Halloween is creeping closer, and fall fun is at an all-time high, so spend the weekend soaking it up with lots of family-friendly things to do. Sip on cider while looking at Jack O’ Lanterns at Gardens Aglow at Presby Memorial Iris in Upper Montclair, get dressed in your Halloween best and watch underwater pumpkin carving at Boo at the Boardwalk at Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant Beach, or put on your witches hat and hunt for spooky clues at Witches Day Out in Smithville. And for more stuff to do, check out our guide to fall activities in NJ. (featured photo credit: @jenksboardwalk)
(Note: It’s always best to check ahead for in-person events)
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Running with the Devils 5K Run and Wellness Walk 2022
October 30 in-person 5K registration starts at 7 AM, or join October 1-30 virtually
RWJBarnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils are teaming up again this year at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex to honor RWJBarnabas Health’s 38,000 healthcare workers with the Running with the Devils 5K and Wellness Walk. Besides all the fun and NJ Devil players lending a hand, your family can feel good about participating—100% of the proceeds will benefit RWJBarnabas Healthcare Heros in their efforts to protect and build healthier communities. You can register here ahead of time for the in-person run, live walk, or virtual experience. All registered participants of both the run and walk receive FREE entry to Turtle Back Zoo on the event day.
Registration Fee: Registration starts at $30 for adults, $25 for RWJBarnabas employees, and children under 11 are free
Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex/Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange, NJ 07052
M&M’s Annual Treat Trunk
October 20-22
For the eighth year in a row, M&M’S and Mars are back to host their annual Halloween in Newark celebration, bringing the M&M’S Treat Truck and safe, festive fun to the Newark community – the home of America’s favorite chocolate candies. There will be activities, including free Mars candy and Halloween costume accessories, a colorful photo booth, and, new for this year, karaoke and illustration stations to encourage self-expression.
Cost: Free
Various Newark locations
Gardens Aglow Presby Memorial Iris
October 21 at 6 PM
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 Ave., Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
Allaire Historical Village Night of Frights
October 21, 22
Head to Allaire Village at night and experience storytelling at the Chapel, a special night out at the Blacksmith Shop, the Manager’s House with fortune-telling for your entertainment, Mr. Allaire’s Macabre House, and the Carriage House with legendary spirits.
Cost: adults are $15, children are $10
4265 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale, NJ 07727
Historic Cold Spring Village- Ghoul Spring Village
October 21-22 at 5:30 PM
It’s a family-friendly walk-thru for all ages when the Historic Cold Spring Village turns into a haunted trail with lots of ghosts, goblins, and spooky spirits.
720 US 9, Cape May, NJ 08204
Historical Society of Moorestown Living History and Ghost Tour
October 21-22, 28-29
Take an October evening stroll to learn about Moorestown’s history, mystery, and ghosts. This year’s tour is interactive with local historical figures such as Alice Paul, the Women’s Rights Activists John Woolman, and the Abolitionists Thomas Moore, Edward Harris, and the Marquis de Lafayette.
Cost: $15 for adults, $12 for historical society members and senior citizens, $10 for students, and 6 and under are free
12 High Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057
Haunted Somerville
October 22
Meet the Famous Diva of Darkness, Mistress of Madness, Keeper of the Crypts, and Ghost Writer for Haunted History Productions, Miss Cookie. Take a stroll down Main Street Somerville and learn about the Prohibition era, whiskey bandits, the haunted Hotel Somerset, dance legend Ruth St. Denis, and the Hall-Mills trial of the century. This tour is appropriate for all ages.
Cost: Choose your departure time slot. $20 in advance, $25 on-site, and children in strollers are free
Starbucks at 145 W. Main St, Somerville, NJ 08876
Meet and Greet with Thomas and Friends at Northlandz 2022
October 22 at 10 AM
Thomas & Friends are pulling into the station. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Thomas and join him on a fun-filled, sing-along performance, Thomas’ Budding Adventure, where kids will help Thomas discover the steps to grow a beautiful garden.
Cost: $35
495 US-202, Flemington, NJ 08822
Princeton Fall Fest
October 22 at 10 AM
See over 80+ vendors featuring makers, artisans, and vintage dealers. Stroll and shop, listen to live music, and taste plenty of fall-themed foods.
Princeton Shopping Center, 301 North Harrison Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
Tice’s Corner Fall Harvest Festival 2022
October 22 at 10 AM
Families will enjoy trick or treating, a bounce house, a balloon artist, a free raffle, a costume contest, apples, and fun for all.
Cost: Free
Tices’s Corner Marketplace, 441 Chestnut Ridge Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
Alpaca Visit: Tour, Feeding & More
October 22 at 11 AM
Take a group tour or walk with some fluffy alpacas. You can also build a Bailey’s (stuffable alpacas), and other crafts will be available during this time.
Cost: $5-$25
Morning Glori Farmette, 131 Navy Lane, Evesham Township, NJ 08053
Made in Jersey Festival
October 22 at 11 AM
It’s time to celebrate everything from the Garden State including tomatoes, peaches, and corn to beers, wines, and spirits, farm fresh food, and world class artisanal products. Come out to see producers, vendors, and crafters from all over the state. There will be live music, family fun, and Jersey made wine, beer, and spirits.
Cost: Admission is free, but a drink package can be purchased
Wiggins Waterfront Park, 2 Riverside Drive Camden, NJ 08103
Mansfield Township Harvest Festival
October 22 at 2 PM
Bring the whole family to this Harvest Festival filled with live music, face painting, a corn maze, a mechanical bull, craft vendors, games, food trucks, a bonfire, and more.
Cost: Free
Mansfield Township Community Park, 24594 E Main St, Columbus, NJ 08022
Long Branch Fall Festival
October 22-23 at 12 PM
The Long Branch Fall Fest, hosted by Asbury Park Bazaar & Long Branch Bazaar, will feature dozens of vendors selling handcrafted gifts and goods. Bring the whole family, including the furry members, for a pet costume contest with prizes, a kids costume parade, kids activities, food, craft beers, a fall photo station and photo booth, tarot card readings, music, and a surf swap.
Whitechapel Projects, 15 Second Ave., Long Branch, NJ 07740
Boo at the Boardwalk
October 22, 23, 29, 30 at 12 PM
Get that costume ready and head to Jenkinson’s Boardwalk for a beach maze, kiddie rides, crafts, face painting, and underwater pumpkin carving (included with general aquarium admission). Don’t miss Perky’s Pumpkin Derby on October 22. where decorated pumpkin cars race against each other.
300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Storybook Land Trick or Treat Weekends
October 22, 23, 29, 30
Dress up in your Halloween best to collect treats throughout the park. Littles will love hopping on the fun rides in their costumes and gathering goodies with special Trick or Treat bags (included with admission).
6415 Black Horse Pike (Routes 40/322), Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Fall Festival at G & G Stables
October 22, 29, and 30 at 11 AM
Check out the stables, where the whole family can try everything from pony rides to hayrides, face painting, games, a petting zoo, and crafts.
Cost: $10 online and $12 in person for ages two and up
G&G Stables, 39 Driftway Rd, Howell, NJ 07731
2022 Modern Muscle Car Invasion Trunk or Treat
October 23 at 10 AM
Dress in your Halloween best—there will be a car decorating contest, trunk or treat, a kids costume contest and parade, food on site, and free admission to the zoo at this Halloween celebration.
Cost: $30
Cape May County Park & Zoo, 707 Route 9 North, Middle Township, NJ 08210
Homegrown Harvest Festival
October 23 at 12 PM
It’s a book, crafts, art, and music fair. The rain date is October 30.
Cost: Free
Bay Ave., Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Witches Day Out 2022
October 23 at 12 PM
Come dressed in your finest Witch outfit for special treats and discounts for anyone wearing a witches hat. There will be activities, specials, and lots of fun all day. Don’t miss the scavenger hunt, raffles, and parade.
Cost: Free
Historic Smithville, NJ – Village Greene, 615 E Moss Mill Rd Smithville, NJ 08205
Lawerence Hopewell Trail 2022 Trail and Treat Bike Ride
October 23 at 3 PM
It’s the Annual Trail and Treat Bike Ride, a celebration of the Halloween spirit for families with children ages 12 and under. Decorate your bikes and enjoy face painting, Halloween games, and live music, followed by two rides on the trail. Costumes and bike decorating are encouraged in celebration of the Halloween theme.
Cost: $5, and donations are appreciated.
Village Park Lawrence Township – Village Park Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Ongoing Events
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Train at DiDonato’s
Now-October 23
Take a train ride through a kid-friendly Halloween Town, try the Halloween corn maze, or pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Don’t miss the giant slide, inflatable obstacle course, photo ops, and more.
Cost: $15.95 per person or $17.95 at the door
1151 S White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Holland Ridge Fall Flower Festival
Now-October 23
Come for fall flower picking, pumpkin picking, and photo ops galore. Special weekends include a Food Truck Weekend, Fall Craft & Live Music Festival, and a Family Fun weekend.
Cost: $13 per person ages 3 and up
86 Rues Road, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514
Ort Farms Fall Festival
Now-October 23
It’s opening weekend to pick your own apples, take the sunflower trail, wander through the corn maze, and don’t miss the apple cannon.
Cost: $10 per person; 2 and under are free
25 Bartley Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853
Snyder’s Farm Fall Kickoff and Fall Festival
Now-October 23
Step out this season to a corn maze, pumpkin picking, fire pits, comfort food, and even a horror movie at night (for older kids and adults).
Cost: $15 for the movie night, $18 for the fall festival, and under age 2 is free
586 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ 08873H
Zeppelin Hall Oktoberfest
Now-October 24
During this almost-a-full-month-long celebration, they’re serving Oktoberfest beer, Bavarian dishes, and pretzels – with kid-friendly options like burgers and mac and cheese. On weekends, your whole family can relax and enjoy the live German bands that play from 2 PM to 7 PM (on both days) on stage.
88 Liberty View Dr., Jersey City, NJ 07302
Dinosaurs After Dark
Fridays and Saturdays, Now-October 29
Explore a mysterious prehistoric world while there is a T-Rex on the loose. Take a Tyrannosaurus Hunt down darkened trails and find surprises along the way. There’s also a nighttime offering of shows, games, songs, and s’mores.
3 Overpeck Park Driveway Leonia, NJ 07605
Brite Nites 2022
Thursdays-Saturdays, Now- October 29
Head to Warren for Wagner Farm Arboretum for a spook-ta-cular event, showcasing an elaborate display of creatively hand-carved and LED-lighted pumpkins. There will be options to walk or drive through the show.
197 Mountain Avenue, Warren, NJ 07059
Terhune Orchards Fall Family Fun Weekends
Now-October 29-30
Get all the fall feels at Terhune with their adventure barn, live music, pony rides, pumpkin picking, duck races, and pick-your-own opportunities.
Cost: A variety of packages are available
330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Argos Farm Festival
Now-October 30
Visit the pumpkin patch, Double Hay Slide, Bee Zip Line, Jumbo Jumper Air Pillow, Gauntlet Obstacle Course, Cow Train Rides, Peddle Carts, Ball Zone, Wall Ball, Checkers, Corn Hole, and so much more.
Cost: $13.95 and up during the week and $16.95 and up on weekends
1250 Lacey Rd, Forked River, NJ 08731
Happy Day Farm Fall Festival
Now-October 30
Spend the day at Happy Day, going from giant checkers to an inflatable corn maze, horse swings to pedal carts, and all of the fall fun you can imagine in one place during their annual fall festival.
Cost: $24 per person
106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Fall Festival Weekends at Von Thun Farms
Now-October 30
Two locations are full of fall fun for the whole family, with pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides, corn cannons, and apple blasters. Events may vary by location.
Cost: $16.99-$17.99 and up, depending on location and package
505 Ridge Road, Dayton, NJ 08810
438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07882
Sunflower September & Fall Festivals at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm
Now-October 30
Sunflowers and fall fun will fill the weekends at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm until the end of October.
Cost: $12.95
2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, NJ 08041
Donaldson Farms Fall Harvest Weekends
Now-October 30 and October 10
Head to the farm for apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn cannons, apple cider samples, and seasonal treats.
Cost: Free to enter
358 Allen Road, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
20th Anniversary Fall Festival
Now-October 30
It’s the 20th Anniversary, and it’s time to celebrate at the 10 Acre corn maze at Lentini Farms. There will be live bands and food trucks every weekend.
Cost: $3-$4 online or $4-$5 at the gate
251 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860
Haunted Wild West Fest
Now-October 30
Come during the day or dare to come at night for the Haunted Wild West Fest. Check out the live-action shows, explore museums in the town, view historical demonstrations, get a hole-in-one in miniature golf, and more.
Cost: $24.50 and up for the daytime and $18 online, and $20 at the gate for nighttime
50 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope, NJ 07874
Diggerfest Fall Festival
Weekends in October
Pumpkins are all over Diggerland, USA. Enjoy hayrides, live music, carnival games, pumpkin decorating, fall parades, and more.
Cost: $45.95
100 Pineadge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure
Now-October 31
Haunted Houses, Scare Zones, and Rides in the Dark can only mean one thing—Fright Fest is back. This spooky event will keep older kids and adults on their toes (recommended for ages 13 and over). Enter if you dare!
Cost: Starting at $34.99
1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527
Halloween Light Show at Demarest Farms
Now-October 31
See the largest light show in NJ on a guided drive-through tour of brilliant Halloween light displays. 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
Haunt O’Ween at Bell Works
Now-October 31, dates and times vary
Explore over 200,000 square feet at this interactive Halloween playground. Go trick-or-treating in the Town of Haunt O’ Ween, walk through thousands of pumpkins, play games, hop on rides, get your face painted, and enjoy food and drinks.
Cost: Tickets start at $40
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
Great Pumpkin Festival
Now-November 6
Head to Heaven Hill Farm for this fall-themed festival featuring the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, hayrides, farm animals, pedal carts, a 40th anniversary-themed corn maze, gem mining, apple cannons, and more fall fun.
Cost: $14.99-$22.99
451 State Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462
Skylands Stadium Jack O’ Lantern Experience
Now-November 6
It’s Halloween fun for all when you see over 6000 impressive and intricately carved Jack O’Lanterns take over Skylands Stadium. Enjoy a 45-minute walk-through experience mixed with a family-friendly fall festival with rides, vendors, and food.
Cost: $19 and up
94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ 07822
Scarecrows of the Sea at Adventure Aquarium
Now-November 13
Turn autumn aquatic with the new Scarecrows of the Sea at Adventure Aquarium. A crew of colorful scarecrows will be cropping up across the aquarium for a limited time. Look out for pirates, penguins, mermaids, and more posing alongside our 15,000 amazing animals.
Cost: Included with admission, buy your tickets or make a Member reservation in advance.
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
RWJBarnabas Health Events
Toddler Snack Time – Healthy Halloween (in-person)
October 24 at 10:30 AM
Bring your little ones for a hands-on cooking class featuring fun and festive Halloween snacks. Feel free to get in the spirit and wear your costume.
Cost: Free; registration is required.
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Kids Pumpkin Painting
October 25 at 4 PM
It’s the spooky season—bring the kids for pumpkin painting with the LiveWell Center. Children ages 2-10 are welcome to attend. Dress up in your Halloween costume for some extra fun
Cost: Free; registration is required.
LiveWell Center, 200 Wyckoff Rd. Suite 1200, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Healthy Kids in Hannah’s Kitchen
October 25 at 4:30 PM
Come in person or join virtually for this hands-on cooking for ages 8-12. Your child will learn how to cook with nutritious ingredients, how to read a recipe, kitchen safety tips, measuring techniques, and learn knife skills.
Cost: Free
Online or Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center at Newark Beth Israel
Medical Center, 208 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ 07112
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