center in a beautifully restored 1926 art deco theater. Hosts world-class concerts, Broadway touring shows, comedy, family performances, and community events year-round. A true cultural gem.

Bowlero Paramus

Entertainment

Paramus

Upscale bowling center with 40 lanes, an arcade, billiards, and a full food and drinks menu. A reliable go-to for birthdays, bad-weather days, and family outings any time of year. Open late on weekends.

Campgaw Mountain

Recreation

Mahwah

Bergen County's ski area and year-round outdoor recreation destination. Winter: 10 ski/snowboard trails, snow tubing. Summer/Fall: mountain biking, zip line, climbing wall. Great for families with kids of all ages.

Carlstadt Historical Fire-House Museum

Museum

Carlstadt

Tucked inside a historic firehouse, this community museum preserves Carlstadt's local history through archival photographs, documents, historic clothing, and artifacts from the borough's past. A small but charming local history destination that brings the stories of this densely historical corner of Bergen County to life.

Closter Nature Center

Nature

Closter

A 136-acre nonprofit preserve with ponds, brooks, meadows, and forested wetlands — open free to the public every day from dawn to dusk. Programs include summer camp, after-school nature sessions, adult lectures, and family events. The trails are easy and excellent for young children discovering nature for the first time.

Darlington County Park

Park

Mahwah

Bergen County's popular summer destination with three lakes — two for swimming and one for catch-and-release fishing. Features a splash zone for young children, picnic facilities, hiking trails, court sports, and a playground. The swim season runs late May through Labor Day. A classic summer outing for Bergen County families.

Debonair Music Hall

Entertainment

Teaneck

A beloved independent music venue and bar in Teaneck hosting local and national acts across rock, metal, jazz, comedy, and more. Known for its intimate atmosphere, eclectic programming, and passionate community of music fans. One of Bergen County's most vibrant live music destinations.

farm

Hillsdale

A Bergen County institution since 1886. Come spring through fall for pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and apples, then load up at the farm market on fresh-pressed cider, legendary cider donuts, pies, jams, and seasonal vegetables. The pumpkin patch is a fall rite of passage for local families.

Demarest Nature Center

Nature

Demarest

A 55-acre nature preserve with over 2 miles of trails through forests, wetlands, meadows, and vernal ponds. Programming includes guided hikes, bird watching, nature photography workshops, maple syrup making, mushroom foraging walks, and family events. Open 365 days a year, dawn to dusk, free to all visitors.

Downtown Ridgewood

Attraction

Ridgewood

Bergen County's most vibrant walkable Main Street, anchored by the NJ Transit train station. Independent boutiques, bakeries, specialty food shops, and cafes line the blocks around Ridgewood Avenue. The village hosts outdoor concerts, a weekly farmers market, Art Night Out, and a beloved Holiday Stroll every December.

Downtown Westwood

Attraction

Westwood

A classic Bergen County small-town downtown with a friendly, walkable scale. Jefferson Avenue offers a mix of local shops, diners, and services within easy reach of the NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line station. The borough hosts a well-attended annual street fair and lively community events throughout the year.

Edgewater Waterfront

Attraction

Edgewater

Stunning Hudson River waterfront with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Home to the Edgewater Commons shopping center, numerous restaurants, and parks. The Binghamton Ferry building (now a restaurant) is a landmark. Perfect for a waterfront stroll.

First Reformed Church of Hackensack

Historic Site

Hackensack

Organized in 1686 and one of the oldest continuously active congregations in New Jersey. The striking 1791 brownstone church — known as "The Church on the Green" — anchors Hackensack's historic core. The surrounding village green was a rallying point and site of skirmishes during the Revolution, witnessed by this enduring congregation.

Flat Rock Brook Nature Center

Nature

Englewood

A free, 150-acre preserve open 365 days a year with 3.6 miles of forested trails leading to a cascading stream, wetlands, pond, and meadows. The center has an interactive "A Walk in the Woods" exhibit, a raptor aviary, native habitat gardens, a playground, and picnic areas. A wonderful no-cost outdoor escape for families.

Fort Lee Museum

Museum

Fort Lee

Fort Lee has a surprisingly storied history — it was the birthplace of the American film industry and a key Revolutionary War site. This museum brings it all together with archives from the Riviera Nightclub, Fort Lee High School, and the American Revolution. Learn why Washington chose these Palisade cliffs and how silent-film studios once lined these very streets.

Fritz Behnke Historical Museum

Museum

Paramus

Set inside an authentic Dutch colonial farmhouse, this local history museum displays period farmhouse furnishings, early household appliances, and everyday objects that paint a vivid picture of 18th and 19th century life in Bergen County. Run by the Paramus Historical & Preservation Society, it is a quiet and evocative step back in time.

Museum

Paramus

The public art gallery at Bergen Community College presents rotating exhibitions of regional and national artists, free and open to the community. Showcases painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media throughout the year with artist talks and opening receptions.

Park

Oakland

A peaceful neighborhood park in Oakland centered around a magnificent historic oak tree. Features open grassy areas, picnic spots, and a relaxed wooded setting. A popular gathering place for Oakland families seeking a low-key outdoor escape.

Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC)

Entertainment

Hackensack

A vibrant performing arts center in downtown Hackensack presenting theater productions, concerts, comedy, and community events. Features the 1,200-seat Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre and the intimate Starz Lab Theatre. Committed to making the arts accessible and affordable for all Bergen County residents.

Hackensack River Greenway

Nature

Multiple towns

A growing network of parks, trails, and open spaces along the Hackensack River. Great for kayaking, bird watching, and walking. The river corridor passes through Hackensack, Teaneck, Bogota, and other towns with public access points.

Hackensack River Greenway, Teaneck

Nature

Teaneck

The Teaneck section of the Hackensack River Greenway offers trails and paths along the scenic Hackensack River. Popular for walking, jogging, kayaking, and bird watching amid wetland habitats. Multiple access points along the riverfront connect to a broader network of open space.

Hiram Blauvelt Art Museum

Museum

Oradell

Founded in 1957 and housed in a Victorian carriage house, this museum is dedicated to wildlife art and conservation education. Its collection of paintings, bronzes, and prints celebrates the natural world and the artists who interpret it. A lovely and peaceful visit, especially for families who love animals and the outdoors.

Hopper-Goetschlus House Museum

Museum

Upper Saddle River

The oldest remaining house in Upper Saddle River, this Dutch colonial structure dates to 1739 and has been carefully preserved by the Upper Saddle River Historical Society. The house offers a tangible connection to Bergen County's earliest European settlers — their architecture, family life, and the landscape they found when they arrived. Guided tours available.

J.A. McFaul Environmental Center

Nature

Wyckoff

An 81-acre Bergen County wildlife sanctuary on a former farm, featuring a Wildlife Exhibit Hall overlooking a waterfowl pond, woodland trails, native plant gardens, and hands-on science exhibits. A hidden gem for nature lovers — the ponds attract waterfowl year-round and the trails are uncrowded and serene.

Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center

Recreation

Fort Lee

Fort Lee's full-service community and recreation center named in honor of longtime local leader Jack Alter. Offers fitness facilities, a swimming pool, gymnasium, youth and senior programs, and community event space for Fort Lee residents of all ages.

Johnson Free Public Library

Library

Hackensack

Bergen County's largest public library, housed in a stately early-20th-century building in downtown Hackensack. Named for benefactor Thomas Ludlow Johnson, it offers an expansive collection, active programming for children and adults, a local history room, and rotating exhibitions — a true anchor of civic life in the county seat.

Little Red School House Museum

Museum

Lyndhurst

Housed in what is considered Bergen County's first public school building — established in 1804 — this one-room schoolhouse museum is a charming and educational stop for families. Children can experience what learning looked like two centuries ago, including period desks, slates, and teaching materials. A wonderful hands-on history experience.

Losen Slote Creek Park

Nature

Little Ferry

A quiet Bergen County park along the Hackensack River estuary and one of the best free birding spots in the county. The tidal wetlands and mudflats attract impressive concentrations of great and snowy egrets, great blue herons, glossy ibis, and migrating shorebirds — all without the crowds you'd find at nearby DeKorte Park.

Mackay Park–John T. Wright Arena

Recreation

Englewood

A public ice skating arena within Englewood's beloved Mackay Park. The John T. Wright Arena offers public skating sessions, hockey leagues, and figure skating lessons for all ages and skill levels. Affordable and family-friendly year-round.

Museum

Mahwah

Preserving the history of one of Bergen County's most geographically distinctive towns — nestled between the Ramapo Mountains and the New York border — the Mahwah Museum hosts exhibits on local history, the Ford Motor assembly plant that once operated here, and the Ramapough Lenape Nation whose ancestral lands include this area. Monthly lecture series on local history.

Maywood Station Museum

Museum

Maywood

Housed in a beautifully restored historic train station, this small museum celebrates the role of the railroad in shaping Maywood and the surrounding communities. Exhibits include railroad memorabilia, local history artifacts, and photographs documenting life along the line. The station itself is an architectural gem worth seeing.

Meadowlands Museum

Museum

Rutherford

Housed in an early 19th-century farmhouse in one of Bergen County's most historically layered towns, the Meadowlands Museum documents the social and natural history of the Hackensack Meadowlands region. Its collection covers everything from Native American life to the industrial era that transformed this wetland landscape. Rutherford is also the hometown of poet William Carlos Williams.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Entertainment

Lyndhurst

An epic two-hour feast and jousting tournament set in an 11th-century castle. Knights on horseback compete in sword fights, jousting, and falconry while you feast with your hands. A memorable experience for kids and adults alike.

New Bridge Landing

Historic Site

River Edge

A Revolutionary War-era site where Washington's army made a famous retreat across the Hackensack River in 1776. The historic district includes the Steuben House (now a museum), a 1752 Dutch Colonial home, and scenic riverfront walking paths.

New Jersey Naval Museum

Museum

Hackensack

The centerpiece of this museum is the USS Ling, a fully intact WWII-era submarine you can actually board and explore. Moored on the Hackensack River, the Ling lets visitors climb through torpedo rooms, the engine room, and crew quarters — an incredible hands-on experience for kids and adults. The museum also displays SEAL vehicles, diving suits, and extensive naval memorabilia.

Old Paramus Reformed Church & Cemetery

Historic Site

Ridgewood

One of Bergen County's oldest congregations, organized in 1735. Both British and American forces used the church as a field hospital during the Revolutionary War, and Washington's troops encamped nearby. The 1800 church building still stands alongside an 18th-century churchyard with historic headstones — a quietly affecting connection to the county's deepest history.

Overpeck County Park

Park

Englewood / Teaneck / Leonia

Bergen County's premier multi-use recreation park spanning 805 acres across five municipalities. Features 5 miles of walking and biking trails, a canoe/kayak launch into Overpeck Creek, a 3,000-seat amphitheater, athletic fields, playgrounds, dog park, picnic areas, and ongoing ecological restoration along the creek corridor.

Palisade Avenue Arts District

Attraction

Englewood

Englewood's main commercial strip is one of Bergen County's most culturally diverse and interesting streets — running from the historic train station through a lively mix of restaurants, indie shops, galleries, and music venues. Home to BergenPAC and a steady calendar of community events and arts programming throughout the year.

Palisades Interstate Park (NJ Section)

Park

Fort Lee / Alpine

The dramatic cliffs of the Palisades rise 300–500 feet above the Hudson River. Hike the Long Path along the ridge for stunning Manhattan skyline views, or walk the Shore Trail at river level. Historic and breathtaking.

Pascack Brook County Park

Park

Westwood

A 79-acre Bergen County park that is 'uncrowded and off the beaten path.' Offers athletic fields, basketball courts, playground, fishing spots, biking, walking paths, and pavilioned picnic areas. Hosts the county's popular Movies in the Park summer series.

Ramapo Valley County Reservation

Park

Mahwah

Over 4,000 acres of rugged Ramapo Mountains wilderness with 25+ miles of hiking trails, the scenic Ramapo Lake, and opportunities for fishing and swimming. One of the largest publicly owned natural areas in NJ.

Ramapo Valley Reservation — Oakland Trailhead

Nature

Oakland

The less-traveled Oakland entrance into the 4,000-acre Ramapo Valley County Reservation gives access to rugged mountain trails, boulder fields, ridge-top views, and the historic Cannonball Trail used during the Revolutionary War. Quieter than the Mahwah entrance, this side draws hikers and trail runners looking for solitude in the Ramapo Mountains.

Richard W. DeKorte Park (Meadowlands)

Nature

Lyndhurst

Once slated for a landfill, now an extraordinary 3.5-mile trail system through the Meadowlands — one of the best birding spots in the Northeast. The Marsh Discovery Trail boardwalk, butterfly garden, and bird blinds put you right in the heart of the wetlands. Free nature walks led by Bergen County Audubon are held regularly.

Ridgewood Public Library

Library

Ridgewood

One of Bergen County's finest public libraries with an outstanding children's department, regular author events, film screenings, and community programs. Known for its excellent selection and welcoming atmosphere. A great rainy-day destination.

Saddle Ridge Riding Center

Recreation

Franklin Lakes

A premier equestrian center set on beautiful acreage in Franklin Lakes, offering horseback riding lessons for all ages and skill levels, trail rides, summer camps, birthday parties, and boarding. Well-maintained stables and arenas surrounded by the rolling hills of Bergen County.

Saddle River County Park

Park

Multiple towns

A linear park stretching 10 miles along the Saddle River through six Bergen County municipalities. Popular for biking, walking, fishing, and picnicking. The paved trail connects Rochelle Park through Paramus, Ridgewood, and beyond.

Schoolhouse Museum

Museum

Ridgewood

An authentic one-room schoolhouse built in 1872 and preserved by the Ridgewood Historical Society. The museum houses a collection of historic artifacts documenting Ridgewood's evolution from a small agricultural community to a thriving Bergen County suburb. An excellent stop to pair with a visit to the Ridgewood Public Library nearby.

Stumpy's Hatchet House

Entertainment

Upper Saddle River

Bergen County's premier axe-throwing venue! Stumpy's offers a unique, adrenaline-pumping experience where you hurl real axes at wooden targets in a safe, coach-supervised setting. Great for date nights, birthday parties, corporate team outings, and anyone looking for something completely different.

Teaneck Creek Conservancy

Nature

Teaneck

A 46-acre urban nature preserve protecting a rare undeveloped stretch of Teaneck Creek and surrounding wetlands and upland forest right in the heart of one of Bergen County's largest boroughs. Walking trails wind past native wildflowers and migratory songbirds — a genuine escape that most Teaneck residents don't even know exists. Free and open year-round.

Teaneck Creek Conservancy Nature Park

Nature

Teaneck

A 45-acre urban nature preserve along Teaneck Creek featuring walking trails through wetlands, meadows, and native plant gardens. Home to abundant wildlife including great blue herons, painted turtles, and migratory birds. Free admission, open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk — a peaceful escape in the heart of Teaneck.

Tenafly Nature Center

Nature

Tenafly

A member-supported nature preserve stewarding ~400 acres of hardwood forest and wetland. Seven miles of trails wind through the preserve, with a butterfly house, bird aviaries, and year-round programs for all ages. Summer day camps, Forest School, and naturalist-led walks make this a go-to destination for Bergen County families.

Tenafly Public Library

Library

Tenafly

A wonderful community library with strong children's and young adult collections. Hosts storytimes, STEM activities, summer reading programs, and cultural events. Lovely building with a cozy atmosphere — kids love the dedicated children's room.

Historic Site

Ho-Ho-Kus

A National Historic Landmark and one of NJ's finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Dating to the 1700s, it hosted Aaron Burr and was visited by George Washington. Offers tours, special events, and a fascinating look at early American history.

Van Buskirk Island County Park

Park

Oradell

Van Buskirk Island is one of the best fishing spots in Bergen County, and a beloved outdoor destination for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding on the calm, clear, forest-lined waters of the Hackensack River. The island was created when the Hackensack River was dammed in the 19th century and is home to a rich variety of bird species. The historic Hackensack Water Works treatment plant on the island is listed on both the New Jersey State and National Registers of Historic Sites. The Van Buskirk Island Paddling Center, operated by Hackensack Riverkeeper, is ideal for beginners, families, and those getting back on the water - located just downstream of the Oradell Dam and above the head of tide. Boat rentals available on weekends and holiday Mondays. Call 201-968-0808 for the current schedule.

Van Saun County Park

Park

Paramus

Bergen County's most popular park at 146 acres. Home to the Bergen County Zoo, a working train ride, picnic areas, sports fields, and beautiful walking paths. The zoo features over 300 animals and is free with county resident ID.

Westwood Heritage Society Museum

Museum

Westwood

Located inside the historic Westwood Train Station, this community museum opened in 2002 and displays artifacts, photographs, and records documenting the history of Westwood borough. The station building itself is part of the story — a well-preserved example of early 20th century commuter rail architecture that once anchored the life of this Bergen County town.

Wortendyke Barn Museum

Museum

Park Ridge

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Dutch sandstone barn dates to the late 18th century and is one of the finest surviving examples of Bergen County Dutch colonial agricultural architecture. The museum inside displays farm implements, tools, and household objects from the 18th and 19th centuries. A beautiful and evocative landmark that connects visitors directly to Bergen County's Dutch settler heritage.

Zabriskie-Von Steuben House

Historic Site

River Edge

Part of the New Bridge Landing State Historic Site, this 18th-century Dutch sandstone farmhouse was confiscated from the Loyalist Zabriskie family and gifted by New Jersey to Baron von Steuben as thanks for his Revolutionary War service. Now a museum operated by the Bergen County Historical Society offering a vivid window into colonial life.