With Halloween in New Jersey on the horizon, it’s prime time to shift into all things spooky—but if you’ve got littles or kids who don’t like the fear factor, there are plenty of not-so-scary Halloween events around New Jersey where kids can celebrate all month (and wear their costumes). Read on for places you can get into the Halloween spirit with the whole family. And if you are looking for more of a scare, you can find plenty of bone-tingling spooks at one of the haunted houses or hayrides in NJ. (featured photo credit: @skylandsstadium)

Family-Friendly Things To Do For Halloween In New Jersey

North Jersey Halloween Activities

Skylands Stadium Jack O’Lantern Experience – September 26-November 2
Experience a little Halloween magic as you take a 45-minute walk through this festive and beautifully lit pumpkin patch. Over 6,000 carved and blazing Jack-O-Lanterns will be on display with spectacular visuals, making it one of the best Halloween events in NJ. Extend the night’s festivities with a fall fest, corn maze, and beer garden.
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822

Halloween Light Show at Demarest Farms – September 27-October 31
Take a guided drive-through tour of the largest Halloween light show in NJ, which features brilliant Halloween light displays. Then, stop by the farm to enjoy goodies from the market and warm up by the fire pits with make-your-own s’mores and hot cocoa.
244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642

Dinosaurs After Dark – Fridays and Saturdays, October 3-25
Bring your dino-loving kids to Field Station: Dinosaurs After Dark, a mysterious prehistoric world that comes alive when the sun goes down. Dare to partake in the Dinosaur Seance, a thrilling adventure into the realm of dinosaur ghosts. Take a lantern-lit tour of the park, and join in a dinosaur sing-along at the campfire to cap off the night.
3 Overpeck Park Driveway, Leonia, NJ 07605 

Haunted Wild West Fest – Select days from October 4-26
Pick your scene at Wild West City at their Spooky Wild West event. During the day, watch the live-action shows, explore museums in the town, view historical demonstrations, and get a hole-in-one in miniature golf. At night, the scene becomes even scarier, featuring a haunted train ride and a haunted walking trail.
50 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope, NJ 07874

The Pumpkin Patch Train at Whippany Railway Museum – Rides are available on October 5, 11, and 12
Climb aboard a train at the Whippany Railway Museum to admire the changing leaves. Littles can dress in Halloween costumes as you ride past the reds, yellows, and oranges and enjoy the chilly weather. After the ride, kids can visit the pumpkin patch, pick out the perfect-sized pumpkin, and get a decorating kit for free while supplies last.
1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany, NJ 07981

Gardens Aglow Presby Memorial Iris – October 17 
Enjoy the gardens at dusk as they come to life with artfully carved jack-o-lanterns supplied by local high school art departments. Everyone can sip on cider at sunset while watching the gardens glow, and then check out the entertainment, including a Mad Science show.
474 Upper Mountain Avenue, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043

Central Jersey Halloween Activities

Storybook Land Fall Into Fun Festival and Trick or Treat Weekends – Begins September 20
Dress up in your Halloween best and get ready to collect treats throughout the park for Trick or Treat Weekends. During the Fall Into Fun Festival, don’t miss Elmer’s Hay-Mazin’ Maze, Happy Hayrides, and The Pumpkin Patch.
6415 East Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

All-A-Boo at DiDonato’s – September 27-October 26
Take a train ride through a kid-friendly Halloween Town, try the Halloween corn maze, meet and greet a witch and warlock, or pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Don’t miss the giant slide, inflatable obstacle course, photo ops, and more.
1151 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Diggerfest Fall Festival – Select dates from September-November 
Fall is here with Halloween fun at Diggerland, USA. Enjoy hayrides, live music, carnival games, pumpkin decorating, fall parades, and more.
100 Pineadge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091

Cape May Halloween Events – October 1-31
Visit Scarecrow Alley, take a ghost walk with Craig McManus, a renowned medium, or visit the spirits at the Physick Estate this Halloween.
Cape May, NJ 08204

Historic Cold Spring Village- Ghoul Spring Village – October 17-18 and 24-25
It’s a family-friendly walk-through for all ages. Cold Spring Village turns into a haunted trail with boos that are scary fun for the whole family. After, peruse the vendors and try a bite at one of the food trucks. 
720 US Route 9, Cape May, NJ 08204

Cape May Boo at the Zoo – October 25
Have your kids put on their costumes and head to the zoo for a free event, where they can spend time at the craft station, play games, collect candy, and watch the entertainment. Make sure you stop by to say hi to the animals and climb aboard the pirate ship. There will also be a costume contest.
Cape May County Park, 707 North Route 9, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

Monster Bash in Smithville – October 25
Visit Smithville for an evening with vendors featuring local artists, music, and gruesome special guests. 
615 E. Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205

Halloween Activities Near New Jersey

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place – September 13-November 2
Enter a family-friendly Halloween Haven with trick-or-treating in Big Bird’s Beach, Halloween-themed shows, and a Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt. The Sesame Street Halloween Parade and dance parties will add to the fun. 
100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047

Boo at the Zoo at The Bronx Zoo – Select dates, September 27-October 26
It’s worth the trip across the Hudson for the Bronx Zoo’s annual Halloween tradition. Be sure to dress in your Halloween best and hit the Pumpkin Garden, which features hundreds of expertly carved pumpkins. Keep the party going with a Boo Dance Party, Halloween Crafts, and Candy Trail.
2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460

Brick-or-Treat LEGOLAND New York Resort – October 2-November 2
Head over the state border to this theme park for a Bricktastic Halloween celebration. Watch live entertainment and shows like The Great Monster Chase 4D movie or Operation Monster Squad, snap photos of LEGO® characters, collect candy, and see limited-time attractions. 
1 Legoland Boulevard, Goshen, NY 10924

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