Things to Do with Kids in Rockland County this Weekend

Plan a fun weekend for your family in Rockland and Bergen counties!

By NYMetroParents Staff December 7, 2022

Enjoy these fun weekend activities with your kids in Rockland County. Start planning your weekend now.

Editor's Picks for This Weekend

Holiday Open House at the Historic Salyer House FREE

WHEN: Dec. 4 - 18, Sundays, 1-4pm
WHERE: Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives, 213 Blue Hill Road, Pearl River, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Grab some holiday cheer in this beautifully decorated homestead with carols, Mary's mulled cider and the friendliest Santa in town. WANT TO GO? 845-398-1302.
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Recycled Percussion

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 9, 7pm
WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT: This mind-blowing, immersive show takes percussion to an all new level by incorporating items like power tools, ladders, buckets, trash cans and a whole lot more, turning them into incredibly expressive musical instruments WANT TO GO? $30-$35. 800-466-5722.
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Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble presents The Nutcracker

WHEN: Dec. 9 - 11, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 12pm, 3:30pm, and 7pm; Sunday, 1pm and 4pm
WHERE: Rockland Community College, 145 College Rd, Suffern, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Rockland County families have been enjoying RYDE’s production of The Nutcracker Ballet for over forty years. Coached by highly trained, seasoned professionals, our students grow in confidence and technique, and enjoy the benefits of performing in a fully-staged ballet experience.

Please note that the following are narrated performances: Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 12pm and 3:30pm; Sunday, 1pm

WANT TO GO? $25-$30. 845-624-7933.
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Holiday Gift Bazaar & Kids Gift Workshop FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 10, 12-6pm
WHERE: Palisades Community Center, 675 Oak Tree Rd. , Palisades, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy shopping and eating under twinkly lights when the sun goes down. Browse hand-crafted items and a wide range of vintage offerings. WANT TO GO? 845-359-3988.
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Even More Weekend Fun

Bethel Woods Special Exhibit & Art Fair

WHEN: Apr. 1 - Dec. 31, 10am-5pm, daily
WHERE: Museum at Bethel Woods, 200 Hurd Rd, Bethel, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

The Museum at Bethel Woods, located on the grounds of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair, is excited to announce the opening of its 2022 Special Exhibit, & Art Fair, which takes a look into elements of Woodstock that don't often take center stage. This interactive and engaging display highlights the forgotten elements that hold great significance in the overall narrative of Woodstock. The gallery will showcase current research work done by the museum's team and showcase pieces made for and at Woodstock by artists, organizers, and festival attendees. The museum has been hosting Special Exhibits for the past 13 years with themes ranging from unique artifact collections to diverse art galleries. Admission to the Special Exhibit is included in the ticket to The Museum at Bethel Woods, or $5 standalone.

WANT TO GO? $5. 800-653-8000.
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Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer

WHEN: Sep. 24 - Jan. 16, See website for schedule
WHERE: Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT: Solve puzzles, navigate mazes, shoot pizza into apartment windows, and more with your favorite green crime fighters! WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $29.99 for adults and $24.99 ages 2-12. 201-200-1000.
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Public Ice Skating

WHEN: Nov. 5 - Mar. 5, Fridays and Saturdays, 10am-9:3pm; Sundays, 10am-7:30pm
WHERE: Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Bear Mountain Ice Rink State Park, Bear Mountain , NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Bring the family out to enjoy this outdoor ice skating rink located in Bear Mountain State Park in the Lower Hudson Valley. WANT TO GO? $5 admission; $10 skate rental. 845-942-1789.
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Let It Glow a Holiday Lantern Spectacular

WHEN: Nov. 10 - Jan. 15, Thursdays, 4-8pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 4-9pm; Sundays, 4-8pm; Open daily 12/25-1/1
WHERE: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave. , Paramus, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT: Walk through a dazzling display of larger-than-life, hand-constructed lanterns that celebrate culture, animals, and the warmth of the holidays. WANT TO GO? $18; $9 children 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 201-262-3771.
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Photos with Santa

WHEN: Nov. 11 - Dec. 24, Monday-Saturday, 11am-7pm; **CLOSED THANKSGIVING**
WHERE: Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Macy's Court, Near Shake Shack, Paramus, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT:

‘Tis the season for pics with St. Nick. Don’t miss out capturing merry pics with Santa. Pre-booking your Santa Magic photo experience in encouraged. Walk-up visits are available as space permits. Get a free call from Santa when you book your reservation in advance!

WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99 . 201-843-2121.
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Pictures with Santa

WHEN: Nov. 18 - Dec. 24, See website for schedule
WHERE: Paramus Park, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT:

Embark on an enchanted adventure to take pictures with Santa. Join him to create magical memories you and your family will always remember!

WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99 . 201-261-6108.
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Visit Santa at Palisades Center

WHEN: Nov. 18 - Dec. 24, Mondays-Saturdays, 11am-7pm; Sunday, 12-6-pm; Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24th: 10am-4pm
WHERE: Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Drive, Level One next to H&M, West Nyack, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, it’s time to plan your visit with Santa at Palisades Center! The jolly and joyous gift-giver invites children, families, and pets to whisper their Christmas wishes. With decked-out evergreen trees and scattered presents, it’s the perfect setup for a holiday card! Reservations are strongly encouraged for all guests, with walk-up visits available as space allows throughout the day.

WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99 . 845-348-1000.
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Time to Book Santa Photos at The Shops at Riverside

WHEN: Nov. 18 - Dec. 24, See website for schedule
WHERE: The Shops at Riverside, 390 Hackensack Ave., Hackensack, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT:

Meet Santa and take photos with him for holiday memories you won't want to forget. Reservations highly encouraged.

WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99 . 201-489-2212.
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Holiday Lights

WHEN: Nov. 18 - Dec. 31, Open 5-9pm. See website for exact dates.
WHERE: Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT: Take a winter stroll under the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters. WANT TO GO? Donations recommended . 973-731-5800.
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Santa at BTC

WHEN: Nov. 18 - Dec. 24, 11am-7pm, daily
WHERE: Bergen Town Center, Route 4 East & Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT:

Santa is coming to Bergen Town Center to take photos with you and your family! Reservations are encouraged.

WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99 . 201-845-4050.
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Skylands Stadium Light Show and Christmas Village

WHEN: Nov. 23 - Dec. 30, See website for schedule
WHERE: Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy more than two million dazzling lights on a mile-long drive-through course and a Christmas Village where your family can skate, shop, travel through a walk-thru light tunnel, enjoy games, rides, photo ops, and more! WANT TO GO? $29; $79 VIP; free admission to Christmas VIllage. 973-383-7644.
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Peace, Love & Lights powered by Healey Brothers

WHEN: Nov. 25 - Jan. 1, November 25-27; December 1-4, 8-11, and daily December 15-January 1, 2023, 5-10pm
WHERE: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Road, Bethel, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Turn off your headlights and follow the magical glow to experience a drive through holiday winter lights. WANT TO GO? $25-$35 per car. 845-583-2000.
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Holiday Bricktacular

WHEN: Nov. 25 - Dec. 31, Fridays-Sundays, 11am-5pm; Open daily from 12/26-12/29, 11am-5pm
WHERE: LEGOLAND New York Resort, One Legoland Blvd., Goshen, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Experience unforgettable seasonal shows, holiday characters, special treats, LEGO® activities, twinkling lights and more during Holidays at LEGOLAND®! WANT TO GO? Admission starts at $67.99. 845-410-0290.
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Orchard of Lights

WHEN: Nov. 25 - Jan. 9, See website for schedule
WHERE: Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT: Drive along 32 acres of brilliant holiday light displays, warm up by the fire pit and enjoy hot cocoa, take pictures with Santa, make your own S’mores, and more. WANT TO GO? $35 per car. 201-666-0472.
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Winter WonderLights

WHEN: Nov. 25 - Jan. 1, 5:30-10:30pm, daily
WHERE: Middlesex County Fair Grounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT: See twelve 20’ trees, 2 tunnels of lights, a tribute to first responders & US Armed Forces and tons of other stunning, larger-than-life holiday themed displays – all synchronized to the music playing in your car! WANT TO GO? $30 per car. 800-951-3770.
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Nickelodeon Universe: Nick the Halls

WHEN: Nov. 25 - Jan. 1, Mondays-Thursdays, 12-7pm; Fridays, 12-9pm; Saturdays, 11am-10pm; Sundays, 11am-7pm; 12/26-12/29, 11am-10pm
WHERE: American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT: Meet your favorite Nick characters, join the dance party, and enjoy a holiday parade all season long. WANT TO GO? All access pass starts at $59. 833-263-7326.
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Holiday In The Park

WHEN: Nov. 25 - Jan. 1, See website for schedule
WHERE: Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT:

Millions of glittering lights, dazzling holiday entertainment, delicious seasonal treats, and more are returning this holiday season during Holiday in the Park! Be sure to head over to the North Pole to deliver your letters to Santa and visit Santa's workshop in the Holiday Craze Mirror Maze for some elfish fun!

WANT TO GO? Starting at $49.99. 732-928-2000.
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Holiday In The Park

WHEN: Nov. 25 - Jan. 1, See website for schedule
WHERE: Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT:

WANT TO GO? Starting at $49.99. 732-928-2000.
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Breakfast or Lunch with Santa

WHEN: Nov. 26 - Dec. 24, Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-12pm and 1-4pm; Sunday, 12/24 9am-12pm
WHERE: Krucker's, 81 Call Hollow Road , Pomona, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Have breakfast with Santa and enjoy live music, tons of Christmas decorations, and holiday displays,

WANT TO GO? $36; $20 ages 3-12. 845-354-9832.
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Brunch with Santa at Alstede Farms

WHEN: Dec. 3 - 18, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am and 12:30pm
WHERE: Alstede Farms, 1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester, New Jersey
AGES: All
WHAT:

Kick off the Holiday season by joining Alstede Farms at their famous Brunch with Santa. Enjoy a festive atmosphere at Harvest Hall with featured guest Santa and his helpers while indulging in a casual family style buffet meal for a truly memorable experience. Guests will be able to visit with and take photos with Santa while at the brunch. Advanced tickets are required and will be sold per time slot.

WANT TO GO? see website . 908-879-7189.
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Playtime Storytime FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 9, 10:30-11:15am
WHERE: Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Rd. , Garnerville, NY
AGES: 3-5
WHAT: Come and make crafts, play with toys and make new friends. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800 .
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Playtime Storytime FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 9, 10:3-11:15am
WHERE: Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville, NY
AGES: 0-2
WHAT:

Make crafts, play with toys and make new friends! For babies and toddlers-families welcome! No registration required. Please note - parent or guardian remains in the room during this program. Siblings will be allowed to stay in the room.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800.
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The Affordable Art & Pottery Bazaar

WHEN: Dec. 10 - 22, Mondays-Sundays, 11am-4pm
WHERE: RoCA Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Just in time for holiday gift giving, this popular and well-attended sale of regional artists and artisans and their wares has returned! Items for sale include blown glass, hand-crafted jewelry, beautiful handmade functional pottery, original 2-D & 3-D art, holiday ornaments, art greeting cards and more! Shop RoCA and take home a one-of-a-kind unique piece of art as a holiday gift that will be cherished, increase in value over time, and directly supports local arts and artists.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 845-358-0877.
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Graham Clarke Holiday Concert FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 10, 11am
WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 South Broadway, Nyack, NY
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Come sing, laugh and dance the day away with Westchester's premier children's musician. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214.
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Affordable Art & Pottery Bazaar 2022 FREE

WHEN: Dec. 10 - 22, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 S. Greenbush Rd., West Nyack, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Items for sale include glass, hand-crafted jewelry, beautiful handmade functional pottery, original 2-D and 3-D art, holiday ornaments, art greeting cards and more. WANT TO GO? 845-358-0877.
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Brunch with Santa

WHEN: Dec. 10 - 11, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-1pm
WHERE: Carpaccio at American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT:

This holiday, Santa’s hosting brunch at Carpaccio, Bergen’s County’s #1 Best New Restaurant! Event tickets include photos with Santa, a scrumptious Italian 3-course prix-fixe menu for adults, and an exclusive children’s menu of pizza, fries, pasta, and tasty tenders. There will also be holiday music, specialty décor, arts and crafts and discounts on American Dream attractions.

WANT TO GO? $75 ages 14 and older; $25 ages 2-14.
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Brunch with Santa

WHEN: Dec. 10 - 11, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-1pm
WHERE: Carpaccio at American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
AGES: All
WHAT:

WANT TO GO? $75 ages 14 and older; $25 ages 2-14.
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Pet Night with Santa

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 11, 4-6pm
WHERE: Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Capture Santa photos with your pets. All pets must be on a leash. Reservations encouraged.

WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99 . 845-348-1000.
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Imagine That's Blippi Performs

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 11, 9:30am
WHERE: Imagine That, 4 Vreeland Road, Florham Park, New Jersey
AGES: 3-8
WHAT:

Blippi (Imagine That performer) will perform 5 of your children's favorite songs complete with props and all will have an opportunity to meet him and take pictures, get autographs, etc.

WANT TO GO? $39.99 per child. 973-966-8000.
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Looking for more events in your area? Search our comprehensive events calendar.

We love weekends because they allow us to spend quality time with our kids, whether with a fun day trip to a nearby family-friendly destination or a family day of fun that's close to home in Rockland County or Bergen County, NJ. There’s lots to do this weekend with your family, from concerts and performances to museum exhibits, shows, crafts activities, seasonal events, parades, and more, so you're sure to find the perfect thing to do with your family in Rockland or Bergen this weekend. Look no further for ideas and plan your weekend with our guide that highlights the best family-friendly (in-person and virtual) events happening in and around Rockland County, including family fun in Nanuet, Haverstraw, Garnerville, Nyack, Warwick, Palisades, Montgomery, New City, and West Nyack, as well as awesome family fun in Bergen County, NJ, including things to do in Hillsdale, Paramus, Englewood, Ramsey, and nearby Jersey City. Browse our calendar for hundreds of things to do each month, and check out our weekend roundups for Westchester, Long Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens!

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