All Weekend

10th Annual South Jersey Pumpkin Show (Woodstown, NJ)
If you like your pumpkin events big 'n' splashy, this is the place for you. Live bands, amusement rides, a giant pumpkin pyramid, a costumed dog parade, a Little Miss and Mr. Pumpkin contest—what else could you want, besides some delicious eats? They’ve got that covered too, with a pumpkin and apple pie contest complete with free sampling for festival goers! All ages welcome. Friday through Sunday, please visit the Pumpkin Show website for schedule details. Free parking & admission (some activities may have additional charges).

Pumpkin Carving & Painting (Monmouth County, NJ various locations)
If your front porch needs a little autumn love, check out Monmouth County’s Pumpkin Carving & Painting event this Saturday. Various locations will have freshly picked pumpkins ready for kids to get creative. Stop by the Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center, the Manasquan Reservoir Visitor Center and more to carve your own pumpkin using a variety of traditional and quirky designs. If you’ve got little guys, you can just let them paint away and be creative! They take care of the mess; you take home a decorated pumpkin – pretty good deal! All ages welcome. Times vary depending on location, please check Monmouth County website for details. $10/Large pumpkin, $6/Small pumpkin.

Fall Harvest Weekends (Belvidere, NJ)
How about a fall festival that’s got a little something for both the kids and the parents? Four Sisters Winery is welcoming NJ families for their annual autumn celebration that includes all the activities you’d expect like pick your own pumpkins and apples, a 5-acre corn maze and tractor-drawn hayrides. But the fun isn't over yet – grown ups can enjoy wine tasting of over 20 award-winning wines, along with vineyard and wine cellar tours. After all that activity, head over to the BBQ and kick back with lunch. All ages welcome. Saturday & Sunday 12-5pm. Cost varies depending on activities.  

Saturday, October 12th

Low Tide Beach Walk (Jersey City, NJ)
The Nature Interpretive Center at Liberty State Park is finally up and running for the first time since Superstorm Sandy. If you don’t mind a bit of a fall breeze, throw on a sweater and take part in a relaxing low tide beach walk this Saturday. Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy as your group explores what the tides of the Hudson River have brought up on shore. If you feel like getting in some extra exercise, take a stroll along the meandering boardwalk that borders the park for awesome views of lower Manhattan, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. All ages welcome. 10-11am. FREE (pre-registration required). 201-915-3402 x109

Celebrate Fall Festival (Oldwick, NJ)
Almost every farm and nature center in Jersey celebrates autumn in a big way and the Whittemore Wildlife Sanctuary is no exception. Start the day with an invigorating nature walk along one of the sanctuary’s trails and enjoy the red and yellow leaves. Then roll your sleeves up for some old fashioned fall family fun that includes acorn tosses, apple bobbing and even popcorn catching! You can also get competitive with your crafty side during the scarecrow making contest. All ages welcome. 10am-3pm. FREE (donations are accepted).  

Halloween Candy Dish (Lincroft, NJ)
If you’re itching to do some autumn crafts with the kids but want to keep it simple, head to Thompson Park this Saturday for a useful and fun activity. Parents or grandparents can assist the kiddos as they paint their very own spooky ceramic candy bowls. Use it as a simple decoration or as a holder for Halloween treats. After your craft session, stay and explore more of this peaceful park including hiking trails, a playground, a serene lake and even an off-leash dog park. Recommended for ages 6 to 10. Pre-registration required. 12-1:30pm. $23/Craft. 732-842-4000 x4240

Sunday, October 13th

The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Wayne, NJ)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a favorite first book of almost every preschooler and now parents can take their kids to see this beautiful and simple story told on stage by way of dazzling black and neon lights. Other Eric Carlyle favorites to follow! Be sure and arrive at the show 45 minutes early for some interactive and fun pre-show activities. Recommended for ages 3 & up. 2pm (pre-show starts at 1:45pm). $12/Adults, $10/Children.

Check out our GO NJ List, with our top picks of awesome things to do for kids in the upcoming month! GO OCTOBER is hot off the presses!

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.