Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Teaneck, NJ

  • Published 2022/11/21

In 1895, Teaneck was incorporated as a township, but it has a rich history that goes back to the 1600s.

It is a bedroom community in the metropolitan area of New York.

As the second most populous municipality in Bergen County, New Jersey, it offers many beautiful things to its residents and visitors.

You can explore the famous Cedar Lane, home to many businesses, including excellent shops and restaurants.

There are also numerous charming parks, like Milton Votee Park and other natural attractions, perfect for those who love the outdoors.

Bring your family, friends, special someone, and kids to enjoy the exciting activities and places in the township.

Here are the best things to do in Teaneck, New Jersey:

Go Golfing at Overpeck Golf Course

Golfers at Overpeck Golf Course

Joseph M. Arseneau / Shutterstock.com

If golfing is one of your favorite pastimes or you just want to try it, look no further than Overpeck Golf Course.

Nicholas Psiahas designed this 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course, which opened in 1967.

It features 6,584 yards of extensive fairways and ample greenery with a layout of ponds, lakes, and creeks, which offer breathtaking views and challenge all players of any skill level.

Golfer at Overpeck Golf Course

Joseph M. Arseneau / Shutterstock.com

Overpeck Golf Course also has a clubhouse with a pro shop for your golfing needs.

You’ll find this golf course on East Cedar Lane.

Catch a Movie at Teaneck Cinemas

Nestled on Cedar Lane, Teaneck Cinemas is a popular destination for first-run movies, where you’ll enjoy a date with your special someone or a night out with friends.

It opened to the public as the single-screen Teaneck Theatre in 1937, became a triplex in 1984, but closed in November 2012.

Formerly known as Cedar Lane Cinemas, Teaneck Cinemas reopened its doors in December 2013 after revamping its building with the retention of its old-school charm and installing a digital projection system.

The four-screen theater ensures moviegoers will delight in watching a variety of films from different genres with its state-of-the-art technology and digital devices, affordable tickets, and comfortable seating.

Teaneck Cinemas also has a small concession stand and clean bathrooms and can host various events, such as birthday parties, business meetings, and other private group events.

Spend a Blissful Day at Milton Votee Park

Teaneck’s largest developed park is Milton Votee Park, one of the township’s most popular attractions you shouldn’t miss to visit with family, friends, and kids.

Originally named Central Park, Milton Votee Park, or simply Votee Park, was renamed to honor former Teaneck Mayor Milton Votee in 1958, shortly before his death in 1961.

Its recreational spot and many amenities in its entire 40.51 acres are what make it a favorite place for everyone.

It has an amphitheater, an in-ground swimming pool, a children’s wading pool, a splash pad, restrooms, and playground equipment featuring tot swings, horse wings, a merry-go-round, spring toys, a sandbox, two seesaws, and a mini gym climbing structure.

You’ll find two picnic spaces with grills and permanent picnic tables perfect for families.

There are five baseball fields (two are lighted with field houses and refreshment stands), four lighted tennis courts, three soccer fields (two are lighted), a double handball court, and a lighted, enclosed two-court basketball facility.

It also boasts two paved walking trails: one 1.16 miles surrounding the entire park and one 1/3 mile encircling the two lighted soccer fields, perfect for walkers, joggers, and hikers.

In addition, Milton Votee Park is a setting for dozens of most anticipated events and fun activities throughout the year, such as festivals and concerts.

Besides the place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, the park’s trees, vegetation, and ponds are home to various species, including ducks, fishes, and birds.

Play Exhilarating Games at Teaneck Speedway

Delight in hours of exciting activities with your family and friends, especially the kids, when you go to Teaneck Speedway on Cedar Lane, just near Teaneck Cinemas.

Feel a rush of excitement as you play slot car racing on a seven-track course or experience laser tag if you want some action.

Try mini bowling and other thrilling arcade games like hoop fever basketball, motorcycle superbikes, afterburner, and mini dunx.

While you can bring your own food, you can also buy snacks and slurpees served by Teaneck Speedway if you feel hungry.

The family fun entertainment center holds slot car-building classes for kids.

Besides being an excellent center for the young and young at heart, Teaneck Speedway is also an ideal venue for birthday parties, corporate events, Bar or Bat mitzvahs, and other special events.

Support Local Farmers at Teaneck Farmers’ Market

Teaneck Farmers’ Market is a great place to find everything you need for a healthy lifestyle at affordable prices.

You can find many farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, local meats, eggs, fresh baked goods, prepared foods, jams, pickles, dried fruits, marinated olives, flowers, and many more!

Here, you enjoy buying what you’re looking for and meeting and supporting many local vendors and artisans.

Teaneck Farmers’ Market happens each Thursday from June through October in the parking space at Garrison Avenue and Beverly Road, near Cedar Lane.

The farmers’ market also attracts visitors to Cedar Lane and supports the community.

Check Out the Arboretum at Phelps Park

Phelps Park is a charming park named after William Walter Phelps, a 19th-century lawyer and congressman who owned the largest estate in Teaneck.

He was also a passionate arboriculturist who was said to have planted around 600,000 trees between 1875 and 1880.

It has sports fields and courts, benches, picnic tables, grills, an outdoor pool, sprinklers, and playground equipment with different swings, slides, climbing structures, and other features.

It is also home to paved walking paths and adult fitness equipment for those who want to exercise.

However, what makes Phelps Park different is its arboretum, which the other parks in the township don’t have.

The arboretum is about one acre, with around 150 identified trees.

Due to its abundant trees that provide shade, the park is a great place to breathe the relaxing atmosphere brought by nature.

Nestled on River Road near Fairleigh Dickinson University, Phelps Park is a charming park with features that many can enjoy.

Watch Live Music at Debonair Music Hall

Debonair Music Hall is the place to be if you’re fond of regular live music performances by different bands.

This intimate live music venue has an almost 300-person capacity and a charming balcony that offers a great view of the stage.

It also has an extensive selection of craft beers and a menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, and other finger foods to make your stay more fun.

They also offer vegetarian and vegan options.

You can buy tickets for upcoming shows online or at their box office on show nights.

There’s also a street and free public parking across from Debonair Music Hall.

If you’re interested in Debonair Music Hall, it’s located on Queen Anne Road, about 0.4 miles from Milton Votee Park.

Explore Cedar Lane

There are plenty of fun things to do on one of Teaneck’s famous streets, like Cedar Lane.

You can browse for unique gifts like books, find food for your pets, shop for clothes or jewelry, have a haircut at a salon or barbershop, or drop by the market to buy fruits.

Watch a movie at the cinema with your date or have a massage to relax and relieve your stress.

On this street, you can also dine at one of the numerous excellent restaurants offering various cuisines from America to Asia.

You can sip a cup of coffee or enjoy a hearty meal and tasty drinks.

From shopping to dining options, there’s always something to find on Cedar Lane.

Explore the Wonders at the Teaneck Creek Conservancy

The waters of Teaneck Creek Conservancy

Various, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Aptly named an “outdoor treasure” by New Jersey Family Magazine in 2018, the Teaneck Creek Conservancy is a beautiful oasis to enjoy the outdoors in Bergen County.

The 46-acre conservancy was founded in 2001 and opened to the public in 2006, but its history dates back to the 1600s.

Located on Puffin Way, visitors and outdoor enthusiasts are guaranteed to love this place, where nature, art, and history come together to make their stay here like no other.

One can walk along its over 1.3 miles of groomed trails, view ecological art exhibits, watch different species of birds, and delight in its outdoor classroom and little library at the Fcyke Lane entrance.

There are picnic tables and little bridges to traverse the creeks and muddy wetlands sections, and you can also bring your dog, which must remain on a leash and always on trails.

The Teaneck Creek Conservancy is home to a plethora of native and invasive species of plants, from trees to flowering plants, and a variety of wildlife, from mammals to birds.

Moreover, the Teaneck Creek Conservancy also offers guided tours and art, environmental, and educational programs.

Spend a Relaxing Morning or Afternoon at Terhune Park

If you prefer a waterfront attraction, consider going to Terhune Park on River Road.

The 10.3-acre park derived its name from the Terhune family, one of the county’s original Dutch settlers, who donated the land to Teaneck in 1948.

Here, you may play tennis, soccer, baseball, or softball with your friends.

It’s also great to bring the kids here because it has a playground and a picnic area.

Enjoy scenic views of the Hackensack River in the shade of trees.

Visit the Presbyterian Church of Teaneck

The Presbyterian Church of Teaneck is the oldest church in the township.

Before its organization in 1906, its history dates back to 1866 when the gatherings were held for Sunday School.

It features a charming New-England-Georgian-Colonial-style architecture that matched other buildings in the township at that time.

Drop by the Presbyterian Church of Teaneck if you’re in the township.

It is located on Church Street, around 0.3 miles from Milton Votee Park.

Participate in the Annual Bergen Street Fest

Join the fun in the annual Bergen Street Fest, a four-day community event with a plethora of things that make everyone happy.

The festival highlights the best of New Jersey’s local cuisine, craft breweries, vendors, and musicians.

There are also a carnival with exciting rides, a classic car show, carnival games and activities for kids, and many more!

Bergen Street Fest happens on September 8-11 at the Teaneck Armory grounds.

Take part in this event and check out the food trucks, live music, beer garden, and more.

Bring your family and friends, relax, and enjoy the four days of food, entertainment, and fun, whether rain or shine!

Participate in Recreational Activities at Richard Rodda Community Center

Richard Rodda Community Center is a 50,964-square-foot facility established in 1998.

The center has limited facilities, including gymnasiums, a dance floor, and meeting rooms, but its place is a significant source of entertainment, recreation, and community involvement.

Richard Rodda Community Center offers programs for kids, adults, and seniors and hosts special events for the community.

These include Mad Science Camp, sports games, Zumba, dancing classes, ballroom, Latin dancing, and other recreational and community activities.

If you’re in the township, you can drop by this center on Colonial Court, close to Milton Votee Park.

Walk the Trails at Hackensack River Greenway through Teaneck

Leave the crowds behind and go to Hackensack River Greenway through Teaneck to enjoy the serenity, outdoors, and nature.

The 3.5-mile Teaneck greenway runs along the river from Terhune Park’s southern end to Historic New Bridge Landing’s northern end, perfect for walking, hiking, and jogging.

You can also just sit and relax here, watching birds and enjoying nature.

You can also take part in the hikes, nature walks, river bank clean-ups, and education events hosted by Friends of the Hackensack River Greenway through Teaneck, a non-profit group of volunteers who work to promote awareness of the river.

Take time to read the interpretive signs along the greenway describing the flora, fauna, and the area’s historic attractions.

Moreover, Hackensack River Greenway through Teaneck provides a habitat for native plants and wildlife, including bald eagles, herons, and loons.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Go Kayaking at Overpeck County Park

Once a landfill, Overpeck County Park has transformed into a beautiful park and is now the largest recreational area in Bergen County, which you shouldn’t miss visiting.

It stretches over 805 acres in the county, with major sections in Teaneck, Leonia, Palisades Park, and Ridgefield Park, which all surround Overpeck Creek, a tributary of the Hackensack River.

Its vast playground has many features, such as different swings for all kids, from toddlers to older kids, different types of slides, webs, bridges, spinners, monkey bars, climbing walls, ladders, and more!

The five miles of trails are perfect for hikers, joggers, runners, and bikers, while its many sports fields and courts are best for sports players.

You can also bring your own kayak or rent one for kayaking or other water adventures like canoeing and fishing.

Other features of the beautiful park are a gazebo with benches, a large parking space, picnic areas, grills, an amphitheater, an equestrian center, observation decks, and many others.

With Overpeck County Park’s amenities, you’re sure to have an enjoyable and memorable recreation time with your family, friends, special someone, and kids.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a foodie, a shopaholic, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, there’s something for you in Teaneck.

It might not be the most famous place in the state, but it’s still worth visiting.

Reference this list to experience the best things to do in Teaneck, New Jersey!

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