GREAT PLACES TO HAVE CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY PARTIES IN BERGEN COUNTY

There are so many interesting places in Bergen County where you can host your child’s birthday party that many of us don’t know about. Here are just a few that older children will enjoy. All of these places come recommended by moms in Bergen County. In fact, I’ve been to a few of them with my kids and the parties were amazing! If you have any other places that you’d like to share I’d love to hear about them.

·       The Buehler Challenger and Science Center, Bergen Community College, Paramus Road, Paramus, 201-251-8589: Do you have a budding astronaut who would love to fly into space? The Buehler Challenger and Science Center on the campus of Bergen Community College can accommodate groups of 12-18, grade five to adult. This abbreviated version of the Full Mission includes one-hour of training and a one-hour flight…a great way to experience the excitement of being an Astronaut! http://www.bcsc.org/mainpage.htm

·       CMEK ALLSTARS, Piermont Athletic Club, 50 Piermont Road, Cresskill, 201-927-3027: CMEK can host a sports party for your child and their friends: dodgeball, basketball and more! http://Cmek.com/

·       The Craft Lounge, 324 Broad Ave, Leonia, 201-944-3311: The Craft Lounge’s studio can accommodate a party of up to 12 children and will make your child’s birthday a special event. Everything from sewing to soapmaking, to scrapbooking, to knitting and so much more! http://thecraftlounge.com/private-parties/

·       Chocolate, Etc., 382 Main Street, Wyckoff, 201-891-3711: Children paint with different color chocolates in molds and make bite size pieces of chocolate, chocolate lollipops and rice crispy clusters. They can also make and build a candy house. http://www.chocolateetc.com/parties/index.html

·       Sweet & Sassy, 216 E. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, 201-670-0123: Spa party, princess party, pajama party, cheerleading party, you name it. Sweet & Sassy is a birthday girl’s dream come true!  http://www.sweetandsassy.com/

  

·       Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, 443 Van Nostrand Ave, Englewood, 201-567-1265: Members can have their child’s birthday party at the Nature Center where you can choose from the following types of parties: Seasonal Nature Hike; Team Challenge Extravaganza; It’s a Water World After All; Nature Scavenger Hunt; Insect Interview; and Meet the Critters.  http://www.flatrockbrook.org/rentals/parties.html

·       Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave, Tenafly, 201-568-6093:  Like Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, members can host a child’s birthday party here. Party themes range from Apple Cider and planting parties, to Animal Presenter Parties, to Dinosaur Presenter Parties. You can even add on a campfire! http://www.tenaflynaturecenter.org/birthdays.html

·       Abma’s Farm, 700 Lawlin Ave, Wyckoff 201-891-0278: Have a birthday on a working farm! See the animals, learn about the healthy foods grown on the farm. Abma’s is taking reservations for “Build a Barnyard Friend Birthday Party.” http://www.abmasfarm.com/

·       Color Me Mine, 254 E. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, 201-612-3320: Kids create a ceramic piece, paint and decorate it, and take it home. http://www.ridgewood.colormemine.com/

·       Bogota Mini Golf, 30 Cross Street, Bogota, 201-489-2400: Indoor mini golf, pizza and birthday cake! Kids will love having their party here! http://www.bogotagolfcenter.com/miniaturegolf.htm

·          Little Scoops, 326 Harrington Ave, Closter, 201-768-6900: Play games, eat, dance and make your own ice cream sundaes in the old fashioned ice cream parlor! http://www.littlescoops.com/

·       Lovey’s Pizzeria, 211 Boulevard, Hasbrouck Heights, 201-288-1606: Kids get a chance to make their own pizza in a real pizzeria and then eat it! I’ve been to a party here and kids have a ball! http://www.wood-ridge.com/loveys/

Indoor Playgrounds in Bergen County

Kids Kingdom, 271 Livingston Street, Northvale 201-564-7396

http://www.njkidskingdom.com/

Jungle Gym, Ball Shooting, Kitchen Play, Gym Play, Toddler & Baby zones, and a full-service snack bar.

Kids U, 407 Sette Drive, Paramus 201-225-0008

http://www.kidsu.com/Paramus/home.html

Kids U is a child-centered "Campus" that offers kids and their families a safe and fun place to learn and play. We offer a variety of great classes, the best birthday parties, top-notch instructors, innovative programming, first-class equipment, outstanding customer service, and most importantly - children with ear-to-ear smiles on their faces!

NJ Children's Museum, 599 Valley Health Plaza, Paramus 201-262-5151

http://www.njcm.com/

The ultimate indoor playspace for imagination play, offering a real firetruck, real helicopter, a ballet studio with costumes, a medieval castle, a pretend grocery store, indoor sandbox, and more!

IKEA, 100 IKEA Drive (Off Route 4) Paramus, NJ  201-843-1881

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/store/paramus

IKEA offers what no other indoor playspace can: drop-off and FREE indoor play! During the week you can score up to an hour of free supervised play for the kids, and during week-ends and peak shopping times 30 minutes. Only conditions: kids must be out of diapers and approximately 36-50 inches tall. IKEA also offers occasional FREE kids special activities such as balloon artists and clowns. 

UNBELIEVA-BILL'S, 140 Hopper Ave, Waldwick 201-652-8626

http://www.unbelieva-bills.com/Montclair/playdates.html

Unbelieva-Bill's is a great play date destination for children 2 through 9. Jungle Gyms, arcade games, and a children's theater!

Jungle Gym.................$5.00 ($3.00 the last hour of the day)

Arcade Games...........$ .25 - $1.00 (depending on game)

Laser Tag...................$3.50 (5 min game)

Shows........................$4.00 (each 20 minute show) SPACE ODYSSEY, 491 South Dean Street, Englewood 201-567-3810 http://www.spaceodysseyusa.com/default2.asp Although they advertise as a "member-only" family entertainment space, they have recently been offering "day passes" for non-members during times when the kids are off from school. It's worth checking out.

The Craft Lounge

What happens when three really smart women from Leonia come together and open a business dedicated to promoting the creativity of moms? The Craft Lounge is what happens. Meet Susie Levy, Kathy Pecht, and Jen Ballot, three talented women who have audaciously opened a new business in an old-fashioned kind of way. In an age where we’ve exchanged human interaction for Twitter, texting, I.M-ing., and Listserve, they are re-connecting the community by inviting people to dis-connect their cell phones and computers to engage with each other in an environment they personally designed to promote face-to-face communication.

At The Craft Lounge you can shop, take a class, host a party, or just meet friends. Furnished with many of the original pieces that resided in Susie and Kathy’s grandparents’ pharmacy and soda shop that served Leonian’s for many years, there is a palpable warmth and agelessness that permeates your experience. If space could be described as having an old soul, then The Craft Lounge personifies it. The obvious care and thought put into creating the exterior design of their shop has revitalized Leonia’s downtown and serves as a model for future redevelopment.  

Walk through the front door and get ready to be surprised--this is not your glitter and glue gun kind of craft store—think “museum shop” because what you’ll find here are small one-of-a-kind works of art. The Craft Lounge encourages the works of Leonia’s many professional painters, photographers, and designers as well as works from the incredibly talented people whose full-time “day jobs” mask their creative genius. The quality of the items they create in their “spare time” will make you wonder how you fill your spare time.   

Here’s a sampling of what I saw: jewelry that is not only stunning by design, but unique conversation pieces; hand-designed greeting cards that belong in frames, not envelopes; fashionably knitted scarves that you would expect to find in high-end boutiques; and baby quilts that are heartbreakingly gorgeous.

          Their collective story began some years ago when Kathy decided to organize a weekly Friday night knitting circle so she, Susie, and Jen (a teacher, graphic artist, and publicist) could get together outside of play dates and school events.  Somewhere in the middle of knit one, purl two, they discovered that despite their differing professional backgrounds, they each harbored a latent dream to open a store for high quality hand-crafted goods; a store that would also function as a gathering place where women could just come and hang out, and, if they wanted, learn how to knit, sew, make soap, candles, greeting cards, you name it.

They expanded their knitting circle to include other women who wanted a place where they could meet and work on their craft, be it knitting, quilting, jewelry design, or anything else. So successful were the Friday night circles that they began hosting private craft fairs.  Inspired by the sales from these fairs they organized a craft fair for Leonia Arts in the Leonia Library. The overwhelming response from the community inspired them with a, “build it and they will come” mentality, and so The Craft Lounge was born.

          The Craft Lounge offers classes for children, pre-teens, and adults. There are also parent-child classes, as well. For children, there are workshops in soap making, handsewing, and knitting. For preteens and older, there are classes in beginner’s machine sewing, embroidery, scrapbooking, knitting, and more. Adults can learn to knit, sew, crochet, embroider, design greeting cards, and make candles, soap and more. The Craft Lounge can accommodate up to 12 people for children’s birthday parties or girls night out. Imagine having your child’s birthday party at The Craft Lounge—you won’t have to worry about goodie bags because they get to take home what they create. In the words of co-owner Susie Levy, “Who needs another pencil or eraser?”  I couldn’t agree more.

          Check out their website at thecraftlounge.com for store hours and a list of classes.  Better yet, stop in and meet these three remarkable entrepreneurs; their genuine enthusiasm and passion will awaken your inner artist.          

DISCOUNT BEAUTY & SPA SERVICES

If your regular $200 hair salon visit has become unjustifiable, how does paying $40 for the same services sound? When was the last time you had a facial for $23? Or a Swedish massage for $40? Here are three places that offer salon and spa services for a fraction of what you would normally be expected to pay. These are schools that open their doors to the public to allow students, who have hundreds of hours of logged instruction and training, to obtain practical experience before graduating and being hired by the top salons and spas. Licensed professionals supervise their work every step of the way, and you are constantly consulted for your opinion. 

Parisian Beauty Academy, 362 State Street, Hackensack, 201-487-2203:  Music pumping, décor popping, stylists hopping; the vibe screams NYC salon. The intense energy and outstanding level of service is palpable from the moment the valet takes the keys to your car. It’s a Paul Mitchell partner school, so the hair products are top quality. No appointments are necessary, but arrive before noon if you need color. $40 got me a shampoo, scalp massage, color, blow-dry and flat iron. My hair looked just as good as when I walk out of my regular salon, and I felt even better because I paid a fraction of the price. On my next visit I paid $15 for a shampoo, scalp massage, haircut, blow-dry and flat iron. I was very pleased with the results. Haircuts start at $12, color starts at $18, blow-outs start at $10. What’s better for the blues than getting a wash and blow out?  They offer $10 spa manicures and $20 spa pedicures. Facials start at $25, waxing starts at $7. Bride and groom packages are offered. 

Capri Institute, 615 Winters Avenue, Paramus, 201-599-0880:  Capri Institute is a beauty school that offers hair care and skin care services. Unlike Parisian, it has the definite feel of a school, but the service is excellent. You need to make an appointment for skin care services, but the facial I received was one of the best facials I’ve ever had. Except for the burning candles, the private room, and the extra fluffy towels, there is no difference between Capri’s facials and ones I’ve received at top-rated NYC spas. There are 6 tables spaced far apart in a large, dimly lit room. Trust me, after 5 minutes you forget there are other women in the room. My $23 facial included a leg and foot massage, arm and hand massage, neck and back massage, and heated mitts after my hands were covered in a hydrating cream. Really? Really! I’ve paid much more for mediocre service that included fewer treatments. Capri offers $17 teen facials, $21 back facials, $31 collagen facials, $25 enzymatic peels.  Haircuts start at $9, blowouts $7, spa manicure $10, spa pedicure $15, and waxing starts at $4.

Academy of Massage Therapy, 321 Main Street, 2^nd Floor, Hackensack, 201-568-3220: Offering both Swedish and shiatsu massages, there is only one word to describe the experience of a massage here—sublime. Forget that you are in an open room with other clients; the room is large enough to make you feel like you’re all alone, and never did I feel as if my privacy was invaded. Besides, no one’s even paying attention to you. Recently, I was treated to a massage at a well-known Bergen County Spa. Yes, it was wonderful, but so extravagantly priced that it would be relegated to a holiday or birthday indulgence only. At the Academy, once I closed my eyes, the new-age music and aromatic massage oils made me feel like I was getting the same massage for far less money. Not only that, the price would allow me to come more often than once a year! Curtained dressing rooms are provided. One hour massages are $40 and they will leave you feeling peaceful and serene. I highly recommend de-stressing here.

Every one of these schools provided top quality services; and the students’ positive attitude is unmatched by top salons. 

Resale Stores & Thrift Shops in Bergen County

In this economy everyone is being really thrifty and really smart. But the kids keep growing, need new clothes, and you’re tired of wearing the same old things. Let’s be honest, do you really want to spend hundreds of dollars at the mall while you’re clipping coupons for food? Shopping at Macy’s may help Macy’s bottom line, but who’s helping yours?

Here are resale stores that donate their profits to charity. These are not thrift stores from our parent’s generation; these are resale shops in Bergen County, one of the wealthiest counties in the nation where people buy designer labels and regularly donate them to help a good cause and get a tax benefit. I regularly visit these stores and have discovered amazing items in great condition that looked fresh from the pages of InStyle Magazine. Here’s a sample:

Eileen Fischer blue cotton eyelet dress ($4.99), J.Crew suede driving mocs ($5.00), Dooney and Bourke brown leather belt ($2.00), Dana Buchman silk blazer ($7.99), Ann Klein black rain jacket ($4.99), Abercrombie suede shirt ($5.00), Juicy Couture two-piece camaflouge sweat suit ($4.99), boy’s soccer shorts ($1.00), boy’s Champion baseball pants (1.00), girl’s Hannah Anderson dress ($2.00), white pine bookcase with hand painted flowers for a girl’s bedroom ($10.00), Prego Stroller in excellent condition ($5.00).

Caveat: You have to be patient, like to dig through racks of clothes and have a sense of adventure. If you love garage sales and eBay you will love these shops. If your sense of adventure is shopping at Nordstrom instead of Neiman Marcus, this may not be for you. Also, you may walk out with nothing one day, but leave with four bags the next time.

Wyckoff Parent Teacher Organization Economy Shop, 399 Main Street, Wyckoff 201-891-5765: Consignment shop run by volunteers. Profit goes to support Wyckoff Public schools. Clothes for the entire family. Labels: Abercrombie, Old Navy, Limited Too, Gymboree, Kate Spade, Jones NY, J. Jill, Chico’s, DKNY, Ralph Lauren. An entire table of gently used youth cleats.

Midland Park Community Thrift Shop, 85 Godwin Ave, Midland Park (behind Kings Shopping Plaza) 201-652-7661: If you drop items off you can choose from 52 charities within Bergen County where the proceeds from the sale of your items will go. Charities include: Shelter Our Sisters, Children’s Aid, West Bergen Mental Health Clinic. On display was a full length suede Jones NY Coat in perfect condition for $19. Labels: Gap, Old Navy, Kate Hill, Ralph Lauren. Beautiful selection of children’s clothes.

C.A.T.S. (Caring About the Strays), 80 Kinderkermack Road, Westwood 201-666-5444: Adorable little shop with lots of shabby chic household items. Small but packed with amazing costume jewelry (lots of Joan Rivers), cocktail glasses, paintings, women’s clothes and so much more. All proceeds go to provide care for homeless animals. Labels: Dana Buchman, Ralph Lauren, DKNY.

Goodwill, 507 S. Washington Ave, Bergenfield 201-385-5154: Megastore for clothes shopping. 50% off selected items every day. Great selection of designer gowns and dresses. Labels: Betsey Johnson ($7.99 dress), Ann Taylor, Limited Too, Abercrombie, Hollister. Note: Target donates overstocks of brand new items.

National Council of Jewish Women Thrift Shop, 75 S. Washington Ave, Bergenfield 201-385-3702: Small shop with big labels. Eileen Fisher, Nicole Miller, Ann Taylor, Jessica McClintock. Small children’s and men’s section.

Second Look Shoppe, 340 Main Street, Fort Lee (in basement of Madonna CYO Hall) 201-944-1099: A community thrift shop with a large selection of baby items, household goods, and furniture in good condition. Women’s, men’s and children’s clothing.

Palisades General Thrift Shop, 595 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park, 201-945-6965: Small shop with clothes for men, women and children. Separate room containing furniture. Proceeds go to support Palisades General Hospital.

I discovered these places solely on word of mouth from other moms and now I’m sharing them with you. If you want to help worthy causes within our community, here’s your chance. I encourage all of you to visit them. Instead of charity knocking on our door for help, let’s walk through theirs and help.

If you know of any other resale shops in Bergen County where the proceeds go to support those in need, please email me and I will get the word out.