By Jennifer Amato Published: October 6, 2022 October 7, 2022
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Copyright 2022 New Jersey Family. All rights reserved. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Website by Web Publisher PRO