Fun & Educational Outings In & Around Bergen County

Contribution by Sarah Davies

When I moved to Bergen County, my first impression was this: “There is nothing to do but shop.”

With three malls within a ten-mile radius, that statement has some truth to it. Until, of course, you start doing your research and find other things to do.

Bergen County boasts a great deal of day trips that could also be called “learning adventures.” Good ones, too—not ones that leave you sleepy-eyed and anxious to get home to reality television.

For the younger crowd, there’s the New Jersey Children’s Museum, conveniently located in Paramus. For $10 a person, you can spend an afternoon cave painting, saving a princess from a medieval castle, driving an ambulance, and experiencing virtual reality. Those aren’t even half of the fun things you can do at the Children’s Museum, and none of them involve sitting in front of a television.

If you do want something to look at, however, there is the Montclair Art Museum. This museum boasts an impressive collection of contemporary art that is rarely exhibited to the public. With New York City and the Museum of Modern Art far enough away to be a logistical hassle, the Montclair Art Museum serves as a great alternative.

Now, for the second impression I got from Bergen County: “There are always at least four planes in the sky.” With four airports within a reasonable distance, you don’t even have to look up to know that the statement is true. What you may not know is that one of those airports has a hall of fame. Located in Teterboro Airport is The Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey. Here you can see the first American hovercraft and a rocket engine, and become acquainted with some local aerospace contributors, such as Charles Lindbergh. Make sure to check the NJAHOF event calendar for Open Cockpit days, special lectures, and “Wings and Wheels” to make your visit even better.

Come the warm weather, the best outings are the ones that get you outdoors. Bear Mountain State Park is a bit of a trek, as it is technically located in New York State, but the trip is worth it. You can hike, fish, swim and even rent a boat. And the views? Breathtaking. Make sure to get there early in the morning—I can promise you’ll want to spend an entire day here.

Some of the places mentioned have gift shops, so if you really need your Bergen County shopping fix, you will get it. What you’ll also get, though? A learning experience.