Craving fall adventure with your little ones this November? Check out these 30 free (kid-friendly) ideas for family fun that will build memories while not breaking the bank.
1. Festive Scarecrows Take Over the Frelinghuysen Arboretum-
Wednesday, November 1, 2017 – Friday, November 17, 2017
A continuation from their October opening, this festive outdoor event will create the fall spirit hiding in every family member. Explore the beautiful gardens of Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township. See all the festive scarecrows in costume designed by individuals, business, organizations, scout groups, even school classes. Take selfies, take a map and see if you can find “Gary the Gardener” dressed as the Arboretum’s own gardeners.
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Township, NJ
2. 2017 Fall Concert Series
Thursday, November 2, 2017, 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm this event occurs every Thursday (check times for specific day/night concerts)
The Elizabeth Public Library will be hosting performances on Thursdays through the month of November. Family-friendly performances and for the noontime concerts bring a lunch. Funding for this event was made possible with help from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State
Main Library Auditorium, 4th Fl. 11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth NJ
3. Westfield Weavers Holiday Show and Sale
Saturday November 4, 2017 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
Learn a little about fiber art through this interesting festival, with a collective of fiber artists showing their passion for their craft. Experiment with their demonstrations through the day and try weaving. If you need to start the holiday shopping a little early there will be a variety of wearable garments, linens, jewelry, and holiday ornaments available for purchase.
Springfield Public Library 66 Mountain Ave, Springfield, NJ.
4. Wrightstown Farmers Market
Saturday, November 4, 2017, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (This event occurs every Saturday until Saturday, November 25, 2017)
With a variety of local vendors set up in their own booths, share the wonderful products with the whole family. Check their website for daily updates regarding produce. Come ready to shop.
2203 2nd Street Pike, Wrightstown, Burlington County, New Jersey 08562
5. Try Hockey for Free
Saturday November 4, 2017 7:00 am- 8:00 am
For the sporty child who’s ready for a challenge, Nutley-Clifton Youth Ice Hockey Club invites boys and girls to the Clay Anderson Arena. A free clinic as part of Hockey Week Across America, USA Hockey’s Try Hockey program supported by the National Hockey League to introduce children to the sport. Ages 4-9
Registration Link- http://www.tryhockeyforfree.com/register.php?e=7851
Clary Anderson Arena 41 Chestnut Street, Montclair, NJ
6. Try Hockey for Free
Saturday November 4, 2017 7:00 am- 8:00 am
For the sporty child who’s ready for a challenge, Nutley-Clifton Youth Ice Hockey Club invites boys and girls to the Clay Anderson Arena. A free clinic as part of Hockey Week Across America, USA Hockey’s Try Hockey program supported by the National Hockey League to introduce children to the sport. Ages 4-9
Registration Link- http://www.tryhockeyforfree.com/register.php?e=7851
Clary Anderson Arena 41 Chestnut Street, Montclair, NJ
7. The Adventures of Tintin
Saturday November 4, 2017 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Love the classical comic book?? Come and celebrate with Cotsen Children’s Library with fun before the movie, giveaways, and a live dog show. Registration is required before the event, e-mail cotsenevents@princeton.edu with the number of adult and child tickets requested.
Princeton Garden Theater 160 Nassau Street, Princeton NJ
8. The Adventures of Tintin
Saturday November 4, 2017 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Love the classical comic book?? Come and celebrate with Cotsen Children’s Library with fun before the movie, giveaways, and a live dog show. Registration is required before the event, e-mail cotsenevents@princeton.edu with the number of adult and child tickets requested.
Princeton Garden Theater 160 Nassau Street, Princeton NJ
9. Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Kids’ Craft
Saturday November 4, 2017 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Ages 3-8 are invited to watch a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, while also making a Woodstock centerpiece. Run time is 25 mins and the movie is NR. With popcorn and root beer your child will have the best time, registration is required before-hand either through the website or at the branch.
Warren-County Library, Northeast Branch, 40 US HWY 46 West, Hackettstown, NJ
10. Harvest Festival
Saturday November 4, 2017 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Family fun, pie eating contest, hayrides, games and even more. Harvest Festival at Pinelands Center at Mt. Misery is everything the family needs this fall. Make your own basking at a special basket weaving presentation by Steven Carty.
Pinelands Center, 801 Mt. Misery Rd, Browns Mills, NJ
11. Fall Arts and Crafts Festival
Saturday November 4, 2017 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Vendors from all over come out to Cape May just to sell hand-made novelties, crafts, even gifts for the holidays. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities, the family will enjoy a crisp day by the water and crafts for all the kids. Find all the seasonal decorations you need at this fun fall festival.
Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue, Cape May NJ 08204
12. Holiday Craft Show
Saturday November 4, 2017, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Egg Harbor Township’s 7th Annual Holiday Craft Show is here. Shop for fine jewelry, crafts, even homemade food. Beat the rush and find that perfect gift for someone special at this home-grown event.
5045 English Creek Ave, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
13. Arts and Crafts Festival
Sunday November 5, 2017 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Michael’s Miracles is holding their second annual Arts and Crafts Festival and Vendor Fair. With a dozen craft tables, art classes, and 40 vendors there’s entertainment at every corner. The event will benefit children with type 1 diabetes.
VFW Hall 600 Washington Ave, Manville, NJ
14. Puppies with a Purpose
Saturday November 11, 2017 1:30 pm- 4:00 pm
Enjoy an afternoon with puppies, art, and conversation. Rutgers University Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Club invites children of all ages to come out and celebrate the pups and also tour a curator-led exhibition of “On the Prowl: Cats and Dogs”. The club is a student run organization that raises puppies for The Seeing Eye, Inc., which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving blind individuals independence and dignity through the use of service dogs.
Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers, 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ
15. Pie Sampling Weekend
Saturday November 11, 2017 – Sunday November 12, 2017 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
20 varieties of pies to try, and a full day of tasting is sure to get the family in the Thanksgiving spirit. Try something new, maybe even find the perfect pie for Thanksgiving dessert, everything is homemade and fresh. Staff members will be around to place your favorite pie order as soon as you’ve made a decision.
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton NJ.
16. Family Fun: Science at the Shultz House: Magnetic Experiments
Sunday November 12, 2017 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm
A day filled with science and adventure, learn all about Charles Shultz before he was President of Hoboken Savings bank. Take a look at some magnetic and electrical equipment on display, and learn more about the first fascinations of electricity back in the 1800s. Children will even get a chance to experiment with magnets and static electricity, please register before the event.
Schultz House, 30 North Mountain Avenue, Montclair NJ
17.Holiday Lights Spectacular
Friday, November 17, 2017, to Tuesday, January 2, 2018, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Every Friday- Sunday take a winter stroll through the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo under beautiful holiday lights. Donations of nonperishable food items, new toys, and gently used coats. A new activity all the way leading up to the holidays.
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange NJ
18. Saint Ann Church Craft Fair
Friday November 17, 2017 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Saturday November 18, 2017 9:00 am- 3:00 pm
An annual event held the weekend before Thanksgiving, Saint Ann Church Craft Fair is a fun family-friendly event that you won’t want to miss. With vendors including Thirty-One handbags, Pampered Chef, and Touchstone by Swarovski you’ll be sure to find a great gift. With other vendors showcasing their handmade crafts, a bake sale and Tricky Tray and Granny’s Attic sale everyone in the family will find something they like.
St. Ann Church, 781 Smith Road, Parsipanny NJ
19. Brookside Community Club Holiday Boutique
Saturday November 18, 2017 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
The 20th Annual Brookside Community Club Holiday Boutique is here. Featuring clothes to fit American Girl Dolls, photos on cards, jewelry, Mendham Township Blankets, Hats and more there’s something for everyone on your list. Handmade artwork, as well as clothing, is also available for sale.
1 East Main Street, Mendham New Jersey, 07945
20. Cookie Baking at Langosta Lounge
Sunday November 19, 2017 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
A live cooking baking demo with Marilyn Schlossbach and the family. Enjoy the demo and some sweet treats just in time for the holiday. Bring the family, who knows maybe you can even try the recipe at home.
Langosta Lounge, 1000 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park NJ
21. Winter Festival 2017
Saturday, November 18, 2017 9:00 am- 3:00 pm
With over 100 booths of food, crafts, and wares there’s everything to discover and find at this Winter Festival. The first 1000 adults to attend will get a free chance to win gift cards to local businesses. Support local aritisans and vendors while you help out the Voorhees High School Music Program.
Voorhees High School, 256 Route 513, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826
22. MMA Seasonal Makers Market: Craft and Wreath Sale
Sunday November 19, 2017 12:00pm – 5:00 pm
Join the Monmouth Montessori Academy community as they host their Seasonal Makers Market in Belmar. This craft fair and wreath sale features items local artisans, shop and get that early jump on the holiday shopping of all different varieties. With crafts and a bake sale, children of all ages will enjoy the festival.
Taylor Pavilion, 512 Ocean Ave, Belmar, NJ 07719
23. Rahway’s 2017 Winter Wonderland
Friday November 24, 2017 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join Major Steinmann and the Rahway City Council for the 4th Annual Winter Wonderland in Downtown Rahway. A family oriented night of entertainment, outdoor skating, music, bonfires pictures with Santa and even more to explore. The annual parade and Tree Lighting will begin at 6:00pm.
City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hill Plaza, Rahway, NJ
24. Holiday Craft and Vendor Boutique
Saturday November 25, 2017 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Hosted by Special Homes of NJ, a non-profit dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over 40 crafters and vendors, everyone in the family will enjoy their day while supporting a great cause. Even enter the raffle for a chance to win prizes offered at the event.
St. Mary’s Prep, 100 Route 46, Denville NJ 07834
25. Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair
Saturday November 25, 2017 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair will showcase more than 50 unique vendors and crafters. There’s something for everyone at this fall festival. With door prizes, free parking, special promotions, games and raffles you’ll never want to leave.
American Legion Post #129 2025 Church Road, Toms River, NJ 08753
26. Arts, Crafts, and Gifts Show
Saturday, November 25, 2017 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Holiday shopping the local way. Support Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Company’s Auxiliary, with so many talented crafters and artists you won’t want to miss it. With some unique home-show style representatives make this whole event a one-stop holiday experience. A suggested donation of $1 at the door is asked for the Fire House.
Beach Haven Fire House, Long Beach Blvd & Amber Street, Beach Haven NJ 08008
27. Merry Marketspace in the Park
Sunday November 26, 2017 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Support the local crafters and businesses this holiday season. Black Friday Weekend will have crafts and direct sales vendors, getting you ready for the holiday season. Walk through and take in the seasonal views and maybe go on a possible ice skating adventure.
Kiddie Keep Well Schirber Hall, 35 Roosevelt Drive, Edison, NJ
28. Craft and Vendor Fair Fundraiser for JSAC
Sunday, November 26, 2017 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
A fundraiser for the Jersey Shore Animal Center, with 50 vendors and free admission what else do you need. An indoor event means rain or shine, everyone is in for a good time. Something for every age in the family, and free gifts for the 1st 25 kids.
Elks, 2491 Hooper Avenue, Brick NJ 08723
29. Media Makers
Monday November 27, 2017 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm
Ever adventured into the media world and wanted to learn more? Here’s your opportunity, a dedicated group of media makers learning new techniques, offering critiques and workshopping all new ideas in all different mediums. Nothing can stop you from creating except yourself.
Warren County Library, Northeast Branch, 40 US HWY 46 West, Hackettstown, NJ
30. Holiday Vendor and Craft Fair
Monday, November 27, 2017, 9:00 – 3:00 pm
Tenafly Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair. Something for everyone, the whole family will be wanting to come back. Explore the shops and send the kids off to try the crafts.
Tenafly Senior Center, 20 South Summit Street, Tenafly NJ 07670
