Free in October 2025: 51 Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

The Ridgefield Park Music Fest Street Fair has lots to see and do, including music, food, games, and rides. Photo courtesy of JC Promotions

The month of October is chock full of goodies, with more than 50 fun and FREE events for NJ kids and families. Save your money for candy and costumes, and take advantage of dozens of no-cost events every day of the month. Food, crafts, and fall fun are on tap at harvest festivals, including the Dunellen HarvestFest and Palmer Square's Fall Fest. Swing by local street community celebrations in Matawan and Maplewood.

October comes to a close with the main event of the season: Halloween. Throw on those costumes and head over to FREE celebrations, including trunk-or-treats in Union and Dover and annual favorites like the Ocean City Halloween Parade. 

For more FREE and low-cost fun, check out Free Halloween Events in New Jersey and our Family Activity Calendar, as well as our Fall Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids and Halloween Events and Guide for NJ Kids.

Step Into Halloween Town with NYBG’s Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail

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Jack Skellington and friends are back at the New York Botanical Garden for another seasonal run after dark. Photo by author

A delightfully spooky Halloween trail is back at the New York Botanical Garden. The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail features characters from Disney’s 1993 Tim Burton movie of the same name, set against the backdrop of a dark, wooded trail.

Read on for everything you need to know about this creepily fun nighttime experience. And find more hair-raising activities across all five boroughs on our list of NYC’s best Halloween events of 2025.

Town and Country Resort in San Diego: A Family-Friendly Stay Parents Will Love

Submitted by Meghan Rose on

Discover if Town and Country Resort San Diego is worth it for your next family vacation. (TL:DR: it is!) Photo by Meghan Rose

As a parent who has stayed in more San Diego hotels with kids than I can count. It feels like we’re always heading to San Diego for visits to Legoland California, the San Diego Zoo, La Jolla getaways, seeing shows at the Old Globe, and even to watch the Dodgers beat the Padres (sorry locals!).

I travel a lot with my family, and I know the difference between a resort that claims to be family-friendly and one that actually delivers. And I can say that now that I’ve stayed there, Town and Country Resort in San Diego has made it to my list of best San Diego hotels for families. After our recent stay, I can share the insider scoop—including the retro vibe, activities, pool, central location, everyone-approved dining options and more. If you’re planning a San Diego family vacation, here’s my honest parent-tested review of Town and Country Resort.

Boom in Play Spaces Hits Long Island: Here are Seven New Places to Play with Little Ones

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

Race through the obstacles at Jetetter Kids Club in Lindenhurst without getting caught. Photo by Gina Massaro.

Need a change of scenery from your usual play spot? Long Island is bursting with brand-new indoor play spaces and baby-friendly hangouts that make it easier than ever to entertain your little ones.

Whether you’ve got a crawling cutie or an energetic preschooler, these recently opened spots offer fresh ways to burn energy, spark creativity, and make new friends—without wrecking your living room.

Be sure to peruse our guide to Kids' Sports Center and Fun Zones for even more spots where Long Island kids can run off some steam.

Marin County with Kids: 25 Best Things To Do in Marin County, CA

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Soak up the sun at Stinson Beach. Photo by Gabby Cullen

Just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge lies a county of rolling hills, redwood groves, green pastures, and wind-swept beaches. Marin County, CA, is a wonderland for families, filled with exciting playgrounds, charming main streets, kid-friendly restaurants, and more outdoor adventures than one could ever imagine.

When it comes to things to do in Marin County with kids, it’s a smorgasbord of offerings. Whether you want to spend the day on the beach, enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay Area, or enjoy some of the best food in the region, there’s something here for you and your crew.

For more adventures in the Bay Area, check out the best beaches in San Francisco for kids and families, discover family-friendly urban hikes in San Francisco, and work your way through this list of 100 things to do in San Francisco with kids before they grow up. 

Halloween and 17 More Things To Do in NJ with Kids October 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

More than 100 wild and crazy scarecrows are on display in downtown Cranford during the annual Scarecrow Stroll. Photo by Barbara Paciello/courtesy of Downtown Cranford

Halloween is the name of the game in October, which means New Jersey is alive with pumpkin patches, haunted houses, fall festivals, and, of course, trick-or-treating—there are plenty of opportunities to wear Halloween costumes!

This month is jam-packed with fun fall activities and awesome things to do in New Jersey. Find creepy and kooky Halloween excitement all month long at Westfield's Addamsfest, as well as Halloween fun with furry friends at Cape May's Boo at the Zoo.  

Local seasonal celebrations include food, fun, and pumpkins at Thompson Park Day and a downtown full of scarecrows at Cranford's Scarecrow Stroll.  

Check out even more October fun in our New Jersey Fall Fun Guide, 

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