Mostly Free & Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend Nov 16-17: Fall Foliage Walk, Thanksgiving Craft, Story Pirates & More!

11/12/13 - By Sasha Muzzarelli

These beautiful autumn days filled with outdoor activities and colorful leaves won’t last much longer. So get out there Jersey, and spend the last couple of weekends before Thanksgiving in the fresh air, whether you go for a Fall Foliage Walk at Liberty State Park or get in one last pumpkin patch romp at Alstede Farms. Looking for a little entertainment? Check out the always popular Milk & Cookies interactive rock-concert or the lively Story Pirates at the Shea Performing Arts Center. And remember, you can find a full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.

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Farm Family Fun (Chester, NJ)
Now that the busy Halloween pumpkin rush has come and gone, take advantage of a low-key late fall outing to Alstede Farms. Let kids burn off energy in their awesome corn maze, the moon bounce or a wagon train ride. Little ones will love the farm animals and bunny pen and the whole family can warm up with hot apple cider. All ages. Saturday & Sunday 12-4pm. Cost varies depending on activities. 908-879-7189

Saturday, November 16th

Milk & Cookies: StarFish Unplugged (New Brunswick, NJ)
Milk & Cookies invites young people to discover the joy of watching, listening and interacting with the arts. Get out your air guitar this Saturday and join StarFish as they give kids music a classic rock makeover. Sing, clap and dance along with the band's original, family-friendly songs for an authentic rock-concert experience. Ages 3 to 8. Advance registration required.10am & 12pm. FREE. 732-246-7469 x 545

Knights & Princesses Tea Party (Freehold, NJ)
Calling all handsome shinning knights and pretty princesses! Head to Turkey Swamp Park for a royal hour of crafts and games followed by a delicious cup of tea with a sticky snack. All knights and princesses are encouraged to dress in their royal best for this indoor hour of fun and excitement. Ages 4 to 6. Advance registration required. 3:30-4:30pm. $8/Child. 732-462-7286

Fall Foliage Walk (Jersey City, NJ)
As the weather really starts to cool down, the leaves begin to change vibrant shades of color in New Jersey. Explore Liberty State Park and learn identify some of the common trees found along the Hudson River while you take in spectacular views of Lady Liberty, Ellis Island and Lower Manhattan. All ages. Advanced registration required. 10-11am. FREE. 201-915-3402 x 109

Full Moon Meander (Atlantic Highlands, NJ)
Venture outside and spend a quiet evening watching the full moon rise over the water at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook. Leave your flashlights at home as your family takes a peaceful stroll guided by the moonlight while observing the night sky through a telescope - tasty treats will be given out too! Ages 5 & up. Advanced registration required. 4:30-5:30pm. $7/Person. 732-872-0336

Thanksgiving Escapades (Colts Neck, NJ)
Get into the holiday spirit with other parents and tots at the Dorbrook Recreation Area as you roll your sleeves up for a Thanksgiving themed craft. Stick around after your session and hike one of the many trails or climb and jump at the popular Challenger Place playground. Ages 2 to 5. Advanced registration required. 9:30-11:30am. $15/Child. 732-460-1167

Sunday, November 17th

The Story Pirates (Wayne, NJ)
Wherever The Story Pirates go, they bring along furry monsters, Viking costumes, flying cats and sacks of treasure for an experience that shows kids the power of writing! With musical sketch comedy based entirely on the funniest stories written by children around the country, the show features the debut of four new stories at Jersey’s Shea Performing Arts Center. All ages. 2pm. $12/Adult, $10/Child.

Let’s Celebrate Autumn (Long Branch, NJ)
Head to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park and celebrate the last weeks of the beautiful autumn season with a hands-on fall craft. Then take a waterfront hike to see the colorful leaves as they fall to the ground or enjoy the quiet beaches as the equinox nears. Ages 5 & up. Advanced registration required. 11am-12:30pm. $7/Parent & Child. 732-229-0924

Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players (Rahway, NJ)
Grammy nominated Justin Roberts is truly one of the “all-stars” of the indie family music scene. With numerous awards and a devoted fan base, Justin and the Not Ready for Naptime Players dish out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents. All ages. 2pm. $8/Person.

Check out our GO NJ List, with our top picks of awesome things to do for kids in the upcoming month! GO NOVEMBER is full of family fun!

And don't forget: We have additional activity listings in our Event Calendar. And if you are heading into NYC for the weekend make sure you visit the New York City Mommy Poppins events calendar to get the latest on all the fun to be had NYC-style.