Blake Walsh

21 Best Things to Do in Hackensack, NJ

  • Published 2023/03/03

Hackensack is a large city and seat of Bergen County, New Jersey.

It’s also a beautiful small city, just a quick trip from New York City.

The downtown portion of this upscale neighborhood has been revitalized, notably Main Street.

Downtown Hackensack features a variety of restaurants and stores for both visitors and locals.

In Hackensack, you’ll find high-end stores, artisan breweries, natural parks, and more.

Hackensack’s indoor and outdoor activities are impossible to resist.

Here are the best things to do in Hackensack, NJ:

See a Movie at the Shops at Riverside

Exterior of the Shops at Riverside

John Arehart / Shutterstock.com

The Shops at Riverside is a magnificent and sophisticated retail destination for world-class luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Find Bloomingdale’s, Barnes & Noble, an AMC Dine-in Theatre, and a day spa anchor at this two-story shopping complex.

Interior of the Shops at Riverside

John Arehart / Shutterstock.com

Shoppers will find an unequaled array of luxury stores, including Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta, Tiffany & Co., Salvatore Ferragamo, and other well-known names.

The Shops at Riverside also houses “New Jersey’s Restaurant Row,” which features a variety of full-service eateries.

Bloomingdale's and Tifanny & Co. storefront in the Shops at Riverside

John Arehart / Shutterstock.com

Taste Various Beers at Hackensack Brewing

The Hackensack Brewing Company produces a broad array of flavorful, fresh beers.

The small-scale brewery offers tried-and-true classics, and the brewery’s original spins on old favorites, resulting in remarkable brews.

The taproom has twenty-one chairs, twelve beers, and Hackensack memorabilia.

The outside space is fantastic, especially when the weather is pleasant.

The entire ambiance is what you’d anticipate from a local neighborhood gathering spot!

Grab Mexican Food at Rosa Mexicano

The 160-seat Rosa Mexicano offers a fresh tortilla counter in the dining hall, a vast cantina, and outdoor and exclusive dining alternatives.

Rosa Mexicano springs from a unique concept where you can enjoy premium dining while honoring Mexican tradition.

See founder Josefina Howard’s exemplary culinary skills in action, and try her global adventures and inspirations.

This Mexican restaurant provides an “elevated fiesta” experience, anchored in traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern spin.

Rosa Mexicano’s well-known beverage menu features a vast selection of tequilas and mezcals.

Excite your taste buds with over 100 drinks.

Celebrate Mexican food, people, and culture in a colorful setting.

See the David Rockwell-designed “water walls” that honor Acapulco’s famous cliff divers.

Rosa Mexicano provides unforgettable dining experiences for all occasions and an unrivaled fiesta setting.

Get Drinks at the Crow’s Nest

The Crow’s Nest guarantees a memorable dining experience, whatever the occasion.

Every day, the Crow’s Nest provides customers with the most delicious meals in a warm and friendly environment.

Enjoy live entertainment, holiday gatherings, wine evenings, and other activities at this American restaurant.

Enjoy a Picnic at Foschini Park

Foschini Park is a recreational park west of the Hackensack River that provides outdoor leisure and environmental protection.

The Park is open to the public, under the Hackensack Parks Department.

It offers a walking track with views of the Hackensack River and is a fantastic place to play baseball and other sports.

There are many open green spaces for the kids to run around.

You’ll also find a children’s playground, a pavilion, and several picnic tables.

Bring your family and friends along with a full picnic basket for a fun day in the park.

Take a Walk at Borg’s Woods Nature Preserve

You’ll find the Borg’s Woods Nature Preserve, spanning over 15 acres of restored forests, in the heart of Bergen County.

A 700-foot-long vernal pond flows through the heart of the woods, flanked by a wetland forest and a highland forest.

Coles Brook marks the western border, while the slope of the Summit Avenue ridge signals the preserve’s eastern edge.

Huge untouched woodlands with large trees, marshes, and rich fauna await visitors.

See this nature preserve, which has become a focal point for environmental communities in Bergen County.

Play Sports at the Johnson Park

Johnson Park is a great place to ride your bike or take a walk since it has a nice long trail where you can bask in nature’s beautiful scenery.

They have a huge parking space and a nice playground for the kids.

Sports enthusiasts will love this park’s well-maintained soccer field, tennis courts, and big open areas.

Play your favorite outdoor sports such as Frisbee and badminton.

This park is a great place to unwind and spend quality time with friends and family.

Come to Johnson Park if you’re looking for a relaxing location.

Throw a Party at the LT Bar & Grill

The menu at LT Bar & Grill is a modern spin on traditional American cuisine.

It features creative salads, the finest meats, the freshest seafood, delicious sides, and sweet desserts.

You can also try handcrafted drinks produced by expert mixologists.

Likewise, check out the broad wine list and beers from across the world.

Drink a glass or enjoy the entire bottle and explore the incredible assortment of wines in LT Bar& Grill.

The LT Bar & Grill spans 15,000 square feet, with 8,000 sq. ft. on two levels.

The top story is an event space called LV Above, which can seat 250 persons.

LT Bar & Grill works with you to create unforgettable memories on your special day, whether at LT Above or in the comfort of your home.

Play Bowling at Bowler City

Bowler City is your friendly and accessible local bowling center.

This is a terrific place to go bowling, with 50 lanes, so you won’t run out of lanes to play.

You can also play pool tables, visit the pro shop, and grab a bite or drink at the bar and grill.

The bowling alley has a nostalgic feel, making it a fun spot to visit.

They are open till late at night.

Try Italian Cuisine at the Maggiano’s Little Italy

If you’re craving Italian food, look no further than Maggiano’s Little Italy.

In November 1991, Maggiano’s Little Italy opened its first location in Chicago, Illinois, and the restaurant has found success since then.

This American Italian restaurant serves exquisite meals for lunch and dinner.

Try their specialties such as the gnocchi, rigatoni arrabbiata, mushroom ravioli al forno, and their famous rigatoni “D” pasta.

The latter comprises herb-roasted chicken, caramelized onions, and mushrooms topped with marsala cream sauce.

The cooks can also accommodate the guests’ allergies, dietary restrictions, and preferences.

Grab a Chicken Sandwich at Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is a fast-food restaurant in Hackensack serving freshly prepared food crafted with quality ingredients.

This restaurant offers everything from Chick-fil-A classics, such as their original chicken sandwich, waffle fries, chicken nuggets, salads, treats, breakfast, Kid’s Meals, and more.

You can also check their website for working hours and their food alternatives, including curbside carry-out or delivery.

Chick-fil-A also offers a variety of catering options, perfect for your next get-together.

Discover what they have lined up for their customers.

Try Figure Skating at the Ice House

The Ice House is the biggest skating complex in the Tri-State area, with four NHL-sized rinks.

The Ice House is a world-class skating complex located only minutes from New York City.

Since its inception, the Ice House has constantly attracted the attention and acclaim of everyone, from Olympic Gold Medalists to NHL players.

The Ice House features party rooms, conference spaces, and a full-service food court on two floors with a full view of the rinks.

Likewise, the Ice House employs knowledgeable hockey and skating personnel to help you use the proper equipment.

Savor a Sip of Original Lager at The Alementary Brewing Co.

When in Hackensack, The Alementary Brewing Co. is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts.

This microbrewery offers a rustic atmosphere to its taproom.

It has about eight taps within a rotating craft beer selection, so you can be sure you’ll find a beer that suits your taste.

The site is home to the original Hackensack Lager.

Whether you’d like to have your beer to-go or enjoyed within the place’s spacious indoor and outdoor seating, you’ll find your craft beer-tasting experience a memorable one.

You can find The Alementary Brewing Co. on Voorhis Lane.

Browse through Art Displays at Riverside Gallery

If you lack art excursion within your Hackensack itinerary, there’s no need to fret.

Riverside Gallery has your back.

This art gallery prides itself on being at the center of the Hackensack community and only a few minutes away from New York City.

It features artworks from both renowned and up-and-coming artists.

Its exhibitions offer a range of mediums.

From portraits and paintings to mixed media and other unique art forms, the art pieces displayed within this center are endless.

The gallery also has special exhibitions for young artists, so be on the lookout for that.

Riverside Gallery is on Riverside Square Mall.

Join Eco-Cruises Hosted by Hackensack Riverkeeper Inc.

Exterior view of Hackensack Riverkeeper Inc.

John Arehart / Shutterstock.com

When it comes to environmental awareness and advocacy, Hackensack Riverkeeper Inc. is the organization to visit.

This non-profit, serving the community since 1997, offers public programs and tours of the Hackensack River.

One of its anticipated programs is the Eco-Cruises.

This tour takes you within the flowing river of the municipality, as well as the picturesque marshes of the New Jersey Meadowlands.

Explore the estuary and its abundant wildlife and plant species.

The cruise route can also help you discover the history of the shipbuilding industry within Hackensack during World War II.

If you prefer a land outing, you can also join the organization’s nature walks and birding trips.

Hackensack Riverkeeper Inc. is on Main Street.

Sign Up for a Free Archery Lesson at Shooting Zone

Spice things up during your Hackensack trip with a visit to Shooting Zone.

This indoor archery range specializes in Olympic-designed freestyle archery.

With 9-meter and 18-meter ranges, you get to practice your aim with talented teachers and archers.

And the best part is your basic lessons come for free!

After a quick crash course, you’ll have to follow the standard rates but they’re budget-friendly, so you don’t have to worry.

Learn the basics of arrow cutting and bow hunting with the site’s fully-stocked equipment.

Head over to Main Street for a fun time at Shooting Zone.

Watch a Concert at Atlantic Street Park

Bring the entertainment outside with a stop at Atlantic Street Park.

Completed in 2015, this park is within the grounds of the Hackensack Cultural Arts Center.

It features an outdoor stage, a lush garden with striking foliage, and spacious seating areas.

The wooden trellises architecture of the site taper into an outdoor room that you should check out at least once when you’re within the municipality.

This go-to outdoor event venue is famous for hosting festivals like Shakespeare in the Park and Movies under the Stars.

Atlantic Street Park is on State Street.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Solve Puzzles at the Escape Room

Escape Room in New Jersey is in the City of Englewood, about five miles from Hackensack.

A Live Escape Game is an engaging adventure ideal for team-building activities and celebrations.

You will be confined in a chosen themed room with your team of two to 18 individuals.

You’ll find various puzzles, clues, locks, codes & challenges that you will solve by working together.

Exercise your problem-solving abilities, logic, and perseverance; learn to work together and have fun.

Work together and escape the room in 60 minutes!

Book a Stay at Hilton Hasbrouck Heights/Meadowlands

Hilton Hasbrouck Heights/Meadowlands is in Hasbrouck Heights, a seven-minute drive from Hackensack.

The hotel is 15 minutes away from Meadowlands Sports Complex and a five-minute drive from Teterboro Airport.

Enjoy their freshly remodeled event space and guest rooms.

From the hotel, you can quickly access I-80 Express, the Newark Liberty International Airport, and the Hackensack University Medical Center.

The hotel has a fitness center, a 23,000-square-foot event space, and a bistro.

Other amenities include free parking space, digital keys, and meeting rooms.

Play at the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

The Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is in South Hackensack, only 1.5 miles away from Hackensack City.

The Ultimate Indoor Adventure Park encourages children and adults to enjoy thrilling activities, test their bodies and minds, and have fun!

Try their obstacle courses, playgrounds, and trampolines.

You can play individually or invite your buddies.

It’s the ideal location for children’s birthday parties and other special occasions.

Admire Nature at Hackensack River Greenway through Teaneck

The Hackensack River Greenway in Teaneck is a 3.5-mile pathway at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

The Greenway is the center of parks providing river vistas and wildlife sightings.

The Hackensack River Greenway is historically and environmentally significant because it runs along the eastern side of the Hackensack River.

This renowned hiking track offers chances to observe birds, animals, fish, and reptiles.

Final Thoughts

The beautiful scenery, many dining options, and unique activities in Hackensack make for an unforgettable trip.

It is a great tourist location with various activities for visitors of all ages.

Start planning your Hackensack trip today!

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