Whether your idea of fun is good food, a night out, the outdoors, loud music, or a day filled with excitement, Bergen County has it all! And, even better news: you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a great time. Here are five ways to enjoy the 2018 summer while keeping to your budget and staying local.
Fun for Foodies
Enjoy a ful(filling) day at the Paramus Food Truck Festival on Sunday, June 24th. Take advantage of the Blue Laws and head to the Macy’s lot of the Garden State Plaza starting at 11:00 a.m. to make your way through more than 20 food trucks guaranteed to hit the spot, from barbecue and empanadas, to regional cuisines from Louisiana to Thailand, to sweet treats like churros and shaved ice, plus an array of beer and sangria selections. Take your time, though, as the festival remains open until 6:00 p.m. Attendees will be treated to live music, and kids can enjoy face painting and other kid-friendly activities! With free parking and only $5 adult admission (kids under 10 get in free), this is a budget-friendly event. If you do decide to make your way over there, keep in mind that the festival is accepting donations of non-perishable canned and boxed items for the Paramus Food Pantry at the entry. Please consider making a donation if you are able to!
Something for Everyone
Local websites and blogs maintain updated calendars that serve as an excellent resource for finding activities of all types, price points, locations and times of day. A quick scan of the events calendar on MyBergen.com yielded such a broad range of options, from car shows to karaoke, it’s impossible to list them all! Into gardening (or want to be)? Accept your open invitation to join the Flat Rock Brook Gardeners to join them any Tuesday through October. No fee or registration required, just bring gloves and willing hands!
Looking for arts and crafts classes to occupy the kids? IKEA Paramus is hosting its first annual Family Celebrating Summer Event & Activities, free to Ikea Family Members. The series offers make-and-take craft workshops including bracelet making, spin art, plant pot decorating and more throughout the summer.
Libraries also provide frequent and varied activities for people of all ages and interests, from yoga to gaming tournaments, free movie viewings and much more. Check your local library’s calendar for options!
The Great Outdoors
If you’re looking for a daytime getaway with countless attractions and amenities, there are several beautiful parks located throughout Bergen County. Darlington County Park in Mahwah and Saddle River County Park in Saddle Brook offer endless activities including swimming, tennis, fishing, walking/biking/running paths, basketball and more.
Bring the kids to Van Saun County Park in Paramus for a day of fun at the zoo, complete with a miniature train ride! For county residents, admission ranges from $1-$4, and $2-$8 for non- residents; all active military members and children under three receive free admission. On those extra warm days, be sure to suit up and lather on the sunscreen and head to the park’s free, pond-themed, spray ground, complete with gigantic lily pads, water creatures, and gentle misters!
Van Saun County Park’s Mystic Spray Splash Park. Photo Credit: Bergen County Zoo
Sounds About Town
According to the event website, the 4th Annual Bergen County Music Festival “continues to celebrate the diversity of Bergen County. Promoting family time, bringing people together on the great lawn to enjoy music, food, and life.” Sound good to you? Then head to the Overpeck County Park Amphitheater for this block party-inspired community event on August 18th. Hosted by Doctor Bob Lee of 107.5 WBLS-FM, the festival features musical performances by The Stylistics Revue, Lori Michaels, The Delfonics Revue, and many more. Free entry!
Fair Play
For a full day of fun, make your way to New Jersey’s annual State Fair Meadowlands in East Rutherford. Starting on June 21st and going through July 8th, a variety of ticket packages and options are available. The fair also offers seven different bargain nights; for example, June 26th is “Kids Go Free” night! Word to the pennywise: parking is free Mondays-Wednesdays. This is the largest fair in New Jersey and features over 150 rides, food vendors, and free entertainment including music, a petting zoo, and games! Check out the daily calendar for hours of operation, pricing and more for each day.
NVE Bank is here to help you save with a wide range of products and services to help you reach your goals. Visit www.nvebank.com or visit one of our neighborhood branches, conveniently located throughout Bergen County, to speak with one of our Branch Associates. You can also call us at 1-866-NVE BANK (683-2265).
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