courtesy of angel madison
There’s plenty to do with your preschoolers this month since Halloween is right around the corner. Check out these low-scare attractions, jack o’lantern events and trunk or treat events for more seasonal goodness.
Oaks & Acorns at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
On Wednesday October 4 and 11, check out this nature class designed specifically for preschoolers and their parents at the Arboretum in Summit. There’s a new theme both weeks, and your kiddos can also explore the grounds, enjoy stories, crafts and play games together. Registration is required.
The Garden State Discovery Museum and Paws Discovery Farm are perfect places to celebrate the autumn season with your family. Hop on pony rides, decorate pumpkins, visit the petting zoo, try the moon bounce and definitely don’t miss the Puppy Patrol Meet & Greet. Make the drive to Cherry Hill October 7-8 for a paw-some good time.
Disney Junior’s Choo Choo Soul
On October 8, head to the Newton Theatre to board the train to Disney Junior’s Choo Choo Soul. Your kids can bop along to Genevieve and DC’s hip singing, beatboxing and breakdancing. There’ll be sing-alongs and plenty of crowd participation to get the audience involved.
Your smaller crew will love this live show featuring life-size puppets and costumed characters in the story of “Peppa Pig’s Surprise.” Kids can learn alongside Peppa and George who try to discover what Mummy and Daddy Pig’s big surprise is. There are two performances at 3 and 6 pm on October 9 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center.
If your little ones love fairy tales, don’t miss this classic at The Newton Theatre on October 15. This musical has enough humor and magic to entertain your tiny Disney lovers. Watch their faces as Princess Aurora wakes from Maleficent's spell. (Hint: if your kids love Descendants, this is the show for them.)
Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast at Alstede Farms
Try delicious pumpkin pancakes at Alstede Farms on October 29. Give your taste buds something to sing about at this all-you-can-eat breakfast (which includes eggs, sausage and bacon!), followed by a wagon ride with your little ones.
This free sugar-fueled event in Montvale is a safe and fun way for your brood to get their trick-or-treat on. There’ll be Halloween themed events and activities supervised by teachers. Deck out your trunk before driving to The Learning Experience on October 26.
For a hauntingly good time, head to UPAC’s Hamilton Theatre for a family-friendly haunt on October 28-29 at 1 or 3:30 pm. Once you make it through the haunted house, you’ll end up at the theater’s kid-friendly play “Which Witch is Which.”
Van Cortlandt Manor’s annual Blaze event is an annual tradition. Walk through a historic, 18th century riverside landscape with huge jack o’lantern displays. These pumpkins are carved into the most amazing displays: The State of Liberty, a 20-foot Pumpkin Carousel, a giant Sea Serpent and more. You’ll never look at pumpkin carving the same way, and neither will your kiddos, so make sure to grab tickets before they sell out.
Sesame Place Halloween Spooktacular
Throughout October, this family-friendly Spooktacular in Langhorne, PA has three different Halloween-themed shows, four Count von Count-themed mechanical rides and a Neighborhood Street Party Halloween Parade, which features ten floats. Bring your kids in their costumes for the Jack-O-Lantern Jump and check out the Halloween-themed lights at nighttime.
Visit the Field of Terror in East Windsor on the weekend (during the day) for festivities perfect for your little tot. Jump on a hayride to the pumpkin patch where your little ones can pick all the pumpkins their little hearts desire. Munch on caramel apples and sip on cider while enjoying autumn at this spook-free farm.
Thomas and Friends—Explore the Rails
Hit the Liberty Science Center and visit with your tot's favorite tank engine! This program introduces children to science, technology, engineering and math through fun activities and play. Kids can climb into Thomas’ cab and take the controls, make repairs to Percy in the Sodor Steamworks shop, dress up like a conductor, play at the Tot Spot and so much more.