Amazing Jack-o'-Lantern Displays and Pumpkin Festivals in New Jersey for Families

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The Jack O’ Lantern Experience at Skylands Stadium features more than 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Photo courtesy of Skylands Stadium

Kick off the festive fall season at one of the many wonderful pumpkin-themed events and festivals happening around New Jersey, from elaborate jack-o'-lantern displays and carving competitions to good old-fashioned pumpkin picking at local farms. There's also plenty of fun to be had at pumpkin decorating events. 

Read on for our top picks, plus a couple of bonus events worth a drive across state lines. You can find our guide to pumpkin picking in New Jersey and even more seasonal events in our Guide to Halloween Events in New Jersey.

Gift Guide to the Best Toys & Gifts for Kids, 5-Year-Olds to 9-Year-Olds

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Suspend Family is a game the whole family can play. Photo courtesy of the Melissa & Doug Toy Company

If you're looking for the perfect birthday or holiday gifts for kids from 5-year-olds to 9-year-olds, you've found the right place!

When it comes to choosing gifts for kids, particularly this marvelous, coming-into-their-own age range of 5 to 9-year-olds, the temptation is to start veering towards digital. While we’re not into screen-shaming at Mommy Poppins, this list is free of screens and leans heavily on hands-on toys, physical books, and wonderfully messy art supplies. These creative and tactile toys keep kids' brains as active as their hands and bodies.

The lack of screen inclusion among these toy recommendations isn't a case of virtue signaling; we've seen that these are the toys that get treasured and played with for years to come.

Looking for awesome gifts for other ages? Find our faves for first birthday gifts, the most beloved toddler gifts, and more in our Mommy Poppins Gift Guide for Birthdays and Holidays.

Best Halloween Events and Activities for Toddlers in Atlanta

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Monster Mash is back at the Center for Puppetry Arts this Halloween! Photo courtesy of the center

Toddler Halloween activities are tried and true ways for young kids to exercise their creativity by dressing up as anything they can imagine. And these Atlanta toddlers get to score lots of candy in October! We’ve rounded up a list of not-too-scary, toddler Halloween activities in Atlanta perfect for younger kids. 

To introduce toddlers to Halloween in Atlanta, visit Pumpkin Patches Near Atlanta or check out the Atlanta Halloween Guide for Kids for more toddler Halloween inspiration, craft activities, costume ideas, and much more. And get into the season with our helpful Atlanta Fall Fun Guide! 

32 Not-So-Scary Halloween Events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Toddlers

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Score treats from participating stores at Ridge Hill Mall's trick-or-treating event. Photo courtesy of Ridge Hill

Looking for the best Halloween events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for toddlers and preschoolers? Read on for our top picks.

Halloween can be the most fun holiday of the year, but the costumes and effects that make it thrilling for teens and adults can sometimes be too scary for the little ones. Thankfully, Westchester and the Hudson Valley are full of toddler- and preschooler-friendly Halloween events that go easy on the scary while still managing to be full-on fun. 

So get your little ones dressed up in their favorite costumes and get ready for some not-so-spooky fun. Standout toddler-friendly Halloween events include the Village of Mamaroneck's Spooktacular Sunday, Children's Day at Headless Horseman Hayrides, and A Very Fluffy Halloween at Lilymoore Farm. 

You can find more festive happenings for all age groups in our Westchester Halloween Guide. 

Trunk or Treats on Long Island for Kids to Collect Candy

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Take your costumes for a test drive at the family-friendly Trunk or Treat at Hauppauge Library. Photo courtesy of the library

Trunk or treats offer Long Island kids a safer alternative to trick-or-treating. Instead of wandering door to door, young trick-or-treaters can load up their Halloween bags with candy from decorated cars.

These trunk or treats—many of which are FREE—take place in parking lots or parks. They sometimes include parades, costume contests, and other Halloween activities. Another bonus for sugar-crazed kids: Many take place before Halloween. That means double the loot if you plan right!

For more boo-tiful Halloween fun, check out our Halloween Guide for Long Island Families. 

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