By Jennifer Amato Published: September 21, 2022 September 23, 2022
It’s the first weekend of autumn, so break out the sweatshirts, throw the kids in the car and seek out some fall fun! Now is the time to take advantage of the cooler weather and head outdoors for music festivals, train rides and historical events. You can even go build your own scarecrow.
AsburyFest Bradley Park, Asbury Park Friday – Sunday What’s the perfect recipe for a cool weekend in the hottest town at the Jersey Shore? Start with some of the best festival food around, add a dash of music and a pinch of surprises and you have AsburyFest, a three-day culinary event you don’t want to miss. There will be lots of live music, entertainment and children’s activities.
Batstock Wildlife Conservation and Education Center, Garfield Debonair Music Hall, Teaneck Friday – Sunday Start off this batty weekend with a free program by “Bat-Man” Joseph D’Angeli who will teach you all about bats, their habitats and their conservation efforts during this outdoor program. Events for Saturday TBA. On Sunday, there will be a giant music festival at the musical hall to celebrate these fascinating nocturnal creatures.
Greekfest Ss. Nicholas Constantine and Helene Greek Orthodox Church, Roseland Friday – Sunday It will be hard to choose what to eat, from gyros to souvlaki to pastitsio to baklava and other pastries. Enjoy live music from a Greek band, boutiques, church tours and games for the kids.
Monster Truckz Chaos Tour Rockaway Townsquare, Rockaway Friday – Sunday The 90-minute show is action-packed with extreme car crushing, plus the free Pit Party to learn all the inner workings of the giant Monster Truckz, photos with the drivers, a Kids Fun Zone, a bounce house, face painting and food.
Greek Festival Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Toms River Friday – Sunday Come by for authentic Greek dancing, homemade food and pastries, food, games and raffles.
Dino Days Train Ride Phillipsburg Saturday – Sunday Narrated train rides along the scenic Delaware River run Sept. 24 and 25, beginning at 10am, 12pm or 2pm each day. Other family-fun activities include The Dinosaur Show, ventriloquist Scott Wagstaff & his Zany Animals, admission to the Ol’ Susquehanna Mine Tour and a bag of real fossil ore. Kids will also enjoy temporary tattoos, spin art, a meet-and-greet with Davey the Dinosaur, “Blue” The Velociraptor Show, corn mazes and the Dinosaur Discovery Maze.
Fall Family Fun Weekends Terhune Orchards, Princeton Saturday – Sunday There is so much to do here you may have to go both days! 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.
Fall Food Truck Festival Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge Saturday – Sunday Holland Ridge Farms is kicking off its fall flower festival’s opening weekend with an incredible food truck festival. More than 30 of the best food vendors you can find in the tri-state area will serve cuisine from around the world. Make sure your family also picks their own flowers, takes advantage of the photo opportunities, visits the farm animals and more!
Oktoberfest German American Society of Trenton, Trenton Saturday – Sunday The German-American Society of Trenton is proud to present Mercer County’s largest German event featuring beer, music, a pig roast, traditional German food, vendors and crafts, bounce castles, kids’ activities and family fun including a stein holding competition.
Historic Soldiers Weekend Fort Mott, Pennsville Saturday – Sunday At this free outdoor event, talk to re-enactors representing soldiers ranging from the Roman Era through the Cold War. Their fire control tower and museum will also be open.
Gospel Folk Jam Salem County Fairgrounds, Woodstown Saturday – Sunday Enjoy an afternoon of local and regional jazz music, including by Grammy- and Dove Award-nominated Bill Itzel.
Outlaw Music Festival Tour Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Camden Willie Nelson will be joined by friends and family on one of North America’s biggest musical tours.
Dancing Under the Stars Hinds Plaza, Princeton Members of Central Jersey Dance will demonstrate basic steps and lead others in an evening of dancing to recorded music of all kinds.
Open House Barn Dance Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft Dancers 14 and older can promenade and do-si-do with the Middletown Ramblers.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular (Season Pass Night) Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA September 23 is exclusive to Season Pass members only. 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. The party is open to the general public on select dates from Sept. 17 to Nov. 6.
Linwood Field Pop’s Farm Market, Monroe Twp. Pick flowers and pumpkins, go through the corn maze, keep the kids busy with games and find a shady spot in the picnic grove to enjoy. Starting Sept. 23 there will be new farm hours.
Ronald McDonald House Wine Tasting Deal Golf and Country Club, Deal Support the Ronald McDonald House of Central & Northern NJ through this charitable wine tasting event.
Stein Hoisting Competition The Shannon Rose Irish Pub, Clifton Compete to win a prize.
Fall Storytime Princeton Playspace, Princeton Join Preschool Reading Specialist Ms. Julia for this extra-special, free, fun-filled event with fall stories, a dance party and a craft.
Resourceful Roly Polies Burlington County Agricultural Center, Moorestown Kids ages 6 – 10 can play with roly-poly creatures. Do you know what they have in common with kangaroos? Play a fun beanie toss game as you learn their connection to kangaroos and more. Everyone will make their own habitat to take home.
Timber Creek Fall Festival Timber Creek Regional High School, Sicklerville Wander around indoors and outdoors as you view vendor tables at this second annual fall fest.
Delaware River Festival Camden Waterfront Take a free ferry between Camden and Philadelphia and enjoy festivals on both sides of the river!
JOHN P. ARGUETA/JARGAPIX PHOTOGRAPHY
Touch-a-Truck with Author/Firefighter Superdome Sports, Fair Lawn Local author and Fair Lawn volunteer firefighter Berlando Drake will celebrate the release of her new children’s picture book “Gurty the Goose Leads the Flock” with a special book reading, Touch-a-Truck, face painting and fun fall activities.
Woofstock Voorhees Voorhees Animal Orphanage presents its 26th annual Woofstock Festival, its largest annual fundraiser. There will be vendors, food trucks, dog demonstrations, music, animal rescue groups, a humongous raffle basket pavilion and more!
Italian Festival Historic Smithville Stroll through the Italian Market, offering a spectacular variety of wares and food. The day will be filled with live Italian music, bocce ball on the Greene, folk dancing, kids’ activities and more.
Baron’s Beerfest Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge Celebrate Maj. Gen. Baron von Steuben with the Bergen County Historical Society. Sample the finest in craft beers from three Bergen County breweries. Activities for families will include cornhole games and free pumpkin picking and decorating. Chat with members from the Revolutionary War reenactment group Motts Artillery as they demonstrate cannon firing and military life. Listen to the lively music of Particle Theory. Tour three 18th Century Jersey-Dutch Sandstone houses and look at Revolutionary War artifacts.
Water Lantern Festival Liberty State Park, Jersey City Decorate your own paper lantern which will then be released into the water so that thousands of tiny lights illuminate the Hudson River.
Rock the Farm Grant Avenue, Seaside Heights Aside from 10 hours of live music from tribute bands, there will be plenty for the kids to do (foam dance floor, arts and crafts, face painting), lots to eat, a memorial garden and Zen Zone with yoga and meditation.
Frantic City Festival Orange Loop Amphitheater, Atlantic City A dozen indie and punk rock bands will perform during an all-day festival a block from the beach, hosted by comedian Fred Armisen.
Boating in Bridgewater Bridgewater Commons, Bridgewater Kids ages 5 – 18 can take the challenge of constructing a boat out of paper with the goal of it floating in a tub of water for 30 seconds. Boats must also support additional mass from one side of the tub to the other.
Seafarers Celebration Sunset Lake and Centennial Park, Wildwood Enjoy a massive street festival during the day, featuring craft and food vendors, children’s entertainment, live music and more. At night the event moves to Centennial Park for live music and a fireworks show.
Arts Festival Chestnut Street and Grant Avenue, Roselle Park Included in the day and evening are dance performances, street artists creating their art live, and a juried Art Walk with dozens of artists and artisan crafters exhibiting and selling their work. Plus, enjoy musical performances throughout the day, hands-on activities for children and adults alike, including crafts, chalk drawing, painting, string art and much, much more. Food trucks and vendors will be on hand to offer a bit of culinary art.
Jazz & Roots Music Festival Kean University, Union The community is invited to enjoy a free evening of professional jazz, blues and reggae in a beautiful outdoor setting. The festival will include the Kean University Jazz Ensemble; five-time Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves (the headliner); Blues People; Don Braden and Karl Latham – Big Fun(k); and Judah Tribe with Josh David The struggle of the Children of the African diaspora is expressed through the music of the soul-reggae band.
Hike-a-Thon Blairstown Get outside, have fun and help Ridge and Valley Conservancy raise money to protect the natural beauty of northwest New Jersey! In addition to a 3-mile moderate trek on the Gnome Hollow Trail, you can check out animals from local wildlife rehab centers, purchase lunch or a sweet treat from some great local food trucks, and stay for a picnic on the lawn with live music.
Native Tree ID Franklin Lakes Join a Lorrimer Sanctuary naturalist for a short hike as you talk about the native tree species that provide food and shelter for wildlife. Learn some tips and tricks for identifying common trees using leaves, bark and twigs.
Mozart on the Meadow Family Music Festival Private Estate, Bedminster Designed as a fall festival, these musical performances will be accompanied by hay rides and pony rides for kids, a silent auction, entertainment and sideshows, and lots of food and drink vendors.
PorchFest Newark This free family-friendly event will feature professional and amateur performing and visual artists, as well as food trucks serving a variety of refreshments, in the Historic Forest Hill neighborhood. Enjoy a full afternoon of entertainment, food and fun that kicks off with a special children’s hour. Neighbors make their beautiful porches available to serve as community stages showcasing an extraordinary range of talented artists.
Fall Festival Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Harding Twp. After two years this fall fest is finally back! Try some family-friendly target archery, hoverball shooting, river seining and Jenga. Kids can earn their Junior Refuge Manager badge. Don’t miss out on a free hot dog.
WhatsMyName 5K Gazebo Park, Robbinsville This 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk is held every year in honor of Samantha Josephson. After she passed away, her parents set out to educate others on the importance of ride share safety so that no other family would have to suffer this kind of loss. Join the races or just stop by during this community event.
Aberdeen Day Matawan Regional High School, Aberdeen There will be an awesome memorabilia show with sports autograph signings in addition to food, music, kids’ games, touch-a-truck and a petting zoo.
Afternoon Tea Boxwood Cottage, Princeton Enjoy a relaxing cup of tea, tea sandwiches and scones in the cool shade of the Crepe Myrtle.
Oktoberfest Haddon Square, Haddon Twp. If you’ve ever wanted to travel to Munich, come to this fun-filled German festival where imported tables and benches as well as giant steins of beer will come from genuine German brewers such as Spaten; and Weihenstephan, the oldest brewery in the world. Watch and enjoy a traditional pig roast among lots of beer and live entertainment.
Merchantville Music Fest Downtown Merchantville Listen to some of the best local bands including Camille K, Lounge Act, Arsenal Candy Volcano and more! And don’t miss a preview of the upcoming Merchantville Car Show.
Liberty Hall Dance Festival Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University, Union Spend an afternoon outside walking through the beautiful museum grounds, enjoying site-specific professional dance performances inspired by moments in history.
Tewksbury Harvest Festival Christie Hoffman Farm Park, Tewksbury The 2022 festival will include an expanded juried arts and crafts show, a larger beer garden, food trucks, live entertainment, a pie contest, a new cornhole tournament, a 50/50, free kids’ activities, a silent auction, hayrides, a scheduled landing by NorthSTAR (State Police medical emergency helicopter), and much more.
RiverFest Trenton Thunder Ballpark, Trenton Since 2015, Trenton Thunder Ballpark in Trenton has played host to the Trenton Thunder World Famous Case’s Pork Roll Eating Championship. This year, it will be held at 3:30 pm. Expect a family fun-filled day of games, live music and craft beers.
The Incredible Duck Race Veteran’s Row, Kearny Join the Kearny Elks for a family-friendly day that features live bands, food truck, a beer garden, vendors and the topper, a duck race!
Franklin Days Series Finale Municipal Building, Franklin Twp. Franklinites will enjoy a festive day of entertainment, food vendors and resource information from local organizations and businesses. The event will also include fun games, children’s activities and more!
Moonlight Tavern Night The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, Rahway Celebrate the arrival of autumn with beer, wine, light hors d’oeuvres, warm mulled wine, Colonial punch, live music by local singer-songwriter Sarah Teti, and s’mores by the fire pit.
Opening Reception Passaic County Arts Center, Hawthorne Be the first to see “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; and a travelling exhibit from New York University entitled “Stereotypes in U.S. Popular Culture” during this opening night reception.
African Drum Dance Jnana Yoga, Long Branch This free style movement dance experience is set to African drumming. Mariama Koroma will facilitate the dance portion of the session as you ground, center and connect through awareness of the body. You will glide through the different rhythms through this moving meditation.
Feast of San Gennaro Gordons Corner Fire Company, Manalapan Support your local firefighters while indulging in Italian food and drink, playing games, betting on the 50/50 raffle and listening to live music.
Fall Family Spectacular Clara Barton section, Amboy Avenue, Edison There will be eight blocks of family-friendly fun! Bring the kids to Kids Traveling Shindig for lots of entertainment. There will be shopping, food trucks, a wine and beer garden for adults, and lots more to keep everyone entertained.
Touch-a-Truck Gloucester Premium Outlets, Blackwood Kids will get a kick out of climbing in police and fire vehicles while also supporting the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center.
Well Alright: A Rolling Stones Tribute The Bandshell at Horseshoe Lake, Succasunna Well Alright performs the biggest hits from the Rolling Stones catalog with the look, feel, energy and musical detail, providing fans with the ultimate Stones experience.
Fall Fest VonThun Farm, Washington Included with admission at this huge fall fest is music, a corn maze, pedal karts, hayrides, a sunflower trail and more than 20 games and activities. Additional activities that have an added fee are face painting, food trucks, craft vendors and pony rides.
Dog Walk-a-thon & Adoption Day Community Park, North Brunswick Leash up your pet, dress them in costume and practice their tricks ahead of the North Brunswick Humane Association’s annual fundraiser. Your dog can search for the golden egg during the Scavenger Hunt, or battle to be the last canine standing during Musical Mats. There will be music, food and plenty of vendors.
Jeeps and Overland Jam South River VFW, South River Drive up in your Jeep or Overlander and spend the day enjoying music, vendors, giveaways, games and food trucks. There will be trophies for People’s Choice, Best Jeep, Best Overlander and others.
Central Jersey Kids Expo MarketFair, Princeton Children and parents alike will have fun at the Central Jersey Kids Expo. There will be children’s activities, entertainment and shopping specials. Hosted by Central Jersey Newspapers.
Alea Morris Museum, Morristown Alea is a progressive and pioneering artist delivering messages of love, connection and Latinx empowerment. Get ready to dance and sway to an infectious, soulful, Afro-Latin sound.
Historic Schoolhouse Storytime West Freehold Schoolhouse, Freehold Twp. Turn back time and visit a one-room schoolhouse that was built in 1847 and stayed in operation for 90 years. Kids ages 5 – 10 can hear about life back then, listen to stories from costumed re-enactors, and take part in activities.
Boonton Day Boonton Come on down for a day of food, entertainment and fun! Meet local businesses and organizations while seeing all Boonton has to offer. There will be food trucks, vendors and inflatables.
3K Walk Cancer Away Festival Bayonne Your support makes the fight against colorectal cancer possible. Assist Dr. Kemeny and her team in moving forward with her lifesaving research! The event kicks off with a 3K walk along the Newark Bay and as the walk ends, the outdoor festivities begin with live music, food trucks, family games, balloon makers, face painters, activities and much more.
Hot Rods for Heroes Classic Car Show Huddy Park, Highlands Show off your antique, classic or custom hot rod – or come as a “passenger” and stroll through the park marveling at all the vehicles. This event serves as a fundraiser for The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports first responders since 9/11.
Monarch Festival Nature Center, Cape May Discover how to protect the beautiful monarch butterfly. Enjoy music, food, tagging demonstrations, arts and crafts, yoga, live music, face painting and even a migration parade.
Fire Truck Pull Freehold Twp. Grab your family members, sports group, emergency service personnel, neighbors, colleague or anyone you know to form a team for Freehold Township Independent Fire Co. No. 1’s inaugural Fire Truck Pull!
Fall Family Street Fest Midland Avenue, Garfield The street will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event and will be transformed into a giant block party. There will be quality exhibitors selling a selection of assorted items, a special arts and crafts section, live entertainment, kiddie rides and games, great festival foods and food trucks, and so much more.
Tropical Turbulence Investors Bank Theater, Succasunna Percussionist Emedin Rivera’s unique rhythmic percussion underscores Latin-Caribbean-African influences. His custom drum kit, called Conga-Toms, include an unbreakable bongo head and a shaker that sounds like a rain stick.
Red Bank Battlefield Family History Festival Red Bank Battlefield, National Park Expose the kids to life in Colonial Times. There will be free games and crafts, a magic show, battlefield tours, house tours, wool dyeing, candle making, hearth cooking and much more.
Bergenstock Music Festival Overpeck County Park Amphitheater, Ridgefield Park Bergenstock returns for its second year celebrating original music from Bergen County with the bands Camino Walker, Echo Road, Pop Alma, Ginny Lackey & the Hi-Fi Band, the Andy Krikun Band and solo artists Dan Sheehan and Caymans.
CC Coletti Band Readington Brewery & Hop Farm, Neshanic Station Jersey native CC Coletti brings her band to the brewery for the first time!
Acoustic Open Mic New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood Bring your instrument and get ready to play, or sit back and relax while listening to an afternoon of acoustic music.
Vines of Life Wine & Cheese Cancer Walk Laurita Winery, New Egypt Raise a toast while raising awareness! Along this walk, you’ll stop at stations for wine and cheese while you fundraise for women who seek respite care during breast cancer treatment. You’ll end at the winery where you can enjoy the rest of the day with more food, more wine and live music.
Raritan River Environmental Festival Boyd Park, New Brunswick Do cardboard canoes sound interesting? How about kids’ activities and a petting zoo? Head down to the water for a family fun day focused on the environment. There will also be lots of food and drinks, plus live music.
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.
U-Pick Sunflowers Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge Every day, starting Sept. 23 The flower fields at Holland Ridge Farms are bursting with sunflowers, gladiolus, dahlias, lilies and mums that you can pick and take home, or just enjoy. There will be food vendors and a bakery on site. Bring the kids to Big Buds Rescue Animals, the Little Sprouts Feeding Zoo or the pony ride area.
Cranberry Harvest Hike & Tasting Whitesbog Preservation Trail, Browns Mills Select dates, Sept. 23 – Oct. 1 Keep your eyes peeled for harvest activity on the farm as you take a staff-guided hike to learn about New Jersey cranberries and their history – and then taste some cranberry products.
Jack O’Lantern Experience Skylands Stadium, Augusta Every day, Sept. 23 – 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.
Little Ones Nature Series Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury Fridays, Sept. 23 – Nov. 18 Preschoolers and their parents will be outdoors participating in storytime, activities and crafts.
Trick-or-Treat Train DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, Hammonton Weekends, Sept. 24 – 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.
A Nightmare Before Christmas Forever Forest, Egg Harbor City Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Sept. 24 – Oct. 31 Your family will experience. Halloween like never before. Load up the kids for the fright trolley, haunted tree maze, hay rides, pumpkins, campfires, fun, games, food and beverages.
PierFest Exchange Place, Jersey City Fridays in September Put on your dancing shoes because there will be salsa demonstrations and dancing during four Friday nights of live Latin jazz music!
Circus Vazquez Garden State Plaza Mall, Paramus: Sept. 9 – 26 Woodbridge Center Mall, Sept. 30 – Oct. 10 Every day, varying times See unforgettable one-of-a-kind performances by an international all-human cast of circus superstars in this exciting all-new show. The new 2022 is presented in English for the first time. 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.
Halloween Light Show Demarest Farms, Hillsdale Select dates, Sept. 25 – 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.
The Living Portrait of NYC West 23rd Street, New York Daily, through Sept. 27 This free 10-day immersive experience showcases the resilience and brilliance of New York. The multimedia, multi-sensory experience will display fascinating data, images and audioscapes that evoke the creativity and vibrancy of the city, as well as intimate personal stories and unique journeys that bring the neighborhoods to life.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum New York, New York Fridays (through September) Enjoy the history and magic of the Intrepid for free on select Fridays through September.
Chowder Traveling Taster Beach Haven Through Sept. 30 You can join the Chowder Trail as a VIP Traveling Taster: visit every stop along the way in a day or take the whole month of September to taste and visit the LBI Region. The month-long cookoff ends with the Chowderfest celebration on Oct. 1.
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 her 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.
Halloween Haunt Dorney Park, Allentown, PA Select nights, through Oct. 29 Dorney Park will release hundreds of terrifying ghouls and ghosts into the park, all ready to turn your nightmares into reality. Every corner is cursed with haunted scare mazes, scare zones and live (or maybe not live) entertainment. Hordes of hungry zombies and blood-thirsty vampires eagerly await you – i.e. their next meal. Keep in mind, these activities are not recommended for children under 13.
Oktoberfest Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Select days, through Oct. 30 This family-friendly German heritage festival will become a new fall tradition filled with authentic fare and a large selection of seasonal craft lagers and beers from around the world.
Von Thun’s Fall Festival Weekends South Brunswick and Washington Twp. Weekends, through Oct. 30 Families will love the 6+ acre “No Farmers, No Food” Minion corn maze; unlimited hayrides to the pumpkin patch; activities and attractions in the festival area (Singing Chicken Show, pumpkin checkers, rubber duck races, pedal carts, trike course, barnyard basketball, mini golf, pumpkin bowling, corn hole, roller bowler, etc.); apple and pumpkin picking; and access to the Barnyard Area. There is a Corn Cannon and Pumpkin Blaster. Enjoy Moonlight Activities in South Brunswick as well, such as the corn maze and s’mores by the campfire. South Brunswick also offers special PLUS admission weekends. At the Washington location, admission includes 20+ activities as well as access to the apple orchard and pumpkin fields. There is a Corn Cannon but no Pumpkin Blaster here. Pony rides are available on select days.
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. There will be a full harvest of amazing, fall-tastic fun for everyone with games, activities and just a speck of spooky for pint-sized ghosts and goblins. In the Wildwater Kingdom section, you’ll meet members of the Peanuts Gang, make a holiday craft at Charlie Brown’s Craft Corner, pedal your way through the farm on a mini tractor at the Daisy Hill Tractor Stomp, try to find your way out of Linus’ Hay Bale Maze, visit your favorite farm animals at Peppermint Patty’s Petting Zoo, trick-or-treat down the street, have a ton of fun while being quiet during Schroeder’s Silent Disco, and enjoy all the usual rides and games. And make sure you catch one of the special shows, which include balloon art, a dance party, a costume contest and story time.
Carousel Corn Maze Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp. Weekends, through Oct. 30 Take your family to “get lost” in a 4-acre cornfield with pathways cut in the shape of an old-fashioned carousel. While wandering through, find eight “puzzle pieces” located in hidden mailboxes to complete your personal map of the maze. The maze courtyard also features a pumpkin patch, hayrides, food tent and kids’ hay-bale maze.
Fall Festival Days Happy Day Farm, Manalapan Through Oct. 30 Spend all day with the kids at the sunflower field, Pumpkinville, corn maze, pig races, tractor rides, fun slide, feeding zoo and more – there are over 35 activities included with admission!
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.
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.
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.
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. Sept. 23 is a special night for Season Pass members only. Mark your calendar for Oct. 30, when there will be a special Halloween Costume Contest for both kids and families.
Nature Explorers Fall Series Lorrimer Sanctuary, Franklin Lakes Saturdays, through Nov. 12 Each week, kids can participate in a different activity such as meeting reptiles, pressing apple cider, creating crafts from nature and going on a mammal scavenger hunt.
Bear Mountain Sightseeing Cruise Pier 83, New York Weekends, through Nov. 13 Call this a floating festival: climb aboard a Circle Line boat for an Oktoberfest party that will bring you to Bear Mountain, where you can sightsee or hang out at the amusement area.
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-2pm.
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.
It’s not too early to start planning your Halloween activities since tickets are sure to sell out fast! There are pumpkin trains, haunted houses and even out-of-state getaways to get in your Fall-0-Ween fun!
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