5 Things to Do Before Summer Ends

Have you noticed that the nights are getting darker just a little bit earlier these days? As much as we don't want to hear it, summer is coming to an end. But to make the most of it, don't let the summer end without trying the things on this list. You'll be glad you did.

1. Why spend half the day in the car driving to the beach when you can enjoy the white sandy beaches of Darlington Lake only minutes away in Darlington County Park in Mahwah? The park also includes a wooded picnic area (bring your own grill), open lawns, new children's state-of-the-art playground, tennis and handball courts, and a bird and wildlife observation.

Darlington County Park is located at 600 Darlington Ave., Mahwah.

2. Take the family to BBQ Night at Demarest Farms. There’s only a few weeks left to enjoy the finger-lickin'-good BBQ ribs, chicken, hot dogs, baked beans, homegrown corn-on-the-cob, salad, and watermelon. Live music and dance contests. It’s a great way to spend a summer’s night. 

Demarest Farms is located at 244 Wierimus Ave., Hillsdale. 201-666-0472.

3. Enjoy a game of mini-golf at the Paramus Mini-Golf center. Play 18 holes on a Jersey-themed course. A miniature George Washington Bridge, a replica Jersey Shore boardwalk, Bruce Springsteen, Abbott and Costello. You’re sure to have a lot of fun! Oh, and so will the kids. Monday's are Family Night. Family of 4 plays for $20 and Wednesdays are Senior Wednesday's--$2 off. 

Paramus Mini Golf is located 314 Paramus Road, Paramus. 201-201-447-6079. 

4. This is a tie: Grab a scoop of ice cream at Van Dyks in Ridgewood or Conrad's Ice Cream Parlor & Luncheonette in Westwood. You haven’t tasted homemade until you’ve had a lick of Van Dyks orConrad's. And nothing makes summer more special than ending the day eating a huge scoop of ice cream.

Van Dyks is located at 145 Ackerman Avenue, Ridgewood and Conrad's Ice Cream Parlor & Luncheonette is located at 107 Westwood Ave., Westwood. 

5. Outdoor Movies, Theater, & Concerts. Free entertainment? Come on! If you haven’t taken advantage of all the outdoor movies, theater, and concerts being offered for free around the County then there’s no time to waste. 

Monday

Westwood Family Movie Night 8 p.m. Veteran's Park, Broadway & Washington Ave, Westwood.

Tuesday 

Fort Lee Shakespeare in the Park 7:30 p.m. (next one on Aug. 23.) Monument Park, 1588 Palisade Avenue, Fort Lee.

Wednesday 

Fort Lee Music Under the Stars 7:30 p.m. at the Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center, 1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee.

Thursday 

Best of Bergen Bandfest (this Thursday, Aug. 18) 7 p.m. Overpeck Park Ampitheater, 199 Challenger Rd., Ridgefield Park.  

Friday 

Fort Lee Dancing Under the Stars (alternate Fridays--next one is Aug. 26) at the Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center, 1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee.

Saturday

Fort Lee has Music & Movies Under the Stars 7 p.m. at the Jack Alter Fort Lee Community Center, 1355 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee.

Sunday 

Fairlawn Summer Concert Series 8 p.m. at Memorial Park, Berdan Ave, Fair Lawn.