This weekend is filled with art exhibits, “green” fairs and pumpkin festivals! Check out these educational, outdoor and just plain fun events for families – many of which are free!
*Some events may be canceled or postponed due to the rainfall caused by Hurricane Ian, so check the event website before heading out with the kids.
ALL WEEKEND
JCAST 2022
Downtown Jersey City
Thursday – Sunday
The four-day arts festival will feature over 1,000 artists at more than 140 locations spanning the entire city. JCAST 2022 will also feature a live outdoor community painting project for the first time. Discover artists by medium (murals, photography, ceramics, etc.) through easy-to-search artist profiles. Information stations will also be accessible throughout the city.
Olde Time Italian Festival
Fox Park, Wildwood
Friday – Saturday
Experience an “olde world” family festival, including a procession of the saints, Italian food favorites, merchandise vendors, games and continuous free live entertainment. A spaghetti eating contest will take place as well. Friday night live entertainment features Vito Picone & The Elegants (“Little Star”) and Saturday night entertainment features Tommy C., The Voice of Tribute, as well as Lou Christie.
Curtain Up Broadway Festival
Times Square, NY, NY
Friday – Sunday
Walk along Broadway in Times Square all weekend for a variety of sing-alongs, Dueling Piano shows, celebrity sightings after-dark specials and fundraisers to celebrate the new season of Broadway.
K-Lifestyle USA 2022
American Dream, East Rutherford
Experience and test more than 100+ trendy lifestyle brands from South Korea. There will be many complimentary samples, raffles, K-Pop dance and exciting performances.
The Race of Gentlemen Vintage Car & Motorcycle Beach Drag Races
Spencer and Wildwood avenues, Wildwood Beach
Friday – Sunday
Over 100 vintage auto (pre-1934) and motorcycles (pre-1947) will compete in an exhibition-style beach race at the water’s edge. Friday night features the “Night of the Troglodytes,” a pre-party chopper exhibit, entertainment and dancing. Race days are Saturday and Sunday, which also feature vehicle displays “Customs by the Sea.” Race times may vary depending on the ocean tide. Saturday night features a beach bonfire party north of Mariners Amusement Pier. Swap meets will be held daily on the beach at Schellenger Avenue.
Festival of Fine Craft
WheatonArts, Millville
Saturday – Sunday
The 23rd annual award-winning showcase includes 150 juried artists mastering in clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, photography, wearable art, wood and more! Watch a variety of unique craft demonstrations, and then create your own with complimentary family art activities. Listen to live music and enjoy refreshments from gourmet food trucks. Stop by the Beer & Wine Garden. The signature Glass Pumpkin Fundraiser takes place during the festival as well.
Fall Family Fun Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
There is so much to do here you may have to go both days! Take your pick from PYO pumpkins and apples, pumpkin painting, pony rides, pedal and play tractors, children’s games and activities, Corn Stalk Maze and Hay Bale Maze, Adventure Story Barn, barnyard farm animals, pollinator sunflower trail, scavenger hunt, live music, homemade foods, cider slush and hand-scooped ice cream, and Terhune’s own wine for the adults.
Poetry Festival
Passaic County Court House Plaza, Paterson
Saturday – Sunday
This celebration of words, writers and poetry lovers includes the Poetry in Motion Car Show with the Classic Riderz Car Club, The Paterson Poetry Festival Slam with a cash prize, open mic, The Speak Series/Homage Stage, Lit Fest, a creative fun space for young kids, Youth Poetry Contest, master classes, award ceremonies, vendors and food.
Come Out & Play Camp Out
Rosedale Park, Pennington
Saturday – Sunday
This overnight adventure is perfect for your family to enjoy s’mores, hot dogs, stargazing, nighttime games, a nature craft while camping together overnight.
Raritan Valley Science and Technology Showcase
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Saturday – Sunday
If your kids are curious about robots, this showcase is for them. There will be a large-scale robot competition, interactive robot workspaces, FIRST LEGO robots, sensory-friendly STEM activities and public robot driving.
Cranberry Fest
Bordentown
Saturday – Sunday
Aside from celebrating this beloved fruit, you can see artwork at one of NJ’s oldest and largest juried shows. Plus, there will be lots of food, craft beer and live music all along Farnsworth Avenue.
FRIDAY
Kaki King: Modern Yesterdays
The Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum, Morristown
Kaki King presents her signature multi-media performance using projection mapping to present the guitar as a tool that can shape both music and video content.
e-Commuter Fest
Westminster Choir College parking lot, Princeton
Celebrate the latest in carbon-free commuter technology while test driving of some of the latest models of e-bikes, EVs and more. The festival will also feature a community EV show where local electric car and bike owners will be available to answer questions and talk about what it’s like to own, ride and drive EVs in Princeton.
SATURDAY
Giant Pumpkin Carve
Salem County Fairgrounds, Pilesgrove
There will be carved giant pumpkins, hayrides, a costume contest, pie eating vendors, pumpkin milkshakes and more fun for the entire family.
Macaron Workshop for Kids
Plainsboro
Bring your 4 – 6-year-olds for a fun baking class where they will make two different flavors of macarons.
Chowderfest
Beach Haven
This massive cookoff includes vendor shopping, live music and lots of kids’ activities.
Black Artisan & Farmers Market
The Cultural Collective Cafe, Woodbury
BrickNKulture Black Artisan & Farmers Market provides a community that supports and values the opportunity for individuals who are creators, makers and for those who eat the food that they grow. This space supports Black local growers and entrepreneurs.
Book Festival
Collingswood
Now in its 20th year, the Collingswood Book Festival has been called the most quiet fun experience thousands of people can have! Every year the avenue comes alive with readers connecting with over 60 presenting authors and an additional 275 authors and exhibitors, plus music, food, and literary games and activities.
Green Energy Fair
Westfield Train Station, Westfield
It’s never too early to teach your kids about alternative energy options through hands-on experiences, demonstrations and more. You can test drive the latest EVs while the kids check out e-bikes and e0scooters, plus kids 8-15 can start building their own solar-powered derby car in advance of the fair bringing their completed car to compete for various prizes.
Fall Family Picnic
Christ Church Field, Short Hills
Whether or not you are a member of the Newcomers & Neighbors Club of Short Hills & Millburn, your family is invited to the party! Stop by for bounce houses, Brooklyn pizza, The Party Maniacs, crafts, games, ice cream and more.
Food Truck & Music Festival
Memorial Park, South Bound Brook
Bring your appetite because there will be more than a dozen different food trucks, plus craft beer, wine and hard seltzers. There will also be live music, and games and activities such as sand art, henna tattoos, airbrushed tattoos, air soft shooting gallery, remote control car races and more.
Bee Day
Greenwood Gardens, Short Hills
This day of fun and educational activities will highlight the vital role of bees through story time, dancing, storytelling performances, a children’s art contest, scavenger hunt, spelling bee, arts and crafts, face painting, games, gardening tips, honey tasting and food.
First Responders Day
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
To thank first responders for all they do, they and their families can receive a free wristband for the amusement rides.
Heritage Day
North Brunswick
The 40th annual Heritage Day festival celebrates all of the cultures and traditions of the township. Expect rides, games, vendors, food concessions, live music, giveaways and lots of family fun. There will be fireworks after the evening band performance.
Food Truck and Craft Festival
Camden County Technical Schools, Sicklerville
There will be a variety of food trucks cooking up their specialties for you to enjoy for lunch or dinner. There will be a children’s section with pumpkin painting, scarecrow making, face painting, a dress up photo booth, sand art and more. More than 60 artisans and crafters from near and far will be exhibiting a wide variety of handmade fine art and crafts including jewelry, florals, textiles, woodworking, iron work, ceramic, personal care items, candles and more.
OLL Oktoberfest
Our Lady of the Lake, Verona
For food there will be traditional German fare as well as ham, turkey, penne vodka, pasta (vegan), salad and more. For drinks, they will offer water, soda, wine and craft beer from Hoboken Brewing as well as some national brands. Party with Jersey legends The Nerds! Also, get your raffle tickets in advance of the November drawing.
Harvest Fest
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Hayrides and pumpkin painting are just the start of this fun-filled family weekend. There will be games, face painting, applesauce making, booths, exhibits and many free activities for the youngsters. Enjoy the tasty food, all-day music and dancing, an autumn plant sale, free garden tours, lots of great photo ops and much more!
Bocce Tournament
Memorial Park, Neptune
Saint Aloysius Men’s Group from Jackson will host a bocce tournament to raise funds for the Madonna House as they minister to poor, destitute and underprivileged children and women who live in our local communities. Take part in a two-layer team, single elimination tournament.
Food, Wine & Brew Festival
Bee Meadow Park, Whippany
Support Hanover Twp’s finest at an all-day festival packed with food trucks, 20+ beers on tap, live music by Suspended Justice, a wine tasting bar, a walking magician, bounce house, obstacle plow up, face painting, tattoo artist, balloon artist, children cartoon characters, corn hole, dunk a cop, bounce house, blow up obstacle course and a petting zoo with pony rides.
Laser Kids Laser Concert
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, Branchburg
Sing along to an updated playlist while lasers “dance” on the planetarium dome overhead. Songs include “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus, “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, “Levitating” by Dua Lipa and “Can’t Stop this Feeling” by Justin Timberlake.
The Sky Above
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, Branchburg
This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show will include music, laser lights, stories, and information about the planets, the moon and constellations. It is specially designed for families with children on the autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities, but neurotypical children are welcome as well. The program, which is presented on a kindergarten level, is appropriate for all ages.
Astronomy Tonight
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, Branchburg
Learn about some of the popular constellations visible from sunset to sunrise, as well as the stories behind them. Hear about how and where in the sky to find the brightest planets. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory will be open after the show.
Classic Rock Laser Show
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, Branchburg
You will probably recognize many of these songs from the albums and cassettes you may still have at home during this planetarium laser show.
Stony Brook Walking Tour
Updike Farmstead, Princeton
This part lecture, part 2-mile hike explores the lives of the early settlers and the community they established, following a portion of the trail George Washington took from Trenton to Princeton Battlefield. Learn about the Princeton area before it became “Princeton.”
Tug of War
Point Pleasant
Participate in this classic childhood game, while also enjoying music, food, crafters and fun.
Fall Festival
Scholer Park, Union Beach
Come down for an afternoon of food, music and entertainment.
Seed Exploration
Burlington County Agricultural Center, Moorestown
This is a great activity for kids ages 6 – 10. Have fun with hitchhiker seeds, exploding seeds and floating seeds. Taste assorted foods that grow from seeds. Make plantable paper.
Bottle Hill Day
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Madison
Les Monarcas de Barro (The Butterflies of Mud) will be demonstrating traditional, indigenous pottery techniques and will have handmade pottery available for sale.
Strides 4 CJD
Central Park of Morris County, Morris Plains
Pay tribute to your loved ones and raise funds for the CJD Foundation, which provides family support, medical education and research programs. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease that has no treatment or cure and is invariably fatal.
Touch of the Folksy Concert
Hertell Gardens, Westfield
The fully professional New Jersey Festival Orchestra will present a program featuring music by Copland, Gershwin and Stravinsky.
Accidental Astronauts
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, Branchburg
Kids can join Cy, Annie and their dog Armstrong on an adventure through space, where they will travel along the Sun, the Earth and the Moon.
Harvest of Hope
Mercer County Community College, West Windsor
Meet Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist for ABC TV, as she discusses her mental health journey during NAMI Mercer’s annual wellness conference, this year themed “Weathering the Storm.” There will be a series of workshops and Compelling Conversations centered on mental health during this all-day, free conference.
Extraordinary Still Life
New Jersey City University Visual Arts Gallery, Jersey City
This special Jersey City Artist Studio Tour will focus on the still life exhibit on display through Oct. 20.
Halloween Wreath Making Workshop
Virtual class presented by The Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair
Celebrate Halloween by making a spooky wreath. You will use materials like mesh, ribbon and Halloween-themed embellishments. Your instructor will walk you through step by step and will give you tips and on how to design your wreath.
Watershed FEST
The Watershed Institute, Pennington
This fundraising gala celebrates NJ’s lakes, rivers and streams. The Food Architects will cater the evening’s “foraged feast.” Plus, there will be live music, dancing, and s’mores by the fire pits.
Town-Wide Yard Sale
Glen Ridge
Find lots of hidden treasures as you stop and shop at various houses around town. Maps will be made available.
SUNDAY
Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Rally your friends and family for a day where you share stories, laughter and tears to raise money that saves lives while you celebrate survivors, those living with metastatic breast cancer, and honor loved ones lost.
The Unknown Woman Murder Mystery
The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, Rahway
On March 25, 1887, a young woman, whose identity has never been established, was killed by a murderer, who also has never been named. During this cemetery tour, you will “meet” more than a dozen people connected to the case: the person who found the body, the undertaker, the doctor who performed the autopsy, the editor of a local newspaper and a police officer who investigated the crime.
Pumpkin Festival
Blackwood
The streets will come alive with amusements, food, music, shopping, live entertainment, pumpkin painting, hayrides, moon bounces, a petting zoo, face painting, scarecrow building, a costume contest, puppy parade, talent contest, the Mainstage studio treasure hunt, and more.
Oktoberfest
Mountain Lakes House, Princeton
Bring the family, but only those 21 and older can try the hard cider and craft beers.
Italian Street Fair
St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen
The Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi is celebrating its 150th anniversary of incorporation with an Italian Street Fair with a Metuchen twist. There will be the blessing of the animals, a procession, food, refreshments, entertainment and a beer garden.
A Celebration of Pets
Verona
Join Northstar Pet Rescue with host Holy Spirit Verona for the sixth annual Celebration of Pets. This will be a fun afternoon with pet-orientated activities, vendors, crafts, pet blessings, activities for kids, deejay music, food vendors and more. Join in on the Pet Parade for your chance to win prizes in several categories.
Chilifest
Atlantic Highlands
Amidst beautiful views of New York City, enjoy a chili tasting and other food, Carton beer on tap, Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum Bar, live music and extra outdoor fun.
UNICO Fun Family Street Fair
Main Street, Saddle Brook
This giant town block party will have awesome music, food, vendors and kids’ activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Oktoberfest
Veterans Park, Highlands
Authentic German food, music, dancing and other great entertainment will be part of the Highlands Oktoberfest. Bahrs Landing Restaurant is preparing the menu. Quench your thirst with a large variety of Oktoberfest beers, both light and dark. Oompah and polka music by Dancehall Detour and German Dancers will get the crowd moving. Enter the Best Dressed Contest and a Beer Stein Holding Contest. The festival is family-friendly so there will be children’s activities, along with a wide variety of retail, specialty and craft vendors.
Antique & Collectibles Show
Wayne PAL Building, Wayne
This antique show plus vintage flea market benefits sports programs run by the Wayne PAL. More than 100 vendors will be selling their unique crafts and goods.
Skylands Manor House Tours
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
New Jersey Botanical Garden volunteer docents lead visitors on a tour of the architecture and history of Skylands Manor.
Navratri Raas Garba
Park Avenue School, Freehold
This charitable dance event celebrates the Indian holiday that welcomes the beginning of autumn. Dance the night away to live music.
Mission Gratitude
Pediatric Dental Associates, Randolph
Meet firemen, police officers and rescue squad members and touch and climb into their vehicles. Meet puppies training to become guide dogs. Bring the kids out for music, balloon animals, food and lots of smiles!
Food Truck & Family Festival
Gardner Field, Denville
Take your pick from among 15 food trucks on site. There will be inflatable activities to occupy the kids’ time.
Running for Vets 5K
Mantua VFW, Mantua
Begin the 5K or 1-mile walk at the VFW, take the route through Chestnut Branch Park, then finish at the VFW post for an awards ceremony, refreshments, luncheon and age-appropriate complimentary beverages.
Technology & Nature Guided Walk
Dvoor Farm, Flemington
Learn how to use apps like eBird, iNaturalist and Merlin Bird ID to record observations of birds, plants, insects and other wildlife.
Lake Loop
Hopatcong State Park, Landing
Choose your challenge for the Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s annual Bike/Run/Paddle challenge. Included with your registration is a T-shirt (finisher’s medal for children), great food, cold brews, music and fun.
Diamond Painting Class
The Eclectic Chic Boutique, Montclair; virtual class option also available
With diamond painting you use a kit that includes a canvas that has a preprinted design coated in adhesive, colorful studs called “drills,” a pen-like applicator for the drills, and a block of wax that you use with the applicator to pick up the drills. The instructor will show you how to apply your drills and how to keep your drills organized.
Paulette’s C of Hope
CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Twp.
Wear the cancer advocacy color that means the most to you and come out for this 1-mile course, family-friendly activities and fundraiser for those affected by cancer.
ONGOING
Dig It! Plant It! Eat It!
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown
Saturdays
From pollinators to plant dyes, each Saturday discover something new in nature! Rain or shine. Recommended for ages 4 – 10.
Pinkalicious: The Musical
Roosevelt Park, Edison
Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 1 – 16
Based on the popular book, this is the tale of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, which turns her pink from head to toe. She needs to find a way out to get back to normal! Meet the cast and get autographs after the show.
Oktoberfest
Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Bear Mountain, NY
Weekends, Oct. 1 – 23
Enjoy craft beer, delicious food, live music featuring nine music groups and fun activities for all ages.
Dinosaurs: After Dark
Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 1 – 29
Take a lantern lit tour of Field Station: Dinosaurs – but watch out! The trails are dark and there’s a hungry T-Rex lurking in the shadows. A fearless Dinosaur Wrangler will lead a Tyrannosaurus Hunt along the Field Station’s darkened trails with a stop at every dinosaur and a few surprises along the way. At the end of the night, everyone will gather around the campfire for a dinosaur sing-a-long, roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate.
Simon and His Shoes
The Tank, New York
Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 1 – 30
What do you do when your shoes walk out on you? A pair of shoes walk out on their owner because he doesn’t wear them, and he never even leaves the house. Simon chases after his shoes with the help of his younger sister Izzy. Follow these characters on an adventure of a lifetime.
Boo at the Zoo
The Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 1 – 30; plus Oct. 10
Come dressed in your Halloween best and enjoy the greatest Halloween tradition in The Bronx! Kids and adults alike will love the candy trail, costume parade, crafts, live bird meet-and-greet, magic and mind reading, pumpkin carving demos, the Wildlife Theater, the Boo Playground, Extinct Animal Graveyard, pumpkin trail, and Trick-or-Truth Trail.
The Great Pumpkin Train
Snyder Farm, Phillipsburg
October 1 – 31
Take the Great Pumpkin Train down to the corn maze. Families will have a great time trying to find six hidden podiums, and then the Monster Mystery Game where you have to find which monster hid Books. Free pumpkins for every child!
Halloween Harvest
Luna Park (Coney Island), Brooklyn, NY
Every day Oct. 1 – 31
With fun-filled activities ranging from trick-or-treating and costumed characters to seasonal decorating stations and pumpkin carving, you and your family can celebrate all things fall and welcome the Halloween spirits – all leading up to the highly anticipated Maniac Carvers the weekend of Oct. 21.
Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Trains
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Sundays, Oct. 2, 9 and 16
The 10-mile, 45-minute round trip from Whippany to Roseland and back is the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon with the family. After each ride, children with valid train tickets can go to the pumpkin patch and pick out a free kid-sized pumpkin and receive a pumpkin decorating kit, while supplies last.
Circus Vazquez
Woodbridge Center Mall
Every day, through Oct. 10
Led by Ringmaster Memo Vazquez, Circus Vazquez features Columbia’s X-Metal Riders inside the Globe of Death, Duo Vanegas defying gravity on the Wheel of Wonder, acrobatic displays by America’s own Super Tumblers, Mexico’s Jan & Carolina on the Rolla Bolla balance board, the Medini Xtreme Skaters from Italy, Ukraine’s Bingo Group of hand balancing and dance performances, Italy’s famed clown Fumagalli and the musicians of the live Circus Vazquez Band.
Possessing Harriet
First Presbyterian Church, Cape May
Wednesdays through Sundays, through Oct. 15
Based on a true story, this play tells the story of a slave as she pursues her freedom.
Broadway @GSPlaza
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Saturdays, through Oct. 22
Each week, see a different Broadway performance of a Disney musical geared toward kids.
Trick-or-Treat Train
DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, Hammonton
Weekends through Oct. 23; plus Oct. 10
Your admission includes a train ride through a little goblin-friendly Halloween town, a new Halloween corn maze, a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, a ride on the giant slide, a new inflatable 40-foot obstacle course, new trick-or-treat spots, and a meet-and-greet photo op with the local witch.
Halloween Haunt
Dorney Park, Allentown, PA
Select nights, through Oct. 29
Dorney Park will release hundreds of terrifying ghouls and ghosts into the park, all ready to turn your nightmares into reality. Every corner is cursed with haunted scare mazes, scare zones and live (or maybe not live) entertainment. Hordes of hungry zombies and blood-thirsty vampires eagerly await you – i.e. their next meal. Keep in mind, these activities are not recommended for children under 13.
Oktoberfest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select days, through Oct. 30
This family-friendly German heritage festival will become a new fall tradition filled with authentic fare and a large selection of seasonal craft lagers and beers from around the world.
Von Thun’s Fall Festival Weekends
South Brunswick and Washington Twp.
Weekends, through Oct. 30
Families will love the 6+ acre “No Farmers, No Food” Minion corn maze; unlimited hayrides to the pumpkin patch; activities and attractions in the festival area (Singing Chicken Show, pumpkin checkers, rubber duck races, pedal carts, trike course, barnyard basketball, mini golf, pumpkin bowling, corn hole, roller bowler, etc.); apple and pumpkin picking; and access to the Barnyard Area. There is a Corn Cannon and Pumpkin Blaster. Enjoy Moonlight Activities in South Brunswick as well, such as the corn maze and s’mores by the campfire. South Brunswick also offers special PLUS admission weekends. At the Washington location, admission includes 20+ activities as well as access to the apple orchard and pumpkin fields. There is a Corn Cannon but no Pumpkin Blaster here. Pony rides are available on select days.
Halloween Party
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Select days, through Oct. 30
Make your way through the outdoor Spider Maze and learn about 10 species of spiders along the path. Visit the giant indoor pumpkin patch, check out a 3D movie about a haunted house, and meet some of the creepiest crawliest animals. You can also get tickets to a Halloween-themed laser show or the “Monsters of the Night Sky” program in America’s biggest planetarium.
Great Pumpkin Fest
Dorney Park, Allentown, PA
Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 30
Hop on your tractor, pirate ship or witch’s broom and hurry on over for a super-sized celebration of all things fall. You’ll meet members of the Peanuts Gang, make a holiday craft at Charlie Brown’s Craft Corner, pedal your way through the farm on a mini tractor at the Daisy Hill Tractor Stomp, try to find your way out of Linus’ Hay Bale Maze, visit your favorite farm animals at Peppermint Patty’s Petting Zoo, trick-or-treat down the street, have a ton of fun while being quiet during Schroeder’s Silent Disco, and enjoy all the usual rides and games. And make sure you catch one of the special shows, which include balloon art, a dance party, a costume contest and story time.
Carousel Corn Maze
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
Weekends, through Oct. 30
Take your family to “get lost” in a 4-acre cornfield with pathways cut in the shape of an old-fashioned carousel. While wandering through, find eight “puzzle pieces” located in hidden mailboxes to complete your personal map of the maze. The maze courtyard also features a pumpkin patch, hayrides, food tent and kids’ hay-bale maze.
Fall Festival Days
Happy Day Farm, Manalapan
Through Oct. 30
Spend all day with the kids at the sunflower field, Pumpkinville, corn maze, pig races, tractor rides, fun slide, feeding zoo and more – there are over 35 activities included with admission!
Halloween Light Show
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Select dates, through Oct. 31
Drive through 32 acres of dazzling holiday lights displays. There will also be farm fresh goodies in the retail farm market, fire pits, make your own s’mores and hot cocoa.
Haunt O’ Ween
Bell Works, Holmdel
Every day, through Oct. 31
You and your family will be able to wander through 200,000 square feet of performances, games, rides, photo ops and more immersive Halloween fun as Bell Works in Holmdel is transformed into the Town of Haunt O’ Ween, Ghoul City, the Farm House and Hidden Hollows. The kids will love trick-or-treating inside, dancing at the Beyond the Grave Rave, having their face painted or jumping around in the bounce houses and slide. Come in costume and take tons of photos amidst the thousands of pumpkins that will decorate the former Bell Labs space. For some extra fun, make your own potions at the Moonlight Magic DIY Potion Bar. Plus, there will be lots of “treats” at the restaurants that occupy the Bell Works space.
Tricks and Treats
Sea Life, American Dream, East Rutherford
Every day, through Oct. 31
Join Serafina the Sea Witch for a frighteningly fun time! Event activities include Pin the Nose on the Sea Witch, pumpkin carving inside of the tanks (on select weekdays), the activity trail, watching the stingrays and going through the frightening underwater Ocean Tunnel.
Brick-or-Treat
LEGOLAND Discovery Center, American Dream, East Rutherford
Every day, through Oct. 31
You’re invited to this Monster Party, where you can watch a special Halloween 4D movie, “The Great Monster Chase.” Then find the missing monsters rocking out in MINILAND, build a Halloween-themed creation in the Creative Workshop, grab a selfie with the LEGO Monster Band and brave a Monster special in the Monster Café.
Weekend Nighttime Adventures
Camelback Resort, Tannersville, PA
Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 31
All regular Mountain Adventures will be available during the daytime, and then also at night on Fridays and Saturdays. Take your pick from the Climbing Wall, Euro Bungee, Mountain Coaster, Sunbowl Tubing and the 1,000 Foot Zipline.
Kid’s Boo Fest & Fright Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select days, through Oct. 31
For little ghouls and ghosts, the daytime Kid’s Boo Fest event is filled with Halloween activities, entertainment, trick-or-treat trails and other not-so-scary experiences. The area’s scariest and best Halloween event returns! Nighttime festivities include a fan-favorite ghoul parade, live stage shows, terrifying scare zones, plus six haunted houses designed for the ultimate scare.
A Nightmare Before Christmas
Forever Forest, Egg Harbor City
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, through Oct. 31
Your family will experience. Halloween like never before. Load up the kids for the fright trolley, haunted tree maze, hayrides, pumpkins, campfires, fun, games, food and beverages.
Scarecrows in the Village
Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA
Every day, through Oct. 31
One hundred scarecrows handmade by Philly-area residents and organizations line the paths of the village. The display is free and on view every day through Oct. 31. Visitors can vote on their favorites through Oct. 10.
Art Exhibit: Joe Whale AKA “Doodle Boy”
Every day, through Oct. 31
Asbury Ocean Club, Asbury Park
Be part of the debut of this brand-new art gallery, which will feature works from 12-year-old internationally acclaimed artist Joe Whale, also known as “Doodle Boy.” Inspired by his life and interests, his black-and-white drawings sprawl across numerous surfaces, including murals, canvases and even books.
Harvest Moon Nights
Alstede Farms, Chester
Fridays and Saturdays, through Nov. 4
The selection of fall activities offers something for everyone, from harvest moon hayrides to nighttime corn maze fun. Delight in picking your own pumpkin, enjoy live entertainment, sip fresh pressed cider, all while creating the perfect family memories. Enjoy apple cider donut ice cream, pumpkin ice cream and other seasonal favorites at the ice cream window until 9 pm.
Jack O’Lantern Experience
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Every day, through Nov. 6
Enjoy seasonal food and drinks, carnival rides, pumpkin picking and painting, plus a stroll through over 6,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns.
Great Pumpkin Festival
Heaven Hill Farms, Vernon
Every day, through Nov. 6
Try not to get lost in the 10-acre corn maze so you can enjoy other fall fun activities like the spider web crawl, hay crawl, pig racing, obstacle course, Lincoln Log builder and Monster Slingshots.
Family Fun Football Sundays
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Sundays, through Nov. 6
Come out with the kids and enjoy games, food and football. There will be half-off video and virtual reality games at the arcade, valid with a SURF Card. From 3 – 5 pm there will be special character appearances plus free face painting. There will be food and beer specials at the bar for adults.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Select dates, through Nov. 6
Kids will enjoy trick-or-treating around the park, Halloween-themed shows and parades, participating in the interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt and taking pictures with all the characters who will be dressed up in their own costumes. Mark your calendar for Oct. 30, when there will be a special Halloween Costume Contest for both kids and families.
Nature Explorers Fall Series
Lorrimer Sanctuary, Franklin Lakes
Saturdays, through Nov. 12
Each week, kids can participate in a different activity such as meeting reptiles, pressing apple cider, creating crafts from nature and going on a mammal scavenger hunt.
Bear Mountain Sightseeing Cruise
Pier 83, New York
Weekends, through Nov. 13
Call this a floating festival: climb aboard a Circle Line boat for an Oktoberfest party that will bring you to Bear Mountain, where you can sightsee or hang out at the amusement area.
Little Ones Nature Series
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Fridays, through Nov. 18
Preschoolers and their parents will be outdoors participating in storytime, activities and crafts.
Outdoor Walking Tours
Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton
Saturdays and Sundays, through Nov. 20
Princeton University is home to one of the country’s most significant collections of 20th- and 21st-century public sculpture. Join a free, hour-long walking tour led by a museum tour guide and discover the campus’s outdoor artworks, including Henry Moore’s bronze Oval with Points, monumental geometric screens by Louise Nevelson, and more.
Sunday Farmers Market
Garden State Plaza, Westfield; in the parking lot between Macy’s and Route 17
Sundays, through Nov. 20
Garden State Plaza is the site of weekly Sunday farmers markets. Expect food vendors, food trucks, music, activities for kids and a car show from 9 am – 2 pm.
Exhibitions
Passaic County Arts Center, Hawthorne
Every day, through Nov. 27
When visiting, make sure to check out several exhibits that will be on view: “My Own Witness: Rupture and Repair” by Donna Bassin, an award-winning photographer, artist, author and filmmaker; “Texture in Nature” by Susan Zulauf, a NJ-based artist; a travelling exhibit from New York University entitled “Stereotypes in U.S. Popular Culture;” “In Cemento Veritas” by Mario Loprete; and “Sonic Peaks” by Payton MacDonald.
Sensory-Friendly Tours
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown
Third Saturday of the month, through December
Families and care partners with neurodiverse children and teens can visit the historic house and explore the new garden sensory pathway through sight, sound, touch and smell.
Weekend Wine Tasting
Weekends, through Dec. 31
Tomasello Winery, multiple locations
Plan a relaxing evening sipping wine at any of their five locations in the South Jersey region. Choose from a wide variety of award-winning wines and bubblies, accompanied by assorted cheese boards and truffles. Wine Tastings are available every day, but reservations are strongly recommended for a weekend wine tasting.
Gold in Motion
Hall des Lumières, New York
Every day, through Dec. 31
This digital art center showcases entirely new, custom-curated experiences based on the work of different world-renowned artists, starting with the debut exhibition, Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Exhibit
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Known as the “heroes in a half-shell,” Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Donatello will share life lessons and team-building skills with their crime-fighting tactics in “Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer.” You’ll be transported to the underground home of the Turtles where you’ll get to see what happens in their secret hideaway. Build a bridge and navigate the rope bridge. Assemble two electrical circuit puzzles by taking one apart to build another. Practice Ninja speed and slicing skills while playing a dexterity-based computer game. Practice your balance on skateboards. Create a sewer pipe together and see where it goes.
Stand Up! 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
Through Feb. 12, 2023
Celebrate the debut picture book of “Stand Up!” by Brittney Cooper, professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies and Africana studies at Rutgers University, with illustrations by Cathy Ann Johnson. The exhibition features illustrations of all the images in the book, as well as preparatory materials, by Johnson, on public view for the first time. “Stand Up!” is on view in the Zimmerli’s Duvoisin Gallery, dedicated to showcasing original artwork for children’s books.
Trail Riding Program
Mercer Meadows Equestrian Center, Pennington
Saturdays, through mid-May 2023
Kids (and adults) 12 and up can go on a leisurely 45-minute horseback trail ride around the Mercer Stables property. No riding experience is necessary.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month so show your support at one of these uplifting and fundraising events.
Join for food and dancing at a Navratri or Diwali celebration.