NJMOM can’t wait for this weekend! And here’s why: Free family-friendly festivals including Fall Family Fun Fest in Bordentown, Allaire Community Fall Day in Belmar, and The Delaware & Raritan CanalFest in Somerset. Get a lil’ spooky this weekend at Boo at the Boardwalk in Point Pleasant or take advantage of New Jersey’s beautiful, autumn weather at Thompson Park Day in Lincroft. With these exciting activities, and so much more, this weekend is going to be fun for the whole family.

Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.

Here are our top picks for family events in NJ this weekend:

1. Fall Family Fun Fest
October 14, 2016 | 5:30PM – 9:00PM
“Haunted-ish Hay Rides, Mini-Golf, Tower of Power, Pumpkin Painting, Ga-Ga Tournament, Moon Bounce and free hot dogs! Then at night fall (approximately 7:30pm) we will get our blankets, head to the garden hill, and watch ‘Hotel Transylvania 2’ under the stars!”
Liberty Lake Day Camp
1195 Florence Columbus Rd, Bordentown, NJ 08505
Cost: Free, Open to the public

2. Lighthouse Challenge Weekend
October 14 – 15, 2016 | Check your local lighthouse for times
“Visitors may enjoy the opportunity to tour the state and visit each lighthouse over the weekend, and help raise needed funds for the continued preservation of our treasured landmarks. These majestic beacons have played an important role in New Jersey’s history, guarding mariners and protecting our coasts for over a century. Lighthouses serve as a reminder of American ingenuity while honoring the values of safety and heroism. Visit the lighthouses and museums on the Challenge for an opportunity to step back in time and learn more about our state and country’s history.”
Visit http://lhchallengenj.org/home.php for a list of participating lighthouses
Cost: $2

3. PetOberfest
October 15, 2016 | 11:00AM – 3:00PM
“Orchestrated by Jersey Shore Animal Foundation and hosted by Ocean County 4-H, PetOberfest is a FREE fun filled family event with Food, Music, 4-H Animals on display, Pet Costume Contest, Vendors, Pet Photos, and Rescues for Adoption. This event celebrates the human animal bond while bringing the community together.”
1623 Whitesville Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755
Cost: Free

4. Allaire Community Farm Day
October 15, 2016 | 11:00AM – 3:00PM
“Allaire Community Farm is a 501c3 supporting rescued animals, special needs children, at risk teens and local families battling cancer. Please join us for our first annual Allaire Community Farm Day featuring a Car Show, Pony Rides, Hay Ride, Petting Zoo, DJ, Bon Fire, S’mores Kit, 50/50, Tricky Tray, Vendor Fair, Organic Co-Op, and Food Vendors.”
Allaire Community Farm
2840 Allaire Rd, Belmar, NJ 07719
Cost: Free

5. The Delaware & Raritan CanalFest
October 15, 2016 | 11:00AM – 5:30PM
“The 2016 Delaware & Raritan Canal Festival music line-up is phenomenal! All benefiting the Franklin Food Bank! Robert Mettler will give a short talk about local history during the opening ceremony and John Loos will give a canal tour at 1pm. It is going to be an amazing 6th annual event!”
1 Market St, Somerset, NJ 08873
Cost: Free

6. Chatsworth Cranberry Festival
October 15 – 16, 2016 | 11:00AM – 4:00PM
“Come on out for one of the north east’s best fall festivals, with local wines with Valenzano Winery, tons of vendors and food vendors, local berries, snacks at Alex’s Lemonade Stand, crafts, baked goods, our friends at Hot Diggity Dog, car show, and lots more! Bullzeye plays both Saturday and Sunday from 11:00AM to 4:00PM. Stop into one of our area pubs for a brew and wings on your way out of town: Mayo’s Halfway House, Billy Boy’s 4 Mile Tavern, Picalilli Inn, Tabernacle Inn, and more.”
White Horse Inn
3980 Route 563, Chatsworth, NJ 08019
Cost: Free

7. PierFest in Pier Village
October 15, 2016 | 12:00PM – 4:00PM
“Come visit the Pier Village shops, have some great food at the many restaurants, enjoy the live entertainment and visit the vendor booths! Activities include Sidewalk sales at the Village shops, Exhibitors, vendors and crafters in the Festival Plaza, Food trucks, Live music from local performers, and Kids activities. Saturday’s live entertainment includes Justin and Alina, Elya Vasiliev, and Joe Miller.”
Pier Village
50 Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Cost: Free

8. Boo at the Boardwalk
October 15 & 16, 2016 | 12:00PM – 4:00PM
“Boo at the Boardwalk returns to Jenkinson’s for 2016! Join us for Halloween fun for the whole family! 2016 is going to be better than ever with Trick or Treating, crafts, games, a pumpkin patch and more! We will be returning with the Beach Maze, Underwater Pumpkin Carving at the Aquarium and the 2nd Annual Perky’s Pumpkin Derby! This even is perfect for families with young children and families who are looking for something outside of the ‘scary’ of Halloween attractions! Get dressed up, hunt for candy and have a wonderful afternoon with the family!
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Cost: Free

9. Bordentown RiverFest
October 15, 2016 | 12:00PM – 10:00PM
Live bands all day, over 12 awesome restaurants and delecibles, free Kids Korner with bounce houses, face painters, and magic! Enjoy the vendor market with over twenty great booths, and a huge beer garden with 15 beers on tap all day, and wine too!
100 West Park Street, Bordentown, NJ 08505
Cost: Free

10. Fall Fest & Food Truck Event
October 15, 2016 | 1:00PM – 6:00PM
“There will be over 15 different food trucks from the Jersey Shore Food Truck Group offering a wide variety of foods and treats. There will be fire pits, bounce castles, a beer and wine garden, mechanical bull, pumpkin painting contest and more! The event will conclude with a great fireworks show!”
Windward Beach Park
265 Princeton Ave, Brick, NJ 08724
Cost: Free

11. Burlington County Fall Float Festival
October 16, 2016 | 9:00AM – 4:00PM
“The Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders Presents the annual Fall Float Festival. Enjoy free canoeing and kayaking along the Rancocas Creek! Music, Food and Fun throughout Historic Smithville Park. Enjoy the Fall Foliage from the water or stay on land and enjoy pumpkin picking, hayrides, magicians, S’mores, live music and much more!”
Historic Smithville Park
803 Smithville Road, Eastampton Township, NJ 08060
Cost: Free

12. 13th Annual Dog Walk & Adoption Event
October 16, 2016 | 10:00AM – 1:00PM
“Dog Walk & Adoption Event. Dog Adoptions, Rescue Groups, Games, Costume Contest, Prizes, Food, Music, Vendors & Fun. There will be a $100 gift card for the largest Fundraiser.”
North Brunswick Community Park
Route 130 South, North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Cost: Pre-Registration $15, Day-of Registration $20, $5 per additional dog

13. Thompson Park Day
October 16, 2016 | 11:00AM – 5:00PM
“Join us for a day of autumn family fun! Activities will include: Strut Your Mutt Doggie Costume Contest, Scarecrow Contest, Square Dancing, Pumpkin Painting, Explore Your Natural World & Gardens, Wagon Rides, Entertainment, Rides, Kids Races, Pottery Demonstrations, Ceramics, Archery, Canoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Climbing Wall, Dash for Cash, Pie Eating Contest, Food Vendors, and so much more!”
Thompson Park
805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Cost: Free, some activities require a fee

14. Family Fall Festival & Zentai Grand Opening
October 16, 2016 | 1:00PM – 5:00PM
“Join us with the whole family to celebrate the new season and Zentai Martial Arts grand opening! Free admission grands access to the bouncy house, face painting, crafts, food, music, trial classes, board breaking, and much more.”
Zentai Martial Arts & Fitness
104 Ridge Road, North Arlington, NJ 07031
Cost: Free

15. Trenton Circus Squad Free Fall Show
October 16, 2016 | 1:30PM – 4:00PM
“Trenton Circus Squad’s first annual free fall show will feature our best acts from the Squad, plus a special performance by Paris The Hip Hop Juggler. In signature style, the performance will be followed with a circus workshop for all aged 6+. Come learn to juggle with Paris and the Squad! This is an open community event and we encourage everyone to come along and join in the fun!”
Trenton Circus Squad
675 S. Clinton Ave, Trenton, NJ 08611
Cost: Free