The third Sunday of June is fast approaching and it’s time to honor that special someone this Father’s Day. Whether it is a meal together, fishing at the park, or a fun activity, here at The Bergen County Girl, we have you covered. Read on for our 2025 curated guide to Father’s Day activities in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Aroma D`Cafe – Argentinian Bakery | 246 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell + 267 Paterson Avenue, East Rutherford
Aroma D`Cafe is an Argentinian bakery with locations in Oradell and East Rutherford. Both locations are located near residential streets and downtowns, allowing visitors to stroll the streets and take in the beauty of each community. Those heading to the East Rutherford location should pick up a couple of pastries and sit across the street at Boro Hill Park. Those in Oradell can walk a few blocks north and sit at the gazebo in Schirra Park.
Bianco Nero Gelato | 18 East Palisade Avenue, Englewood
This shop in Englewood specializes in gelato available in a variety of flavors. The menu includes classics like chocolate and vanilla and not-so-common options like blueberry crème brûlée and dulce de leche praliné. The gelateria is a short distance from Veterans Memorial Park and Depot Park, ideal spots for a stroll.
Read More: 26 Must-Try Brunch Spots in Bergen County
Bowlero | 22-22 Maple Avenue, Fair Lawn
Father’s Day is a rain-or-shine event, and bowling is a great choice for an indoor activity if there is rain or a storm. Bowlero in Fair Lawn has 32 lanes, an arcade, a lounge area, food, and beverages.
Brownstone Pancake Factory | 860 River Road Edgewater + 717 East Palisade Avenue, Englewood Cliffs
New Jersey might be the Garden State, but it is also the Diner Capital. Brownstone Pancake Factory has an all-day menu full of pancakes, burgers, quesadillas, salads, pasta, and of course, dessert. BG suggests sharing a massive stack of pancakes with Dad. Brownstone dishes out sweet flavors like Oreo cookie, chocolate chip, Nutella hazelnut, and brownie sundae, and savory selections like Tres Carnes and Pigs in the Blanket. This spot also has gluten-free pancakes.
Catch a Movie at Westwood Cinemas | 182 Center Avenue, Westwood
This locally owned theater has been a part of the community since 1928. After the film, BG suggests walking around Downtown Westwood and taking in the architectural beauty, checking out Veterans’ Memorial Park and its statues, or grabbing a bite to eat.
Darlington Golf Course | 277 Campgaw Road, Mahwah
If Dad is a golfer at heart, take him to the Darlington Golf Course in Mahwah. For adults, weekend rates are $45 for 18 holes and $36 for twilight times. For those playing nine holes, the cost is $37 on weekends.
Lyndhurst Pastry Shop | 256 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst
Lyndhurst Pastry Shop is a family-owned Italian bakery. For over 75 years, the Lanzerotti family has been sharing their traditions and recipes with the North Jersey area. The cases and shelves here are lined with sfogliatelle, cannolis, eclairs, fresh bread, pie, doughnuts, and taralles. BG suggests grabbing some cookies with Dad and enjoying them while walking around Lyndhurst.
Pascack Brook County Park | 150 Emerson Road, Westwood
Westwood’s Pascack Brook County Park has tennis courts, a playground, baseball fields, and a small pond. BG suggests playing a match or two of tennis with Dad here and then walking over to Westwood Diner Pancake House for some breakfast.
Palisades Interstate Park
The Palisades Interstate Park showcases local history from historic homes to exhibits on the American Revolution. Beyond this, the park has views of Manhattan, walking paths, and picnic areas. Visitors can also drive along Henry Hudson Drive and take in the Manhattan skyline and the New Jersey Palisades.
Piccolo’s Gastronomia Italiana | 484 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield
Piccolo’s Gastronomia Italiana is full of Italian specialties from meat to cheese and preserves. BG suggests picking a selection of savory meats, soft cheese, crackers, and whatever else looks like a must, and walking over to Veterans Memorial Park or Columbus Park with Dad for a picnic.
Play Bocce | Various Spots
Courts for playing bocce, a classic lawn game, can be found at Veterans Memorial Park in Bergenfield or Riverside Park in Lyndhurst. For those unfamiliar with the game, the rules for how to play are posted near the courts.
Tennis at Darlington County Park | 600 Darlington Avenue, Mahwah
Darlington County Park is Mahwah’s golden summertime spot featuring a swimming lake, a splash zone, sports courts, walking paths, and picnic areas. BG suggests checking the park out with Dad and cooling down in the lake.
See More: 20 Cool Spots to Spend Father’s Day in the Northern New Jersey Area
The Hermitage Museum | 335 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
Explore more than 250 years of American History at The Hermitage Museum with a tour on Father’s Day. Tour times are at 115PM, 2:15PM, and 315PM and private tours are available on request.
Exploring the Charming Village of Ridgewood, NJ
No matter the weather, exploring a new area always brings a refreshing sense of adventure. Ridgewood, an appealing village in Bergen County just 20 miles outside of Manhattan, presents an abundance of activities within its 5.8 square miles. Ridgewood’s diverse culinary scene, stylish boutiques, and inviting coffee shops provide endless opportunities for dazzling Instagram content + a fun-filled day. Keep reading to dive into the charm of Ridgewood, a picturesque village in Bergen County, NJ.
Learn a Bit About Ridgewood’s Roots
Nestled in the heart of Bergen County, Ridgewood is a vibrant suburban town and a place bathed in history. The European settlement of Ridgewood commenced in the late 1600s when Dutch and English colonists first arrived. The area’s fertile soil and abundant natural resources made it an attractive location for agriculture, leading to rapid growth as a robust farming community.
Throughout the 19th century, Ridgewood transitioned from primarily agricultural roots to a lively community characterized by new businesses, educational establishments, and places of worship. One architectural gem from this era is the Ridgewood Train Station, built in 1916, which remains an iconic landmark and continues to function as a vital transportation hub for commuters daily.
Ridgewood continues to flourish today, drawing in new residents and businesses and maintaining its status as a desirable family community.
Read More: Bergen County History: The Oldest Homes Still Standing Today
Best Spots to Grab a Bite
Baumgart’s Cafe | 158 Franklin Avenue
A cherished name for many Bergen County locals, Baumgart’s in Ridgewood has stood firm while its Englewood and Edgewater locations closed. This Chinese eatery offers delightful dishes, including crispy sesame chicken and savory peanut noodles.
Cafe 37 | 37 South Broad Street
Cafe 37 stands out in Ridgewood with its charming interior. This modern American restaurant presents a menu filled with flavorful options, but the Fettuccine Frutti di Mare is the star—a pasta dish featuring blue prawns, calamari, fresh PEI mussels, and a tantalizing white wine and fresh tomato sauce.
Felina | 18 Prospect Street
Felina entertains guests with its spacious, industrial-chic atmosphere, seamlessly blending sleek design with Italian-inspired cuisine. While many seek a remarkable dinner or rooftop drinks during the summer, Felina is also a stunning venue for weddings.
From Scratch | 44 East Ridgewood Avenue
From Scratch brings a slice of Italy to New Jersey with a menu teeming with authentic Italian dishes like cacio e pepe and carbonara. Additionally, this location offers cooking classes, an entertaining choice for a fun night out or intimate private events.
Latour | 6 East Ridgewood Avenue
This classy BYOB French restaurant is an ideal choice for a romantic evening. The menu leans towards the upscale side, and the $54 Beef Wellington is a must-try. Latour and its chef-owner Michael Latours have been recognized by local, national, and international publications, including The New York Times and Zagat.
Raymonds | 101 East Ridgewood Avenue
Having served the community since 1989, Raymond’s continues to satisfy guests. Whether stopping for breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner, the notable French toast is a must-try — it literally melts in your mouth.
Roots Steakhouse | 17 Chestnut Street
Roots stands as the peak of grace for a night out. With a sophisticated ambiance, this classic New York-style steakhouse justifies its cost with sizzling steaks and an upscale vibe.
Sushi X | 23 Chestnut Street
Experiencing all-you-can-eat sushi brings excitement, especially in a group setting with friends + family. Sushi X presents a great deal — $28.99 from Monday to Thursday and $30.99 from Friday to Sunday — with high-quality rolls and cool variations.
Steel Wheel Tavern | 51 North Broad Street
A beloved go-to for locals throughout Bergen County, Steel Wheel Tavern serves up delectable bar food staples like burgers and wings, with buffalo style being a top pick (ask for a side of ranch—because obviously). The bonus here is the live music on weekends, which contributes to its fun atmosphere.
Stella Artisan Italian | 18 East Ridgewood Avenue
Stella Artisan, founded in 2016, sits cozily in downtown Ridgewood, providing a dining experience ideal for a casual evening out. This spot is especially delightful during warmer months with outdoor dining.
White Maple Cafe | 47 East Ridgewood Avenue
This stylish BYO spot specializes in American cuisine, focusing on seasonal ingredients sourced locally + sustainably. Whether for brunch or dinner, diners can expect incredibly fresh food.
Local Shopping Hotspots
Bookends | 211 East Ridgewood Avenue
A beloved destination attracting visitors from across New Jersey, Bookends has an impressive selection of novels and hosts regular author meet-and-greet events.
Envy By Melissa Gorga | 7 East Ridgewood Avenue
This stylish shop in Ridgewood is a must-visit for fans of Bravo (including us here at team BG). With a trendy assortment of clothing and accessories, Envy provides customers with a chic shopping experience.
Fox’s of Ridgewood | 230 East Ridgewood Avenue
Fox’s has clothing, jewelry, handbags, hats, and other accessories at reasonable prices, catering to various budgets.
The Hive | 171 East Ridgewood Avenue
The Hive is a beautifully organized store that has both stylish clothing + excellent gift options, including socks, wine glasses, and adorable knick-knacks.
Hustle + Heart | 12 South Broad Street
Catering to both men and women, Hustle + Heart specializes in trendy athletic wear, making it a favorite for those seeking quality + new designs.
Hunt + Orchard | 30 Cottage Place
This gem in Ridgewood has fashionable clothing options and provides customization on select merchandise, ideal for personalized gifts like embroidered names on sweatshirts or hats.
Pazzazed | 6 Wilsey Square
A great spot for finding gifts, Pazzazed features a varied collection that includes quirky wine glasses, coasters, bags, and stylish signs.
Ridgewood Cycle Shop | 35 North Broad Street
With cycling being popular in Bergen County, Ridgewood Cycle Shop serves the dedicated cycling community, providing a variety of bikes, apparel, and essential accessories for a smooth ride.
Suite 201 | 11 South Walnut Street
Suite 201 offers the cutest shoes, dresses, and resort wear, making it ideal for vacationers and anyone updating their closets.
Things to Do in the Area
Take a Class at Color Me Mine | 210 East Ridgewood Avenue
Color Me Mine is a ceramic painting studio that invites creativity from people of all ages. The process is simple: choose a ceramic item, select colors, and bring your vision to life.
Take a Class at MudSpinners | 580 North Maple Avenue
MudSpinners is a home-based ceramic studio in Ridgewood providing a variety of classes for everyone, from children to adults. Options include private one-on-one sessions and “Mud and Merlot” nights, where participants can bring wine, food, and friends for a fun and crafty evening.
Join a Pilates Workout
On Core Pilates Studio | 555 Goffle Road #218
GLOW Body LLC | 17 Chestnut Street 2nd floor
Corefire | 144 East Ridgewood Avenue
Pilates is an excellent low-impact workout, and many studios in Ridgewood have classes. Notable locations include On Core Pilates Studio, GLOW Body LLC, and Corefire.
Enjoy a Cup of Coffee at a Local Ridgewood Coffee Shop
Rey Sol Coffee | 22 Chestnut Street
Blue Ridge Café | 37 East Ridgewood Avenue
Ridgewood Coffee Company | 133 East Ridgewood Avenue
American Bulldog Coffee Roasters | Between Franklin + East, 31 North Broad Street, West Ridgewood Avenue
Ridgewood Station Café | 1 East Ridgewood Avenue
Sweet Kitchen | 533 Bloomfield Avenue
For coffee enthusiasts, Ridgewood is a hub for excellent brews. Cozy spots such as Rey Sol Coffee, Blue Ridge Café, Ridgewood Coffee Company, American Bulldog Coffee Roasters, Ridgewood Station Café, and Sweet Kitchen are excellent stops for one’s daily coffee fix.
Create Your Own Pastry Tasting Experience at Sook | 24 SouthBroad Street
Sook Pastry Shop is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates French pastries, chocolates, and breads. A fun and BG-approved experience here includes selecting a variety of delicious items — such as apple turnovers, tropical tarts, and macarons — tasting each one, and rating them on a scale from 1 to 10 (they’re always a 10).
Treat Yourself to a Relaxing Spa Day
The Brightwood Skin | 11 North Broad Street
Spavia Day Spa | 379 NJ-17
Ridgewood European Day Spa | 44 Franklin Avenue
Lava Head Spa | 235 East Ridgewood Avenue Suite 16
Araya Rebirth Spa | 10 Garber Square
The Well Spa NJ | 171 East Ridgewood Avenue #207
Indulging in spa treatments is always a luxury. Ridgewood has tons of options, including Spavia Day Spa, The Brightwood Skin, Ridgewood European Day Spa, Lava Head Spa, Araya Rebirth Spa, and The Well Spa NJ.
BG recommendation: For radiant + glowing skin, get The Diamond Glow Facial at Brightwood Skin.
See More: Fun Summer Road Trips Near Northern New Jersey
Check Out What’s Happening at the YMCA | 112 Oak Street
The Ridgewood YMCA provides a wide array of activities for all ages, from children to seniors. Regular special events occur each month, such as Parents’ Night Out and ping-pong tournaments, fostering lively community engagement.
Walk Through Van Neste Square Memorial Park | South Walnut Street
On lovely warm days, enjoying a walk outdoors can heighten one’s physical and mental well-being. Van Neste Square Memorial Park is a favored spot for strolling and frequently hosts events like live music performances during summer nights.
