If you're looking to entertain the kids this winter break while they're out of school, the Bergen County Zoo in Paramus might be worth checking out. 

Here's a schedule of holiday zoo programming, courtesy of the Bergen County Department of Parks:

Holiday Recess Open House

Monday, December 26 – Sunday, January 1, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

School is out, so come to our classroom, instead!  Families with children of all ages are invited to stop by our classroom anytime from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm to participate in various animal-related activities, games, and crafts at their own pace.  A live animal will visit the room each day at 11:30 am. No registration necessary; adult must stay with children in the classroom (not a drop-off program.)

Wild-Animal Playtime

Monday, December 26, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Finger painting, new toys, rock climbing, scavenger hunt, if these things sound fun to you imagine how fun it would be to see which of our animals like them too.  Many of the activities you like to do might be our animal’s favorites too. This program is for children 4 to 8 years old (no adults.) Cost: $10 per child.

On the Farm

Tuesday, December 27, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Rise and shine – it's a brand new day on the farm! Learn all about farm animals with aspecial story, fun activities, a live animal guest, and a trip to the zoo's Dutch barn. This program is for children 3 and 4 years old with an adult. Cost: $10 per child.

In My Backyard

Wednesday, December 28, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

The zoo is a great place to see exotic animals, but children can see wild animals every day right in their own backyards. Introduce children to identifying and safely observing New Jersey’s wildlife. This program is for children 5 to 10 years old (no adults.) Cost: $10 per child.

Animal Wrappers

Thursday, December 29, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Fur, feathers, scales, or slime?  After unwrapping your holiday gifts, come to the zoo to learn how animal “wrappers” tell us whether they’re mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, or fish!  Meet a few live animals and feel their “wrappers” to learn more about them.  This program is for children 7 to 10 years old (no adults.) Cost: $10 per child.

Reptiles & Amphibians

Friday, December 30, 2 p.m. –3 p.m.

Sometimes feared, but always fascinating, reptiles and amphibians have a unique place in our world.  Learn what reptiles and amphibians have in common and how they are different, and meet some special scaly and slimy “guests.”  This program is for children 9 to 12 years old (no adults.) Cost: $10 per child.

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To register for one of the following programs, mail registration (Attached as PDF) and fee to: 

Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652

Please make checks payable to: Bergen County Department of Parks. Each participant must have a separate reservation form, but program fees for multiple participants can be combined on one check.