Things to Do in Paramus NJ: A Local Lifestyle Guide for Families

Things to Do in Paramus, NJ: A Lifestyle Guide for Families, Locals, and Relocating Buyers

On any given weekend in Paramus, you can hear the laughter of families drifting across park pathways, the hum of community events filling the air, and the soft crackle of leaves underfoot as children run toward the next adventure. This is a town where moments matter. A place where families gather, couples explore, and newcomers quickly understand why Paramus is one of the most loved suburbs in Bergen County. When people search for things to do in Paramus, NJ, they are not just looking for activities. They are searching for belonging. They are searching for a home.

As a local Realtor, North Jersey Probate Specialist, North Jersey Short Sale Certified, and one of the Best Realtors in Bergen and Passaic County, I have walked these same parks, visited these same attractions, and helped countless families fall in love with Paramus, not just for its homes but for its lifestyle.

This is your guide to the places, experiences, and stories that define Paramus.

A Tale of Two Families: How Lifestyle Shapes Decisions

Before exploring the attractions, let me start with a story. Actually, two stories.

A young family from NYC reached out to me last fall. They were living in a compact apartment on the Upper West Side, dreaming of space, schools, and fresh air for their two children. They wanted a place where weekends meant more than waiting in line at a playground.

At the same time, a Bergen County couple I had worked with years ago was ready to upsize. Their starter home in Fair Lawn had served them well, but they wanted more room, more activities nearby, and a neighborhood with easy access to recreation.

I gave both families the same advice:
“Spend a weekend in Paramus. Notice the energy. Watch how people interact. See how it feels.”

What they experienced is exactly what you will read in this guide. By Sunday evening, both families said the same thing.
“This is where we want to be.”

Paramus has that effect. It draws you in. It makes weekends feel fuller, easier, and more connected.

Van Saun Park Activities: A Town Favorite

If there is a single attraction that defines Paramus for families, it is Van Saun Park activities. This isn’t just a park. It is an entire weekend experience.

Families flock to it throughout the year because it offers:

• The Bergen County Zoo
• Train rides that make children light up
• A classic carousel
• Wide playgrounds with new equipment
• Walking and jogging paths shaded by mature trees
• Picnic areas perfect for Sunday lunch
• Seasonal events and educational programs

For the NYC family I mentioned earlier, Van Saun was the moment everything changed. Their kids fed goats at the zoo, took a train ride, and spent nearly an hour on the playground. By the time we finished walking the grounds, both parents said, “This is the life we want for them.”

If you want to understand how parks and recreation influence local home value and lifestyle, explore my North Jersey market snapshot.

Paramus Golf Course: Where Relaxation Meets Recreation

Not every weekend activity is centered around children. Adults also want places to unwind, socialize, and enjoy their own version of leisure. That is where the Paramus golf course stands out.

Known for being well-maintained, accessible, and community-friendly, the course attracts:

• beginners learning the game
• seasoned players seeking a challenge
• locals wanting a break from the workweek
• families introducing their teens to golf

For the North Jersey couple I helped upsize, this was a major selling point. They wanted proximity to recreation without exclusivity or hassles. A public golf course offering a mix of relaxation, fresh air, and weekend tradition made Paramus feel complete.

The Paramus Historical Museum: A Quiet Local Treasure

For those who value history, culture, and education, the Paramus Historical Museum is an understated but meaningful attraction.

Here, families:

• explore the town’s agricultural and military history
• see artifacts collected from residents
• learn about Paramus’s role in shaping Bergen County
• attend community programs and historic presentations

It is a reminder that Paramus is more than a retail hub. It has roots, character, and stories worth knowing. Relocating families often appreciate this depth. It is one thing to move to a town with amenities. It is another to move somewhere with soul.

This type of community depth is what I highlight in my Paramus relocation guide for families comparing towns.

Mall Life and Modern Attractions: GSP, BTC, and More

Of course, no guide to Paramus is complete without its vibrant shopping and entertainment scene. But locals know this isn’t just about retail. These hubs are lifestyle anchors.

Westfield Garden State Plaza

Beyond shopping, families enjoy:

• indoor children’s events
• weekend pop-ups
• seasonal programming
• dining attractions
• movie theaters
• play zones

Bergen Town Center

Offers a mix of:

• family-friendly dining
• community classes
• craft events
• seasonal showcases

These centers bring activity and excitement, especially during colder months when outdoor attractions are limited.

Nature, Trails, and Quiet Spots

Even in a busy borough, Paramus manages to give residents access to peaceful green spaces.

Locals enjoy:

• Petruska Park with its beautiful walking path
• Beechwood Park for quieter afternoons
• Pleasant Avenue’s tree-lined strolls
• Hidden pockets of nature throughout neighborhoods

Indoor Play and Weather-Proof Fun

Families love Paramus because the fun never stops. Even on rainy days, there are countless ways to make memories.

Indoor favorites include:

• VR gaming lounges
• trampoline parks
• craft studios
• children’s workshops
• STEM learning centers
• DIY creative spaces

This variety is why searches for things to do in Paramus, NJ stay high year-round. The town fits every season, every mood, and every schedule.

How Lifestyle Shapes Real Estate Decisions

Weekend activities may seem simple, but they play a major role in why families choose Paramus over nearby towns. When people relocate, they are choosing more than walls and floors. They are choosing a life.

When I guide families, I always anchor the conversation in lifestyle, community energy, and day-to-day living.
These are the real drivers of long-term home satisfaction.

To learn how lifestyle and real estate value connect, visit my About Me page.

Case Study: Lifestyle as the Decision Maker

Let’s return to the two families who explored Paramus.

The NYC Family

Their weekend included:

• a library story time
• Van Saun Park
• a children’s craft pop up
• a peaceful walk in Petruska Park

By the end of the day, they were smiling in a way they hadn’t in years. Their children were happy. They felt calm. They felt space.

The Upsizing North Jersey Couple

Their weekend included:

• an early tee time at the Paramus golf course
• lunch at a family-friendly restaurant
• a quiet visit to the museum
• an afternoon walk in a residential neighborhood

Both families purchased homes within weeks.
That is the power of a town with lifestyle variety.

To read more stories, explore my client success stories.

Seasonal Events and Community Energy

Paramus also thrives through year-round events. From fall festivals to holiday celebrations, from spring markets to summer concerts, the town stays active and engaging.

For statewide seasonal event listings, families often check the Visit New Jersey events calendar for additional experiences.

Final Thoughts: Why People Choose Paramus

When families search for things to do in Paramus, NJ, they are not planning a weekend. They are imagining a lifestyle. They are imagining where their children will play, where they will spend Saturdays, what parks they will explore, and what memories they will build.

Paramus makes that imagination feel real.

If you are exploring Paramus or thinking about moving within North Jersey, I would love to guide you.

I am Johnny Rodriguez, North Jersey’s first AI Certified Realtor, North Jersey Probate Specialist, North Jersey Short Sale Certified, and one of the Best Realtors in Bergen and Passaic County. I help families understand the lifestyle, rhythm, and unique value of every North Jersey community.

If you want to explore Paramus neighborhoods, compare school zones, or begin your home search, visit 611Homes.com or call me at 973 390 7319.
Let’s find the lifestyle and the home that feel right for you.