Fort Lee, New Jersey, is an easy win for families looking for a day packed with parks, great food, history, and plenty of things to keep everyone entertained. I’ve been coming to Fort Lee since I was a kid myself, when my mom would bring me to explore the Palisades, and now I get to bring my own children here. What I love most is how easy it is to build a full family day: hike beneath the George Washington Bridge, explore Fort Lee’s fascinating movie history, grab ramen or dumplings, and finish with mochi donuts or a little K-pop shopping.
Located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, Fort Lee has a personality all its own. It’s home to a vibrant Asian food and cultural scene, scenic parks, Revolutionary War history, and a surprising connection to the early days of American cinema. The borough’s Barrymore Film Center celebrates Fort Lee’s legacy as the birthplace of American cinema, while Fort Lee Historic Park offers families a chance to explore history and the Palisades.
You don’t have to be a film buff to love Fort Lee. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a rainy-day activity, a kid-friendly restaurant, or a unique day trip from NYC, this Bergen County town is an easy place to fill a day with family-friendly fun. For more things to do nearby, bookmark our NJ Kids Guide to Northern New Jersey.
Best Things To Do in Fort Lee, At-a-Glance:My favorite thing to do with kids: Explore Fort Lee Historic Park and the surrounding PalisadesTop attraction: The Barrymore Film Center for a uniquely Fort Lee experience, or Fort Lee Historic Park for history and outdoor funFavorite FREE activity: Pack a picnic and explore the scenic areas and trails around Fort Lee Historic ParkInsider tip: Bring sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and a picnic blanket when visiting the park. Check trail conditions if you’re bringing a strollerBest rainy-day options: PingPod, the Barrymore Film Center, IPIC Fort Lee, indoor play at TuniTuni, or an afternoon of food and shopping.Don’t miss: Fort Lee’s Asian food scene, especially ramen, dumplings, Korean snacks, mochi donuts, and bubble tea.
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Insider Tips for Visiting Fort Lee with KidsPlan for a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Fort Lee is easy to explore as a family, but having a backup indoor activity is especially helpful when the weather changes.Wear comfortable shoes. Fort Lee Historic Park and the surrounding Palisades offer plenty of opportunities to walk, but some terrain is not ideal for strollers or very young children.Pack a picnic. If you’re spending time at the park, bring a picnic blanket, camping chairs, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. A ball or small fishing rods can turn a simple park visit into an afternoon adventure.Leave room for food. Fort Lee’s Asian restaurant scene is one of the biggest reasons to visit. Ramen, dumplings, Korean corn dogs, mochi donuts, and bubble tea can easily become part of the itinerary.Stroller tip: If you’re visiting smaller shops such as K POP Fancy, consider leaving the stroller behind if possible because some spaces can be tight.Check Fort Lee’s events calendar before your visit. The town hosts seasonal events such as Restaurant Week and FREE concerts, and checking the calendar can help families plan a visit around something special.
Peruse the aisles of K POP Fancy for plushies and collectibles.
What Are the Best Things To Do in Fort Lee with Kids?1. K POP Fancy
K POP Fancy is a fun stop for kids who love Pokémon, Kirby, K-pop, anime, plushies, and other pop-culture favorites. You’ll find plenty to browse, making it feel like a little treasure hunt. Insider tip: The shop can be tight, so consider leaving the stroller in the car.
Fort Lee’s connection to early American cinema makes the Barrymore Film Center a uniquely local attraction. The center features a cinema, a film museum, screenings, exhibitions, festivals, and other cultural programming. Insider tip: Check the schedule before visiting because programming changes throughout the year; this is especially fun for families with older kids who love movies.
3. PingPod
PingPod is a fully automated table tennis space that offers kids’ classes, camps, memberships, competitions, and birthday parties. It’s an easy way to get everyone moving and a great backup when rain ruins outdoor plans. Insider tip: Check the current schedule and age requirements before booking.
Housed in the historic Judge Moore House, the Fort Lee Museum gives families a closer look at the town’s past, including its Revolutionary War history, the George Washington Bridge, and local cultural history. Insider tip: This is a good shorter stop to pair with a walk through downtown rather than planning an entire day around it.
Mochinut’s sweet treats are a guaranteed kid-pleaser.
5. Mochinut
Mochinut is a fun place to stop for mochi doughnuts, Korean corn dogs, and bubble tea. The colorful treats and unusual flavors make this an easy win for kids who like trying something different. Insider tip: Grab a few doughnut flavors and share so everyone can sample.
6. TuniTuni
TuniTuni offers a story-themed play gym designed for children ages 13 months to 5 years old, with activities focused on physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Insider tip: This is one to save for toddlers and preschoolers who need a place to climb, move, and explore.
Fort Lee Historic Park offers acres of parkland for recreation from picnics to hiking.
What Are the Best Outdoor Activities in Fort Lee with Kids?7. Fort Lee Historic Park
Located within the Palisades Interstate Park system, Fort Lee Historic Park combines Revolutionary War history with scenic Hudson River and George Washington Bridge views. Families can explore the grounds, trails, picnic areas, and historic sites while enjoying the outdoors.
8. George Washington Bridge and Palisades
Even kids who aren’t interested in history will appreciate the scale of the George Washington Bridge and the views from the Palisades. It’s an easy way to add a memorable photo stop to a Fort Lee family outing.
The Palisades Interstate Park system offers miles of trails, shaded areas, wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Families should choose trails based on their children’s ages and abilities, particularly if bringing a stroller.
Pack a ball, chairs, and a blanket and head to the Ross Dock Picnic area where you can enjoy a nosh, then give kids some time to run around after eating.
Just outside Fort Lee in neighboring Leonia, Overpeck County Park has picnic areas, stroller-friendly paths, kayak and canoe rentals, and an amphitheater that hosts family events. Insider tip: It’s an easy add-on after lunch or brunch when the kids need to burn off some energy.
What Free Things Can Families Do in Fort Lee?12. Walk Through Downtown
Main Street and its surrounding areas offer shops, restaurants, murals, and a chance to experience Fort Lee’s lively community.
13. Attend an Event
Fort Lee hosts seasonal events, including Restaurant Week and FREE concerts, so it’s worth checking the calendar before you visit to see what’s happening.
Expose little diners to Asian specialties at Tsujita Asian Noodles, where dipping noodles are always a hit with kids.
What Are the Best Restaurants in Fort Lee for Kids?14. Tsujita Asian Noodles
If your family loves ramen, Tsujita is a must. The menu includes ramen and tsukemen, or dipping noodles, plus kid-friendly options, such as fried chicken and edamame. Insider tip: Don’t skip the yubu gyoza—and let the kids have fun dipping their noodles.
Soup Dumpling Plus is a fun family-friendly option for sharing soup dumplings and other Chinese dishes. It’s a great choice when you want a meal that lets everyone try a few different things.
16. So Kong Dong
This Korean restaurant is known for bubbling soft tofu stew and other Korean comfort foods. It’s a good option for families who want to introduce kids to Korean cuisine.
17. Shabu House
For families ready to try something different, hot pot turns dinner into an interactive experience, with everyone cooking ingredients at the table. Insider tip: Hot pot is especially fun with older kids who enjoy choosing and trying different ingredients.
Photos by the author