It’s November (how’d that happen?), and we’re loading up with plenty of kid-friendly things to do this weekend to make the most of the final days of fall. Watch cows decorated with garlands, bells, and flowers parade back to their pasture, followed by fun activities at the Cow Parade at Cherry Grove Farm in Lawrenceville, enjoy the last weekend of Fall Festivals up and down the state, or dance the day away and bounce it out at the Family Rave in Montclair. And for more family-friendly fun, find one of the free things to do near you. (featured photo: Cherry Grove Farm)
2026 Jacks & Lights at Argos Farm
November 6-7
Spend the weekend of this event among the lit-up pumpkins at Argos Farm. The whole family can experience a lit pumpkin trail, a pumpkin patch, a flashlight corn maze, tasty treats, and more.
Argos Farm, 1250 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731
Fall Family Fun Encore Weekend
November 6-8
Enjoy one more weekend of fall fun at Terhune Orchards with pony rides, a corn maze, pedal tractors, pumpkin painting, barnyard animals, and more than 30 activities.
Terhune Orchards, 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
The Village at Anne Ellen Tree Farm
November 6-8
Step into an immersive world of lights, shops, festive cheer, and cozy holiday scenes, and take a ride on Santa’s sleigh (in 4D). Make sure you grab some hot cocoa and stop by to see the big guy before you leave. This year, check out The Village Greene, an entirely new area with a lighted maze, an interactive chair to see if you are naughty or nice, Christmas mini golf, animated displays, and interactive drums that bring the Christmas trees to life with lights.
Anne Ellen Tree Farm, 114 Daum Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Great Pumpkin Festival
November 6-8
Head to Heaven Hill Farm for the last weekend of this fall-themed festival featuring the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, hayrides, farm animals, pedal carts, a themed corn maze, gem mining, apple cannons, and more fall fun.
Heaven Hill Farm, 451 State Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462
Happy Day Farm Fall Festival
November 6-8
It’s the last weekend of autumnal fun at Happy Day, with activities like an animal zoo, a Dolly Parton-themed corn maze where you can search for each square on your Maize-O-Poly game board, horse swings, pedal carts, and all the fall fun you can imagine, all in one place. Be sure to check out the Pumpkinville House for photo ops.
106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, NJ 07726
VonThun Farms Fall Festival
November 6-8
Bring the family to the last weekend of this Fall Festival for 20+ all-ages activities in two locations—play fall-themed games, take a hayride, take on the 6-acre interactive corn maze challenge, see farm animals, pick pumpkins, and don’t forget to take lots of photos. FYI: Apples are no longer available for u-pick at either location.
519 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
438 Route 57 West, Washington Township, NJ 07882
Fall Craft Show
November 7 at 9 AM
Get a head start on holiday shopping with over 40 craft vendors. Bring the family and spend the day shopping for unique gifts for everyone this holiday season.
Cost: Free
2566 Guam Lane, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Diwali Celebration
November 7 at 11 AM
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with the family at this colorful library event. Enjoy diya and candle painting, paper crafts, and other Diwali-inspired creative activities.
Cost: Free
Old Bridge Public Library, Central Branch, One Old Bridge Plaza, Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Makerspace
November 7 at 11 AM
Let the kids get creative at this hands-on makerspace designed for kids ages 5-12. You can explore activities that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and learning through making.
Education Annex, 23 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940
Cow Parade
November 7 at 1 PM
This unique farm celebration is a fun way to spend an afternoon with the family. Watch cows decorated with garlands, bells, and flowers parade back to their pasture. Before the parade, enjoy hayrides, face painting, a bounce house, games, food, music, butter churning, and glassblowing. Weather permitting, the day will end with a bonfire.
Cherry Grove Farm, 3200 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
World of Materials Science Day
November 7 at 1 PM
Curious kids can explore the fascinating world of science at this family-friendly program. You can participate in interactive activities with Princeton University researchers and discover how different materials work through hands-on learning and play.
Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Jersey Makes Fall Arts & Crafts Fair
November 7 at 11 AM
Bundle up and head to this fair for hot beverages, delicious treats, and lots of shopping.
Cost: Free
Central Park of Morris County, 91 Central Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ 07950
Cider Making at Howell Living History Farm
November 7 at 10 AM
Learn more about apple cider making at this fun event, where you will turn the crank on the cider press, help refill the hopper with apples, and taste the delicious cider.
Cost: Free
70 Woodens Ln, Lambertville, NJ 08530
Fleming’s Pumpkin Run
November 7 at 8 AM
Bring the entire family and enjoy a day of vehicle races, including a tractor pull. The vehicles will range from antiques and classics to motorcycles and tractors.
Cost: Free
353 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234
Touch A Truck Day
November 7 at 11 AM
For kids who love trucks, check out this display of dump trucks, fire trucks, police cars, and military trucks. See over 25 vehicles up close.
Cost: Free
Deer Path Park, 120 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington, NJ 08822
Gobble Wobble at Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
November 7 at 10 AM
Get the family outside for a fun half-mile hike along the water while learning about wild turkeys and their role in the New Jersey Pinelands. This is a great way for kids to enjoy nature and learn something new along the way.
Cost: Free
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, 103 Shinns Road, Vincentown, NJ 08088
Princess and Pirate Day at the Zoo
November 7 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
Fall Craft Show
November 7 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
Family Rave
November 7 at 2 PM
Do your kids love to dance? Head to this kid-friendly dayclub event for music, games, inflatables, a foam party, kid-friendly chaos, and VIP sections designed with littles in mind.
Lackawanna Plaza, 1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair, NJ 07042
Explore Warren History Trail
November 7-8 at 10 AM
Take the family on a self-guided history adventure through Warren County. Eighteen historic sites are participating, with different family activities at each, including exploring historic buildings, seeing demonstrations, and enjoying children’s activities. Different locations will be open on Saturday and Sunday, so check the map to plan your route.
Cost: Free
Various historic sites throughout Warren County, NJ
Hedge Field Fall Fest
November 7-8 at 11 AM
Make the most of the last days of fall at Hedge Field with a corn maze celebrating America’s 250th birthday, hayrides to the pumpkin patch, bounce houses, a wagon train, trike paths, and more.
Hedge Field, 609 Garton Road, Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Food Trucks & Fire Pits
November 7-8
Enjoy a late fall festival atmosphere filled with food trucks, live music, local vendors, vineyard wagon rides, apple and pumpkin cannons, and cozy fire pits. On Saturday, there will also be fireworks.
Laurita Winery, 85 Archertown Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533
Christmas At The Farm
November 7-8 at 11 AM
Ready to celebrate the holidays? Head to the farm for two days of food trucks, apple picking, hayrides, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more than 70 local artisans.
Riamede Farm, 122 Oakdale Rd, Chester, NJ 07930
Mineral, Gem & Jewelry Show
November 7-8 at 10 AM
If you or anyone in your family loves rocks or gems, 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
Potters’ Guild of NJ Holiday Show and Sale
November 7-8 at 10 AM
More than 40 potters will bring an incredible variety of handmade ceramic work, from mugs, bowls, serving pieces, and vessels to decorative work, tiles, and sculpture. Artists make every piece themselves and will be there throughout the weekend to talk about their work, answer questions, and share a little of the story behind what they make.
Cost: Free
Union Arts Center, 1980 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
Main Street Pops Artisan Market
November 8 at 11 AM
Spend a Sunday browsing handmade goods, artwork, and unique gifts from local makers. Live music and family-friendly activities will also be available.
770 Jackson Street Plaza at Monroe Center and Pier A Walkway, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Winter FRESH
November 8
This indoor food and farm market is perfect for shopping with all your favorite Asbury FRESH food vendors.
Cost: Free
66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
6th Annual Steve Hammond Homebound Hustle 5K and 1-Mile Walk
November 8 at 10 AM
The 6th Annual Steve Hammond Homebound Hustle 5K and 1-Mile Walk returns to Central Park of Morris County, with proceeds supporting Family Promise of Morris County and its work to prevent and end homelessness and housing insecurity. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome, and medals go to the top three finishers overall and in each age group.
Cost: Free
66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
The Polar Express Train Ride Whippany
November 6-8 (through December 30)
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.
1 Railroad Plz., Whippany, NJ 07981
Diggerfest
November 6-8 (through November 29)
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.
100 Pineadge Drive, West Berlin, NJ 08091
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