Will the rain hold off this weekend? We hope so! From fall festivals to Halloween happenings to a fun LEGO event to a spooky car wash, spooky season is here and there’s tons to do this weekend.
WEEKEND
Pink Challah Bake
Location provided upon RSVP
Thursday
The Chabad of Robbinsville & Hamilton, with Sharsheret, will hold a challah bake to raise awareness of breast cancer. Open to age 9 and older. Snacks and dessert will be served.
East Brunswick Restaurant Week
East Brunswick
Thursday – Sunday
About two dozen restaurants, cafes and specialty shops will offer specials and discounts.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan
Thursday – Sunday
This stage version is based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature.
Cape May Fall Festival
Cape May
Thursday – Sunday
Take a trip aboard a trolley, boat or walking path to learn about the birds in the area. There will be indoor programs as well.
Ghost Tours of Philadelphia by Candlelight
Signer’s Garden, Philadelphia, PA
Thursday – Sunday
Join a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses and eerie graveyards are along the way. Experience history brought back to life with a costumed tour guide. Hear seldom-told tales about the city’s historic sites, such as Independence Hall, Washington Square, Powel House, City Tavern, and more.
Ghoul Spring Village
Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May
Friday-Saturday
The historic village gets a little spooky. This family-friendly haunted walk-thru will give you chills and it’s fun for all ages, including hayrides.
Creepy Cranford: Family-Friendly Haunted House
Livingston Avenue School, Cranford
Friday – Saturday
Your favorite Cranford businesses will be transformed into haunted houses.
Merchant School Haunted House
Downtown Merchantville
Friday – Saturday
As part of Monsterville in Merchantville, the eighth graders of Merchant School will transform the building into a haunted house open to the community.
Rimli Roy’s Ramaavan: A Musical
Margaret Williams Theatre, NJCU Center for the Arts, Jersey City
Friday – Sunday
This is an English adaptation of the epic “The Ramayana.” It’s a tale of love, courage, righteousness and justice.
Zoo Boo
Bergen County Historical Park, Paramus
Friday – Sunday
Zoo Boo includes trick-or-treating, Mad Science shows, animal artifact displays, music and train rides.
M&M’s Halloween Treat Truck
Newark
Friday – Sunday
The M&M’s Treat Truck will make seven stops throughout Newark. The event will include Halloween-themed photo opportunities, a karaoke stage and an interactive craft station. Kids will receive Halloween totes filled with an assortment of Mars candy, goodies and a selection of costume accessory kits. To accommodate kids with sensory sensitivities, the first hour of each stop will be a designated “quiet hour” with no loud music or karaoke.
Great Food Expo
New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison
Saturday – Sunday
There will be lots of foods and drinks to sample here: food trucks, chocolate, desserts, healthy foods, vegan and gluten-free items, dim sum, sauces and spices, BBQ and artisanal small-batch snacks. There will be a cooking stage, tastings and samplings, and mixology classes. Celebrity Chef Graham Elliot will make an appearance. Lots of vendors will be on site. Everything is included with the price of admission.
Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey
Throughout New Jersey
Saturday – Sunday
The challenge is to visit 10 land-based lighthouses, three lifesaving stations, one museum and one virtual site over the two-day weekend. The route covers the Atlantic Coast, from Sandy Hook to Cape May, and the Delaware Bay and River Coast from Cape May to Paulsboro. A small registration fee gets you a souvenir from each site.
Mountain Creek Resort Fall Fest
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon
Saturday – Sunday
This is the first year Mountain Creek will hold a Fall Fest with lots of music, fall snacks, drinks, giant games and access to trails. You can also go on the zip tours or Alpine Mountain Coaster.
Halloween Village
The Shoppes at Dragon Village, Bridgeton
Saturday – Sunday
The third annual Halloween Village will be a witches and sorcerers edition. The Mystic Realms Theater Club will perform shows. Dress up and enter the costume contest.
OctoberFeast
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Saturday – Sunday
Food featured in the OctoberFeast garden will include bratwurst, frankfurters, currywurst, Schnitzelwich, kartoffelpuffer, German potato pancakes, and spaetzle. Entertainment includes the Philadelphia German Brass Band, the Galena Brass Band, and the GTV Almrausch German dancers. There will be a beer garden. Activities will include axe throwing for adults; for children there will be pony rides, pumpkin painting, face painting, a bounce house, sand art, lawn games, and more.
Rose Squared Art Show
Brookdale Park, Bloomfield
Saturday – Sunday
Explore the works of 150+ Rose Squared artists in a variety of media including ceramics, paintings, photography, art clothing and jewelry, metal, mixed media and wood, plus artisanal food.
Red Barn Farm Fall Fest Octoberfest
The Red Barn Farm, Hammonton
Saturday – Sunday
There will be German food, a Biergarten, games, a giant corn maze, hay rides, barrel rolling races and a stein-holding competition.
Chatsworth Cranberry Festival
Chatsworth
Saturday – Sunday
The juried craft show features 150 vendors, 15 food vendors and live music.
Oktoberfest Food Truck Festival
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Saturday – Sunday
For the kids, there is face painting and fun. For the adults, there is wine. For everyone, there are vineyard tours on the hay wagon, food trucks, live music, and then fireworks on Saturday evening.
Halloween Village: Witches and Sorcerers
Shoppes at Dragon Village, Bridgeton
Saturday – Sunday
Aside from the merchant shops, the weekend will include craftsmen, artisans and food vendors, along with 4-H-hosted crafts, a basket raffle and train and/or trolley rides.
Pumpkin Palooza
Eagle’s Landing Day Camp, North Brunswick
Saturday – Sunday
There will be camp tours, carnival games, inflatables, pumpkin picking, pumpkin chucking, zip lines, a Ga-Ga pit, arts and crafts projects, baking projects, s’mores and other snacks.
FRIDAY
Pumpkin Plunge Halloween Party
Five Star Swim School, Eatontown
Families can swim, play party games, eat snacks and decorate a pumpkin. Feel free to change your child into their Halloween costume after swimming.
St. Bernard’s Church Anniversary Concert
St. Bernard’s Episcopal Church, Bernardsville
A special performance by the St. Bernard’s choir alongside guest performers from the community celebrates the 125th anniversary of the church. The choir, section leaders, and soloists will perform sacred music from across centuries and genres.
Taylor Swift ERAS Skate
United Skates, Jackson
Dress like Taylor to be entered into the contest, and then skate to Swift’s music all night long. If you’re not into skating you can hang out on the sidelines and rock out to the music.
Baby Walk
Landsdown Trail, Annandale
There will be some nature education geared toward adults. Then, the group will walk at the pace of the adults; babies should be carried or in a stroller. The Lower Landsdown Road has a fine gravel trail appropriate for strollers and carriers. Open to kids up to 23 months old.
Halloween Parade and Dance Party
Sea Isle City
The parade will feature live music, entertainers, floats and costumed participants. A Family Dance Party will take place at the Excursion Park Band Shell right after the parade.
Zombie Night
Around the Corner Art Center, Freehold
Kids aged 9 and older can paint a cool zombie picture together for Halloween.
Yin Yoga + Sound Bath
Metta Yoga, Neptune
Take a rejuvenating yoga class that will raise money for breast cancer awareness efforts.
50 Years of Hip Hop: Community Dance Party
Arts Council of Princeton Princeton
The old crew will bring their cultural influences in dance, music and movies for a dance party to fundraise in celebration of the hip-hop culture.
Star Talk and Live Observing Event
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
After a sky talk in the planetarium, everyone will form a convoy to drive up to the observatory at Washington Crossing for star observations with members of the Amateur Astronomy Association of Princeton.
Monster House
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Get in the Halloween mood and bring your blanket and a chair to the Preserve’s back deck and watch Monster House, an animated tale that follows the misadventures of three teens who believe that an old ramshackle dwelling in their neighborhood houses a man-eating entity that is feasting on the locals. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be provided.
Candice Guardino’s Italian Bred
LeVoy Theatre, Millville
Plan for 85 minutes of laughs during this theatrical comedy. Candice Guardino does family impersonations and talks about growing up NY style. The show features virtual cameos from Vic DiBitetto, Steve Schirripa, Mario Cantone and more.
HalloWINE on Haddon
Haddon and Woodlawn Avenues, Collingswood
Halloween doesn’t have to be just for kids! Visit businesses as you go on the Adult Trick-or-Treat Trail, and you’ll get samples, coupons, Halloween-themed menu items and drinks, giveaways and more. Then, watch an outdoor showing of “The Shining” as you sip on NJ wine and beer. S’mores and popcorn will be available. You are encouraged to dress up.
The Players
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, Carteret
This super-group features top former members of Chicago and the current drummer from Earth Wind & Fire, and are joined by other musicians and a horn section to present the music of Chicago and Earth Wind & Fire.
Monster Martin’s House of Terror: No Scare Family Night
Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds, Mullica Hill
There will be a no-scare walk-through, trunk-or-treat and costume contest.
SATURDAY
Costume Pet Parade
Village Green, Historic Smithville
Paw Dazzle will host the annual parade, where you can sign up your pet or watch 100+ pets show off their unique Halloween costumes. Historic Smithville offers 50 shops, 7 eateries, a carousel ride, a train ride, paddle boats, an arcade, on-site lodging at the Colonial Inn and over 26 free weekend events.
Scary Diabolical Plants
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
This illustrated program will teach you about plants that are poisonous, deadly, spiny, smelly, invasive and illegal. Plants that trap insects and those that cause allergies will also be covered. Then, vote for the scariest.
Owl-O-Ween
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford
Trick-or-Tweet at this animal sanctuary. Trick-or-treating will be outdoors by the Wildlife Housing Area. Watch a family-friendly Halloween movie. Get dressed up for the costume contest. Head to the campfire to roast marshmallows. Make Halloween crafts, color and play games.
Sensory-Friendly Pumpkin Patch Adventure
Bierman Autism Centers, Princeton
There will be pumpkin painting, fall crafts, special fall games and sweet treats that are available to everyone.
Harvest, Honey & Garlic Festival
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
There will be a farmers market, educational displays and materials, honey products, goods from the Garden State Garlic Growers, local artisans, crafters and vendors. For kids, there’ll be a wagon ride, pumpkin painting and crafts.
Corn Harvest
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp.
With more than 120,000 ears to pick, farmers could use your hand to fill a horse-drawn wagon with field corn that will be ground into flour and donated to local food banks. Inside the barn you can help shell and grind corn for Howell Farm’s animals or the farmhouse’s cornbread. Kids will make and take their own popcorn ball.
Light Up Montclair: Diwali/Deepavali 2023
Montclair Art Museum, Montclair
Spend the afternoon watching live performances, taking part in interactive arts & crafts, learning about South Asian NGOS and Indian textiles, hearing from South Asian authors and ordering from the food trucks. With your ticket you’ll also get an opportunity to explore the galleries at the museum.
Jersey City Craft Brew Fest
The Ferry Terminal, Liberty State Park, Jersey City
In the spirit of Oktoberfest, the traditional German celebration of beer and culture will include more than 150 styles of craft beer from many NJ breweries. There will be live entertainment, food and interactive games.
Pumpkin Palooza
Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton
Pezz Glassworks will hold a live glass-blowing demonstration. Then, kids will play with clay to make their own pumpkins, and the Princeton University Molecular Biology Outreach Program will show you how to extract DNA from pumpkins in a fun science experiment.
Patriot’s Path Bird Walk
Patriot’s Path, Parsippany
Patriot’s Path is a well-maintained trail that winds through grassy and scrubby areas in Parsippany and East Hanover, adjacent to Troy Meadows. Led by Associate Naturalist Dave Oster, you will look for all the “regular” birds as well as white-crowned, Lincoln’s, vesper and Savannah sparrows; kinglets, yellow-rumped and palm warblers. Nearby woods offer other possibilities, such as raptors like Merlin and harrier.
Pumpkin Plunge Halloween Party
Five Star Swim School, Deptford and Lehigh Valley, PA
Families can swim, play party games, eat snacks and decorate a pumpkin. Feel free to change your child into their Halloween costume after swimming.
Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness
NJPAC, Newark
The all-day gathering is about our well-being, living healthy and learning about the eight pillars of wellness. Inspired by two-time breast cancer survivor Deb Belfatto, women of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities will learn, celebrate and share about their own bodies and minds, with or without a catastrophic diagnosis.
Haunted Cranford
Cranford Municipal Building, Cranford
Haunted History Productions presents a one-hour walking tour where you will meet famous and infamous residents who “still reside” on the streets of town. It’s family-friendly, but it will still spook you.
Navratri Raas Garba
Park Avenue School, Freehold
Dance the night away to music by Navya Entertainment. Aarzu will provide light snacks. The benefit is for Care for Children, an initiative supporting holistic education in India to over 43,000 students in over 420 schools spread across 20 states in the slum, tribal and rural belts where child labor and poverty are widespread.
Bottle Hill Day
Kings Road, Madison
There are more than six blocks filled with sidewalk sales, stages with live music, amusement areas, food, and 225+ vendors, food options and trucks, and a beer garden for adults.
Far Hills Race Meeting
Moorland Farm, Far Hills
The horse racing event also features a vendor village, Chairman’s Tent with a gourmet buffet and open bar, and The Hunt Club for race fans 21+.
EB Harvest Fest
16 Maple St., East Brunswick
The East Brunswick Arts Coalition puts together this festival, which celebrates the historic district of East Brunswick.
Fall Foliage Hike
Hoffman Park, Hampton
Laura Bush, principal park naturalist, will lead you on a tour of the colorful trees. Be prepared to walk up to 3 miles on relatively flat trails with gradual elevation on the return trip. The hike is open to kids aged 10 through adult, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
No Limits to Love – An Evening of Hope
No Limits Cafe, Middletown
The Mid-Dems Community Outreach Committee will host a fundraiser for Destiny’s Bridge For The Homeless & Society For The Prevention Of Teen Suicide. There will be assorted appetizers, wine and beer, and dessert. Entertainment is provided by Middletown’s own Bill Anania, a guitarist.
Aradia’s Mystery and Magic Street Fair
Merchantville
The street fair will have a spooky yet fun Halloween theme.
Haunted Cranford
Cranford Municipal Building, Cranford
This tour is jam-packed with local lore, fun facts and spooky entertainment, including an appearance from a resident ghost at the Riverside Inn, Cyrus Drake.
Charles Addams Heritage Trail Tour
Center for Creativity at the Rialto, Westfield
Go back in time to the 1920s to see Charles Addams’ childhood and what his days consisted of, like spending time in the cemetery. Advanced registration is required.
String Band Parade
Haddon Avenue, Haddon Twp. and Haddonfield
You’ll see 15 different string bands from the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association march down the street, each with their own style and flair.
Halloween Parade
Cape May
The parade route begins at Perry Street and Carpenters Lane, proceeds down Carpenters Lane to Ocean Street, travels down Washington Street and ends at the Emlen Physick Estate.
Volunteer Day
New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
Scouts, individuals, families, groups and clubs can stop by and help with some much-needed cleanup in the gardens and grounds, including invasive species removal, spreading woodchips on pathways, mulching, planting, pruning, litter pickup, and gathering branches/sticks for campfires.
Linden Halloween Parade
Wood Avenue, Linden
The 70th annual parade lineup begins on Wood Avenue. Floats, bands, marching groups, ghouls and goblins will parade down the street.
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Event
Etra Lake Park, East Windsor
Kids 12 and under can take part in Halloween-themed arts and crafts, watch a one-man Halloween magic and comedy show, and go on the trick-or-treat trail.
International Archaeology Day
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
There will be a curator talk and archaeology presentations focused on the new exhibit, History Beneath Your Feet: Archaeology of a Capital City. Learn more about the lives of the Lenape with a gallery tour of A Much Moved People. View a short film about archaeology at Raritan Landing, a once bustling shipping port that was located along the Raritan River. There will be hands-on activities throughout the day.
New Moon Lunar Labyrinth
Murray Grove Retreat Center, Lacey Twp.
Go on a journey of healing and transformation under the new moon. Set intentions and manifest dreams, let go of past burdens during a cord-cutting ceremony, take part in meditation, walk the forgiveness labyrinth and listen to the chakra singing bowls.
Scarecrow Contest & Fall Festival
Hamilton Library, Hamilton Twp.
This is an all-ages contest, so kids 12 and under and 13 and up will be judged on their creations. Then, there will be more craft projects, slime making, Mad Science and face painting.
Enchanted Halloween Trail Tours
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Kids ages 4-10 will wander along the trail through five not-so-scary stations, where they will learn some fun and some scary facts about the creatures.
American Girl LIVE! In Concert
Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
During this pop concert, American Girl fan favorites are performed by a live cast. The show is filled with music, dancing and lots of surprises as the American Girls learn about the power of friendship.
Multicultural Folk Dance Gathering
Hungarian American Athletic Club, New Brunswick
Chinese, Ukranian, West African, Polish, Hungarian, Gypsy and Dance House performances will be featured.
Boo Brew By the Bay
Seafarer, Highlands
Your ticket includes seven 4-ounce tastings of craft beer from breweries around the area, plus a pint of beer. There will also be live music, fire pits and food from Local Smoke BBQ.
Women Aware Moving Beyond Abuse 5K
Johnson Park, Piscataway
Recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month by participating in the 5K on a USATF-certified 5K flat course. The first 100 people to sign up will receive a Swag Bag with giveaways. Everyone will receive a Moving Beyond Abuse 5K T-shirt. Stay for children’s activities afterward.
Red Ribbon Prevention 5K & Family Fun Festival
Nomahegan Park, Cranford
Held by Prevention Links, you can start with a race along a USATF Certified course, then stick around for free family fun including carnival games, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, food trucks and live entertainment.
Creepy Jeepy Show
Cape May Zoo, Cape May
During this Halloween-themed Jeep decorating contest – which is a fundraiser for the Cape May Zoo – there will be trunk-or-treating, kids and adult costume contests and free entrance to the zoo.
Halloween Fun
Casino Pier Arcade, Seaside Heights
Come dressed in your Halloween costume and trick-or-treat throughout the arcade. There will be a spooky and fun Halloween Kids Magic Show by Joe Fischer, a Halloween Kids Concert with Yosi, and a meet-and-greet with The Sanderson Sisters.
Halloween Family Decorating
Freehold Elks Lodge, Freehold Borough
Free pumpkins and art supplies will be provided. If you think you have a winning pumpkin, enter it into the Spooktacular Jack O’Lantern Contest, which will be held at 6 pm later that night in Downtown Freehold.
Pauly Shore: One-Man Show: Stick With the Dancing
LeVoy Theatre, Millville
The comedian, actor and podcaster will talk about his life and his career.
Floyd Nation
Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, Carteret
Floyd Nation is a U.S.-based Pink Floyd tribute band that performs hits from The Wall, Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here and The Division Bell.
Candlelight Tour of Monmouth Battlefield
Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan
Walk on the same ground where the Continental and British armies clashed during the Revolutionary War. Listen to first-person accounts from historical interpreters. Learn about the battle’s horrific aftermath and the burial of those who fell on that scorching June day. This is not suitable for children, is on unpaved terrain in the dark, and is not ADA accessible.
Savor September Wine, Beer & Food Festival
96th Street, Stone Harbor
Postponed from September to this Saturday, there will be a full day of music, drinks and fun for the whole family along the beach.
Pretty in Pink
B-Unos, Burlington
Celebrate breast cancer survivors and raise awareness while dancing the night away to music played by DJ Reddz. Hosted by Diamond Dee.
Mini Thon Trunk-or-Treat
Colonia High School, Colonia section of Woodbridge
Bring your kids to trick-or-treat around the parking lot of the school.
Cranford Great Pumpkin Carve-Out
Hanson Park, Cranford
Stroll along the pumpkin-lit garden paths to see the carved creations on display. There will be a big screen outdoor showing of a surprise movie at dark.
Princeton University Football Game
Princeton Stadium, Princeton
The Princeton University football team will be taking on Harvard University. Just prior to the 1 pm kickoff there will be approximately 30 seconds of fireworks launched from the stadium area as part of the pre-game festivities.
SUNDAY
Fall Family Fun Day
Temple Beth Shalom, Manalapan
The day is geared toward kids ages 2-17 but everyone is invited. The event will include entertainment, inflatable rides, games, activities, food and fun.
Pumpkin Plunge Halloween Party
Five Star Swim School, Princeton
Families can swim, play party games, eat snacks and decorate a pumpkin. Feel free to change your child into their Halloween costume after swimming.
Downtown Bound Brook Fall Festival
Main Street, Bound Brook
There will be live music, games, a beer tent, trunk-or-treat and pumpkin picking.
Kean University Breast Cancer Awareness 5K
Kean University North Avenue Building, Union
This race is put together to support everyone who has fought and is still fighting breast cancer.
Doggy Day Paw-rade and Family Fun Day
City Hall, Roselle
If your dog is well-behaved, they are invited to join the doggy parade and costume contests. Plus, there will be games, face painting, food trucks and vendors for the humans in your group.
Corvette Show
Historic Smithville
Check out dozens of cool, classic cars that are parked along the Village Green.
Equine and Chocolate Fundraiser
Bergen County Equestrian Center, Leonia
You can check out the Bergen County Equestrian Center, which is home to over 75 horses. Walk through the Butterfly Garden run by the Bergen County Audubon Society.
Harvest Homecoming
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
Stop by the Westervelt-Thomas barn to see broom-making and corn-shelling demonstrations. Join bat expert Joseph D’Angeli and his live bats to learn how they live, communicate, and help the environment. Visit with the blacksmith on site to see what kind of wares he is making. Activities for families include scarecrow making, free pumpkin picking and decorating, and taste testing of a variety of apples.
Red Bank Halloween Parade
East Bergen Place and Hudson Avenue, Red Bank
Enter your float to win a trophy from the Red Bank Fire Department. The first 300 kids will get goodie bags. This is the 75th annual parade.
Harvest Festival & Craft Show
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Browse through the many artists and craftspeople showing their hand-crafted items. Bring the children as there will be a kids zone that features a game trailer, hayride, face painting, pumpkin painting, a train ride, applesauce making, and more. There will be a plant sale, used book sale and apple sales. There will be lots of food truck vendors, and live music from George Langberg.
Hamilton Township’s Oktoberfest
Veterans Park South Side (Kuser Road entrance), Hamilton Twp.
There will be food, music and vendors to celebrate the season.
Family Pumpkin Carving
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Bring your own pumpkins and join in the fun using the provided pumpkin carving kits to carve your own Jack-O-Lanterns outside at the Preserve.
Octoberfest
Monroe Township Community Center, Monroe Twp.
There will be a DJ, food trucks, rides, games and a magic show.
Marlboro Day Fall Festival
Marlboro Municipal Complex, Marlboro
There will be vendors, food trucks, inflatables, a Halloween parade, a petting zoo, pony rides, and more.
Fall Festival
Bell Works, Holmdel
Join The Monmouth Moms for an indoor festival around The Block where you can bring your kids to storytime, watch a magic show, carve pumpkins, get their face painted and shop from more than 80 vendors. The retailers inside Bell Works will be offering holiday specials as well.
Fall Sunday Funday
G&G Stables, Howell
There will be a petting zoo, games, photo ops, snacks, pumpkins, pony rides, hayrides, barrel rides and face painting.
Freehold Crop Hunger Walk
Reformed Church of Freehold, Freehold
This event raises money in the fight against hunger. It can count toward service hours for teens.
ONGOING
AddamsFest
Westfield
Throughout October
Westfield was home to Charles Addams, creator of The Addams Family, and that’s a big reason to celebrate. The town gets its Halloween on with everything from an art exhibit and wicked window decorations to a lantern sail and masquerade ball. You can even see the house that inspired the show, but only from the outside since it’s private property.
Halloween in Cape May
Cape May
Throughout October
Ghost walks, graveyard tours, Ghosts of the Lighthouse Trolley Tour, historic haunts and a Magic and Mystery House Tour abound in Cape May, plus trick-or-treating and a Halloween Craft and Collectibles Show. There will also be a Halloween village exhibit on display.
Haunted Ridgewood
Downtown Ridgewood
Fridays in October
Ridgewood Walks and the Ridgewood Halloween Maze put on a popular walking tour of the year called Haunted Ridgewood. Find out what secrets hide behind certain stately mansions in Ridgewood’s historic district. See the houses where some guests have never left and hear the history that marks them forever. End up at Ridgewood’s notorious haunted maze. Find your way through the maze’s one secret passage. Spooky attire is encouraged. Note: The Ridgewood Walks are currently sold out but check back in case new dates are added.
Haunted House and Hayride
4-H Youth Center, East Brunswick
Fridays and Saturdays in October
Older kids will like the haunted house and hayride, but there will be less spooky activities for younger kids, such as pumpkin decorating and snacks.
Dinosaurs After Dark
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Fridays – Saturdays, throughout October
A fearless Dinosaur Wrangler will lead you on a dino hunt along the Field Station’s darkened trails. Try to escape from the hungry T-Rex. If you survive, you’ll gather around the campfire for a dinosaur sing-along, roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate.
Harvest Moon Hayrides
Alstede Farms, Chester
Fridays – Saturdays, throughout October
You will go across acres of scenic farmland in a tractor-drawn wagon ride, navigate the corn maze by flashlight, and sit by the bonfire while listening to live music.
Wayne PAL Antique Collectibles Show and Vintage Flea Market
Wayne PAL Athletic League Complex, Wayne
First Sunday of every month, through April
The show features over 150 vendor tables in two large rooms and the front lobby where you can find vintage and sterling jewelry, glassware and Lenox, toys and trains, antique and collectible dolls and action figures, vintage postcards and photos and artwork, military, political and sports memorabilia including cards, magazines and newspapers, vintage coins and watches, classic rock CDs and more.
Tours of Crane House & Historic YWCA
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Every Sunday
Take a self-guided tour to learn about the women of the Historic YWCA and the Crane family at your own pace. Take some time to walk through the gardens and meadow on site.
FLIP Circus
October 13-19, Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
October 19-23, Quaker Bridge Mall, Lawrenceville
The Vazquez Family created this new high-energy show that features an international cast of clowns, acrobats, jugglers, aerialists and daredevils. Stiv and Ronni Bello, brothers from Italy, are known for their comedy. The X-Metal Motorcycle Riders ride at breakneck speeds inside a steel ball. Alexa Swing Pole and Shirley Larible will fly high above you with their aerial maneuvers. America’s own Afrobatics have their own acrobatic tricks to display. Keep your eyes open for two of the world’s finest jugglers, Dede Larible and Luva. The Bingo Troupe from Ukraine performs hula-hoop and body-bending performances.
Beyond Pink Art Show
MarketFair, Princeton
October 20 opening night
October 21-27 art show exhibit
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The YWCA of Princeton is setting up an art show and gallery at the mall to showcase the journeys of breast cancer survivors and caregivers. During opening night, there will be light appetizers, cocktails, silent auctions and games; tickets are required.
House on Haunted Hill
Clifton Arts Center, Clifton
October 20-22, 27-29
Frederick Loren, an eccentric billionaire, invites you to a haunted house party. But when four strangers receive the same invitation for the same party on the same night, there’s no telling what ghostly mayhem might ensue.
Monster Martin’s House of Terror
Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds, Mullica Hill
October 20: No Scare Family Night: There will be a no-scare walk-through, trunk-or-treat and costume contest.
October 25-31: Check out South Jersey’s best home haunt turned pro.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Live Performances
Little Theatre at Camden County College, Blackwood
October 20-28
The pompous school teacher, Ichabod Crane, the bully Brom Bones and the lovely Katrina are brought to life in this high-energy adaptation. With lots of comedy and suspense the play saves the best for last—the ride of the headless horseman.
Montclair Film Festival
The Clairidge, Montclair
October 20-29
There will be dozens of films screened throughout the week. One of the main attractions is a tribute to Director Martin Scorcese, hosted by Stephen Colbert.
Boo at the Boardwalk
Jenkinsons Boardwalk, Point Pleasant
October 21, 22, 28 and 29
There will be Halloween crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating, underwater pumpkin carving, entertainment and limited kiddie rides.
Ascarium
New York Aquarium, Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
October 21, 22, 28 and 29
There will be marine-themed magic shows, Halloween crafts, a larger-than-life pumpkin display, Wildlife Theater shows and games.
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
October 21 – March 2024
The famous ice-skating rink returns to Rockefeller Center in NYC for its 87th season. While you’re watching the skating, or when you need to take a break from the ice, you can warm up inside the special skate chalets on the South Esplanade. This year will be the first time you can enjoy alcoholic beverages in the chalets, with a soon-to-be-announced menu of drinks by Other Half Brewery, served alongside a menu of après-skate bites. Skating runs through March but the chalets will be rentable from November 4 to January 14, 2024. Details on Family and Kids Day and opportunities to take photos with Santa will be announced.
Halloween Haunted House
Play Big Zone, Morganville
October 21-27
You’ll get unlimited entry to the haunted house, unlimited entry to the obstacle course, 50 arcade credits and a goodie bag.
Threading Memories
Art@Bainbridge, Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton
October 21 – January 7, 2024
Korean-born artist MiKyoung Lee hosts her first solo museum exhibition. The exhibition features richly textured large-scale sculptures and wall-mounted works, and explores themes of domesticity, family ties, and the ways in which we process memory and experience.
Pumpkin Chunkin
New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
October 22 and 28
Choose a pumpkin to carve or decorate, then launch it across the field with a trebuchet and see how far it flies.
Truffle Week
Nunzio by Chef Michael DeLone, Collingswood
October 25 – November 5
The five-course meal stars white and black truffles from Lazio, Lombardy, Tuscany and Veneto in Italy. Dishes include truffle potato croquette, black truffle cacio e pepe, seared scallops, braised veal shoulder and triple chocolate tiramisu (no mushrooms, just chocolate truffles here). Since the meal is $100 per person, you’ll have to decide if it’s worth it to take the kids. You can also order off the regular menu during Truffle Week.
Winter Lantern Festival
American Dream, East Rutherford
Thursdays – Sundays, October 25 – January 2, 2024
More than 1,000 handcrafted Chinese lanterns and lights will be on display. The lanterns are made with hand-painted silk cloth and LED lights. There will be gorgeous displays of Chinese myths, legends and zodiac-inspired lanterns designed as an animal kingdom, a sea world and a theme park. Look for mammoths, polar bears, penguins, and a 50-foot-tall lantern display of Sun Wukong. You can also make your own lantern and dress up in traditional Chinese attire. The exhibit is open from Thursdays to Sundays.
Princeton Ghost Tour, Ghost Hunt and Cemetery Visit
Through October 28
This tour through the historic Ivy League college town is more informative than scary. With the help of real ghost hunters, you’ll venture into the campus’s darkest corners with thermal meters, dowsing rods and more with hopes of interacting with the other side. Bring a flashlight.
Ridgewood Halloween House
West End Avenue, Ridgewood
Fridays – Saturdays, through October 28
Plus October 30 and 31
This zombie cemetery walkthrough is good for all ages. On Saturdays, there will be a “less scary” hour from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
Harvest Moon Nights
Alstede Farms, Chester
Fridays – Saturdays, through October 28
Take a harvest moon hayride, spend the night wandering through the corn maze, pick your own pumpkin, enjoy live entertainment and sip fresh pressed cider.
Haunted Car Wash
Streamline Car Wash, Rockaway
Fridays – Saturdays, through October 28
You stay in your car while going through the haunted tunnel. You are stuck in your car with family and friends while real-life zombies and clowns try to get in. There is an intense light show in the tunnel, smoke machines and mic’d up animatronics – all while your car gets washed.
Halloween Haunt
Dorney Park, Allentown, PA
Fridays – Saturdays, through October 28
Halloween Haunt is not recommended for kids under 13 because of its haunted scare mazes, scare zones and live entertainment. There will be zombies and vampires walking around.
Ode to New Jersey Opening Reception
West Windsor Arts, Princeton Junction
Through October 28
Celebrate New Jersey, known as The Garden State, the Diner Capital of the World and the Crossroads of the American Revolution. Our state is famous for the Jersey tomato, cranberry bogs and growing blueberries (the state’s official fruit). An opening night reception is planned for September 8.
Haunted Wild West Fest
Wild West City, Lebanon
Fridays – Saturdays, through October 28
The legend goes back hundreds of years before the Gold Rush, when the Arapaho Natives buried a skull deep in the caverns of what is known as the Old Wild West City Goldmine. Now the whole town is going mad because the Cursed Golden Skull has been resurrected. Take the haunted train ride or go through the Old Miner’s Trail to see if you can find it, bring it back and break the curse.
Spooky Wild West Fest
Wild West City, Stanhope
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
Bring the kids during daylight hours to this 1800s-Western-themed theme park. Watch tales of the Wild West come to life through historical characters, live-action dramatizations and demonstrations by period craftsmen. Ride in style aboard the Wild West City Stage Coach or Train and younger cow-boos and cow-ghouls can hop on a pony. Children can also participate in the Wild West Fest costume contest, win fun prizes and hunt down the Headless Horseman.
Fall Family Fun Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
Choose just the right pumpkin for your jack-o’-lantern or decorations, and let the kids have fun at the pumpkin painting station. Then take them to the area with pony rides, pedal and play tractors, children’s games and activities, the Corn Stalk Maze and Hay Bale Maze, Adventure Story Barn and the barnyard of farm animals. Take a stroll along the pollinator sunflower trail and go on a scavenger hunt. Get lunch from Pam’s Food Pavilion and then take the adults in your group to the orchard for Terhune’s own wines. Local musicians will play during the weekend.
Kids Boo Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through October 29
Bring your little goblins to Great Adventure for daytime Halloween fun. There will be family-friendly trick-or-treating, fall festivities, character photo opportunities and treats. This is not Fright Fest.
Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Haunted House
The Growing Stage – The Children’s Theatre of NJ, the Historic Palace Theatre, Netcong
Through October 29
Suspicious circumstances surround an eerie mansion on the edge of Barmet Bay. Amateur detectives Frank and Joe Hardy’s father are placed in jeopardy as the smugglers go on with their schemes.
The Woman in Black
McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton
Through October 29
This is the original London production of Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story haunts. It inspired the film franchise starring Daniel Radcliffe. An old man recounts the eerie events of his youth. He is conflicted by settling the estate of a family who has a tragic history that continues to haunt (quite literally!) anyone who dares come too close.
Sinister Asylum
Showboat, Atlantic City
Fridays-Sundays, through October 29
This haunted house is geared for ages 13 and up, but kids can come if accompanied by an adult. There is no touching of the decor or animatronics, and no actors will touch you. There are strobe lights.
Haunted Car Wash
Team Car Wash, Westfield
Select nights, through October 29
Bring your car to get cleaned – but expect spooky, scary surprises along the way. Thirteen local kids will be dressed up to scare you as you go through the car wash.
Hulda: The Other Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The Old Dutch Church, Sleepy Hollow, NY
Through October 29
In this one-woman show, learn about Hulda of Bohemia, a woman who was originally shunned in Sleepy Hollow for being a witch, but later became a Revolutionary War hero. The tale is told from the perspective of Abby, an enslaved African girl whom Hulda befriends at a time when both of them would have been forced to live on the edges of society.
Autumn Leaf Pumpkin Trains
Woodstown Central Railroad, Woodstown
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
Take in the scenic farmland as the train travels to Fenwick Grove. At the stop, you’ll get off for 30 minutes and pick out a pumpkin, have some apple cider and a donut, and play fall-themed activities.
Boo at the Zoo
Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Saturdays-Sundays, through October 29
Dress as your favorite animal (or in any costume) and listen to folktales from around the world featuring animals you can see in the zoo, check out skeletons from a collection of animal species you see at the zoo, watch the costume parade and pumpkin carving demos, make your own Halloween crafts, play in the Boo Playground and go trick-or-treating.
Great Pumpkin Fest
Dorney Park, Allentown, PA
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
This Halloween celebration is all fun and no fear, so it’s great for kids of all ages. Located in Wildwater Kingdom, you’ll find family-friendly activities, games, play zones, costume contests, dance parties and more.
Misfits Farmstead Festivals
Manalapan and Monroe Twp.
Saturdays-Sundays, through October 29
Meet the new Misfits (the family of goats) during festival weekends. There will be cornhole, tug of war, tractor rides, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, pony rides and a petting zoo.
Fall Family Fun & Farm of Horrors
Schaefer Farms, Flemington
Select dates, through October 29
Take your family on a scenic hayride to 40 acres of homegrown pumpkins. While on the patch, you can go through the Corn Maize or Hay Maze, play with the corn cannons, and feed some farm animals. At night, the farm transforms into the Farm of Horrors where you will ride, walk and then run for your life through the Halloween-themed attractions.
Little Falls Farmers Market
Little Falls
Sundays, through October 29
Soupeteer, Doughboy On The Rise, Jersey Pickles, High Mountain Foods, Pastabalities, Rosie’s Empanadas, Jersey Spirits, Seven Tribesmen and Cousins Main Lobster are just some of the returning vendors for the season. Live music will be from Your Mom’s Hot and new this year will be live jazz music from Hunter Hays – plus DJ Allstar Spotlight.
Fall Into Fun
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp.
Select dates, through October 29
The park will be decorated with haystacks, cornstalks and fall fun activities. Climb aboard the Happy Hayride, decorate a mini pumpkin and go through Elmer’s Hay-Mazin Maze. Kids are encouraged to dress in costume.
Mountain Creek Resort Bike Park
Mountain Creek Resort, Vernon Twp.
Through October 29
The bike park at Mountain Creek has 52 downhill trails that challenge everyone from first-time bikers to downhill professional racers. Zip tours feature a series of ziplines ranging from 200 feet to 1,500 feet in length.
Fall Fun Fest & Pumpkin Picking
Maple Leaf Farms, Manalapan
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
There will be live bull riding and country music, plus more than 20 activities, including a wooden train, wooden tractor swing, horse tire swings, tetter ball, pumpkin village, hay ride, corn maze, animal barnyard, pig races, goat mountain, hay maze, sand box, tiny trike track, pumpkin bowling, observation bridge, backhoe play yard, corn tunnel, rubber duck races, pillow jump, rodeo show, bean bag toss, pedal karts, corn crib, spiderweb, hay climbing and candy corn toss.
Fall Festival
Wightman Farms, Morristown
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
The mazeland includes a giant corn maze, hay bale maze, rope maze, paver maze, rock labyrinth, hay bale pyramid and hay bale tunnel. The picnic area includes corn hole, Hula hoops, and an educational display in the farm schoolhouse about bees and apples. The pumpkin slingshot will open at a later date.
Scarecrows in the Village
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
Through October 29
More than 100 scarecrows will be on display throughout the village. If you want to try your own, sign up for a scarecrow-making workshop. Throughout the season there will be a series of events, like Food Truck Thursday, a wedding show, a murder mystery dinner show and a free movie. During the weekend of September 16 and 17, Peddler’s Village will host a Scarecrow Festival that will include scarecrow workshops, live music, a juggling show, pumpkin painting, axe throwing, sand art, and outdoor food and drinks.
Welcome to Matteson
New Jersey Repertory Company, Long Branch
Thursdays – Sundays, through October 29
A suburban couple hosts a welcome-to-the-neighborhood dinner party for their new neighbors — a couple recently relocated from Cabrini Green, Chicago’s roughest housing project — but it’s anything but welcoming. This is a dark comedy about reverse gentrification and how we deal with the “other” when the other looks just like us.
Pumpkin Trains
Black River & Western Railroad, Flemington
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
Catch the train at Flemington Station for a ride to Everitt Farms at Pumpkin Junction. Your ticket includes the round-trip train ride, entry to the corn maze, a kid’s corn box activity, a wagon ride, music and games. You can also pick your own pumpkins.
Fall Farm Run
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Morristown
Saturdays – Sundays, through October 29
Start with a wagon ride around the 200-acre property. Watch apples being pressed into cider and take your “turn” with the old-fashioned screw press. Pick your own pumpkin from the patch. Take a guided tour of The Willows 1854 mansion. Visit the farm animals and see a corn cracking demonstration and then feed the chickens. Check out Well Played, an exhibit about childhood 100+ years ago, and the Transportation Exhibit which features a climb-on Model T truck and restored antique vehicles that were driven around town in the 1920s.
Bordentown Haunted History Tour
Old Town Pub, Bordentown
Through October 29
Get the facts on notoriously mysterious town sites where many passers-by have experienced strange occurrences. The family-friendly route was recently updated to include new twists, turns and tales.
Spooky Fest
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through October 29
Watch Boo! A Halloween Laser Show or the Haunted House 3D. Hunt for creepy, giant spiders in the Spider Scavenger Hunt, and seek 13 Spooky Skeletons, too. See what’s inside every jack o’ lantern in the Pumpkin Dissection Lab, and check out real animal skeletons in the Boneyard. LSC’s resident bugs, spiders, and more critters are the stars of the Creepy Crawler Corner shows. Work it out on the dance floor at the daily Halloween Dance Party.
Pumpkin Nights
Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Thursdays – Sundays, through October 29
Pumpkin Nights tells the story of What Animals Do After Dark through intricately carved pumpkin sculptures and scenes, music and special lighting. The zoo’s newest attraction features more than 5,000 carved animal-themed pumpkins over a half-mile jack-o’-lantern trail, food trucks and fall treats, live pumpkin carving, seasonal games and more. Even though it’s at night, the activities are family-friendly.
The Great Pumpkin Train
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg
Through October 29
Ride along the Delaware River and get off at Snyders Station, where you will spend 2 hours at the mine panning for gemstones you can take home and/or take on the challenge of the corn maze. Every train stops at the Pumpkin Patch on the way back so kids can pick a pumpkin for free, and you can all check out the century-old Carpentersville Lime Kilns which date back to before the Revolutionary War.
Halloween Light Show
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale
Select dates, through October 31
Drive through 32 acres of Halloween lights displays, enjoy farm fresh goodies in the retail farm market, warm up by the fire pits, make your own s’mores, and sip hot cocoa.
Haunted Mini Golf
Woodbridge Community Center, Woodbridge
Through October 31
Skyline Mini Golf is haunting the tees for the whole family.
Fall Harvest Days
Norz Hill Farm & Market, Hillsborough
Select dates, through October 31
Start with the Fall Harvest Days, which include the corn maze, farm tours, a Kids CORNer, pumpkin patch and food stand. Then, mark your calendar for Scare Farm, where the farm transforms into nightly terrors.
Fright Fest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through October 31
This is not for the faint of heart! Recommended for teens and adults 13 and older, this is one of the area’s scariest Halloween events. Nighttime festivities include a ghoul parade, live stage shows, terrifying scare zones, plus six haunted houses designed for the ultimate scare.
Monsterville
Downtown Merchantville
Select dates, through October 31
Throughout the month the downtown will be transformed into a Halloween scene. Events include Spooky Story Time, the Merchant School Haunted House, a Mystery and Magic Street Fair, a Zombie Run and trick-or-treating.
Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party
LEGOLAND Discovery Center, American Dream, East Rutherford
Through October 31
Watch the new LEGO 4D Halloween Movie: The Great Monster Chase. Have a meet-and-greet with the BOOtastic LEGO Witch. Find all the monsters that have hidden in Miniland and bring the Monster Band back together for a reward. Take a picture with the new LEGO pumpkin. Add your own terrifying touches to make the Monster House a home. Enjoy Halloween treats at the LEGO Café. And of course, play with the LEGOs in the build areas.
Halloween House Paramus
Paramus Mall, Paramus
Through November 1
Halloween House has a series of fully immersive, uniquely themed rooms including the Trick or Treat Room, the Glow in the Dark Room, the Horror Movie Graveyard, the Vampires’ Lair, and the pumpkin patch. These rooms are designed to be more fun than scary. There are no actors, jump scares or strobe lights. It takes about 45 minutes to walk through. Note: The attraction is closed on Sundays.
Little One’s Nature Class
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Fridays, through November 3 (no class Oct. 27)
Learn about the squirrels, turkeys and changing leaves in the Plainsboro Preserve through stories, crafts and nature exploration. This series of classes is for kids ages 3 to 5, plus an adult.
Grow Little Gardner
Veblen House Lawn, Princeton
Fridays, through November 3
Certified Master Gardener and local mom Mathilde Burlion will teach a weekly youth gardening class in Herrontown Woods. In these sessions, kids ages 6-12 will learn and grow by exploring the woods and interacting with nature.
LuminoCity Dino Safari
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
Through November 5
From the triceratops to the Pterosauria to the brachiosaurus to the oviraptor, your kids will have a roarin’ good time checking out the lifelike animatronics that have special effects like their jaws opening, heads and tails swaying, the sound of breathing and wings fluttering. A special Halloween makeover with gigantic, illuminated jack-o’lanterns, spiders, graveyard stones and skeletons goes through October 31.
Jack O’Lantern Experience
Skylands Stadium, Augusta
Select dates, through November 5
There will be thrills and chills for the whole family, including seasonal food and drinks, outdoor games, pumpkin picking and painting, and a stroll through over 6,000 hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns.
Fintastic Fall Days Festival
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Through November 5
See countless aquatically-themed displays throughout the aquarium, both floating on the surface and sunken deep below among sharks, rays, and other aquatic animals. Check out seasonal sensory tables featuring pumpkin slime and other hands-on sensory experiences. You can pay $5 to paint and take home your pumpkin masterpiece. If you’re looking to learn more, dive into the “What Goes Bump in the Midnight Zone” show, which demystifies the animals living in the dark depths of the ocean’s Midnight Zone.
Oktoberfest
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson
Select dates, through November 5
This German heritage festival is a new fall tradition filled with authentic fare and a large selection of seasonal craft lagers and beers from around the world, including the Gutentag One Man Band.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA
Select dates, through November 5
Dress your kids in their Halloween costumes and bring them to the Sesame Street-themed theme park for Halloween-themed shows and parades, a scavenger hunt, a trick-or-treat trail, pumpkin decorating, photo ops with their favorite furry friends, and the new Count’s Hello Halloween Spectacular.
Great Pumpkin Festival
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon
Through November 5
There is so much to do on the farm! There’s everything from a tractor hay ride to a corn maze to a hy crawl and barnyard sports ball-cade, plus a Chicken Little Show, the Boo Barn, a dancing robot show, pedal cars and an obstacle course, Skee-Ball, a giant straw bale pyramid, boat racing, pig racing and the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show.
Hill Creek Farms Fall Season
Hill Creek Farms, Mullica Hill
Fridays – Sundays, through November 5
2023 season highlights include u-pick apples, Asian pears, sunflowers and vegetables; live music at The Loft; kids’ activities, including a moon bounce, barrel train rides, gem mining and a playground; photo ops around the farm; local wine, small bites, food trucks, ice cream and freshly baked apple cider donuts.
Duke Farms Market
Duke Farms, Hillsborough
Sundays, through November 12
The best farms and artisan vendors from the Raritan Watershed region will offer items for all your grocery needs.
Sensory Sundays
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Sundays, November 19 and December 17
This new program is part of the aquarium’s commitment to creating an inclusive, entertaining and educational experience for all guests, including anyone with autism or sensory sensitivities. There will be lower music and lighting as well as limited capacity.
Family Fun Football Sundays
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Sundays, through November 19
Sundays, November 26 – December 17
While the adults are watching NFL games, the kids can play in the arcade, get their face painted and meet special costumed characters.
Chrysanthemum Festival
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Through November 12
Walk through displays of 5,000 yellow, orange, lavender and maroon chrysanthemums. It’s based on an ancient art from Japan and China, where flowers are arranged in the shape of spirals, obelisks, columns and clouds.
T-Rex Takeover
Field Station: Dinosaurs, Leonia
Select days, through November 12
The park is home to more than 30 larger-than-life-sized dinosaurs and includes the Jurassic Jump attraction, activities like dino trivia or feeding a T-Rex, time to speak with actual paleontologists and a scavenger hunt. Starting now, you can go for Dinosaurs After Dark on Friday and Saturday nights.
Aerial Adventure Park Night Climb
Great Gorge Golf Club, Vernon
Select dates, through November 18
Night climbs give you three hours of access to the 10 original aerial obstacle courses, plus the new zipline course, The Black Creek Flyer. You can spend the night climbing, zipping, scrambling and scampering through the trees. Stop for something to eat or sit by the fire to relax before heading up again.
Morning Walks
Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, Bernardsville
Saturdays, through November 18
During a quiet morning at the sanctuary, walk the trails with an NJ Audubon staff member or associate naturalist and learn about the birds, trees, tracks, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians that you come across.
Food Truck Festival Season
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Select Saturdays and Sundays, through November 19
Each weekend will have a different theme with food trucks to match, plus a glass of wine or two. There will be family activities, too.
Formula 1 at RPM Raceway
RPM Raceway, Jersey City
Through November 26
If you want in on the action, jump in an electric go-kart and race against time while virtually challenging famous Formula 1 racers’ scores and striving to outpace their legendary lap times. You can play in the arcade, at its state-of-the-art racing simulators, billiards, bowling alley and Hologate Virtual Reality center. If you want to sit on the sidelines, have lunch at RPM Sports Bar & Grill and watch F1 races in real time on larger-than-life screens throughout the venue.
Hopatcong Sunday Market & Craft Fair
Park & Ride, Hopatcong
Sundays, through November 26
Each week, bring the kids and shop from a variety of food, produce and craft vendors.
Diggerfest
Diggerland USA, West Berlin
Saturdays-Sundays, through November 26
Diggerland’s Fall Festival includes live music, special foods, hay rides, Circus Stella, fun and games, fire truck rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, a pipe roll, a corn maze, photo stands, fire pits and a fall parade.
Xiomáro’s Street Haunting: Photographs Virginia Woolf Might Have Taken
Starlight Gallery of the Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown
Through November 28
The artistic roots of street photography can be traced as far back as da Vinci’s street sketches. For Xiomaro, New York City is a source for creating candid photographs of dramatic, weird, and ghostly moments – while not using Photoshop, filters, or other manipulations. There are 16 large prints on view in this exhibition.
The Science Behind Pixar
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through May 5, 2024
Learn all about the science behind Pixar’s animated films. Kids can try a bunch of hands-on experiences like making a short film, creating a robot friend for “WALL·E” and designing a new movie set using props from “Monsters University.” Learn what animation rendering is, then practice it by rendering a scene from “Inside Out.” Create a digital sculpture from an artist’s sketch. Use lights to solve challenges similar to the ones Pixar faced in creating underwater scenes with virtual light in “Finding Nemo.”
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