Last Bell FamilyParks, places to eat, indoor fun & this week's family events in Hackensack — 43 public spots plus local favorites. Tap a tab to explore.
A beloved free neighborhood sprayground where water shoots up from the ground alongside overhead sprayers and colorful rings — perfect for the hottest days. It's right next to a playground with picnic tables, so kids can alternate between splashing and climbing.
Good for: All ages, best 2-10 · Hours ~11am-7pm in summer; pack water shoes, the surface heats up midday.
Directions ↗A surprising 15-acre pocket of forest tucked into a Hackensack neighborhood — a calm, free spot for an easy nature walk. Simple dirt trails wind through a leafy canopy where families spot deer, ducks, and birds, and there's a children's play area too.
Good for: Toddlers through age 12 · Free, open daily ~6am-7pm; trails get muddy after rain, so bring waterproof boots.
Directions ↗This tiny, beloved 1946 burger shack slings griddled sliders kids gobble up by the handful, and watching them cook on the flat-top is a show in itself. Cash-friendly, fast, gloriously unfussy — a true Bergen institution for an easy, cheap family lunch.
Good for: Toddlers through teens · Tiny with limited seating — come off-peak or grab a bag to go and eat at a nearby park.
Directions ↗An indoor climbing gym billed as having some of the tallest walls in the tri-state area (roughly 25-60 ft) plus bouldering. A welcoming walk-in spot where teens climb with friends; waiver required.
Good for: Tweens & teens (10-17) · Have a parent complete the online waiver — minors need a guardian signature.
Directions ↗A beloved Main Street stop serving homemade ice cream with a rotating lineup of ~eight flavors year-round. Small-batch and made with care — a friendly neighborhood spot families return to.
Good for: All ages · Flavors rotate — open year-round, even in winter.
Directions ↗A convenient downtown Wednesday market in the county seat — an easy midweek produce run with fresh fruits, vegetables, and local goods.
Good for: All ages · Verify current dates with the city — the schedule can shift year to year.
Directions ↗This tiny, beloved 1946 burger shack slings griddled sliders kids gobble up by the handful, and watching them cook on the flat-top is a show in itself. Cash-friendly, fast, gloriously unfussy — a true Bergen institution for an easy, cheap family lunch.
Good for: Toddlers through teens · Tiny with limited seating — come off-peak or grab a bag to go and eat at a nearby park.
Directions ↗A beloved Main Street stop serving homemade ice cream with a rotating lineup of ~eight flavors year-round. Small-batch and made with care — a friendly neighborhood spot families return to.
Good for: All ages · Flavors rotate — open year-round, even in winter.
Directions ↗An indoor climbing gym billed as having some of the tallest walls in the tri-state area (roughly 25-60 ft) plus bouldering. A welcoming walk-in spot where teens climb with friends; waiver required.
Good for: Tweens & teens (10-17) · Have a parent complete the online waiver — minors need a guardian signature.
Directions ↗A convenient downtown Wednesday market in the county seat — an easy midweek produce run with fresh fruits, vegetables, and local goods.
Good for: All ages · Verify current dates with the city — the schedule can shift year to year.
Directions ↗The best kid & family events across Bergen’s 70 towns — plus new parks & spots — in one free Friday email.
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