It’s spooky season in New Jersey and we’re here for it. Get your Halloween on at these events in and around the Garden State:
Thursdays – Sundays, September 25 – October 31
Harvest Glow
Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Follow an animal-themed illuminated Jack O’ Lantern Trail, explore Dinosaur Safari at night, and enjoy live pumpkin carving, the Wildlife Theater and new games for the season. Note: The animal exhibits will not be open at nighttime.
Saturdays – Sundays, September 27 – October 26
Boo at the Zoo
Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
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.
Throughout October
AddamsFest
Westfield
Charles Addams, creator of The Addams Family, was a Westfield resident, so every year the town goes all out to celebrate Halloween with events like a heritage trail tour, Ouija fun, Family Fun Day, tours of the Addams house, a full moon gathering and a house decorating contest.
Fall Fest on the Delaware River Waterfront
Cherry Street Pier and Spruce Street Harbor Park, Philadelphia, PA
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.
Monsterville
Merchantville
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 Glow
The Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
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.
Fridays – Saturdays, October 3-25
Screamline Haunted Car Wash
Streamline Car Wash, Rockaway
Stay in your car and get an actual car wash while costumed zombies and clowns pop out from every angle. The live actors, lights displays, smoke machines and animatronics are meant to spook you. October 31 and November 1 TBD
October 4
Hamm-O-Ween: A Night of Art and Mischief
Horton Street, Hammonton
There will be a pop-up vendor market, a performance by Allegory Dance Theatre, mesmerizing acts from Mary Macabre and the Lady White Rat, an epic costume contest, freaky photo ops, games, and interactive art installations.
October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26
The Great Pumpkin Train
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg
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.
October 5, 11 and 12
The Pumpkin Patch Train
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
After each pumpkin train ride, kids with valid tickets can pick out a free kid-sized pumpkin and a pumpkin decorating kit.
October 9-12
The Amazing Pumpkin Carve
Woolsey Park, Pennington
Giant pumpkins will be carved by artists inside the big top tent. There will be live music at the new bandshell, storytellers around fire pits on the weekend, a new beer garden, a kid’s haybale play area, and mini pumpkin painting.
October 10
Spooky Stories by Candlelight
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
You (and maybe your teens) will travel back in time as your guide talks about ghastly tales from Montclair’s history – like spooky ghosts, unsolved murders and gruesome deaths.
October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25
Brite Nites
Wagner Farm Arboretum, Warren
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.
October 11
Family Saturday: Halloween
Alice Paul Center for Gender Justice, Mt. Laurel
The not-so-spooky Halloween event will include historical fortune-telling games, Halloween-themed crafts, and a presentation on the traditions of tarot cards.
October 11-13, 18-19, 25-26
Boo at the Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
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.
Select dates, October 11-26
Ascarium
New York Aquarium, Brooklyn, NY
“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.
Select dates, October 11 – November 2
Brookdale’s Haunted Theater
Brookdale Performing Arts Center, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft
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 12 and 26, or November 2.
October 12
The Vampire Circus
Levoy Theatre, Millville
Not your ordinary circus, this version is a mix of Tim Burton and Cirque Du Soleil, taking you on a trip to the Underworld with vampires, acrobats, contortionists, creepy clowns and jugglers.
October 14, 17-18, 24-25, 30
Haunted Car Wash
Team Car Wash, Westfield
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.
October 16-18
Haunting Melodies
Middlesex College, Edison
In this seance set to music, students from Middlesex College’s Visual, Performing, and Media Arts Department will sing songs from The Nightmare Before Christmas, Into the Woods, The Little Mermaid, Beetlejuice, and other Broadway and American Songbook that are spooky and scary.
October 17
Mystery on High
Village on High, Millville
The game of Clue starts at Glasstown Plaza. Other activities include ghost stories, crafts, face painting, balloon twisting, a costume contest, henna tattoos, hair tinseling, tarot card readings, games and music.
Haunted Halloween: Gangsters, Bootleggers, Mafia, Oh My!
Casciano Coffee Bar and Sweetery, Hammonton
The family-friendly ghost tour takes you and the kids to four stops around town. The Prohibition Era-themed event shares tales of Al Capone and Nucky Johnson. There will be period-inspired music, roaming performers, and free snacks at each of the stops.
Evesham Twp. Police Department Trunk-or-Treat
Savich Field, Marlton
There will be a trunk contest, candy, music, a bonfire, and trick-or-treating around the parking lot.
October 17-19
Halloween Playfest
West Windsor Branch of Mercer County Library System, Princeton Jct.
Four original short plays were written by librarian Michael Kerr: “The Student of the Year;” “The House of Haunted;” “Andrew;” and “The Strange Misadventures of Miss Anna Logg.”
Zoo Boo
Bergen County Zoo, Paramus
The event includes Halloween thrills, plus the train (friendly and scary versions) and carousel.
October 17-19, 23-26, 30-31
Clean & Scream
Hopewell Valley Car Wash, Pennington
The Ghostbusters of NJ will try to take down some of the ghosts lurking around the car wash.
October 17-18
A Wicked Walk at Weis
New Weis Center, Ringwood
Friday – Saturday
Visit the haunted cabins and make your way through a spooky forest trail; then finish with ghost stories around a campfire with s’mores.
Haunted Historical Candlelight Trail
Long Pond Ironworks, Hewitt
Come early for a family-friendly experience with no jump scares, where you’ll take a guided tour and learn about the tales of the woods. The spooky stuff later on includes witches, ghosts, mad scientists and creepy nurses waiting to scare you at every turn.
October 18
Creepy Jeepy
Cape May County Park & Zoo, Cape May Court House
Halloween fun – especially for Jeep lovers – includes decorated vehicles, trunk-or-treating, costume contests, food vendors, and admission to the zoo.
Costume Pet Parade
Historic Smithville, Galloway
More than 100 pets will show off their unique Halloween costumes as they walk around the village.
Pumpkin Plunge
Five Star Swim School, Galloway and Cherry Hill
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.
Costume Pet Parade
Historic Smithville, Galloway
Dress up your pup, or see all the cuteness walking around the village shops.
Enchanted Halloween Trail
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
The trail will include five not-so-scary stations, where you will learn interesting facts about the creepy critters you encounter.
Haunted Hopewell
Woolsey Park, Titusville
There will be trick-or-treating, games, crafts, a photo spot, a DJ, and tons of Halloween fun for kids.
Sensory-Friendly Trunk-or-Treat
Bierman Autism Centers, Berkeley Heights and Ramsey
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.
Long Branch Fall Festival & Pooch Parade
Pier Village, Long Branch
Dress up your dog for the costume parade. Then stay for lots of music all day, a pumpkin carving demo, bracelet making, face painting and henna, inflatable rides, trick-or-treating around the shops and vendor tables, pet massages, seasonal treats, psychic readings, and a photo with Sparky from the Long Branch Fire Department.
Spooktacular Event
Goldfish Swim School, Princeton
Start out in costume, because the staff will have decorated trunks and give out lots of candy. After collecting treats, hop into the pool for a family swim.
Spooky Splash Trunk-or-Treat
Goldfish Swim School, Mt. Laurel
Mingle with other families and vendors, then head inside for snacks, crafts, and open swim. You can also attend without swimming.
Halloween Carnival & Trunk-or-Treat Car Show
Nanuet Town Centre, Nanuet, NY
Take a break from shopping and head outside for free games, stilt walkers, pumpkin crafts, skeleton encounters, photo opportunities, treats, and the Trunk or Treat Car Show.
October 18-19
M&M’s Halloween
Saturday: Boylan Rec Center, Newark
Sunday: JFK Rec Center, Newark
Activities include face painting, a candy cornhole station, a candy potion station (to make candy to take home), karaoke, and art stations. Everyone will receive Halloween tote bags filled Mars Wrigley candy. There will be a designated sensory/quiet zone for anyone with neurodivergence.
October 18-19, 25-26
Boo at the Boardwalk
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasant
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.
October 19
Haunted Hayride
Wells Fargo Bank, Freehold Borough
Take a hayride through the streets of town and watch for spooky haunters along the way as live Halloween-inspired scenes are performed during your route.
Halloween Legends Character Brunch
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold
The spooktacular Character Brunch will include meet-and-greets with Halloween characters like The Pumpkin King and Queen. Kids will get a coloring book.
Cape May’s Annual Halloween Parade
The Mall on Carpenters Lane, Cape May
Everyone will be dressed in their Halloween best, and either walk around, drive decorated antique autos or roll around in a golf cart.
Boo Bash Trick-or-Treat
Nanuet Town Centre, Nanuet, NY
FIT4MOM Rockland/Bergen will present trick-or-treat fun with swag bags, music, games, crafts, and family activities.
October 22
Trick-or-Treat at the Ballpark
TD Ballpark, Bridgewater
Bring the kids for trick-or-treating, festive decorations, and plenty of candy.
October 23
The Vampire Circus
NJPAC, Newark
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.
Witches Night Out
Allentown
This bewitching evening will focus on spectacularly decorated hats – plus strolling and shopping through the village.
Spooky Halloween
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Madison
The afterschool project has kids paint mini pumpkins inside the METC Education Annex.
Trunk Or Treat
Soldier Memorial Park, Howell
The Howell PAL, Police Department and PBA put on a two-hour event for the kids in town. Local vendors will be on hand.
Witches Night Out
Downtown Red Bank
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 lead by Hedy Perna.
October 23-25, 30
Halloween in Haddon Twp.
Haddon Avenue, Haddon Twp.
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.
Select dates, October 23 – November 15
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.
October 24
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
October 24-26
West Windsor’s Martian Weekend
West Windsor
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: Halloween Edition
American Dream Lot 26, East Rutherford
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.
October 24, 25 and 31; November 1
Dracula’s Lair Haunted House
Mill Ballet School, New Hope, PA
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.
October 24-31
Halloween Events at Peddler’s Village
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
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.
October 25
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Downtown Hammonton Trick-or-Treat
Central Avenue, Hammonton
Spend the afternoon walking from business to business, asking for goodies.
Spooktacular Event
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Fun and spooky activities include slime making, spooky puzzles, games and a trick-or-treat costume parade.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Halloween Trunk-or-Treat
Jersey Shore Arts Center, Ocean Grove
Each kid will be given a Halloween craft trick-or-treat bag so they can visit each of 20 candy-filled trunks. There will be a Halloween display for photo ops.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
October 25-26
Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck & Music Festival
Bradley Park, Asbury Park
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.
October 26
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Haunting in the Pines
Batsto Theatre inside Batsto Village, Hammonton
Wear your costume for a variety of Halloween treats, games and pony rides.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Saturdays-Sundays, through October 26
Black River and Western Railroad Pumpkin Train
Black River & Western Railroad, Ringoes/Flemington
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.
October 27-31
Halloween at Marcus Live!
Marcus Live! Bar & Grille, American Dream, East Rutherford
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.
October 29
Kiwana’s Halloween Parade
Bellevue Avenue, Hammonton
Wear your best costume and wait for the parade to bring spooky fun to the streets. Hosted by the Kiwanis Club.
October 30
Halloween Parade
Asbury Avenue, Ocean City
Celebrate Halloween by walking in the parade or lining the avenue.
October 30 – November 2
Hallo-Wine Weekend
Old York Cellars, Ringoes
Kick off Halloween weekend with trivia night on Thursday. On Friday, watch a free screening of “TERROIR,” a short filmed in New Jersey by a Lawrenceville filmmaker. There will be live music, wine and candy pairings, and themed wine cocktails. On Sunday, dress up yourself and your pet for the Howl-O-Wine Dog Costume Parade.
Samhain + Dia de los Muertos
San Patricios, Jersey City
This Mexican cantina and Irish pub fusion restaurant will celebrate both Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”), the Irish pagan festival that predates Halloween, and Día de los Muertos. Events include live Irish music on Thursday; trick-or-treating with Irish and Mexican sweets, DJs, and a Day of the Dead Costume Party on Friday; kids’ face painting during the day and live music at night on Saturday; and a live four-piece Mexican band plus Catrina dancers on Sunday.
Select dates, through October 31
Halloween Light Show
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
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.
Halloween on the Hill
Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA
The 18th Annual Scarecrow Walk at the Morris ArBOOretum & Gardens is on through October 31. The Chestnut Hill Halloween Pet Parade and Trick-or-Treating on the Hill are both on October 26. Also: Woodmere Art Museum’s Straw Maze is open until November 30.
Halloween: Friday, October 31
Toms River’s Halloween Parade
Toms River Shopping Center / Highland Parkway, Toms River
Hosted by Toms River Fire Co. No. 1, this annual parade is one of the biggest in the state.
Hoboken’s Legendary Ragamuffin Parade
Washington Street, Hoboken
Marchers will start at the Elks Club and walk along Washington Street in their costumes.
Halloween Game Night: Dungeons & Dragons
Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
If your teens are “over” trick-or-treating, they can still dress in costume and play a game of D&D.
Pokeween
Progress CCG, West Milford
This free Pokémon-sanctioned event includes themed activities, cake from the Cake Boss, and trick-or-treating in costume.
Halloween at Museum of the American Revolution
Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
Revolutionary, family-friendly frights include turnip-carving demos and Revolutionary stencils for your jack-o-lantern.
Kids Eat Free
Chevy’s Fresh Mex, Clifton and Linden
Bring the kids in costume, and they’ll get a kid’s meal for free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Kids Eat Free
Jinya Ramen Bar, Totowa
Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Kids Eat Free
The Shannon Rose Irish Pub, Clifton and Ramsey
Kids in costume eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Kids Eat Free
Applebee’s – Doherty-owned locations
Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.
Spooktacular Halloween Party
Sofia, Englewood
Moms and dads – don your most creative Halloween costume and dance the night away while the kids sleep off their sugar high. There will be free bar bites at midnight.
Party at the Pub
The Shannon Rose Irish Pub, Clifton and Ramsey
This adults-only party includes live music, a costume contest, and $6 drink specials.
Byrne Community Center Haunted Gym
Byrne Community Center, Wildwood
Walk through the haunted gym and receive tricks – or treats – along the way.
November 1
Choo Choo & Boo Halloween
Northlandz, Flemington
At the world’s largest miniature wonderland, there will be a kids’ costume contest, trunk-or-treat, a pumpkin hunt, pumpkin carving, a scavenger hunt, a spooky tour, and on outdoor train ride.
Through November 2
GLOW Spooky Speedway
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.
Halloween House
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
Deptford Mall, Deptford
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.
Select dates, through November 2
Fright Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure Resort, Jackson Twp.
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.
Halloween Haunt
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown, PA
There are seven haunted mazes, separate scare zones, access to the theme park’s 60 rides, musical stage shows, and seasonal food and drinks.
Great Pumpkin Festival
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
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, 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
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.
Jacks & Lights
Argos Farm, Forked River
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.
Select nights, through November 8
Halloween Nights
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, PA
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.
Events are subject to change. Please check websites before heading out to check on event or weather updates.
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