Things To Do In Paramus, NJ

Things to Do in Paramus, NJ, for Groups, Dates, and Family Outings 

Paramus, New Jersey, is one of Bergen County’s most visited destinations, popular for its shopping malls and diverse dining options. If you’re looking for things to do in Paramus, NJ, it offers a growing scene of memorable group activities. 

We’ve created a list of casual, immersive, outdoor, and indoor things Paramus visitors and locals alike can do when searching for fun activities in the area.

Table of Contents

1. 1. Try a Fully Immersive Group Experience at Sandbox VR

2. 2. Go Bowling at a Local Alley

3. 3. Play a Round of Mini Golf

4. 4. Explore Dining and Dinner Outings Near Garden State Plaza

5. 5. Spend a Weekend Day at Garden State Plaza

6. 6. Catch a Movie at a Local Theater

1. Try a Fully Immersive Group Experience at Sandbox VR

If you’re looking for something to do with your group that’s beyond the ordinary, Sandbox VR offers a genuinely unique social experience that ranks among the most immersive Bergen County activities.

What Makes Sandbox VR Different?

Sandbox VR is a location-based virtual reality experience (LBE VR). With our full-body motion capture technology, haptic vests, cinematic visuals, spatial sound, and immersive storytelling, our adventures provide a highly realistic experience for up to six people in the same virtual space. Best of all, our experiences require no prior VR tech experience whatsoever.

Motion-capture sensors translate your physical movements into the virtual world. When you reach for an item, duck behind a wall, or gesture to your teammates, your avatar moves exactly like you do. Haptic feedback makes the experience feel amazingly real; through your haptic vest, you’ll feel environmental effects, vibrations, and impacts that further elevate the feeling of actually being inside the digital world.

The social immersion of a Sandbox VR experience is unmatched. Inside the adventure, you and your group can see, touch, and interact with each other, working together to face challenges, fight dangers, and solve problems. 

The themes of our adventures range from surviving the zombie apocalypse and swashbuckling on the high seas to experiences based on pop culture phenomena like Stranger Things and Squid Game. This isn’t like sitting down to watch a movie; you’ll feel like you’re actually setting foot inside one.

Who Is It Perfect For?

Almost any group seeking things to do in Paramus, NJ, will love Sandbox VR, located conveniently near the Garden State Plaza. It’s great for any age, including older kids, teens, adults, and even seniors, and it’s ideal for mixed-age groups.

Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a corporate outing, a bachelor party, a girls’ night out, a family visit, or a date night with that special someone, Sandbox VR has something that everyone in your group will love.

2. Go Bowling at a Local Alley

Bowling is a classic group activity, often chosen for low-key weekends, team-building, and birthday parties.

A Classic Bergen County Group Activity

As Paramus, NJ, activities go, bowling is among the most popular and accessible. Various bowling alleys surround the area, from Humdingers in Paramus itself to Metro Bowl, Lucky Strike Washington, Montvale Lanes, and Bowlero Fair Lawn in the surrounding communities. 

Bowling is a familiar, heavily social pastime that’s easy to organize for groups of all sizes. It’s a reliable go-to, but the experience can feel well-known and predictable.

3. Play a Round of Mini Golf

Mini golf is another tried-and-true group activity. It’s popular in Paramus for families and casual groups.

Fun and Family-Friendly in Paramus, NJ

With its low barrier to entry, miniature golf is appropriate for all ages and skill levels. You’ll find several mini golf courses right in Paramus, including Monster Mini Golf, Paramus Mini Golf Course, and Pixar Putt, as well as several in other towns nearby. 

Mini golf is a good option for younger kids, daytime outings, or as part of a longer day of fun things to do in Paramus, NJ. Pair a round of mini golf with dinner at one of many nearby restaurants for a relaxed family outing.

4. Explore Dining and Dinner Outings Near Garden State Plaza

Many people consider Paramus, increasingly recognized for its diverse, convenient, high-end, and high-quality dining scene, as Bergen County’s culinary hub. Dinner in Paramus is ideal for date nights, group celebrations, and family outings.

Make a Night of It in Paramus, NJ

Paramus boasts a wide variety of restaurants, from international cuisine to upscale steakhouses, along the Route 4 and Route 17 corridors. Many of these options are located near the Garden State Plaza, including the Capital Grille, Eddie V’s, Fogo de Chão, Seasons 52, and more.

A delicious dinner before or after an immersive experience extends a memorable evening. Try pairing Sandbox VR with a local dinner for the ultimate Paramus night out. 

5. Spend a Weekend Day at Garden State Plaza

Of all the things to do in Paramus, NJ, arguably none are more popular than spending some time at the Garden State Plaza, one of the most visited malls in Bergen County. Groups of all ages and sizes will find something to do at the mall, a reliable destination on weekends for its shopping, dining, and even occasional events. 

This is another activity that pairs well. Take half a day at the mall, enjoy a late afternoon Sandbox VR experience, and end the evening with dinner or dessert.

6. Catch a Movie at a Local Theater

Visiting a nearby movie theater to catch a flick is simple in Paramus. Several movie theaters, such as the AMC Garden State Plaza 16, AMC DINE-IN Shops at Riverside 9, Westwood Cinemas, Teaneck Cinemas, and Hawthorn Theatres, are all within a five-mile drive. 

Going to the movies is a reliable, affordable option for family outings, date nights, or casual weekend plans for any group. It works well as a standalone activity or paired with others nearby. 

Movies at the theater are a comfortable, familiar fallback, although watching a movie is a passive activity that doesn’t require interaction, socialization, or participation. This can't compare to a fully immersive group experience like Sandbox VR. For groups who want something more interactive and social than a movie, Sandbox VR provides a step-up experience where everyone actively participates. 

Take Your Pick of Things To Do in Paramus, NJ

Bowling, mini golf, shopping, movie-watching, and dining are all enjoyable, familiar group pastimes. If your group is looking for something truly novel, Sandbox VR is the obvious choice. With full-body immersion and real-time social interaction, participating in one of the cinematic adventures is an unforgettable physical and emotional experience.

With this list of things to do in Paramus, NJ, you’re well-equipped to plan the perfect day, evening, or weekend trip to the heart of Bergen County. 

Book your Sandbox VR experience today, and see for yourself why planning a memorable, social experience is worth all the hype.

FAQs

Is Sandbox VR a good thing to do in Paramus, NJ for large groups?

Yes! Sandbox VR accommodates groups of up to six people per experience, making it ideal for group outings.

Do I need prior VR experience to visit Sandbox VR in Paramus, NJ?

No, the experience is designed to be accessible for first-time visitors of all skill levels.

Is Sandbox VR suitable for a date night in Paramus, NJ?

Yes. The shared, immersive format makes it a memorable and engaging option for couples.

Can families with younger members enjoy Sandbox VR?

Yes! Sandbox VR is a great fit for family outings in Paramus, NJ, with older kids and teens.

Should I book Sandbox VR in advance, especially on weekends?

Yes. Weekend slots in Paramus, NJ, fill quickly, so booking ahead is strongly recommended to secure your preferred time.