With Halloween around the corner, it’s time to dress up the kids, leash up the pups, and head out to an early parade, fall fest, costume contest and more.
WEEKEND
Witches Night Out
Allentown
Thursday
This bewitching evening will focus on spectacularly decorated hats – plus strolling and shopping through the village.
Witches Night Out
Downtown Red Bank
Thursday
The pre-Halloween party kicks off at Amanda Jean NYC featuring 20 percent off the entire store, a free gift with purchase, Halloween snacks, and a DJ. Then, head over to Riverside Gardens Park for the Witch Dance led by Hedy Perna.
Campfire Tales
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
Thursday
Kids 6 and up will be treated to fall storytelling and spooky tales by the Princeton Storytelling Circle. You’ll get s’mores and hot cider around the firepit.
The Vampire Circus
NJPAC, Newark
Thursday
The show is a mix of circus cabaret and theater, using dance, acting and gymnastics. There will be jugglers, acrobats and clowns with a dark twist.
LuminoCity Dino Safari
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
Thursday – Saturday
This is the final weekend the kids can see life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs move their heads and tails, open their mouths and roar. There’s also a Dino Speedway, bounce zone, playground, safari dig, fossil hunt and Dino Carousel.
Tri State Sunflower Festival & Pumpkin Fest
Dalton Farms, Swedesboro
Thursday – Saturday
Daily activities include flower picking, a corn maze, a giant slide, a trike track, a playground area, a low ropes course, a pumpkin patch and fall photo ops. Weekend activities add a farmers market, live music, food vendors, a beer garden, and pedal boat rentals.
New Jersey Symphony: Disney’s Fantasia in Concert
Thursday: Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Saturday: Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank
Sunday: State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
Music from the original 1940 and updated 2000 Fantasia movie – including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and The Nutcracker Suite – will be performed by the New Jersey Symphony while the movie is shown on the big screen.
Montclair Film Festival
Montclair
Thursday – Monday
Watch film screenings, attend filmmaker Q&As, and join live convos and educational programs about the movies.
Celebrating Diwali
BAPS Swaminaryan Akshardham North America, Robbinsville
Thursday – Monday
There will be all-day festivities, including Shayona Café, special mahaprasad and a family unity abishek ceremony. Nighttime festivities include Diwali Diya experience, live traditional Indian music and Diwali Maha Arti in Nikanth Plaza.
Brite Nites
Wagner Farm Arboretum, Warren
Friday – Saturday
The 1/4-mile walking path transforms into a glowing display of hand-carved, LED-lit pumpkins, skeletons interacting with excavation equipment, spooktacular games, Halloween-themed photo ops and local food trucks.
Middlesex County 4-H Haunted House & Hayride
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, East Brunswick
Friday – Saturday
Choose either the haunted house or hayride, or both, in this fundraiser that supports 4-H youth in Middlesex County.
Pine Creek Railroad Halloween Train Rides
Pine Creek Railroad, Allaire State Park, Wall Twp.
Friday – Saturday
Hop on board for a Halloween train ride.
West Windsor’s Martian Weekend
West Windsor
Friday – Sunday
In 1938, Orson Welles made Grover’s Mill famous with his “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast that claimed Martians landed. Weekend activities include a scavenger hunt in the park, a trunk-or-treat, a historic bike ride, ham radio transmission, and a new play based on the broadcast’s legacy.
Dream Asia Food Fest
American Dream Lot 26, East Rutherford
Friday – Sunday
In addition to 90 Asian food vendors and 40 merchandise and craft vendors, there will be trick-or-treating for kids at every booth; live performances such as martial arts shows, lion dances, taiko drumming, and K-pop dance crews; and family workshops like pumpkin lantern decorating, mask-making, a Squid Game challenge and eating contests.
Pumpkin Days
Riamede Farm, Chester
Friday – Sunday
Pumpkin Days include a pumpkin patch, apple picking, hay wagon rides, live music, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Terror in the Junkyard
Fleming’s Junkyard, Egg Harbor Twp.
Friday – Sunday
Scullville Volunteer Fire Company will host a haunted hayride and maze.
Fall Funland at Harbaugh Village
Harbaugh Village, Mullica Hill
Friday – Sunday
Compete on the pedal car track, go sky high on the straw mountain, get lost in the corn maze and plunge down the mega slide.
Dog Days
Ocean City
Saturday – Sunday
Leashed dogs are allowed to walk the boardwalk. Saturday activities include dog-specific vendors along the boardwalk, photo-op stations, and the Humane Society of Ocean City’s “Pet of the Year” Announcement.
Lentini Farms Fall Festival
Lentini Farms, Newton
Saturday – Sunday
Haunted hayrides will take place every Friday and Saturday night. Food trucks, live bands, Angry Erik’s Brewery, Milk Street Distillery and O’Reilly’s Pub will be part of the entire season.
Etsch Farms Fall Festival & Corn Maze
Etsch Farms, Monroe Twp.
Saturday – Sunday
At the family-owned, fourth-generation farm, you can wander through the 8-acre corn maze. You can also take a hayride, meet the farm animals, sample apple cider donuts and slushies, and pick a pumpkin.
Autumn Leaf Pumpkin Train
Woodstown Central Railroad, Woodstown
Saturday – Sunday
After you ride the rails to Fenwick Grove, you’ll hop off for fall-themed games, pumpkin picking, and cider and donuts.
Black River and Western Railroad Pumpkin Train
Black River & Western Railroad, Ringoes/Flemington
Saturday-Sunday
Ride the train from Flemington Station to Everitt Farms to pick a pumpkin, explore the corn maze, take wagon rides, see sunflowers, and listen to music.
Fall Festival
Snyders Farm, Somerset
Saturday – Sunday
The events and roadside stand will reopen in late September when the fall season begins. There will be festivals, pumpkin and sunflower picking, a corn maze, music, food trucks and kids’ activities on October weekends.
The Great Pumpkin Train
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg
Saturday – Sunday
Ride along the Delaware River, then hop off at The Corn Maze/Susquehanna Mine (Snyders Station) and spend 2 hours panning for gemstones or going through the corn maze. Every train stops at the pumpkin patch on the way back.
Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck & Music Festival
Bradley Park, Asbury Park
Saturday – Sunday
Across from Convention Hall, the park will be set up with shopping, kids’ activities, costume contests, live music, pumpkin painting, a craft village, plus 20 or so gourmet food trucks.
Boo at the Boardwalk
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasant
Saturday – Sunday
Each day, activities include limited kiddie rides at the amusement park, face painting near the aquarium, trick-or-treating at eight different stops, Creepy Crawlers at the aquarium, and underwater pumpkin carving at the aquarium. On select dates, there will be additional spooky science shows, slime making and a magic show.
Boo at the Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Saturday – Sunday
Put on your favorite costume, bring a trick-or-treat bag, and visit the Trick-or-Tree House for a dance party and haybale maze, take a ride on the Boo Choo Train, compete at the Pumpkin Putt Putt mini golf course, join the costume parade, take a self-guided tour of the floral gardens, and watch as the animals eat from the pumpkin harvest.
Ascarium
New York Aquarium, Brooklyn, NY
Saturday – Sunday
“Spooktacular seaside fun” includes an interactive mural, digging for natural treasures, a “strange things” station, a mystery touch wall, lawn games, sea lion shows, face painting, storytelling, a costume parade, a spooky scavenger hunt, the Augusta Sea Lion’s Carnival of Aquatic Anomalies, and carnival games.
Boo at the Zoo
Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Saturday – Sunday
Aside from seeing 10,000 of your favorite animals, check out the new World of Darkness exhibit with nocturnal animals, Dinosaur Safari, Boo Dance Party, the pumpkin garden, a candy trail, shows in the wildlife theater, magic and mind reading, spooky stories, a costume parade, face painting, Halloween crafts, pumpkin carving demos, the trick-or-truth maze, the Boo Play Space, the Creepy Crawly Mystery Wall, the extinct animal graveyard, the Boo at the Zoo interactive mural, and a digital scavenger hunt.
FRIDAY
iPlay America’s Trick-or-Treat Around the Park Family Halloween Bash
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
The Witch Sisters will be part of the candy-grabbing fun, as kids in costumes can trick-or-treat around the park, then snap a photo inside The Bistro. The free event also includes an epic costume contest, a spooky candy trail, a free bag of candy and free Halloween photos.
Haunted Student Center
Chamberlain Student Center, Rowan University, Glassboro
The kids can go on a Halloween adventure led by Rowan University students during this annual spooktacular, which includes trick-or-treating, Halloween activities, and decorated rooms.
Stangl Witch Walk
Stangl Arts and Cultural District, Flemington
The event includes a Witch Walk, authentic German witches dance, a spooky dance party with an “Open Cauldron,” food trucks, a haunted house, costume contests, and the Within Spirit’s Moon Market.
Hammonton Drug Alliance Trunk-or-Treat
236 Bellevue Ave., Hammonton
Bring a bag big enough to collect candy from all the cars set up at this trunk-or-treat event.
Pickleball Event
Pickleball Kingdom, Hamilton
While playing pickleball, you’ll be supporting a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness.
Baby Walk
Hunterdon County Arboretum, Lebanon
The purpose is for you to get outside with your baby and explore your local trails. There will be some nature education geared toward the adults, and then you can enjoy the company of other parents. Older siblings are welcome, but the group will walk at the pace of the adults.
Pumpkin Fest
Main Street, Clinton
Work together as a family to paint, carve and illuminate a pumpkin. Then there will be a night of magic with Wanda the Wacky Witch, Tomas the Pumpkin Carver and more.
Hometown Halloween Parade
Palmer Square, Princeton
After the parade around the green, you can trunk-or-treat when you reach the YMCA; inside, there will be a screening of Monsters, Inc.
Pumpkin Plunge
Five Star Swim School, Deptford
After the kids swim with 10-pound floating pumpkins, they can dry off, change into their Halloween costume, paint a pumpkin, and have some Halloween snacks.
Haunted Halloween Party
Paramus Public Library, Paramus
Kick off Halloween Week by visiting the Haunted Library, which will be packed with ghouls, treats, and ghosts. Wear your costume and do some early trick-or-treating.
Screening of Hocus Pocus
ResilienCity Park, Hoboken
Bundle up for an outdoor screening of the 1993 movie, and enter your already decorated pumpkin in the “Best Pumpkin Art” contest.
SATURDAY
Step Afrika!
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
Stomp along as performers “step” to the beat, blending percussive dance traditions from historically Black fraternities and sororities, traditional African dance, and contemporary movement.
Fall Foliage Walk
Echo Hill Park, Flemington
During this one-mile walk, you will learn about trees and how they make their colors. You will also look for fall wildflowers and signs of animals.
Fall Foliage Hayrides & Baseball
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Take a hayride around the farm pulled by the workhorses, then cheer on the players during a vintage game of baseball.
Kids’ Halloween Brunch Party
The Shannon Rose Irish Pub, Clifton and Ramsey
Bring the little ones for a costume contest, raffle prizes, and spooky crafts.
Spooktacular Event
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Fun and spooky activities include slime making, spooky puzzles, games and a trick-or-treat costume parade.
Haunted Downtown
Downtown Metuchen
To mark the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future, there will be roaming dinosaurs, a costume parade, DJ music, the DeLorean car and beloved Back to the Future characters.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Halloween Lemon Run & 5K
Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA
Runners, walkers, families and dogs are invited to take part in this fundraiser for childhood cancer research. Costumes are encouraged.
Sensory-Friendly Trunk-or-Treat
Bierman Autism Centers, Princeton
Kids ages 2–9 who have autism can come dressed in costume (along with their siblings and parents) to collect candy at decorated car trunks. There will be crowd, noise and blinking light control; along with sensory-aware spaces for kids and their families to take a break. Face painting, games and crafts will also be available.
Humane Society of Ocean City Howl-O-Ween Parade
Sports & Civic Center, Ocean City
Dress up yourself and your pooch in fun Halloween costumes and march down the boardwalk.
Brew a Potion Day
ArtWorks, Trenton
Mark the end of National Chemistry Week by mixing garden ingredients and bubbles in a cauldron. Bring a wand or wizard gear.
Pumpkin Extravaganza
Pine Street, Millville
There will be a trunk-or-treat, pumpkin decorating, face painting, balloon twisting, hair tinseling, games, music, and food discounts.
Halloween Spooktacular
Pier Village, Long Branch
Start by trick-or-treating around Pier Village. Other spooky but friendly activities include a spooky bubble show, Boogie Down with DJ JoJo, psychic and tarot card readings, and a Spooky Makers artisan market.
The Skeleton Run
Fort Athletic Club, Fort Monmouth
Wear a costume, or every runner gets their own skeleton suit. After crossing the finish line, you can get a drink (alcoholic or not) at Baseline Social or Birdsmouth Brewing. Ocean Avenue Stompers will perform.
Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat
Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, Pluckemin
There will be a balloon artist, bounce house, basket raffle, carnival games, The Batmobile, a pumpkin patch and trick-or-treating.
HalloWheaton
WheatonArts, Millville
As you explore the arts campus in costume, you can trick-or-treat, watch the Mystic Realms actors perform, visit the Museum of American Glass, stop into the Down Jersey Folklife Center, watch live demos in the Artist Studios, and compete in a campus-wide scavenger hunt.
North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Block Party
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
Decorate your car for Halloween so you can hand out candy to trick-or-treaters – and let your kids go from car to car, too. There will also be music, magic shows, balloon twisting.
Greater Wildwood Elks Halloween Haunted House
Greater Wildwoods Elks Lodge 1896, North Wildwood
As you walk through the haunted house experience your kids will be able to trick-or-treat.
Eldrador Concept Shop Launch
Toys R Us, American Dream, East Rutherford
See the life-sized animatronic Shadow Hound, play at the digital kiosk, and check out the Battle Cave Arena diorama. There will be live demos, hands-on play experiences, and a variety of activities based on the Eldrador creatures.
Poe Readings Around the Campfire
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
This all-ages storytime around the campfire includes readings of “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart” written by Edgar Allen Poe, read by a retired elementary school teacher. You’ll roast marshmallows and drink hot chocolate while also learning about the Common Raven and the Turkey Vulture, part of the stories.
Touch-a-Truck
Gloucester Premium Outlets, Blackwood
The vehicle showcase includes emergency vehicles, construction machinery, utility trucks, fire trucks, police cruisers, excavators and bulldozers – with opportunities to climb in, activate lights, honk horns, and even operate some of the controls. Meet local heroes from the Gloucester Township Fire and Police Department, and grab something to eat at the Food Truck Experience.
Monster Mash & Jack-o’Lantern Contest
Hall of Records, Freehold Borough
The night includes games, prizes, music, face painting and a jack-o’lantern contest.
Pumpkin Plunge
Five Star Swim School, Eatontown and East Hanover
After the kids swim with 10-pound floating pumpkins, they can dry off, change into their Halloween costume, paint a pumpkin, and have some Halloween snacks.
No. 95 Candles Alzheimer’s Charity Night
18 Label Studio, Montclair
Princeton residents Melyssa Murray, founder of NO. 95 Candles, and her husband James “Murr” Murray, from Impractical Jokers, will hold an all-inclusive, family-friendly event to raise money for Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. Each ticket includes appetizers, drinks, desserts, a DJ and dancing, a first look at No. 95 products, a live auction and a raffle.
Beyond Pink Gallery
MarketFair, Princeton
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the art show pop-up will benefit the YWCA Princeton’s Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC). The gallery features original works inspired by survivors, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, and mixed media pieces.
Origins of Halloween Night Hike
The Watershed Institute, Pennington
Step onto a lantern-lit trail and journey through an ancient Irish folktale. Along the path, live costumed characters will bring the story of Stingy Jack to life – a trickster who inspired the very first jack-o’lantern. Open to families with kids 5 and up.
Monster Bash Zombie Walk
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Join the area’s largest Zombie Walk. Vendors and music will be available throughout the day. The “walk” begins at night – show up ready in full costume or there will be makeup artists on site.
Storytime with Adama Wiggan: The Crayon That Cried
The Book House, Millburn
Children’s book author Adama Wiggan will lead storytime. Kids will meet a crayon who learns big lessons about feelings, self-expression, and friendship. There will be a short activity to spark creativity.
The Vampire Circus
State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick
The show is a mix of circus cabaret and theater, using dance, acting and gymnastics. There will be jugglers, acrobats and clowns with a dark twist.
Downtown Hammonton Trick-or-Treat
Central Avenue, Hammonton
Spend the afternoon walking from business to business, asking for goodies.
Modern Muscle Car Invasion
New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville
Trophies will be awarded to the most impressive modern muscle machines.
Ocean Grove Halloween Event
Main Avenue, Ocean Grove
Trick-or-treat at local businesses downtown, stop by the Main Avenue Galleria for craft making, and pop into the photo booth. Dogs are welcome in costume, too.
Haunted Tonight
Plainsboro Preserve, Plainsboro
Kick off the evening with a lively costume parade, where ghosts, witches, superheroes and princesses take center stage. Then, enjoy a night filled with Halloween games, a Trick-or-Treat Village, a pumpkin patch, a hayride, not-so-scary stories, and spooky crafts.
Walk Together Against Domestic Violence
Van Saun County Park, Paramus
The Center for Hope & Safety will hold a family-friendly 3K walk in support of domestic violence prevention and survivor services. During the 10th anniversary walk you should wear purple, form teams, and bring signs of support.
Halloween Costume Skate
Ocean City Skate Park, Ocean City
At dusk, skateboarders are invited to skate in costume. There will be contests for best costume and best trick, plus candy for all skaters.
Trunk-or-Treat in Cranford
Gray Funeral Home, Cranford
First Presbyterian Church of Cranford will set up the event in the neighboring parking lot, geared toward preschool-aged kids, with tons of free candy, music and bubbles.
Breakfast Booffet
Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, Galloway
After filling up buffet items like eggs, pancakes, waffles and muffins, stay for free candy, a costume contest and a photo booth.
SUNDAY
Trail & Treat
Lawrence Hopewell Trail, Lawrenceville
This spooktacular bike ride for kids ages 2-12 has two different trails: there is a one-mile, candy-filled ride for kids 6 and older, and a 1/4-mile loop for kids under 6 to collect their treats. Children and parents are encouraged to dress in costume, and decorate their bikes, scooters, skates and strollers. There will also be face painting, crafts, and music.
Giants Foundation 5K and Kids Run
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Runners will follow the track from the MetLife Sports Complex, around the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, to the Giants end zone inside MetLife Stadium. Kids age 7 and up can sign up for the 1-Mile Fun Run. Kids 6 and younger can opt for the 100-yard dash. After the races, stay for a party with NY Giants legends, a live DJ and a performance by the G-Line.
Downtown Does Broadway
Main Street, Downtown Metuchen
Broadway performers from shows such as Hamilton, Wicked, Merrily We Roll Along, and others will be performing, signing autographs and mingling with fans. Several local businesses will offer specials throughout the day.
Dreamworks Gabby’s Dollhouse Live
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a color cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colors again to set things right. Through puppets, colorful sets and sing-alongs, the TV show comes to life in a stage show.
Halloween Party
Carnegie Diner & Cafe, Secaucus
Bring all the kids in their costumes for photo ops, face painting, animal balloons, and we’re sure they’ll be asking for the OMG 24 Layer Chocolate Cake, or the over-the-top Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich Crazy Shake.
The Rock & Roll Playhouse Halloween Party
White Eagle Hall, Jersey City
This rockin’ Halloween party for kids invites them to sing and dance in costume to music from the Eddie Testa Band, including Bruce Springsteen covers.
Halloween Extravaganza
MarketFair, Princeton
The first 500 kids in costume will get a goodie bag and a ticket to the pumpkin decorating station. There will also be face painting, arts & crafts, music by mr. Ray, and treats.
Villains’ Halloween Costume Party
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
The most “mischievous” villains are taking over as judges for the ultimate costume contest, after you go trick-or-treating through the arcade.
Halloween Parade
Hopewell Train Station, Hopewell
The Hopewell Fire Co. sponsors the yearly Halloween parade. After, members of the Hopewell Public Library will host a Halloween-themed extravaganza in Hopewell Park Gazebo. Come in costume for a spooky read-aloud.
Costume Parade
Downtown Freehold
Dress up in your favorite costume and come to the Freehold Raceway parking lot on Manalapan Avenue to enter the costume contest and march in the parade. Everyone else can line the streets and watch the marchers go by.
Pumpkin Plunge
Five Star Swim School, East Brunswick and Princeton
After the kids swim with 10-pound floating pumpkins, they can dry off, change into their Halloween costume, paint a pumpkin, and have some Halloween snacks.
Spooky Spiotta
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Bring the kids for a costume contest, an interactive obstacle course, themed games, trick-or-treat stations, plus face painting and fairy hair from SOMA Pop Party.
Witches Day Out
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Wear your witch’s hat and enter the hat contest at the Smithville Inn. Stop into the 50 shops with your hat for extra promos.
Trick-or-Treat Trail & Costume Contest
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
Enter the costume contest or visit the six candy stops outside of the Great Pumpkin Festival.
Pumpkin Plunge
Five Star Swim School, East Brunswick
After the kids swim with 10-pound floating pumpkins, they can dry off, change into their Halloween costume, paint a pumpkin, and have some Halloween snacks.
Haunting in the Pines
Batsto Theatre inside Batsto Village, Hammonton
Wear your costume for a variety of Halloween treats, games and pony rides.
Children’s Entrepreneur Market
The Shoppes at Lafayette, Lafayette
Let your little ones showcase their entrepreneurial spirit by setting up their own booths and selling their handmade crafts, treats and unique creations.
Share the Warmth: Halloween Extravaganza
MarketFair, Princeton
Donate a coat and then the kids can join in pumpkin decorating, face painting, arts & crafts, music and treats.
Harvest Homecoming
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
See broom-making and corn-shelling demos, ask the carpenter and blacksmith what they’re doing, learn about woodworking, make a scarecrow, pick out a pumpkin to decorate, taste test apples, and come in costume for the Treat Trail.
The Cider Barn Band
Wortendyke Barn Museum, Park Ridge
The final performance of the Music at the Barn 2025 series features local bluegrass legends Kenny Kosek, Barry Mitterhof, Joe Selly, Marty Cutler, and Marty Confurius.
Bazaar Fall Festival
Whitechapel Projects, Long Branch
There will be Halloween vibes with a pet costume contest, the Haunted Halloween Dome, vendor shopping, trick-or-treating, face painting, a fall photo wall, a fall menu and craft beers. Join a Fall Sea Glass Art Sip & Paint Workshop, a pop-up mobile bookstore, a DJ set by Mike Chick from Yawn Mower.
Ultimo Domingo: Dia de los Muertos
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
The “Last Sunday” festival will celebrate the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday through bilingual activities.
Halloween Parade, Costume Contest & Pumpkin Chunkin’
Cranford Community Center, Cranford
After the costume contest is broken down by age group, the parade travels through Downtown Cranford, followed by the Pumpkin Chunkin if the weather holds out.
Not-So-Spooky Haunted Forest
Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly
Explore a magical forest full of live creatures, cozy campfires, critter crafts and fall games. There will be live animals, games and crafts. Dress up as your favorite nocturnal animal.
YMCA Tot Trot and Fall Festival
St. Joseph High School, Metuchen
Open to all athletes – from crawlers to age 12 – the Tot Trot is a fundraiser supporting child care scholarships for families in need. In addition to the running races, there will be a bounce house, carnival games, face painting, games and local vendors.
All-Ages Folk Dance
Princeton Friends School, Princeton
Learn the steps to square dances, contra dances, party games, other traditional American dances, and folk dances from around the world.
Chestnut Hill Halloween Pet Parade
Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA
Halloween on the Hill includes a pet parade with adorable pups and their proud owners dressed up for Halloween.
Fall Festival
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, PA
Trick-or-treat inside the penitentiary, then explore Eastern State’s history during a special scavenger hunt designed with children and their caregivers in mind. There will be storytime, hands-on activities, art making, and a performance by Philly Elmo and the Positive Movement Drumline.
ONGOING
Haunted Car Wash
Team Car Wash, Westfield
October 17-18, 24-25, 30
Teens from Play Theater, a performing arts program for kids in Union County, will dress up in creepy costumed characters and spook you while you wait in line. You’ll listen to Halloween-themed audio while your car gets washed.
Halloween in Haddon Twp.
Haddon Avenue, Haddon Twp.
October 23-25, 30
The Spirit Trail on October 23 takes place at different bars and restaurants along Haddon Avenue, where you can talk to a reader during Almost Friday Happy Hour. On October 24 and 25, the Haunted Haddon Market is a family-friendly night packed with vendors, crafty activities, a DJ, a pumpkin patch, a s’mores station, fire pits, a photo booth, and costumed pets. Also on Saturday, the Halloween Pub Crawl takes place at night for adults. October 30 is the Westmont Lions Club Parade; at the end of the route, the celebration continues with a DJ and dance party.
Clean & Scream
Hopewell Valley Car Wash, Pennington
October 23-26, 30-31
The Ghostbusters of NJ will try to take down some of the ghosts lurking around the car wash.
The Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy: Chapter 2
October 23 – 25 at The Woman’s Club in Ridgewood
November 6-8 at Newark Symphony Hall in Newark
November 13-15 at the Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City
Sip your way through four eerie Poe tales acted out on stage, each paired with a cocktail to match the vibe.
Dracula’s Lair Haunted House
Mill Ballet School, New Hope, PA
October 24, 25 and 31; November 1
This is part live dance theater performance, part haunted attraction. You’ll start by wandering through a torch-lit haunted trail, and then sit down in the theater for a Halloween ballet performance.
Brookdale’s Haunted Theater
Brookdale Performing Arts Center, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
October 24-26, 30, and November 1-2
The indoor, self-guided maze is built by more than 100 Brookdale students, faculty, alumni and community members. You’ll be screaming as you wander through pitch-black passages, immersive set designs and eerie special effects. If you don’t want to jump scares, consider taking a daytime, lights-on behind-the-scenes tour of the sets on October 26 or November 2.
Halloween Events at Peddler’s Village
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
October 24-31
The Deadly Silent Disco Party for adults is October 24, while a kid-friendly party, Slightly Batty Halloween Wing-Ding, is October 25. During Trick-or-Treat in the Village on October 26, kids in costume can receive free candy from five locations. If you visit Hart’s Tavern from October 27 to 31, anyone in costume will get discounted Halloween-themed drinks and apps.
Fall Harvest Festival
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
October 24-26, October 31 to November 2
There will be pumpkins, wagon rides to the farm fields, seasonal treats, interactive living history interpreters, tours of the historic buildings, live music by the Sawmill Run Old Time String Band, children’s crafts, goodies inside the gift shop, and BBQ fusion-inspired cuisine from Beastro. You can also explore the nearby Cornelius Low House Museum.
Screamline Haunted Car Wash
Streamline Car Wash, Rockaway
Fridays – Saturdays, through October 25; October 31 and November 1 TBD
Stay in your car and get an actual car wash while costumed zombies and clowns pop out from every angle. The live actors, light displays, smoke machines and animatronics are meant to spook you.
Laurita Winery Food Truck Festivals
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
October 25-26: HalloWine
November 8-9: Jeep Festival
November 15-16: Chili & Chowder Festival
Bring everyone in the family for live music, fire pits, face painting, a vineyard wagon tour, playgrounds for the kids, cornhole, pony rides, u-pick flowers and pumpkins, and of course food trucks and wine.
All-Ages Folk Dances
Suzanne Patterson Center, Princeton
2025: October 26 (note: this dance will be held at Princeton Friends School, 470 Quaker Rd., Princeton), November 23
2026: January 25, February 22, March 22, April 19
Open to everyone from age 4 to 104, the options include square dances, contra dances, party games, traditional American dances, and folk dances from around the world. The music will be played by the Mixed Age Dance Band, and you can join the group at a rehearsal before the dancing begins.
Halloween at Marcus Live!
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, American Dream, East Rutherford
October 27-31
Make a reservation for dinner from Monday to Thursday and you’ll get to watch two Halloween movies during a double feature. On Halloween night, a Haunted Vibes party includes festive food, drinks and music.
Disney on Ice: Jump In!
Prudential Center, Newark: October 29 – November 2
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City: November 7-9
Catch characters from Moana 2, Inside Out 2, Toy Story, Encanto, Zootopia and Frozen skate around. There will be a special festive holiday sing-along with Olaf. You can add on a meet-and-greet with Moana. On Halloween, come in costume for a special show.
Scarecrow Festival
Hillsborough Twp.
Through October 29
Residents, organizations and businesses will decorate their buildings with scarecrows, which you can view in the streets during Halloween time.
Fall Fest on the Delaware River Waterfront
Cherry Street Pier and Spruce Street Harbor Park, Philadelphia, PA
Select dates, through October 31
Autumn-themed activities include art exhibitions and studio tours, Villains Day cosplay party, scary movie screenings, Super Game Day, a Taste of the Philippines, a Halloween party, Summerween Weekend, and Tails and Ales.
Halloween Light Show
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Select dates, through October 31
Known for its Orchard of Lights at Christmastime, the Halloween Light Show is a family-friendly drive-through of 32 acres around the farm. After, park your car near the farm market for fall goodies.
Red Wagon Farm Fall Activities
136 Applegarth Rd., Monroe
Thursdays to Sundays, through Halloween
Activities include pumpkin picking, hayrides, farm animals, redneck basketball, a giant swing set, axe throwing, tic tac toe, checkers, rock hunt, cornhole, tug of war, bowling, a tire mountain, ring toss, Connect 4 and Jenga.
Fall Harvest Days
Norz Hill Farm, Hillsborough
Through October 31
There are farm tours, corn mazes, a kids’ corner, food, and a scenic pumpkin patch.
Harvest Glow
The Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Through October 31
Although the animals won’t be viewable at night, the nighttime Halloween spectacular features a trail of 5,000 hand-carved, animal-themed jack-o’-lanterns, Dinosaur Safari, pumpkin carving demos, games, face painting, illuminated characters, shows in the Wildlife Theater, photo ops and food trucks.
Indian Acres Tree Farm Fall Activities
Indian Acres Tree Farm, Medford
Daily, through October 31
There will be pumpkin picking, a giant sorghum maze with 40 scarecrows to find, Boo Buddies Maze with 19 kid-friendly scarecrows, a Ghoul Gang Maze with 21 “slightly scary” scarecrows, weekends-only barrel train rides, a free play area, live music, visits with goats and alpacas, grilled food, and apple cider donuts.
Monsterville
Merchantville
Through October 31
Halloween activities include holiday markets, a costume swap, a haunted house, a mystery fair, the Monster Mash, a Zombie Run, a haunted walking tour, and Halloween night trick-or-treating.
Harvest Moon Nights
Alstede Farms, Chester
Fridays – Saturdays, through November 1
After going through the corn maze, take a leisurely hayride through the fields, then have some snacks by the campfire. There will be locally crafted hard ciders from Ironbound Hard Cider.
Corn Maze, Hayrides & Pumpkin Adventures
Abma’s Farm, Wyckoff and Hillsborough
Select dates, through November 1
Depending on the location, there will be morning yoga, music classes, tractor time, spooky storytime, a Halloween dance party, a corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking.
Maple Leaf Farms Fall Fun Fest
Maple Leaf Farms, Manalapan
Weekends, through November 1; plus Monday, October 13
Classic autumn adventures include hayrides through the farm, a sprawling corn maze, a festive pumpkin village, train rides, farm animal encounters, outdoor games, playgrounds, and interactive attractions for kids of all ages. There are live bull riding shows and pig races scheduled throughout each day.
Jacks & Lights
Argos Farm, Forked River
Select dates, through November 2
Included in admission are the lighted pumpkin trail, the pumpkin patch, a flashlight maze, access to fall treats and the Spook-Easy, and photo ops.
Von Thun Farms’ Fall Festival
Von Thun Farms, Washington Twp.
Saturday – Sunday, through November 2; plus school closure days
Come to the farm for apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, cider donuts, apple blasters, corn cannons, other kids’ activities, and a new Sesame Street-themed corn maze.
Fright Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure Resort, Jackson Twp.
Select dates, through November 2
Start in the daytime at Kids Boo Fest, a not-so-scary Halloween event with trick-or-treating, silly performances and fall photo ops. At night, dare to be scared inside movie-themed haunted houses, scare zones and themed performances.
GLOW Spooky Speedway
Through November 2
Take a light-filled journey as you figuratively drive along Route 66. Expect glowing pumpkins, ghosts and witches, all brought to life by thousands of synchronized lights.
Shades of Autumn Fall Foliage Tours
Port Imperial, Weehawken
Saturdays – Sundays, through November 2
NY Waterway offers two- and four-hour boat tours along the Hudson River so you can see the beautiful fall foliage in addition to the awesome NYC skyline. You’ll get food and drinks on board, plus a tour guide will point out historical sites along the way.
Fintastic Pumpkin Glow
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through November 2
The aquarium’s fall festival puts glowing gourds of every shape, size and species both above the surface and deep below the sharks and stingrays. As part of the themed activities, you can paint and take home your own personalized pumpkin masterpiece.
Halloween House
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
Deptford Mall, Deptford
Daily through November 2
This indoor experience transports you into a movie-based Halloween world that is more creative than scary. Each of the 10 rooms you walk through has a different scene, like the Beetlejuice Illusion Room, Glow Room, Halloweentown and Trick-or-Treat Room.
Happy Day Farm Fall Festival
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
Select dates, through November 2
There’s a little bit of everything you love about fall here: sunflower and pumpkin picking, corn cannon and pumpkin blaster, animal zoo and pony rides, a real corn maze and an inflatable corn maze, pig races and a bee barn, pumpkin bowling and a spider web climb, and many more kid-friendly activities.
Great Pumpkin Festival
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
Select dates, through November 2
There will be 35+ fall-themed attractions, plus food, games, a hayride to the pumpkin patch, an Alice in Wonderland-themed corn maze, farm animals and pig races, a dog show, a giant slingshot, a straw pyramid and a baseball speed through. For an additional fee, take the kids to the carnival ride area, apple cannon, paintball range and gem mining.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
Sesame Place Philadelphia, Langhorne, PA
Select dates, through November 2
Sesame Street- and Halloween-themed activities include a castle maze, stage performance, trick-or-treating, costume contests, Halloween parade, pumpkin decorating, character shows, Halloween storytime, and a special Halloween dining op.
Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays, through November 2
In the wine orchard among 100-year-old apple trees, have a glass of wine, listen to live music from local artists, snack on food, shop in the farm store, or take a stroll with the kids on the farm.
Halloween Haunt
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown, PA
Fridays – Saturdays, through November 1
Additional Sundays: October 12, 19 and 26, and November 2
There are seven haunted mazes, separate scare zones, access to the theme park’s 60 rides, musical stage shows, and seasonal food and drinks.
Hoboken Art Month
Throughout Hoboken
Through November 3
Highlights include a storefront art walk with a docent-led tour, Jazz on the Hudson, a public print event where families can squeegee their own hand-cut print on paper, storytelling, a lace exhibit, a screening of “Hocus Pocus,” a walking tour of Hoboken art studios, pop-up markets, musical performances, an improv workshop, hat making and pottery building.
Halloween Nights
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, PA
Select nights, through November 8
The ten-acre former prison site is transformed for Halloween with five haunted houses, historic tours, themed bars, live entertainment, and more. There’s an outdoor scare zone, food and drink vendors, a lineup of characters from Shadow of the Veil, and the ability to “opt in” to access hidden passageways.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
Select dates, through November 9
This will be the final season of the dino-themed park, which has 30 life-sized dinosaurs, a bounce house, live musical shows, meetings with paleontologists and science shows.
Fall Theatre Season
All Children’s Art Center of New Jersey, Denville
Select dates, through November 26
ACACNJ’s fall productions include Aladdin, Camp Rock, The Sound of Music Jr., Shrek Jr., and The SpongeBob Musical.
Terhune Orchards Fall Art Show
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Through December 7
This year’s exhibit honors the Mount family with the theme “50 Years of Terhune Orchards.” Displayed inside the 250-year-old red barn, the art showcases original works inspired by the farm’s landscape, history and community over the past five decades.
Fall Planetarium Shows
Longo Planetarium, County College of Morris, Randolph
Select dates, through December 13
There are three shows to choose from: Cosmic Colors takes you on a journey across the entire electromagnetic spectrum; in Messengers of Time and Space, you can get an in-depth look at how large telescopes are mapping the universe and patrolling the sky for supernovas; or take a live tour of the night sky in Starlit Nights. All shows include a tour of the night sky and planets.
Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports in Middlesex County
Cornelius Low House Museum, Piscataway
Select dates through December 31
Middlesex County’s sports connections include the first-ever college football game played between Rutgers University and Princeton University; professional athletes and Olympians, Paralympians, and Special Olympians. You will see high school trophies from the 1930s to the present, NFL golden footballs for pro athletes, balls from the highest-scoring high school athletes, uniforms from the 1930s to the present, and more.
Springsteen in Long Branch: An exhibition telling the story of Born to Run
Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center, Long Branch
Ongoing through 2026
Fifty years ago, Bruce Springsteen wrote the “Born to Run” album in West End, Long Branch. A new exhibit showcases his life at the Jersey Shore through photos, posters, album promo materials and mementos – like his green drum set from his first band, and a replica of the guitar used on the album cover.
SUE The T. Rex Experience
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 25, 2026
The world’s most complete, most well-preserved T. rex skeleton is making a stop at LSC so you can see her bones, hear her growl and smell her breath (seriously!). There will be fossils on display, projection mapping of other prehistoric creatures, and a life-sized fleshed-out replica to show what the creature’s life was like in the Cretaceous era.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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Fall Fun in New Jersey
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