Christina Mastroeni 
While most people head to Paramus to visit one of its four major malls or its many commercial centers, there is so much more to explore. If looking for something a little less mainstream + have a passion for shopping small (as long as it’s not on a Sunday), this article will have all the info needed to spend a day in Paramus without setting foot into a single major mall. Keep reading for things to do, places to shop, and food spots in Paramus, NJ.
All About Paramus
Paramus became its own borough in 1922, celebrating its centennial only a few years ago. Early inhabitants included the Lenni Lenape Indians, who granted Paramus the name we know today. Originally, “peramsepuss” the term meant “land of the wild turkeys.”
While finding wild turkeys may not be as easy today, Paramus didn’t start to become the shopping center it is until post-World War II. This shopping journey includes two of NJ’s first malls: Garden State Plaza + Bergen Town Center.
Things to Do
Bergen County Zoo | 216 Forest Avenue
The Bergen County Zoo is open seven days a week + admission is free. There is a train ( open on Saturdays + Sundays) + carousel (open Friday – Sunday) ride available for $3 per person. The zoo holds over 30 different types of animals, mammals, + reptiles.
Center Stage Dance Studio | 176 Route 17
Center Stage Dance is in its 32nd season. Classes at the studio include ten different styles of dance, including tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, + zumba, to name a few. Classes are available for ages as young as two.
Read More: Tommy’s Tap & Tavern Expands to Paramus, NJ
Humdingers | 64 East Midland Avenue
If visiting the area with friends or family of different interests, Humdingers has fun for all. The facility has an arcade, batting cage area, bowling alley, + food hall. For those looking to be a bit more active, there’s also Lazer Maze, which is a laser tag arena.
Master Gardeners of Bergen County | Multiple Locations
Those with green thumbs will have a blast spending time at the Master Gardeners of Bergen County. While there are 15 different locations across Bergen County, the ones that exist in Paramus are located at Bergen County Zoo in Van Saun County Park, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, + Washington Spring in Van Saun County Park. Contact info is on the website to acquire more information about volunteering.
Monster Mini Golf | 49 East Midland Avenue
Monster Mini Golf has mini golf + mini bowling options available for patrons. There are also arcade games available to explore within this establishment. Packages are available to combine fun options into one price.
Orchard Hills (Bergen County Golf) | 404 Paramus Road
Something Paramus is not short of is golfing. Orchard Hills is part of Bergen County Golf. Tee times are available online when courses are in season. For those looking to improve their game, instructions + lessons are available.
Paramus Golf Course + Country Club | 314 Paramus Road
If it’s a hard decision between a full golf course + mini golf, try stopping by Paramus Golf Course + Country Club for the best of both worlds. While golf courses are full of beautiful greenery, its mini golf (when in season) is a fun experience with playful stops along the way. There are also packages available for group rates.
SW Archery | 365 Route 17 South
If looking to pick up a new hobby or perfect an old one, stop by SW Archery. There are several types of classes available, including classes for adults, summer camps, + a class for complete beginners. Private lessons are also available.
Place to Shop
Campmor | 810 Route 17 North
Campmor is a camper’s delight. With brands like Yeti, Stanley, Cotopaxi, Marmot, + Osprey, this establishment provides trusted brands to its patrons. There are options for getting waterproof gear for rainy hikes, running + hydration gear for those who are looking to be super active outdoors, + furniture + kitchen gear for a full camping experience available.
The Jewelry Center | 327 Route 4 West
Whether it’s to keep or to share with a special someone, The Jewelry Center is a great place to shop for jewelry of all kinds. This establishment is not only a fantastic space to shop but also to get educated on jewelry + gems. With “44 expert jewelers in the largest jewelry store in the world,” it’s valuable to have this insight when getting tennis bracelets, necklaces, earrings, precious stones, engagement rings, + wedding bands.
The Suit Store Outlet | 328 Route 4 East
There’s never a bad time to wear a suit. Whether it’s grabbing something nice for a wedding or prepping for that next job interview, The Suit Store outlet has suits + tuxedos available for every dressy occasion. In addition to suits + tuxedos, the store also has accessories available like belts, shoes, suspenders, lapel pins, + ties.
Steven Corn Furs | 358 Route 17 North
Steven Corn Furs is a massive building with three floors covered in furs. Options are available in top-tier furs like mink, shearling, + rabbit, to name a few. Vintage lovers will especially enjoy this storefront, as there is a whole section dedicated to vintage fur finds.
ThumBody | 80 Route 4 East
Cafe meets record store at ThumBody. This cafe has a large seating area, making it a nice spot to grab some breakfast pastries and a coffee with friends, or a new WFH place. ThumBody has a variety of coffees + teas available. A secret door covered in art + photography opens to expose a whole room dedicated to vinyl records.
Places to Eat
Biagio’s Ristorante | 299 Paramus Road
Biago’s serves “authentic Italian cooking” to its patrons. The restaurant has menus for lunch, dinner, late-night specials, + Sunday brunch. BG recommends trying the Chicken San Marino (with oven-roasted tomato, spinach, artichoke, + mozzarella).
El Cid Restaurant | 205 Paramus Road
El Cid opened its doors in 1993 and has traditional Spanish dishes on its menu. A menu is available for dinner as well as one for lunch specials. A dinner option we recommend is the Marisacada Green (lobster + shellfish combination cooked in a Spanish green sauce).
The Green Lounge | 314 Paramus Road
With the same address as Pramus Golf Course + Country Club, it’s hard to pass on The Green Lounge for its beautiful view + Americanized cuisine. Menus are available for lunch, brunch, happy hour, + a mini menu for dinner. The restaurant also has hookah available in flavors like mint, watermelon, orange, lemon, + peach.
Suburban Diner | 172 NJ-17 North
The Suburban Diner is open seven days a week and has something special on the weekends. Friday + Saturday, the diner is open 24 hours, bringing New Jerseyans back to their historic 24-hour diner roots. This diner has a large menu, a specials menu, + also has a bar available.
Tom Sawyer Diner | 98 East Ridgewood Avenue
Family-owned since 1974, Tom Sawyer Diner offers American, Italian, + Greek foods. There are three menus: a breakfast menu, a main menu (for lunch + dinner), + a to-go menu for those who can’t stick around. If searching for an authentic diner feel, try dining in + ordering the chocolate chip pancakes.
See More: The Best Grocery Stores, Specialty Shops, + Farmers’ Markets in Hoboken
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