With all the rain we’ve been having, you no doubt are waiting for the weekend so you and the kids can have some fun outside of the house! You can celebrate the Indian holidays at a garba (dance), head to a farm for some fall fun or start decorating for Halloween. If you’re up for a road trip, take the fam to Jackson for Boo Fest and Fright Fest, or head to NY for a celebration of toys at FAO Schwartz. Monday is Columbus Day so if your kids have off from school, there are great activities to keep them occupied, too.
ALL WEEKEND
A Journey Through Asia
Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater
Friday – Sunday
This cultural dance and art exhibit promotes the works of artists from Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Nepal. There will be dance presentations followed by post-dance instruction, plus a painting exhibition that benefits The Pink Foundation which supports orphaned and vulnerable girls in India.
Rummage Sale
Far Hills Fairgrounds, Far Hills
Friday – Sunday
Twice a year, Atlantic Visiting Nurse holds an epic rummage sale that serves as a major fundraiser to help them provide home health and hospice care for uninsured and underinsured patients. The sale involves hundreds of volunteers and attracts thousands of bargain hunters who walk through 2 acres and 25 departments of bargain merchandise.
International Food Festival
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, East Stroudsburg, PA
Saturday – Sunday
Food, fine arts and fun: Art on the Mountain will return this year. There will be a diverse option of food vendors plus live music, chairlift rides, crafters and artists. On Saturday in the children’s area there will be a bounce house and an obstacle course. On Sunday there will be a touch-a-truck event. All weekend there will be crafters and fine arts vendors, chairlift rides and live music.
Pinkalicious: The Musical
Roosevelt Park, Edison
Saturday and Sunday
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.
Fall Craft & Music Festival
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Saturday – Sunday
While enjoying the picturesque grounds filled with sunflowers and zinnias, enjoy this special fall fest complete with dozens of crafters, live music, food, farm animals and PYO flowers.
Oktoberfest
Readington Hop Farm, Neshanic Station
Saturday – Sunday
Aside from adults sampling beer from Readington Brewery, the whole family can visit the marketplace vendors, listen to German music, throw axes, get your face painted and enter a beer stein holding contest. There will be a costume contest for the best German outfit.
South Jersey Pumpkin Show
Salem County Fairgrounds, Woodstown
Saturday – Sunday
It’ll be a fun weekend, with pumpkin desserts, over 150 vendor booths, the Fall Home Show, fun contests, giveaways, wine sampling, the food court, amusement rides, live music, scarecrows, pony rides and hayrides around the fairgrounds. Saturday activities includes the Adults Pumpkin Toss, the Pumpkin Dessert Contest, a reading of the legend of Sleepy Hollow and the arrival of the Headless Horsemen at the graveyard, and the Halloween Costume Contest & Trick or Treat Stroll. Sunday’s events will start with the All-Breed Fun Dog Show and Little Miss Pumpkin Show Queen Pageant. Then, search for one of the Halloween Painted Rocks and win amazing prizes.
Crest Best Run Fest
Wildwood Crest
Saturday – Sunday
Races include half marathon, 10 miler, 10K, 5K, Kids Fun Run and Doggy Derby. There will be lots of swag and awards.
Oktoberfest
Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten, Asbury Park
Friday – Sunday
Undoubtedly there will be beer and food, but also come by for live music, a Munich-style tent on the roof top and other events. The musical lineup includes Mountain Xpress, The Polka Family Band, Polka Country Musicians, John Stevens Polka Band and Doppelgangers.
Fall Festival
Allentown
Friday – Saturday
Stop by Historic Allentown for live music, a craft beer garden, food trucks, classic cars, Civil War encampment, craft vendors and a host of activities for kids. Get a jump on holiday shopping while buying local at the same time. It is also a great time to visit local specialty shops and eateries offering Fall Festival specials.
Atlantic City Comedy Festival
Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City
Some oof the biggest names in comedy, like Tommy Davidson and Luenell, are performing during this two-day festival.
Fall Family Fun Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
There is so much to do here you may have to go both days! Activities include 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.
Irish Festival
Historic Smithville
Saturday – Sunday
The annual Irish Festival is lots of fun; the music alone is worth the ride! With two stages, there is live music throughout the entire day. An Irish market, children’s activities and a food court are also part of this amazing festival.
Fall Bazaar
Asbury Park
Saturday – Sunday
Celebrate local makers, music and art. There will be shopping, live music, Oktoberfest food and drink specials, photos at an immersive fall-themed photo station, and kids’ face painting.
Stafford Fall Wine Festival
Heritage Train Park, Manahawkin
Saturday – Sunday
Learn about local wines, sample some of the best, nosh on great food and listen to live music over this two-day wine fest along the Jersey Shore.
Red Gables
Red Bank
This outdoor concert at a private location along the Navesink River features talented musicians and a chef-driven food concession.
Family Fun Columbus Day Weekend
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge
Saturday – Monday
Bring your little ones for free face painting, balloon animals, airbrush tattoos, caricatures, plus an impressive bubble show. On top of this there will be PYO flowers, photo opportunities, farm animals, a feeding zoo, pony rides and more.
FRIDAY
Hurricane Fiona Support Event
Chevys Fresh Mex, Clifton
An 18-wheeler truck will be parked outside Chevys to accept donations to help hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico. The relief effort will take place during a week-long celebration marking National Hispanic Heritage Month. Activities will include Kids Eat Free Nights, live music, tequila tastings and art shows.
Puptoberfest
Animal Welfare Association, Vorhees
Pets can stop by the Barktini Bar for a specialty mocktail during AWA’s first-ever Puptoberfest. The whole family can take part in live music, food trucks, lawn games and adoption center tours.
Pawsome Pibble Pageant
Animal Welfare Association, Vorhees
Celebrate all breeds of pit bulls with a parade, games and contests, Q&A with the Behavior Team and adoption information.
Movie Night
Hall of Records, Freehold Borough
Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks for this Halloween-themed, family-friendly movie that will be shown outdoors. At 7 pm your little ones will enjoy Disney’s “Coco” while the older crowd (17+) will be happy at 9:30 pm for “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.”
Here’s to the Night
Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park
Celebrate the ’90s with live music and bowling.
SATURDAY
Zombie Walk
Convention Hall and Boardwalk, Asbury Park
Asbury will be overtaken by the undead who are rocking out to ‘80s and ‘90s punk and heavy metal music. Try to avoid their lurching, grunting and limb waving – or join in on the fun! Kids and adults can get dressed up and take part in the parade or watch from the outskirts.
World Diversity Day Children’s Festival
Lake Topanemus, Freehold
Encourage your kids to celebrate diverse cultures and acceptance of others with stories, sing-alongs, dancing, crafts, choirs, book giveaways and more. The festival will have live entertainment and hands-on activities ideal for 5- to 10-year-olds, including authors reading from their books, a Nigerian Village display, basketball drill demonstrations by We Are the Future, and a Ukrainian Children’s chorus.
Walk n’ Roll
Colonial Park, Somerset
This isn’t your ordinary charity walk — the Walk n’ Roll is a true family fun day with a DJ, entertainment fun activities for kids, and a walk through the park. EAT CLEAN BRO will barbecue for all registered participants. 100% of every dollar raised supports the expert specialized services provided at Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH). You can also sign up virtually.
Scarecrow Contest & Children’s Fall Festival
Hamilton Twp. Public Library, Hamilton Twp.
Set up your scarecrow for judging to win prizes. Afterward, your kids will be intrigued by the Unique Creatures Animal Show and the Mad Science Jack-o-Lantern Jamboree magic show.
Diwali Parade
West Lake Gazebo, Robbinsville
Celebrate heritage with a cultural showcase and colorful performances. There will be DJ music, food stalls and vendor booths.
Small Explorers
New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
Learn about the fall and winter seasons with Miss Sue, who will read “Tree” by Britta Teckentrup. You’ll explore the galleries to find images of trees and seasons. Make your own season-changing tree and see how a tree changes throughout the year. Bring a picnic lunch and join the group after the sessions for a welcome event on the lawn. Get to know other participating families, enjoy fun activities and take home free giveaways.
F.A.O. Schwartz 160 Years of Toys
Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Celebrate the 16oth anniversary of the beloved NY toy store with magicians, American Ballet Theatre students, balloonists, sweet treats from Magnolia Bakery and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and others, a variety of craft activities, ear piercing, photo ops, skating with the Toy Soldiers at Flippers, and the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile.
Last Blast Food Truck & Music Festival
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
Sponsored by The Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council, this full lineup of food trucks, tent vendors and live music is sure to please the entire family.
Fall Fest
Straube Center, Pennington
This is a unique fall fest that offers tarot readings, glass blowing, henna, a bounce house, arts, crafts and a pumpkin giveaway.
Full Moon Intention Setting
The Ocean Club Restaurant/DREAM Fitness, Seaside Heights
Moon cards and crystals will be used during a special Full Moon Intention Setting and Yoga on the Beach Event. This evening includes intention setting, slow flow yoga and meditation underneath October’s full moon.
Festival of Books
Morristown
Enjoy dozens of author meet-and-greets, in-person book signings, crafts, music and a writer’s workshop.
Fall Taste of Highlands
Highlands
Imagine 5 hours of delicious food samplings and cocktails from nearly 20 restaurants and retailers! You will be greeted at each establishment and present your map to be stamped.
Porchfest
Cranford
Singers and bands will perform from various porches around town, entertaining crowds as they move from house to house.
Fall Festival and Blessing of the Animals
Middletown United Methodist Church, Middletown
Bring your friends and family for games, crafts, food, vendors, live music and apple and pumpkin pie contests! Kids will love face painting, balloon animals, relay races, the petting zoo and pony rides. Plus, bring your pets for a special blessing in honor of St. Francis.
Puppy Poses
Crunch Fitness – Marlboro, Old Bridge
You do the yoga while the pups do the cuddles! Adorable rescue dogs will be allowed to interact with you during this one-hour mixed level yoga class featuring an Align Yoga & Strength instructor so be prepared to get doggy kisses.
Fall Arts Festival
Weeden Park, Lawrenceville
Celebrate 325 years of Lawrenceville with a day of art, music, food and community. This street fair-style event will feature over 150 artists, crafters and vendors along with dozens of live musical and community acts.
Mask Making
Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, Madison
Kids ages 10-14 can spend an awesome afternoon with graffiti artist Dan Fenelon who will teach them how to use recycled materials to make a mask inspired by colonial history.
Rockabilly ’22
New Egypt Flea Market, Cream Ridge
Dress in your Rockabilly best for this rock ‘n’ roll party! Anyone who brings their classic car gets in free. Have fun shopping in the village or just listening to the music.
Barktoberfest
Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park
This fall festival and pet expo includes K9 demos, pet vendors, food trucks, rescue groups and a pet costume contest.
NJ POUND 4 Pink
Toms River Elks Lodge, Toms River
POUND Fitness is a full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning and strength training to energizing music and the beat of live drums. The third annual NJ POUND 4 Pink event will raise money for Mary’s Place by the Sea in Ocean Grove, which helps women with cancer. Enjoy the POUND 4 Pink Vendor Event as well.
Cutting of 600-Pound Holiday Provolone
Dolce & Clemente’s Italian Gourmet Market, Robbinsville
Watch as a 600-pound block of provolone cheese imported from Italy is cut. After, enjoy samples of cheeses, meats and holiday products.
Casino Night
VFW, Manville
Try your hand at Roulette, Craps, 3-Card Poker, Blackjack, Texas Hold’Em and a money wheel.
The Craft Show at Oktoberfest
Duck Pond, Demarest
This high quality craft show has crafters bringing their handmade crafts in many medias. It’s a great place for holiday shopping, for gifts, or for items for your own use and enjoyment. Enjoy German music, German food, beer, water, soft drinks, vegan and vegetarian food options as well as Korean delicacies. Also, back by popular demand, there will be the canoe rides once again.
Newark Arts Festival
Newark Art Museum, Newark
The theme this year is Artful Healing. Take a musical journey with Rhyan McNeil as the singer and songwriter sings affirmations and original songs and shares her personal story of how music has helped her through her life’s greatest challenges. The Women of the Movements Concert will feature all Black and Latinx female classical composers in concert. “RED,” an original musical, follows a group of teenagers who, brought together by a web of life-altering circumstances, try to stop their neighborhood community center from being closed by the new mayor.
Alice in Wonderland
New Brunswick
The streets of New Brunswick will transform into a giant, escape-room-style experience based on “Alice in Wonderland.” You and your team will follow Alice down the rabbit hole and enter a world of adventure, intrigue and impossible things at this immersive event. Solve clues from the Cheshire Cat and complete the Mad Hatter’s challenges as you race against the clock to rescue Alice!
Oddities Show
Carnival of Collectables, Sicklersville
There will be plenty of oddities, taxidermy, spooky art and jewelry, horror-themed medical quackery and creepy dolls. Throughout the day, enjoy music from April Mae & The June Bugs, DJ Hale Bop and Onyx Ondyx.
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.
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.
Town-Wide Yard Sale
Manville
Start at the library and then visit other spots in town as you visit neighbors’ yard sales.
Run the Vineyards
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
Run or walk through the vineyards and then finish with live music, food trucks, wine and more fun.
Fall Harvest Festival
Ocean Grove
Enjoy live music as you walk through this giant arts & crafts show.
Lima Bean Festival
Backyard Park, West Cape May
Celebrate the borough’s farming heritage with a vast array of recipes, crafts and products available.
Golf 4 Girls
Cobblestone Creek Country Club, Lawrence Twp.
This golf outing will follow a scramble format. Afterward will be a networking reception.
Children’s Book Festival
Princeton
Your whole family can take part in a joyful celebration of books and the people who make and read them. There will be 30 authors present for the first in-person book festival since the start of the pandemic.
Out There: A Quest for Extraterrestrial Life
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, Branchburg
Are we truly alone in the Universe? This show at the planetarium will dive into space and if earthlings are the only ones to exist.
Fanfare on First
The Wine Bar and Restaurant, Atlantic Highlands
This fabulous, fun fall event will include a night of music by Peanut Butter Bridges, elegant appetizers, assorted fruits and cheeses and Mediterranean delights, and dancing. Complimentary wine or beer will be your first drink.
Swirl Wine Tasting
Laurita Winery, New Egypt
The inaugural Swirl: New Jersey Wine Tasting Event will include small bites to complement the tasting, plus the chance to win prizes in the silent auction. The event will raise funds for critical lymphoma research.
Princeton University Eating Club Tours
Colonial Club, Princeton
Learn about the architecture, origins and development of the 16 Classical- and Gothic-style clubhouses, which date from 1895 to 1928. There will be an opportunity to visit inside of one of the eating clubs.
Forest Bathing for Families
New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood
Forest bathing is a way to immerse all five senses while walking through nature. This family-friendly version will include an easy walk and a craft for kids.
SUNDAY
Tot Trot & Fall Festival
Metuchen High School, Metuchen
The YMCA of MEWSA (Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy) will hold races for kids up to age 12 during the Tot Trot, followed by a community Fall Festival.
Diwali Mela
Buchmuller Park, Secaucus
This Festival of Lights will feature cultural performances, Indian cuisine, live entertainment, kids’ activities and door prizes.
Oktoberfest
George Street, New Brunswick
Is anyone in your family up for the challenge? Take part in the stein holding competition: hold a full one-liter beer stein out in front of your body with a straight arm, parallel to the ground, and compete against others to see who can hold the mug the longest! There will be other fun activities during this street fair, including music, games, food, drinks and more. Open to everyone, but must be 21 (with proper ID) to drink.
Tree Bingo
Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton
Outside, practice your tree ID by collecting real leaves to use as game pieces. Learn your leaf shapes in this family-friendly bingo game. Prizes will be awarded.
Sunset Yoga
Serenity Farms, Robbinsville
Find some quiet and zen amongst the lavender fields as you practice yoga at sunset.
Food & Music Festival
Byrne Plaza, Wildwood
Formerly known as Wildwoods Seafood and Music Festival, this street fair will feature a full day of fantastic food options, music, shopping and more. Come out for live music, delicious food, messy pie-eating contests, craft vendors; and a Kids Korner with games, pumpkin painting and inflatable bounce houses.
Fall Street Fair
Main Street, Califon
This historic area will be transformed into a scene of fall fun, shopping, food and entertainment. Bring your family and stroll through the downtown and enjoy artisans and crafters, a variety of tasty food trucks, vendors and live music.
Music and Farm-to-Fork Fundraiser
Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse, Milford
The afternoon will feature a farm tour, gypsy jazz concert and farm-to-fork BBQ featuring products from Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse and other local farms in support of Circle Haven and its mission to raise funds to build a community for adults with special needs.
Fallcraft
The Woodland, Maplewood
Exhibit or browse through various vendors of homemade crafts.
Full Moon Yoga + Sound Bath
Metta Yoga, Neptune Twp.
Enjoy a healing yoga class during the full moon, plus a meditative sound bath.
Yoga With the Goats
Medford Freedom Park, Medford
Practice yoga while you get loved on by friendly, sweet, socialized goats during this fundraiser.
MONDAY (Columbus Day)
A tradition in New Jersey is to take the kids apple and pumpkin picking on Columbus Day when schools are closed, or even to try out a corn maze at a local farm. Check ahead to make sure your favorite spot is open today. And while you’re there, don’t skip the farm market for some apple cider donuts – some bakeries make them hot on the spot!
Corn Maze & Farm Activities
Etsch Farms, Monroe Twp.
Big kids will love wandering through the 8-acre corn maze, while younger kids won’t be too scared getting “lost” in the smaller one. You all can also go on the corn train, hayride, to the pumpkin patch or inside the bakery.
DiDonato’s Trick-or-Treat Train
DiDonato Family Fun Center, Hammonton
Tricks, treats and surprises are included in this Halloween outdoor train ride that is great for kids and grownups. 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.
Field Station: Dinosaurs
Overpeck County Park, Leonia
The dino park added Columbus Day hours so that your family can check out all the life-sized dinosaurs, head to the finish line during Raptor Races and play games at the Mesozoic Midway.
Boo at the Zoo
The Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
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.
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.
AddamsFest
Downtown Westfield
Throughout October
The entire month is dedicated to celebrating Charles Addams and “The Addams Family.” Events include voting in the Haunt Your House Decorating Contest, taking photos of the house on Mindowaskin Pond, attending Morticia & Gomez’s MasQUERADE Ball, going on a lantern cemetery tour, listening to a discussion Addams’ artistic process, taking the kids to Addams Family Fun Day, communicating with spirits at a seance, listening to local bands at Charlie’s Ale Garden, doing the “Time Warp” during a showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and watching “Hotel Transylvania 3” with the kiddies.
Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Trains
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Sundays, Oct. 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.
Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser
Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, Pluckemin
Every day, Oct. 9 – 31
When you purchase a pumpkin at the patch, you’re not just getting a fun decoration, you’re helping the Navajo and Pluckemin Presbyterian Church at the same time. A portion of the proceeds come back to the church for community outreach in the Navajo Nation of New Mexico.
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 Weekends
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp.
Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 22 – 30
Come in costume and then collect treats throughout the park. A trick-or-treat bag will be given to kids 2 and older.
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.
Oktoberfest
Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Bear Mountain, NY
Weekends, through Oct. 23
Enjoy craft beer, delicious food, live music featuring nine music groups and fun activities for all ages.
Music Fest Sundays
Palmer Square, Princeton
Sundays, through Oct. 23
Bring a chair or blanket and sit on the Square while you listen to live music.
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.
Dinosaurs: After Dark
Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 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.
Haunted Train Ride & Walking Trail
Wild West City, Stanhope
Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 29
Main Street will be lit up, decorated and the Golden Nugget Saloon will be open. All ages can participate but use parental discretion; this event is rated PG-13. This is a scare Halloween event.
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.
Spooky Wild West Fest
Wild West City, Stanhope
Weekends, through Oct. 30; plus Oct. 10
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.
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.
Simon and His Shoes
The Tank, New York
Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 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, through Oct. 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.
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.
The Great Pumpkin Train
Snyder Farm, Phillipsburg
Through Oct. 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. There will be free pumpkins for every child!
Halloween Harvest
Luna Park (Coney Island), Brooklyn, NY
Every day, through Oct. 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.
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.
Halloween House
Edison, Lawrence Twp., Paramus, Rockaway, Toms River
Every day, through Nov. 1
Each of the 10 rooms in the 10,000-square-foot locations will be curated by Hollywood set designers, artists and Halloween lovers using lighting, props and effects. There will be no actors, no jump scares and no gore so kids can enjoy. Instead, you’ll enter different rooms to enjoy scenes like “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Stranger Things,” Trick-or-Treat Room, Glow-in-the-Dark Room or 1940s-style Haunted Room. There’s even a pumpkin patch room!
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.
Jersey Shore Ghost Tours: Red Bank
Red Bank
Fridays, through Nov. 11
Take a lantern-lit tour throughout the borough, starting at The Dublin House, where Red Bank’s most well-known ghost resides.
Jersey Shore Ghost Tours: Keyport
Keyport
Saturdays, through Nov. 12
Take a lantern-lit tour along the waterfront to hear ghost stories of this Jersey Shore town.
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.
Scarecrows of the Sea
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Every day, through Nov. 13
Check out these “seaworthy” scarecrows designed like pirates, penguins and mermaids that were handcrafted by aquarium employees!
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
Through Jan. 16, 2023
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 and also Domestic Violence Awareness Month so show your support at vigils, workshops and events.
