What to Expect When You Visit
The main draw of Fairy Tale Forest is its 20 storybook cottages inspired by scenes and illustrations from the classic children’s tales and nursery rhymes each is named after. Storybook-inspired spots to visit include The Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, Davy Crockett, Hansel & Gretel, Humpty Dumpty, Pinocchio, the Old Woman in the Shoe, and Goldilocks & The Three Bears.
Geared to kids ages 2 to 10, this quirky and whimsical hidden gem is fun for anyone who appreciates classic children’s literature. The kids can meet characters from classic tales, learn how to be a knight (i.e. learn fencing moves using foam swords) and be knighted by the Queen, take part in a village drum circle, and watch skits and shows on The Bluebird Stage. There’s also a panorama that shows the 12 Stations of the Cross and the story of Christ.
Events are held throughout the year, with most later in the year including Fall Fest on weekends from September 26 to October 25; and Brunch or Lunch With The Jolly Ol’ Fella on weekends from November 21 to December 6.
The Gnomes Nest is a sweet spot for lunch, where you walk up to the window and then bring your food (or ice cream) to the picnic area. Fables, which seats 65 people, is available for birthday parties, showers and weddings. The Fairy Tale Forest Gift Shoppe has a collection of costumes, trinkets, toys and souvenirs.
The Story Behind the Stories
The history of Fairy Tale Forest is just as interesting as its theme. Paul Woehle, Sr., a German immigrant who was one of 13 kids, had amazing memories of his mother reading them Grimm’s stories every night by the kitchen stove. Once he came to New Jersey in 1953, he started to build the park at age 40. He designed, constructed and painted the homes nestled amongst the trees with his two sons.
In the 1970s Woehle converted a small arcade into a three-ring circus which he designed and made in Germany as a tribute to Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus that used to come through the town of Oak Ridge.
In the winter of 1987 he started a new tradition of a winter wonderland, where you could meet Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus with a cup of hot chocolate. Then in 1993, Mariah Carey filmed parts of her chart-topping music video, ”All I Want for Christmas Is You” at Fairy Tale Forest! Her then-husband Tommy Mottola made a Cameo as Santa in the video, too.
Plan Your Visit
Fairy Tale Forest is located at 140 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge. Opening weekend for 2026 is May 23 to 25; hours are 10 am to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday, and 10 am to 5 pm on Monday (Memorial Day). The gate closes one hour before closing time.
The park is open weekends only through June 21; after that, the park is open Thursdays through Sundays through Labor Day. School trips are welcome Wednesdays to Fridays in May, June, September and October. Camp trips can be planned on Thursdays and Fridays from July 2 to August 14.
General admission is $20 for kids ages 2-17, $22 for adults, and $21 for seniors over 65. Admission is paid at the gate. The park is 80 percent stroller- and wheelchair-accessible. Parking is free on site; and on Grove Street, across the street from the park.
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