It’s the first full weekend in November, which means fall is winding down and (dare we say) holiday is winding up with lots of kid-friendly things to do this weekend. Enjoy family time with a pumpkin patch, petting zoos, wagon rides, train rides, and a market full of fall goodies at the Fall Harvest Festival in Wall, head to the Cape May County Park & Zoo in your best costumes and enjoy a craft station, games, entertainment, animals, and more at the Princess and Pirate Day at the Zoo, or get in the holiday spirit early at the opening weekend of Bergen County Zoo’s Let It Glow lantern display in Paramus. And for more start-of-fall fun, find one of the festivals this month near you. (featured photo taken by NJMOM)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events.)
The Polar Express Train Ride Whippany
November 7-9
Punch your golden ticket and get all aboard The Polar Express. Your family will experience the magic of the beloved book and movie and take a one-hour trip to the North Pole together. On board, you’ll be entertained by singing waiters serving hot chocolate and shortbread, a reading of the book, meeting Santa, and receiving a silver sleigh bell surprise.
Cost: Ages 2 and under are free, $48 and up
1 Railroad Plz., Whippany, NJ 07981
Fall Harvest Festival 2025
November 7-9 at 10 AM
This festival has everything you need to celebrate the end of the season. There will be a pumpkin patch, petting zoos, wagon rides, train rides, and a market full of fall goodies.
Cost: $6 for adults and $3 for children under 18
Allaire Community Farm, 1923 Baileys Corner Rd, Wall Twp, NJ 07719
Let It Glow
November 7-9
It’s a holiday spectacular with stunning, larger-than-life lantern displays of animals and nature that will wow you and your littles. Walk through the exhibits up close, then take a train ride through the zoo. There will be fire pits to warm up with and s’mores kits for a sweet treat.
Cost: $9 and up
Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
2025 Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival
November 7-9
If you or your family loves jazz music, this event is for you. Enjoy fantastic music from international touring artists at the Festival Main Stage in Cape May Convention Hall and Cape May bars and restaurants.
Cost: Tickets start at $60
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
Princess and Pirate Day at the Zoo
November 8 at 11 AM
Got kids who love to dress up as pirates or princesses? Head to the Cape May County Park & Zoo, where they can dress in their best costumes and enjoy a craft station, games, entertainment, animals, and more.
Cost: Free
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 US 9, Middle Township, NJ 08210
15th Annual Holiday Craft Show
November 8 at 9 AM
Join over 90 vendors for this beloved annual event. Shop for jewelry, crafts, and homemade goods to help you get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Cost: Free
EHT Community Center, 5045 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08201
Jersey Makes Fall Arts & Crafts Fair
November 8 at 11 AM
Get bundled up and head to this fair, where you will find hot beverages, delicious treats, and lots of shopping.
Cost: Free
Central Park of Morris County, 91 Central Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950
Touch A Truck Day
November 8 at 10 AM
For kids who love trucks, check out this display of dump trucks, fire trucks, police cars, and military trucks. There will be over 25 vehicles to see up close.
Cost: Free
Deer Path Park, 120 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Big Santa Lighting at Garden State Plaza
November 8 at 5 PM
Are you ready for the Big Guy to make his grand entrance? This annual event, where the Big Santa atop the Mall is lit for the season, includes music performances, food trucks, a fantastic drone show, and more. Hosted by Z100’s Danielle Monaro, this star-studded celebration features rising country sensation Dylan Schneider performing his viral hit “Ain’t Missin’ You” — and more fan favorites.
Cost: Free
Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show
November 8 at 2 PM
The whole family is sure to fall in love with the incredible dogs of The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show. The show features a world-class team of dog trainers and their adopted dogs.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Farm Family Fun Day
November 8 at 11 AM
Bundle up and head to the farm for a family fun day. There will be a petting farm with cows, sheep, goats, pigs, and more, as well as hayrides, games, barrel rides, pony rides, and more. Take part in a chili tasting with the fam.
Cost: $10 per adult, $15 per child, and kids 2 and under are free
G&G Stables, 49 Driftway Road, Howell, NJ 07731
Diggerfest
November 8-9
Pumpkins are popping up all over Diggerland USA for this season’s annual Diggerfest. Enjoy hayrides, live music, carnival games, pumpkin decorating, fall parades, and more.
Cost: $45.99
100 Pineadge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Jeep Food & Wine Festival
November 8-9 at 11 AM
Bring the whole family and relax on the grounds of Laurita Winery. There will be wine, food trucks, face painting, live music, and gorgeous November weather. Admission is free for any US veterans on both days.
Cost: $16 per ticket
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Rd, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Christmas At The Farm
November 8-9 at 11 AM
Ready to celebrate the holidays? Head to the farm where you will find two days full of food trucks, apple picking, hayrides, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more than 70 local artisans.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Riamede Farm, 122 Oakdale Rd, Chester, NJ 07930
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
November 8-9
Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes. Make sure you grab some hot cocoa and stop by to see Santa before you leave.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Show
November 8-9 at 10 AM
If you or anyone in your family has a love for rocks or gems, then this is the place to be. Spend time looking at the minerals, rocks, gemstones, jewelry, and fossils with the whole family.
Cost: Free
Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092
Winter FRESH
November 9
This indoor food and farm market is the perfect way to enjoy shopping with your favorite Asbury FRESH food vendors.
Cost: Free
66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Fall Craft Show
November 9 at 9 AM
With over 40 craft vendors, you can find unique gifts for all your loved ones this holiday season. Bring the family and spend the day walking around and taking it all in.
Cost: Free
2566 Guam Lane, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
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