By Jennifer Amato Published: October 13, 2022 October 13, 2022
Take a hike, go on a ghost tour, head to the circus, learn some dance moves or watch a wizard make magic happen. These are just some of the fun events happening in New Jersey this weekend!
Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival Throughout Manhattan Thursday – Sunday There is so much to eat and drink, you’ll probably want to attend all four days! Indulge in walk-around tastings, brunches and lunches, intimate dinners, late-night parties, culinary demos, signature events, cocktails and spirits and family-fun events. There will be representation by many of your favorite chefs (more than 500!) and restaurants.
Fall Festival Cape May Convention Hall, Cape May Thursday – Sunday This four-day festival includes a selection of in-person field trips, trolley trips, boat trips and indoor programs, as well as the Thursday evening kickoff party at the Rusty Nail.
50s 60s 70s Weekend Wildwood Friday – Saturday Friday night features a ’50s Dance Party with The Cameos. A free street fair will take place on Saturday featuring classic cars, food and craft vendors and live entertainment. Saturday night’s concert showcases The Vogues, Tommy James & The Shondells, The Voice of Tribute starring Tommy C (as the voice of Frankie Valli, Lou Christie, Bobby Darren and Frank Sinatra) and Nathaniel Cullors as Young Michael Jackson!
Saint James Parish Festival Saint James the Apostle Church, Springfield Friday – Saturday These five days of free entertainment will include great bands, rides, games, prizes, 50/50 raffles, tin can basket auctions, a money wheel, beer and wine tent and vendors.
FLIP Circus Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp. Friday – Sunday The Vazquez Family created this new high-energy show that features an international cast of clowns, acrobats, jugglers, aerialists and daredevils.
Spooktacular Staten Island Zoo, Staten Island Friday – Sunday Go “wild” with live music and dancing, scare zones, interactive costumed characters, theater shows, carnival games, photo ops and giveaways, plus virtual contests.
Multicultural Folk Dance Gathering Hungarian American Athletic Club, New Brunswick Saturday – Sunday Dances from different ethnic groups will be presented by local folk dance performing groups. Afterward, stick around because the performers will teach you the same dances!
Fall Bazaar Atlantic City Saturday – Sunday The Atlantic City Fall Bazaar features food and drink vendors, an indoor biergarten (for ages 21+), arts and crafts activities for children and adults and shopping from local artists and craftspeople. DJ Raymond Tyler will be deejaying nonstop during the event.
New Jersey’s Annual Lighthouse Challenge Around New Jersey Saturday – Sunday Visitors tour each lighthouse and work toward a souvenir given at each tour site to show your accomplishments. Support your local lighthouse conservation efforts and join in the fun.
OctoberFeast Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA Saturday – Sunday This Octoberfest celebration is complete with axe throwing, gem mining, stein holding, plus lots of kids’ activities, music, beer and food. Check out the scarecrows that line the paths of the village.
Fall Family Fun Weekends Terhune Orchards, Princeton Saturday – Sunday Each weekend in October, come out for PYO pumpkins and apples, pumpkin painting, corn and hay bale mazes, barnyard animals, children’s games and activities, story time, lots of farm market food and Terhune’s own wine and live music.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” Live Freehold Elks Lodge, Freehold When you sign up, you’ll get a prop bag to watch the movie and participate.
Spooky Shopping on the Square Haddon Square, Haddon Twp. This spook-tacular shopping event will feature over 30 vendors exhibiting seasonal gifts and wares, as well as delicious treats and beverages.
Indigenous Liberation Mathews Theatre, Princeton Indigenous Liberation is an intertribal production featuring songs, stories and dances from all over Turtle Island, led by champion pow wow dancers. This new work will highlight traditional pow wow categories such as Men’s Fancy War Dance (Ponca), Jingle Dress (Ojibwa), Hoop (Taos Pueblo), Chicken Dance (Blackfoot), Flute (Cree) and Grass Dance (Omaha), in a celebration of what lies at the heart of these powerful traditions.
Grand Opening of Crumbl Cookies Princeton Nassau Park Pavilion, Princeton These Tik Tok-worthy cookies are coming to Princeton. Stop by for a ribbon cutting ceremony and samples of the tasty treats.
Reza Aslan Princeton Public Library, Princeton The writer, producer and scholar of religions launches his new book, “An American Martyr in Persia: The Epic Life and Tragic Death of Howard Baskerville.” This event will be recorded by C-SPAN for BookTV.
Bourbon and Scotch Tasting Knob Hill Country Club, Manalapan The bourbon tasting will be accompanied by a dinner buffet and live music throughout the evening.
Vintage Car Show Ocean Grove Check out lots of classic cars while listening to live music.
Magnolia Night Market Magnolia Bring everyone out for a family-friendly night of produce vendors, handmade goods, children’s activities, food trucks, music, beer and wine.
Apple Cidering Lorrimer Sanctuary, Franklin Lakes Join Lorrimer Sanctuary staff for a fun family program all about apple cider! Learn about apple trees and where apples come from, use an old-fashioned cider press to turn farm apples into juice, taste test some delicious and fresh local cider, and make an apple stamp craft, too.
Saturday Yoga Lavender Fit Yoga of Robbinsville; virtual option available Take some time for self-care during this morning yoga class. You’ll be able to win prizes from local vendors.
Chowderfest 9th Avenue, Beach Haven Rescheduled from Oct. 1, you can sample chowder, plus local food specialties. Admission is free but this is a non-tasting event, so food must be purchased. Beers on tap, wine and seltzers, live music and more than 50 vendors are expected. This event is child- and pet-friendly.
Let’s Talk: Women’s Health & Wellness New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark This unique experience will bring women of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities together to learn, celebrate and share their health journeys. The event will educate and remove stigmas about women’s health and wellness and will include panel discussions about women’s health that focus on the following eight pillars of wellness: physical, nutritional, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, financial and environmental.
Pumpkin Patch Workshop Bell Works, Holmdel Gather your friends and family and head to Enchanted Blossoms with Bloom & Begonia for a beginner level craft creating paper pumpkin designs!
Heritage Day Community Park, North Brunswick Rescheduled from Oct. 1, this annual cultural fest celebrates North Brunswick’s history. Expect rides, games, vendors, food concessions, live music, giveaways and lots of family fun. There will be fireworks after the evening band performance.
Ghost Investigation & Psychic Readings Kuser Farm Mansion, Hamilton Twp. Join Matt Cook and his team from Price Area Paranormal as they demonstrate ghost hunting techniques and equipment. They will have some experiences to share and will attempt to answer some of your paranormal questions. Psychic readings will be available during this event with Psychic Readings by Mandy.
Halloween Happenings Veterans Park, North Brunswick Visit the park for a costume contest, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting and more fun activities for kids.
Guns ‘N Hoses Charity Football Game Heavenly Farm, East Brunswick East Brunswick police officers and supervisors will take the field against township firemen in this football game that will raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. At halftime, kids 12 and under can show off their throwing skills.
Bee Day Greenwood Gardens, Short Hills Celebrate one of your favorite pollinators with interactive storytelling, a lifecycle presentation, a Children’s Art Contest, a scavenger hunt, spelling bee, arts and crafts, face-painting, games, gardening tips, story time, honey tasting, food and more!
Paws & Claws Murder Mystery Night Holiday Inn, Cherry Hill Join members of Animal Welfare Association as they trust a detective to solve this murder mystery case!
Moving Beyond Abuse 5K Johnson Park, Piscataway Support relief services for those affected by domestic violence by taking place in this 5K walk or run. There will be music, food and kids’ activities after the race.
Life With the Afterlife Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown Paranormal investigator, author, podcaster and star of Kindred Spirits and Ghost Hunters Amy Bruni will tales from her countless hours hunting ghosts at America’s most haunted locations.
Ceramics Scavenger Hunt Downtown Princeton, Princeton The Arts Council of Princeton will post hints on their Instagram Stories leading you to pottery pieces that are hidden around town. Follow along to find them first and add to your collection of handmade ceramics.
Beyond Words Brick Tavern Farm, Hopewell David Wondrich is the 2022 guest speaker for this benefit for the Princeton Public Library. He has written a James Beard award-winning cocktail book and released his second book, “The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails,” last year. Adults can experience a tasting flight and a three-course sit-down dinner. A book signing will follow.
Taiko Drumming Concert Cranford Community Center, Cranford Taiko is a type of Japanese percussion that has been played for well over 1,000 years. Traditionally, taiko were used in religious ceremonies, festivals, and as theatrical accompaniment. In kumi-daiko, or ensemble drumming, many drummers play different-sized drums to create complex rhythms and stylized performances.
Experience the Magic Wallkill Regional Valley High School, Hardyston The performing arts students will be dressed up as your favorite Disney characters, singing songs from old and new Disney movies. There will be a meet-and-greet starting 1 hour before showtimes for pictures and autographs. Parents and kids should come dressed up for even more fun!
Paint Bordentown Pink 5K Bordentown City To acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness Month, join a one-mile family walk or a 5K that will course through Bordentown City and end just in time for Hope Hose Riverfest.
Hope Hose Riverfest Bordentown City Beach, Bordentown Join the firefighters from Hope Hose Humane Co. No. 1 for beer, music and fun.
Boo Brew by the Bay Seafarer, Highlands Boo Brew by the Bay takes place on the picturesque waterfront. There will be 15 local breweries in attendance, and each will have two types of beer to sample. Also enjoy live music, fire pits and cuisine from Local Smoke BBQ for an additional fee.
The Skies Over Hogwarts Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, Branchburg Join an eclectic group of witches and wizards as they guide you through a “Harry Potter”-themed tour of the night sky. Learn how J.K. Rowling used astronomy as the inspiration for some of her characters’ names.
Painting with Alpacas Out of Sight Alpacas Farm, Waretown Paint a canvas bag while alpacas roam around the farm. Meet the animals after the painting session.
Dance Party Studio Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NY Kids of all ages can learn some different dance styles and create a few new ones of their own. Playing songs from popular music, movies and TV, improvisational movements are encouraged while also learning some dance basics. Non-dancers can join in by grabbing some instruments and helping to set the beat.
Free Coat Giveaway Power Changes Lives Inc., Morris Plains If you sign up in advance, you’ll be able to choose from 2,000 new or gently used coats – for free.
Book Sale Doric House Museum, Flemington The sale features a variety of histories and biographies, along with an eclectic collection of rare and unusual books and some popular favorites. You’ll also find first editions, and reproductions of historic maps and posters. There is no admission fee to attend, but the items are for sale to benefit the nonprofit Hunterdon County Historical Society.
Selected Shorts Women’s Club of Glen Ridge, Glen Ridge The hit radio series “Selected Shorts” returns to Glen Ridge with an afternoon of short fiction about the bonds between brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, parents and children, and reappearing exes.
Spooky Disco Night Bell Works, Holmdel Enjoy funk and disco with DJ Foggy Notion for Bar Bella’s Disco Night!
New Jersey PCOS Challenge 5K Branch Brook Park, Newark If you register as a walker, you will receive the official race pack, race bib and finisher medal. Participants who raise or donate $100 or more will receive the Official PCOS Challenge 5K Walk National Campaign T-Shirt. There will also be gift cards as a special “thank you” for those participants who hit fundraising milestones.
Sukkot Fall Fest JCC Princeton Mercer Bucks Abrams Camp, East Windsor Enjoy a rockin’ outdoor fall experience with your family at the J Community Sukkot Fall Fest. Festivities include live music by The Seven Band, inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, crafts, train rides, Synagogue Sukkah hop with games, and more.
Haunted Hayride Freehold Borough This hayride will be chased by zombie cheerleaders and horror movie characters wielding chainsaws, so though it is billed as family-friendly, and is during the daytime, use discretion when bringing along your little ones.
Taco Trot 5K Randolph, NJ Love tacos? Hate cancer? This 5K finishes with free tacos from Riviera Maya Restaurants. Proceeds benefit those suffering from breast cancer.
Local Author Day East Brunswick Public Library, East Brunswick Join dozens of authors as they speak about their careers and their books, and they join in on panel discussions.
Loving Hands Cat Rescue Tricky Tray South River Take a look at a variety of gift baskets as you support this cat rescue’s mission of supporting the animals they rescue and adopt out.
Hispanic Culture Celebration HudsonWay Immersion School, Stirling Children and families will enjoy Spanish puppetry by Teatro Sea, live music by Eco Del Sur, Latin American folk music, a photo booth, foods and crafts.
Equine and Chocolate Fundraiser Bergen Equestrian Center, Leonia Come out for a fun family day where you will get the opportunity to check out the Bergen County Equestrian Center, which is the home to over 75 horses, and kids can enjoy all the fun activities this day offers. In addition, you’ll get the opportunity to walk through the Butterfly Garden run by the Bergen County Audubon Society.
Nature Under the Microscope Tulpehaking Nature Center, Hamilton Explore nature up close as you use a microscope to examine a collection of insects, butterfly wings, feathers, seeds and any other natural treasures you find while you explore the area outside the nature center.
Holistic, Health & Healing Expo The Westin, Mt. Laurel This expo is designed to increase the community’s awareness and knowledge of integrative healthcare and whole-body wellness through an offering of presentations, hands-on workshops and experiences and an exhibit hall showcasing cutting-edge products and services. It also highlights products, spiritual services and environmental choices for a healthy planet.
Purple for Pappas 5K Community Park, North Brunswick You can sign up to participate in the walk or run virtually, or stop by the park on Oct. 16 for fun, activities, food and entertainment. Proceeds benefit The Aubrey Pappas Foundation, founded after a beloved middle school teacher died in a motor vehicle accident.
Harvest Homecoming Historic Bridge Landing, River Edge Celebrate 120 years of the Bergen County Historical Society. All three 18th century Jersey-Dutch sandstone houses will be open for tours. On display will be Revolutionary War artifacts. See broom making and corn shelling demonstrations and visit with the blacksmith on site to see what kind of wares he is making. Visit the authentic Jersey-Dutch out-kitchen and outdoor bake oven where BCHS interpreters will be preparing Barmbrack (an Irish Halloween sweet bread), Cornish pasties, apple pie and homemade applesauce.
Peppa Pig’s Adventure Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown Peppa goes on an exciting camping trip in the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. With lunchboxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their outdoor adventure, full of singing, dancing, games and surprises.
Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Trains Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany The 10-mile, 45-minute round trip from Whippany to Roseland and back is the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon with the family. After each ride, children with valid train tickets can go to the pumpkin patch and pick out a free kid-sized pumpkin and receive a pumpkin decorating kit, while supplies last.
Family Woodland Hike New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood During this easy, child-friendly hike in the garden’s woodlands, you’ll learn a bit about the plants and animals around you in a hike designed to fit the group.
Celebrate Fall Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit This autumn festival features games, crafts, music, entertainment, food, vendors, a spooky trail, photo opportunities and more. Don’t forget to visit and feed the special guests, the grazing Green Goats from Rhinebeck, NY, as well.
Harvest Festival Croft Farm Arts Center, Cherry Hill Support the local police and fire departments while you and the kids pick pumpkins, go to the petting zoo, listen to a DJ and live music, walk through the craft show and visit the food trucks.
Fall Festival and Car Show Mountain Avenue, Springfield Horse-drawn carriage rides and petting zoo are just the start of this fun-filled day! Enjoy food trucks, vendor shopping, all-day live music band, a beer garden and a car show. Kids will have a ball in the Inflatable Kids Zone and on the Trackless Train.
Oktoberfest Veterans Park (south entrance), Hamilton Twp. Enjoy a fall family day where activities include a pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn maze, amusements, crafters and vendors.
Guided History Tour: Eyewitness to Black History Crane House & Historic YWCA, Montclair Explore 200 years of Black history in New Jersey through rare firsthand accounts, a bill of sale for an enslaved person in the household, an 1800s newspaper, an 1840s New York Knickerbocker magazine, census data, personal letters, oral histories, and mid-century Jet and Ebony magazines.
Fall Migration Bird Walk The New Weis Center for Education, Arts & Recreation, Ringwood Take a forest and field nature walk as you witness birds on their incredible migration south. You will practice some bird ID, observe fall behaviors and learn how these small songbirds can survive and navigate such a difficult annual journey.
Dig It! Plant It! Eat It! Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown Saturdays From pollinators to plant dyes, each Saturday discover something new in nature! Rain or shine. Recommended for ages 4 – 10.
AddamsFest Downtown Westfield Throughout October The entire month is dedicated to celebrating Charles Addams and “The Addams Family.” Events include voting in the Haunt Your House Decorating Contest, taking photos of the house on Mindowaskin Pond and attending Morticia & Gomez’s MasQUERADE Ball.
Halloween House Select dates, Oct. 14 – 31 Stop by on select nights to see this spooky decorated Halloween house.
The Wizard’s Halloween Party Morley’s Magic Theater, Butler Friday – Sunday, Oct. 14 – 30 Join the Wizard for this silly, funny, magical (and not scary) Halloween magic show. Feel free to come dressed in your best Halloween costume.
Possessing Harriet First Presbyterian Church, Cape May Wednesdays through Sundays, through Oct. 15 Based on a true story, this play tells the story of a slave as she pursues her freedom.
Fright Light Laser Show Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, Branchburg Saturdays, Oct. 15 – 29 The witches and ghouls continue to haunt the planetarium. They are especially fond of laser songs, including “The Addams Family Theme Song,” “Monster Mash” and “Ghostbusters.”
The Golden Girls Murder Mystery Resorts Casino, Atlantic City Select Saturdays, Oct. 15 – Nov. 19 Sophia, Dorothy, Blanche and Rose are planning a party – but they realize one of their guests has murderous intentions. Cast your vote for who the killer is. Plus, play other games and try to get a selfie with all four cast members.
Boo at the Zoo Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 15 – 30 On weekends, delight in all the annual Halloween traditions including trick-or-treating throughout the zoo, photo ops, enrichments with the animals, seasonal décor and more.
Haunted Car Wash Select Nights, Oct. 16 – 30 Carloads will engage with creepy costumed characters on the line, listen to Halloween-themed audio, and leave with a clean car! Look for your neighbors since local teens will be dressed up as the costumed characters.
Broadway @GSPlaza Westfield Garden State Plaza, Paramus Saturdays, through Oct. 22 Each week, see a different Broadway performance of a Disney musical geared toward kids.
Trick-or-Treat Weekends Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp. Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 22 – 30 Come in costume and then collect treats throughout the park. A trick-or-treat bag will be given to kids 2 and older.
Trick-or-Treat Train DiDonato’s Family Fun Center, Hammonton Weekends through Oct. 23; plus Oct. 10 Your admission includes a train ride through a little goblin-friendly Halloween town, a new Halloween corn maze, a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, a ride on the giant slide, a new inflatable 40-foot obstacle course, new trick-or-treat spots, and a meet-and-greet photo op with the local witch.
Oktoberfest Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Bear Mountain, NY Weekends, through Oct. 23 Enjoy craft beer, delicious food, live music featuring nine music groups and fun activities for all ages.
Music Fest Sundays Palmer Square, Princeton Sundays, through Oct. 23 Bring a chair or blanket and sit on the Square while you listen to live music.
Halloween Haunt Dorney Park, Allentown, PA Select nights, through Oct. 29 Dorney Park will release hundreds of terrifying ghouls and ghosts into the park, all ready to turn your nightmares into reality. Every corner is cursed with haunted scare mazes, scare zones and live (or maybe not live) entertainment. Hordes of hungry zombies and blood-thirsty vampires eagerly await you – i.e. their next meal. Keep in mind, these activities are not recommended for children under 13.
Dinosaurs: After Dark Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 29 Take a lantern lit tour of Field Station: Dinosaurs – but watch out! The trails are dark and there’s a hungry T-Rex lurking in the shadows. A fearless Dinosaur Wrangler will lead a Tyrannosaurus Hunt along the Field Station’s darkened trails with a stop at every dinosaur and a few surprises along the way. At the end of the night, everyone will gather around the campfire for a dinosaur sing-along, roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate.
Haunted Train Ride & Walking Trail Wild West City, Stanhope Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 29 Main Street will be lit up, decorated and the Golden Nugget Saloon will be open. All ages can participate but use parental discretion; this event is rated PG-13. This is a scare Halloween event.
Oktoberfest Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Select days, through Oct. 30 This family-friendly German heritage festival will become a new fall tradition filled with authentic fare and a large selection of seasonal craft lagers and beers from around the world.
Spooky Wild West Fest Wild West City, Stanhope Weekends, through Oct. 30; plus Oct. 10 Watch tales of the Wild West come to life through historical characters, live action dramatizations and demonstrations by period craftsmen. Ride in style aboard the Wild West City Stage Coach or Train and younger cow-boos and cow-ghouls can hop on a pony. Children can also participate in the Wild West Fest costume contest, win fun prizes and hunt down the Headless Horseman.
Von Thun’s Fall Festival Weekends South Brunswick and Washington Twp. Weekends, through Oct. 30 Families will love the 6+ acre “No Farmers, No Food” Minion corn maze; unlimited hayrides to the pumpkin patch; activities and attractions in the festival area (Singing Chicken Show, pumpkin checkers, rubber duck races, pedal carts, trike course, barnyard basketball, mini golf, pumpkin bowling, corn hole, roller bowler, etc.); apple and pumpkin picking; and access to the Barnyard Area.
Halloween Party Liberty Science Center, Jersey City Select days, through Oct. 30 Make your way through the outdoor Spider Maze and learn about 10 species of spiders along the path. Visit the giant indoor pumpkin patch, check out a 3D movie about a haunted house, and meet some of the creepiest crawliest animals. You can also get tickets to a Halloween-themed laser show or the “Monsters of the Night Sky” program in America’s biggest planetarium.
Great Pumpkin Fest Dorney Park, Allentown, PA Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 30 Hop on your tractor, pirate ship or witch’s broom and hurry on over for a super-sized celebration of all things fall. You’ll meet members of the Peanuts Gang, make a holiday craft at Charlie Brown’s Craft Corner and pedal your way through the farm on a mini tractor at the Daisy Hill Tractor Stomp.
Carousel Corn Maze Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp. Weekends, through Oct. 30 Take your family to get lost in a 4-acre cornfield with pathways cut in the shape of an old-fashioned carousel. While wandering through, find eight puzzle pieces located in hidden mailboxes to complete your personal map of the maze. The maze courtyard also features a pumpkin patch, hayrides, food tent and kids’ hay-bale maze.
Simon and His Shoes The Tank, New York Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 30 What do you do when your shoes walk out on you? A pair of shoes walk out on their owner because he doesn’t wear them, and he never even leaves the house. Simon chases after his shoes with the help of his younger sister Izzy. Follow these characters on an adventure of a lifetime.
Boo at the Zoo The Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 30 Come dressed in your Halloween best and enjoy the greatest Halloween tradition in The Bronx! Kids and adults alike will love the candy trail, costume parade, crafts, live bird meet-and-greet, magic and mind reading, pumpkin carving demos, the Wildlife Theater, the Boo Playground, Extinct Animal Graveyard, pumpkin trail and Trick-or-Truth Trail.
Fall Festival Days Happy Day Farm, Manalapan Through Oct. 30 Spend all day with the kids at the sunflower field, Pumpkinville, corn maze, pig races, tractor rides, fun slide, feeding zoo and more – there are over 35 activities included with admission!
Halloween Light Show Demarest Farms, Hillsdale Select dates, through Oct. 31 Drive through 32 acres of dazzling holiday lights displays. There will also be farm fresh goodies in the retail farm market, fire pits, make your own s’mores and hot cocoa.
Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser Pluckemin Presbyterian Church, Pluckemin Every day, through Oct. 31 When you purchase a pumpkin at the patch, you’re not just getting a fun decoration, you’re helping the Navajo and Pluckemin Presbyterian Church at the same time. A portion of the proceeds come back to the church for community outreach in the Navajo Nation of New Mexico.
Haunt O’ Ween Bell Works, Holmdel Every day, through Oct. 31 You and your family will be able to wander through 200,000 square feet of performances, games, rides, photo ops and more immersive Halloween fun as Bell Works in Holmdel is transformed into the Town of Haunt O’ Ween, Ghoul City, the Farm House and Hidden Hollows. The kids will love trick-or-treating inside, dancing at the Beyond the Grave Rave, having their face painted or jumping around in the bounce houses and slide.
Tricks and Treats Sea Life, American Dream, East Rutherford Every day, through Oct. 31 Join Serafina the Sea Witch for a frighteningly fun time! Event activities include Pin the Nose on the Sea Witch, pumpkin carving inside of the tanks (on select weekdays), the activity trail, watching the stingrays and going through the frightening underwater Ocean Tunnel.
Brick-or-Treat LEGOLAND Discovery Center, American Dream, East Rutherford Every day, through Oct. 31 You’re invited to this Monster Party, where you can watch a special Halloween 4D movie, “The Great Monster Chase.” Then find the missing monsters rocking out in MINILAND, build a Halloween-themed creation in the Creative Workshop, grab a selfie with the LEGO Monster Band and brave a Monster special in the Monster Café.
Weekend Nighttime Adventures Camelback Resort, Tannersville, PA Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 31 All regular Mountain Adventures will be available during the daytime, and then also at night on Fridays and Saturdays. Take your pick from the Climbing Wall, Euro Bungee, Mountain Coaster, Sunbowl Tubing and the 1,000 Foot Zipline.
Kid’s Boo Fest & Fright Fest Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Select days, through Oct. 31 For little ghouls and ghosts, the daytime Kid’s Boo Fest event is filled with Halloween activities, entertainment, trick-or-treat trails and other not-so-scary experiences. The area’s scariest and best Halloween event returns! Nighttime festivities include a fan-favorite ghoul parade, live stage shows, terrifying scare zones, plus six haunted houses designed for the ultimate scare.
A Nightmare Before Christmas Forever Forest, Egg Harbor City Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, through Oct. 31 Your family will experience Halloween like never before. Load up the kids for the fright trolley, haunted tree maze, hayrides, pumpkins, campfires, fun, games, food and beverages.
The Great Pumpkin Train Snyder Farm, Phillipsburg Through Oct. 31 Take the Great Pumpkin Train down to the corn maze. Families will have a great time trying to find six hidden podiums, and then the Monster Mystery Game where you have to find which monster hid Books. There will be free pumpkins for every child!
Halloween Harvest Luna Park (Coney Island), Brooklyn, NY Every day, through Oct. 31 With fun-filled activities ranging from trick-or-treating and costumed characters to seasonal decorating stations and pumpkin carving, you and your family can celebrate all things fall and welcome the Halloween spirits – all leading up to the highly anticipated Maniac Carvers the weekend of Oct. 21.
Scarecrows in the Village Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA Every day, through Oct. 31 One hundred scarecrows handmade by Philly-area residents and organizations line the paths of the village. The display is free and on view every day through Oct. 31. Visitors can vote on their favorites through Oct. 10.
Art Exhibit: Joe Whale AKA “Doodle Boy” Every day, through Oct. 31 Asbury Ocean Club, Asbury Park Be part of the debut of this brand-new art gallery, which will feature works from 12-year-old internationally acclaimed artist Joe Whale, also known as “Doodle Boy.” Inspired by his life and interests, his black-and-white drawings sprawl across numerous surfaces, including murals, canvases and even books.
Halloween House Edison, Lawrence Twp., Paramus, Rockaway, Toms River Every day, through Nov. 1 Each of the 10 rooms in the 10,000-square-foot locations will be curated by Hollywood set designers, artists and Halloween lovers using lighting, props and effects. There will be no actors, no jump scares and no gore so kids can enjoy. Instead, you’ll enter different rooms to enjoy scenes like “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Stranger Things,” Trick-or-Treat Room, Glow-in-the-Dark Room or 1940s-style Haunted Room. There’s even a pumpkin patch room!
Harvest Moon Nights Alstede Farms, Chester Fridays and Saturdays, through Nov. 4 The selection of fall activities offers something for everyone, from harvest moon hayrides to nighttime corn maze fun. Delight in picking your own pumpkin, enjoy live entertainment, sip fresh pressed cider, all while creating the perfect family memories. Enjoy apple cider donut ice cream, pumpkin ice cream and other seasonal favorites at the ice cream window until 9 pm.
Jack O’Lantern Experience Skylands Stadium, Augusta Every day, through Nov. 6 Enjoy seasonal food and drinks, carnival rides, pumpkin picking and painting, plus a stroll through over 6,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns.
Great Pumpkin Festival Heaven Hill Farms, Vernon Every day, through Nov. 6 Try not to get lost in the 10-acre corn maze so you can enjoy other fall fun activities like the spider web crawl, hay crawl, pig racing, obstacle course, Lincoln Log builder and Monster Slingshots.
Family Fun Football Sundays Casino Pier, Seaside Heights Sundays, through Nov. 6 Come out with the kids and enjoy games, food and football. There will be half-off video and virtual reality games at the arcade, valid with a SURF Card. From 3 – 5 pm there will be special character appearances plus free face painting. There will be food and beer specials at the bar for adults.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular Sesame Place, Langhorne, PA Select dates, through Nov. 6 Kids will enjoy trick-or-treating around the park, Halloween-themed shows and parades, participating in the interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt and taking pictures with all the characters who will be dressed up in their own costumes. Mark your calendar for Oct. 30, when there will be a special Halloween Costume Contest for both kids and families.
Jersey Shore Ghost Tours: Red Bank Red Bank Fridays, through Nov. 11 Take a lantern-lit tour throughout the borough, starting at The Dublin House, where Red Bank’s most well-known ghost resides.
Jersey Shore Ghost Tours: Keyport Keyport Saturdays, through Nov. 12 Take a lantern-lit tour along the waterfront to hear ghost stories of this Jersey Shore town.
Nature Explorers Fall Series Lorrimer Sanctuary, Franklin Lakes Saturdays, through Nov. 12 Each week, kids can participate in a different activity such as meeting reptiles, pressing apple cider, creating crafts from nature and going on a mammal scavenger hunt.
Scarecrows of the Sea Adventure Aquarium, Camden Every day, through Nov. 13 Check out these “seaworthy” scarecrows designed like pirates, penguins and mermaids that were handcrafted by aquarium employees!
Bear Mountain Sightseeing Cruise Pier 83, New York Weekends, through Nov. 13 Call this a floating festival: climb aboard a Circle Line boat for an Oktoberfest party that will bring you to Bear Mountain, where you can sightsee or hang out at the amusement area.
Little Ones Nature Series Plainsboro Preserve, Cranbury Fridays, through Nov. 18 Preschoolers and their parents will be outdoors participating in storytime, activities and crafts.
Outdoor Walking Tours Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton Saturdays and Sundays, through Nov. 20 Princeton University is home to one of the country’s most significant collections of 20th- and 21st-century public sculpture. Join a free, hour-long walking tour led by a museum tour guide and discover the campus’s outdoor artworks, including Henry Moore’s bronze Oval with Points, monumental geometric screens by Louise Nevelson, and more.
Sunday Farmers Market Garden State Plaza, Westfield; in the parking lot between Macy’s and Route 17 Sundays, through Nov. 20 Garden State Plaza is the site of weekly Sunday farmers markets. Expect food vendors, food trucks, music, activities for kids and a car show from 9 am – 2 pm.
Exhibitions Passaic County Arts Center, Hawthorne Every day, through Nov. 27 When visiting, make sure to check out several exhibits that will be on view: “My Own Witness: Rupture and Repair” by Donna Bassin, an award-winning photographer, artist, author and filmmaker; “Texture in Nature” by Susan Zulauf, a NJ-based artist; a travelling exhibit from New York University entitled “Stereotypes in U.S. Popular Culture;” “In Cemento Veritas” by Mario Loprete; and “Sonic Peaks” by Payton MacDonald.
Sensory-Friendly Tours Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown Third Saturday of the month, through December Families and care partners with neurodiverse children and teens can visit the historic house and explore the new garden sensory pathway through sight, sound, touch and smell.
Weekend Wine Tasting Weekends, through Dec. 31 Tomasello Winery, multiple locations Plan a relaxing evening sipping wine at any of their five locations in the South Jersey region. Choose from a wide variety of award-winning wines and bubblies, accompanied by assorted cheese boards and truffles. Wine Tastings are available every day, but reservations are strongly recommended for a weekend wine tasting.
Gold in Motion Hall des Lumières, New York Every day, through Dec. 31 This digital art center showcases entirely new, custom-curated experiences based on the work of different world-renowned artists, starting with the debut exhibition, Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Exhibit Liberty Science Center, Jersey City Through Jan. 16, 2023 Known as the “heroes in a half-shell,” Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Donatello will share life lessons and team-building skills with their crime-fighting tactics in “Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer.” You’ll be transported to the underground home of the Turtles where you’ll get to see what happens in their secret hideaway. Build a bridge and navigate the rope bridge.
Stand Up! 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick Through Feb. 12, 2023 Celebrate the debut picture book of “Stand Up!” by Brittney Cooper, professor of women’s, gender and sexuality studies and Africana studies at Rutgers University, with illustrations by Cathy Ann Johnson. The exhibition features illustrations of all the images in the book, as well as preparatory materials, by Johnson, on public view for the first time. “Stand Up!” is on view in the Zimmerli’s Duvoisin Gallery, dedicated to showcasing original artwork for children’s books.
Trail Riding Program Mercer Meadows Equestrian Center, Pennington Saturdays, through mid-May 2023 Kids (and adults) 12 and up can go on a leisurely 45-minute horseback trail ride around the Mercer Stables property. No riding experience is necessary.
Now is the time to plan your Halloween activities with a costume contest or parade (for your kids or your pets).
While you’re at it, head out to a party without the kids!
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