31 Kid-Friendly Things To Do This Weekend

With fall festivals finally back on and starting to fill the weekends, there’s so much you’ll want to do for family fun this weekend. Bring the kids to the “Rootbier Garten” and Oompa band at Morey’s Piers Oktoberfest in Wildwood, get lost in the hay bale maze at a Family Fun Weekend at Terhune Orchards in Princeton, or celebrate sandcastles and seining at the Wind & Sea Festival in Port Monmouth.  And if you are looking to plan out your month, don’t miss our Guide on Free Things To Do In September and Fall Festivals and Fairs in NJ.

Featured Photo Credit: Morey’s Piers 

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(Note: Since COVID-19 rules and regulations are continually changing, it’s best to check ahead for in-person events)

Ort Farms Fall Fest
September 4 – October 31
Known as “the most spacious farm in Morris County,” Ort Farms offers its visitors the whole nine yards when it comes to fall family fun. Enjoy a monster truck ride with your family and friends, head to the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin, get lost in the corn maze, or take a cow train ride. After you’ve had your fill, be sure to check out the farm store to try out Ort Farms’ delicious fresh apples, apple cider, donuts, pumpkin rolls, local ice cream, homegrown produce, and more.
Cost: $8
25 Bartley Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853
(908) 876-3351

Fright Fest at Six Flag Great Adventure
September 10-October 31
Kick off the scary season with rides, shows, entertainment, haunted attractions, scare zones, and more at the annual Fright Fest event in Jackson, NJ. Don’t worry if your littles don’t want to be frightened—there are family-friendly events throughout the day.
Cost: Admission starts at around $30.99
Six Flags Great Adventure – 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527
(732) 928-2000

Great Pumpkin Festival
September 11 – November 7
Kick off the “Largest Fall Festival in Northern New Jersey,” with lots of fall fun. There are over 40 different activities, including a hay crawl, vortex tunnel, pedal cart track, and more. Heaven Hill Farm also offers on-site wine tastings, a farmer’s market, and more.
Cost: prices starting at $14.99 during the week and $19.99 on weekdays
451 State Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462
(973) 764-5144

Happy Day Farm Fall Harvest Festival
Open Saturdays and Sundays (Plus Fridays in October) from 10 AM – 5 PM, last entry at 4 PM
September 11 through October 31
Begin your fall adventure at Happy Day Farm’s Fall Harvest Festival, jam-packed with activities like pumpkin bowling, tractor rides, a corn maze, a hay mountain, pig races, fun slide, horse lasso, tug-o-war, and so much more. Oh, and did we mention that their pumpkin patch and photo ops at Pumpkinville are open seven days a week with no admission? Don’t miss the fun add-ons like the jumping pillow, corn cannon, and sunflowers for an extra fee. Be sure to purchase your tickets ahead of time.
Cost: $20
106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
(732) 977-3607

Boots at the Beach
September 17-19
Put your best boot forward and get ready to dance at this North Wildwood country festival. There will be live music, food, beverages, and entertainment for the whole family.
Cost: Free to enter
Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260

Oktoberfest at Morey’s Piers
September 17-19, 24-26, October 1-3 and 8-10
Get ready for four consecutive weekends of German-themed goodness with “Oktober das Oktopus,” live entertainment, a kids “Rootbier Garten” activity area, and more at the lively Oktoberfest on Morey’s Piers. On September 17 at 5:45 pm, the festivities kick-off with a ceremonial keg tapping of Warsteiner beer and the Morey family clad in lederhosen—prost!
Cost: Prices vary per activity
3501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 729-3700

Taste of Greece Festival at the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian
September 17-19
Rain or shine, grab some Souvlaki, Moussaka, Spanakopita, and more. Greek cooking demonstrations, live music, comedy, an arcade, and a white elephant sale round out this celebration.
Cost: Free
353 East Clinton Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670
(201) 567-5072

Argos Farm Fall Festival
Opening Day: September 18, and the hours vary per month.
With a ton of different fall-themed activities, your kiddos will have a blast getting into the spirit of the season with a corn maze, wagon rides, a double hay slide, corn hole, pick-your-own pumpkins, the new gauntlet obstacle course, plus so much more. After, indulge in yummy fall treats from their Farm Market. Make sure to purchase your tickets online before you go.
Cost: $12 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays
1250 Lacey Rd., Forked River, NJ 08731
(609) 693-3513

Fall Festival Weekends at VonThun Farms – Washington
Weekends from September 18 – October 31 from 10 AM – 5 PM
This family-friendly farm (with 2 locations) has a packed seasonal schedule with over 20 different farm activities and attractions like hayrides, a 5+ acre corn maze, barnyard basketball, lil’ rocking horses, pedal karts, and more. While admission includes most of the attractions, there are additional fees for corn cannons and pony rides.
Cost: $14.99 General admission
VonThun’s Country Farm Market – 438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07882
(732) 986-6816

Family Fun Fall Weekends at Terhune Orchards
Weekends from September 18 – October 31 from 10 AM-5 PM
At Terhune Orchards in Princeton, you and the littles can celebrate fall in NJ with live music, picking pumpkins, and a corn maze or hay bale maze. Don’t miss the hippy hop corral, pumpkin painting, and duckie races too. You can also visit the barnyard, play area, and adventure barn. Take a stroll on the pollinator trail and indulge in apple cider, donuts, and wines made from grapes on the farm.
Cost: $11 online, $14 at the gate
330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 924-2310

Fall Festival Weekends at VonThun Farms – Monmouth Junction
Weekends from September 18 – October 31, from 10 AM – 5 PM
This family-friendly farm (with two locations) has a packed seasonal schedule with over 35 different farm activities and attractions like hayrides, a 6+ acre corn maze, pumpkin TicTacToe, farm animals, pedal karts, and more. While admission includes most of the attractions, there are additional fees for the pumpkin blaster, corn cannons, and pony rides.
Cost: $15.99 General admission
VonThun’s Country Farm Market – 519 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
(732) 329-8656

Evening on the Farm at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm
Friday and Saturday evenings in September from 6 PM – 9 PM
Enjoy a family night out on the farm at this fall festival in South Jersey with live music, food trucks, and delicious food. Take an evening walk around the grounds, play some lawn games, stop by their late farm market or ice cream window for a treat, or take a hayride to the sunflower field. And don’t miss out on the Tomasello Wine available for purchase. Reservations are required, so be sure to book ahead of time on their website.
Cost: $9.95 per ticket
2691 Monmouth Rd., Jobstown, NJ 08041
(609) 353-9000

Allaire’s Apple and Fall Festival
September 18 from 8 AM-1 PM
Try your hand at apple cider pressing, compete in an apple pie baking contest, watch strolling villagers, view historical demonstrations, play games, and so much more. Blacksmithing, carpentry, fiber arts, tinsmithing, and weaving demonstrations will take place throughout the day. The historic buildings, Pilsen Gourmet Food Truck, bakery, and the general store will be open.
Cost: $4-$8; prices go up on the day of the event.
The Historic Village at Allaire, 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ 07727
(732) 938-2371

Sea Isle Fall Family Festival
September 18 from 9 AM-4 PM
Shop at the Seaside Vendor Craft Market along the oceanfront Promenade or sample food at the Fall Family Festival Food Court in front of Excursion Park, located at JFK Boulevard and Pleasure Avenue. Inside Excursion Park, there will be live music and free family activities. Don’t miss the amusement rides for the kids from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Cost: Free and parking is also free
JFK Blvd. and Promenade, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
(609) 263-8687

Seafood Festival in Point Pleasant Beach
September 18 from 10 AM-7 PM
It’s the 43rd annual Festival of the Sea, and there will be over 250 craft vendors and local restaurants. The rain date is September 19.
Cost: Free
601 Arnold Ave. Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 899-2424

Smithville Art Walk
September 18 from 10 AM-5 PM, rain date September 19
Over 75 artists participate in the annual Art Walk held at the Smithville Village. There will also be more than 40 tables set up on the Village Greene side of the Smithville Village for the Art Walk. There will also be live music.
Cost: Free
615 E. Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205
(609) 748-8999

Cookstove Demonstration at Historic Longstreet Farm
September 18 from 11 AM-3 PM
See how cooking techniques, recipes, and kitchens have changed since the 1890s and watch what’s cooking on the woodstove at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel.
Cost: Free
44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 946-3758

8th Annual Manasquan Community Day
September 18 from 11 AM-4 PM
It’s time to celebrate an endless summer with complimentary food and refreshments, carnival games and prizes, and a live radio broadcast from Thunder 106.3. The rain date will be on September 19.
Cost: Free
Squan Plaza – Abe Voorhees Dr., Manasquan, NJ 08736
1-844-626-2265

Saddle Brook Food Truck and Music Fest
September 18 at 11 AM
The Trucks are rolling into benefit the St. Philip the Apostle Church. Sample food, listen to live music from 3 bands and sample an adult beverage in the beer, margarita, and sangria garden. There will also be vendors, kid activities, including pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, airbrush and glitter tattoos, inflatables, games, hatchet throwing, sand art, spin art, and more. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets.
Cost: $5, kids under 5 are free, and please bring a non-perishable canned or boxed food item to support the pantry.
St Philip The Apostle Parking Lot, 492 Saddle River Rd., Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
(201) 587-2900

Sussex County Food Truck Festival
September 18 from 11 AM-6:30 PM
Come and celebrate the day with food trucks, arts, and great live music. Bring your family, including the dog; all are welcome. Don’t forget your blankets and chairs.
Cost: $5, kids under 10 free
The Sussex County Fairgrounds – 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
(973) 948-5500

Wind & Sea Festival
September 18 from 11 AM-5 PM
Celebrate everything water-related at this family-friendly Monmouth County festival. There will be sandcastle building, kayaking, fishing, kite flying, seining, sand casting, and more.
Cost: Free, but some activities might have a fee.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, 719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
(732) 787-3033 

Medford Oktoberfest and Music Festival
September 18 from 12 PM-7 PM
German food, live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and more. All ages can test their skills in the Bavarian stein holding contest.
Cost: Free admission and parking
Freedom Park, 86 Union Street, Medford, NJ 08055 

Piano Ballads at Historic Longstreet Farm
September 18 from 1 PM-3 PM
Sing-along with ballads from the turn of the century at Historic Longstreet Farm.
Cost: Free
44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel 07733
732-946-3758 

Food Truck Festival at Laurita Winery
September 18 and 19
Bring the whole crew here—there will be playgrounds and arm painting for the kids, free wood for the fire pits, fireworks on Saturday night, access to food trucks and wine bars, and a complimentary Laurita wine glass too. Bring your blankets and chairs too. 2020 Food Truck passes will be accepted.
Cost: $12-$14
85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
1-800-LAURITA

37th Annual Rose Squared at Anderson Park
September 18-19
The Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs and Rose Squared presents their longest-running show, the 37th Annual Rose Squared Art Show at Anderson Park in Upper Montclair, NJ. The Anderson Park show will have over 140 juried fine artists and crafters.
Cost: Free
274 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07043
(301) 755-4599

Fannywood Day Street Fair
September 19 from 10 AM-5 PM
Food and craft vendors, live music, and lots of fun for the kids too. There is a trackless train, petting zoo, pony rides, and many kiddie rides in the kids’ zone. The Scotch Plains -Fanwood YMCA is also hosting a paint your own “Y” t-shirt, make your own slime, corn hole games, soccer goal kicks, and more. Also, don’t miss the scavenger hunt, pizza eating, ice cream eating, bubble blowing, and water balloon toss too.
Cost: Free
South Ave., Fanwood, NJ 07023
(201) 998-6311

Medford Art, Wine, and Music Festival
September 19 from 11 AM-4 PM
The whole family will love hula-hoop performers, balloon artists, and face painters, fine arts, crafts, and wine for the adults. Don’t miss the local breweries and local bands at the event.
Cost: Free
Main Street, Medford, NJ 08055

Sussex County Day 2021
September 19 from 12 PM-5 PM
It’s the 5th annual Sussex County Day, and the theme this year is “Celebrating Our Community Heros.” Compete in a Sussex County Idol singing contest for kids grades K-12, join a scavenger hunt, visit a mini petting zoo, explore exhibits, enjoy entertainment, and don’t miss the food.
Cost: Free
Sussex County Fairgrounds – 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822
(973) 948-5500

Taste of Atlantic Highlands
September 19 from 12 PM-4 PM
Sample food, desserts, and beverages from restaurants, pubs, bars, breweries, coffee shops, and bakeries in the Atlantic Highlands. While visiting, you can meet and greet business owners from businesses and boutiques in the area.
Cost: $10 for kids tickets and $45 for adult tickets
101 First Ave., Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
(732) 872-8711

RWJBarnabas Health: Cooking Classes for Kids
Dates and times vary depending on the program
Kids of all ages will love cooking up healthy treats in these virtual hands-on cooking classes (adult supervision required during class): Try Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen for kids 8-12, where they’ll learn to use a recipe, cook with nutritious ingredients, and utilize kitchen basics or try Taste Testers in Hannah’s Kitchen, a Mommy and Me style class for 2-4-year-olds.
Cost: Free
RWJBarnabas, Virtual
(973) 926-7371

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