Get your kids, your friends and even your pets in gear for lots of Halloween activities this weekend. Check out a pizza festival, a meet-and-greet with Thomas the Tank Engine or a sightseeing cruise. Whether or not you have your costume picked out yet, there’s lots of family fun to be had.
ALL WEEKEND
Rutgers Homecoming
New Brunswick
Thursday – Saturday
Have fun during a reunion with Rutgers alumni. Take tours of the historic campuses, visit your old stomping grounds or attend the Rutgers-Indiana football game on Saturday.
Family-Friendly Haunted House
Livingston Avenue School, Cranford
Friday – Saturday
The PTA will decorate the entire school for a family-friendly haunted house extravaganza.
Whipped Cream
Koch Theater, New York
Friday – Sunday
American Ballet Theatre’s 2022 Fall Season will open with the full-length ballet “Whipped Cream.” It is based on the two-act ballet originally created as “Schlagobers,” which premiered at the Vienna State Opera in 1924.
Trick-or-Treat Train
DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, Hammonton
Saturday – Sunday
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.
Fall Family Fun Weekends
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturday – Sunday
Each weekend in October, come out for PYO pumpkins and apples, pumpkin painting, corn and hay bale mazes, barnyard animals, children’s games and activities, storytime, lots of farm market food and Terhune’s own wine and live music.
Oktoberfest
Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Bear Mountain, NY
Saturday – Sunday
Enjoy craft beer, delicious food, live music featuring nine music groups and fun activities for all ages.
Fall Fest
Lambertville Station Restaurant, Lambertville
Saturday – Sunday
Experience two days full of fall fun along the banks of the Delaware River at the Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn Fall Fest. Take in the brilliant foliage and breathtaking views as you browse through vendors featuring local artisans, crafts, games, family activities, food trucks, beer garden and live music.
FRIDAY
Spooky Stories by Candlelight
Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair
Spooky ghosts, unsolved murders, creepy cryptids, gruesome deaths — are you afraid of the dark? Guests will travel back in time using the Crane House & Historic YWCA as their guide as you explore ghastly tales from Montclair’s history on this candlelight tour.
Haunted Gingerbread House Decorating
Newmarket, Metuchen
Design your very own “haunted house” using a mini gingerbread frame and candy decorations. Great for fun-seekers age 5 and up.
Gardens Aglow
Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, Upper Montclair
View the gardens at dusk as they come to life with artfully carved jack-o’-lanterns supplied by local high school art departments. Enjoy a glass of cider at sunset while watching the gardens glow. Activities, entertainment, a mad science show and refreshments will be ongoing throughout the event.
SATURDAY
Fall Festival and Pooch Parade
Pier Village, Long Branch
Dress up your pet for the Pooch Parade, since prizes will be awarded for Doggie Sweets, pet massages, trainers, baked goods and more. Stay the day, as there will be music and traditional Bavarian dances. During the fall festival, kids can have fun at touch-a-truck, trick-or-treating, face painting, henna art, inflatable rides, games, carousel rides and arcade games. Meet Sparky, the Long Branch Fire Department’s mascot. Listen to 94.3 The Point’s Lou Russo live. Watch pumpkin carving demos. Make bracelets with Little Words Project. Stop by the 3 Hearts 4 Paws booth for information on animal adoptions. Get a psychic reading by Gifted Sara.
Broadway @GSPlaza
Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus
Each week, see a different Broadway performance of a Disney musical geared toward kids.
Grayrock N Roll Fall Festival
Clinton
Spend the better part of your day shopping from vendors selling art, baked dog treats, books, candles, essential oils, handmade soaps, home décor, jewelry, kidswear, stickers, toys, wreaths and more. There will also be live music, face painting, glitter tattoos, cats and dogs up for adoption, a tricky tray, raffles and food trucks. Plus, meet the resident farm animals!
Pizza Fest
Hoboken
Have you ever tried a pub crawl? This is even better because it’s a pizza crawl! Bring your punchcard to several locations throughout Hoboken to receive a half slice of pizza. Then, get some ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s. If you’re not too stuffed, there will be an after party at Urban Coalhouse. It’s easy as pie!
Halloween Cakesicles
Plainsboro
Your kids are invited to a baking class where they will make vanilla, chocolate and red velvet cakesicles.
All About Owls
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown
The Raptor Trust will be visiting the museum with one of their owls to present a fun, educational program about this interesting bird.
Happy Halloween Event
Camelback Resort, Tannersville, PA
The Howl O’Ween Doggie Parade will feature agility/rodeo courses for dogs and their owners, pet-centric vendors and an awards ceremony. A treat trail, tote bag coloring, Boo Bar and a costume contest will also be of the day’s Halloween celebrations. The movie “Halloweentown” will be shown at dusk.
Howl-o-Ween Family Fest
Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary, Allentown
Dress up your kids – and your pups – for an afternoon filled with K-9 costume contests, a leisurely walk around the property, hayrides, a pet photo booth, a K-9 police dog demo, music, vendors, food trucks, raffles and other fall-inspired games and activities for everyone.
Oktoberfest 2022
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit
Adults can join this fundraiser for the public garden as it transforms into a beer garden. As a 5-piece German band plays, enjoy lots of food, beer and fun.
Addicted Chic Anniversary Spectacular
Addicted Chic, Flemington
Adults can try on classic and contemporary fashions designed by Joseph Ribkoff in a celebration of the boutique’s 7th anniversary. Joseph Ribkoff CEO John Gunn will be visiting from Montreal for the day. Stay for the fashion show, vintage car show, hourly prizes, hors d’oeuvres and champagne. A portion of the day’s sales will benefit Hunterdon Medical Center and the Hunterdon Health Foundation, focusing on women’s health.
Autumn Lands
Historic Smithville Park, Eastampton
Celebrate all things autumn in the park with individual “lands” to visit in the spirit of the season. There will be chainsaw art, belly dancing, tarot readings, crankie storytelling, paranormal research, a maze, spooky performances, a scarecrow contest, demos, basket weaving, kids’ activities and food trucks.
Fall Foliage Hike
Teetertown Preserve, Long Valley
During this program, you will look down into the valley and see colorful trees and identify some up close. You will also enjoy goldenrod and other fall wildflowers in the meadows. Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles with some elevation change as the plan is to visit the ravine.
Monster Mania
Manalapan Rec Center, Manalapan
Get ready for a haunted trail, scarecrow contest, Halloween house decorating contest, trunk-or-treat, arts and crafts and many more spook-tac-ular activities!
Roly Polies and Fall on the Farm
Wilson Blueberry Farm, Pemberton
Come for the Roly Poly Class and then visit the farm shop for some early holiday shopping and baked goods and pumpkins.
Run for Rwanda
Liquid Church (Morris County campus), Parsippany
Lace up for the 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run. Not only will you get the opportunity to participate in a chip-timed race, you’re taking steps to bring clean, safe, drinking water to the people of Rwanda.
Meet and Greet Thomas and Friends
Northlandz Miniature Wonderland, Flemington
Get your cameras ready because Thomas the Tank Engine and his other railway friends want to take photos with your kids! Join Thomas on a fun-filled, sing-along performance where kids will help Thomas discover the steps to grow a beautiful garden.
Oktoberfest
Veterans Park, Highlands
Authentic German food, live music, dancing and other great entertainment will be part of the celebration, in addition to a Best Dressed Contest and a Beer Stein Holding Contest with special prizes, 50/50 raffles and specialty vendors.
Monster Bash
Historic Smithville
Come spend a day and night in the village and take part in the area’s largest Zombie Walk! There will be vendors and music throughout the day. Show up ready in full costume and makeup or there will be makeup artists on site!
Halloween Cookie Decorating
Virtual Class presented by The Eclectic Chic Boutique in Montclair
Your instructor will teach you the basics of cookie decorating using frosting, piping bags, piping tips and sprinkles. This is a great class for anyone – kids and adults – who is curious about learning how to pipe or just to have Halloween fun. This is also a fun opportunity to make themed treats to hand out to trick-or-treaters.
Monster Mash & Jack-o-lantern Contest
Hall of Records, Freehold Borough
Bring your already decorated pumpkin for the contest to a night filled with games, inflatables, prizes, music, dancing, face painting and more.
Fright Light
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, Branchburg
This laser concert features such tunes as “Alive” by Meatloaf, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band. Recommended for ages 13 to adult. This show is not recommended for young viewers or those easily scared!
Halloween: Celestial Origins
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, Branchburg
Halloween is an astronomical holiday! Learn the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons an as a “cross-quarter day” during this new production. You will also explore the night sky and learn what planets, constellations and stars will be visible on Halloween.
Enchanted Halloween Trail
Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury
Wander down the Enchanted Trail to learn about some of the Halloween creatures found at the Preserve. There will be five not-so-scary stations to visit.
Fall Harvest
Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, Scotch Plains
Kids can ride the trackless train, go to the pumpkin patch and decorate what they pick, do other arts and crafts, play games and win prizes, have fitness fun and eat healthy treats. Plus, you can make do-it-yourself scarecrows. Bring an old shirt, pants, hat and pillowcase and someone will help you make a one-of-a-kind creation.
Princeton Fall Fest
Princeton Shopping Center, Princeton
More than 80 vendors will fill the courtyard with their goods to sell, plus the area businesses will be open for retail sales and lunch. There is a full lineup of music throughout the day.
Family Saturdays: Printmaking
Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton
Explore the current Taplin Gallery exhibition Retrieving the Live and Art of James Wilson Edwards and A Circle of Black Artists through drop-in art-making workshops. During this session, you’ll learn how to engrave your own designs and use them as stamps as you experiment with this simple printmaking technique.
Mary Fahl
Avenel Performing Arts Center, Avenel section of Woodbridge
Mary Fahl, formerly of October Project, will perform in concert.
Dried Flowers Workshop
New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood
Find inspiration from The White House! Award-winning designer Cathy Miller has created many dried flower arrangements for the White House, and she’ll make one right in front of you during this presentation. You’ll learn how to dry your own garden flowers to enjoy all year long and how to turn them into lovely arrangements large and small.
SUNDAY
Kidz Cook: Mummy Pizza
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
ShopRite Kidz Cook is a caregiver and me program that introduces children to a diversity of healthy foods, explains cooking concepts and helps build dexterity with cooking utensils. Young cooks will practice using kitchen utensils, measuring, chopping and mixing during this session, where they will make a Mummy Pizza.
Octoberfest
Monroe Township Community Center, Monroe Twp.
Family-fun activities include magic, games, crafts and music.
Fall Festival at Common Grounds
John Patrick Sports Complex, Lakewood
Common Grounds is the community garden where the Fall Fest will include food trucks, crafts, live music, garden tours and demos, a petting zoo and more. The first 100 registrants get a free orchid plant.
Wellness Gala Expo
Sheraton, Parsippany-Troy
Learn from experts in the fields of health, beauty and wellness through mini-sessions, workshops, demonstrations and guest speakers.
Howl-o-Ween Trunk-or-Treat
Animal Welfare Center, Vorhees
There will be treats for people AND pets during this Halloween party.
Witches Day Out
Historic Smithville
Enjoy some magical shopping and scary good deals! Activities, specials and lots of fun will be going on all day long. The restaurants will be offering drink and food specials from 1 – 3 pm. Get dressed up to win prizes for best overall witch, best shoes, best hat and best junior witch.
Butterfly Color Run/Walk
Lake Topanemus, Freehold
Start the morning with a fishing derby pre-event and stay for the third annual Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation Butterfly Color Run/Walk. As you run, walk, stroll or push your strollers through the park and neighborhoods, event staff will throw safe, non-toxic colored powder as you pass through different stations. After, there will be a cornhole tournament, DJ music, vendors and food. Proceeds benefit victims of domestic violence and their families. This event was rescheduled from Oct. 1 due to the remnants of Hurricane Ian.
Pumpkin Palooza
Eagle’s Landing Day Camp, North Brunswick
There will be camp tours, carnival games, inflatables, pumpkin picking, pumpkin chucking, zip lines, s’mores and other snacks, a ga-ga pit, arts and crafts, baking projects and more.
Music Fest Sundays
Palmer Square, Princeton
Bring a chair or blanket and sit on the Square while you listen to live music.
Practice Reading to a Pooch
Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY
Therapy dogs from Luv on a Leash will be visiting the museum to help children improve literacy skills by offering time for children to read to well trained, registered and insured therapy dogs. The dogs are patient, child-friendly and trained to listen to your children read. The library will have books to read, or bring your own.
Feed the Animals
Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton
See what it takes for the center’s education animals to stay healthy, clean and fed. You may even be chosen to be an animal caretaker for the day.
ONGOING
Scarecrows in the Gardens
Van Vleck Gardens, Montclair
Every day, Oct. 17 – 31
From traditional scarecrows to dark-and-scary tributes to Halloween, from repurposed and upcycled creatures to sewn-and-stuffed homages to characters inspired by history, mythology, film or literature – while visiting the gardens, cast your vote for the best one in each category.
Godspell
Investors Bank Theater, Succasunna
Weekends, Oct. 21 – 29
This rock opera has messages of unity, kindness, tolerance and love according to the Gospel, using storytelling techniques, songs and comic timing to tell the story of Jesus’ life, the Last Supper and the Crucifixion.
Boo at the Boardwalk
Jenkinson’s, Pt. Pleasant
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30
How fun does underwater pumpkin carving sound? At this two-weekend event, your kids will love all the crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating, entertainment and kiddie rides.
The Wolf of Washington Forge
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
Thursdays – Sundays, Oct. 20 – Oct. 30
East Jersey Old Town Village will become Washington Forge, a settlement under siege. Join Jonathan Quill, Continental deserter and hunter-for-hire, as he tracks the wolf to a small river town in Raritan Valley, where he reveals George Washington’s sinister secret and makes his own heartbreaking discovery.
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.
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.
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.
Fright Light Laser Show
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, Branchburg
Saturdays, through Oct. 29
The witches and ghouls continue to haunt the planetarium. They are especially fond of laser songs, including “The Addams Family Theme Song,” “Monster Mash” and “Ghostbusters.”
The Wizard’s Halloween Party
Morley’s Magic Theater, Butler
Friday – Sunday, through Oct. 30
Join the Wizard for this silly, funny, magical (and not scary) Halloween magic show. Feel free to come dressed in your best Halloween costume.
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.
Haunted Car Wash
Select Nights, through Oct. 30
Carloads will engage with creepy costumed characters on the line, listen to Halloween-themed audio, and leave with a clean car! Look for your neighbors since local teens will be dressed up as the costumed characters.
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
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.
Halloween House
Ridgefield
Select dates, through Oct. 31
Stop by on select nights to see this spooky decorated Halloween house.
Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser
Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, Pluckemin
Every day, through Oct. 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.
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 in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
Every day, through Oct. 30
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.
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.
The Golden Girls Murder Mystery
Resorts Casino, Atlantic City
Select Saturdays, through Nov. 19
Sophia, Dorothy, Blanche and Rose are planning a party – but they realize one of their guests has murderous intentions. Cast your vote for who the killer is. Plus, play other games and try to get a selfie with all four cast members.
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.
Halloween season is in full swing! Plan your activities for the rest of the month. If you need allergen-free candy, we’ve got a list of treats for you. And if you prefer to make some of your own goodies, check out one of these baking lessons.