Last Bell FamilyParks, places to eat, indoor fun & this week's family events in Mahwah — 18 public spots plus local favorites. Tap a tab to explore.
The spot for a classic summer swim day: a lifeguarded lake, sandy beach areas, and shady picnic groves. The upper lake's Splash Zone inflatable water obstacle course is a huge hit with older kids and tweens. Pack a cooler and make a full day of it.
Good for: All ages; Splash Zone best 6+ · Arrive early on hot days; bring cash for the entrance fee (Bergen residents discounted). No pets/propane during swim season.
Directions ↗A 1,300+-acre wooded reservation that does it all year-round. In winter it's a beginner-friendly ski, snowboard, and snow tubing hill perfect for kids' first time on the slopes; the rest of the year it's free hiking, disc golf, and archery.
Good for: All ages; tubing/lessons great 4+ · Winter snow tickets book up fast on weekends/snow days — reserve online ahead. Off-season the park is free and quieter midweek.
Directions ↗With 4,000 acres and miles of trails, the go-to for a real nature outing without driving far. The short, mostly flat walk to Scarlet Oak Pond is doable for little legs; bigger kids can push on to the waterfall. It feels like deep wilderness right off Route 202.
Good for: All ages; pond loop for toddlers, waterfall 5+ · Lot fills by mid-morning on nice weekends — come early. For the waterfall, follow the yellow trail; wear real sneakers, it gets rocky.
Directions ↗A warm, fourth-generation family-run Irish pub turned true family eatery, serving crowd-pleasing burgers, wraps, and comfort food in a cozy setting. A friendly anchor for northwestern Bergen.
Good for: All ages · Go earlier in the evening for the calmer family crowd.
Directions ↗A classic seasonal walk-up stand with picnic-bench seating — the quintessential Bergen summer hangout. Soft-serve twists, 'Ernielicious' sundaes, banana splits, and ice cream pies for every craving.
Good for: All ages · Seasonal (spring-late fall) — enjoy it while it's warm.
Directions ↗A pretty Mahwah farm where pumpkin picking feels like an adventure — a scenic hayride past the pond to the patch, two corn mazes, animals, and warm cider donuts. Relaxed, affordable, dog-friendly.
Good for: All ages; great 3–10 · Weekend tickets are online in advance; weekdays are easier and far less crowded.
Directions ↗A warm, fourth-generation family-run Irish pub turned true family eatery, serving crowd-pleasing burgers, wraps, and comfort food in a cozy setting. A friendly anchor for northwestern Bergen.
Good for: All ages · Go earlier in the evening for the calmer family crowd.
Directions ↗A classic seasonal walk-up stand with picnic-bench seating — the quintessential Bergen summer hangout. Soft-serve twists, 'Ernielicious' sundaes, banana splits, and ice cream pies for every craving.
Good for: All ages · Seasonal (spring-late fall) — enjoy it while it's warm.
Directions ↗A pretty Mahwah farm where pumpkin picking feels like an adventure — a scenic hayride past the pond to the patch, two corn mazes, animals, and warm cider donuts. Relaxed, affordable, dog-friendly.
Good for: All ages; great 3–10 · Weekend tickets are online in advance; weekdays are easier and far less crowded.
Directions ↗The best kid & family events across Bergen’s 70 towns — plus new parks & spots — in one free Friday email.
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