All Weekend

Last Fling Pumpkin Sling (Harmony Township, NJ)
If you’ve already had your fill of carving and eating pumpkins, how about something a little different? Head on over to the Pumpkin Sling at Millbrook Farm this weekend to see – you guessed it – big, orange pumpkins flying through the air! Physics students will test their problem solving abilities as they use team-building skills to catapult these large veggies in the air using huge slings! Also be sure and stick around for the popular football sling that follows. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, check out bus tours of local historic NJ sites, paragliding demos, ‘pick your own’ fruits & veggies, a children’s tent with lots of great activities and even a Beer & Chili cook off – whew! All ages welcome. Saturday & Sunday 9am-6pm. Admission $6/Adult, $4/Child and $2/Vehicle parking fee (some vendors and activities may have additional charges). 908-283-0721

The Chatsworth Cranberry Festival (Chatsworth, NJ)
Celebrate all things cranberry and NJ’s beautiful Pine Barrens region at the 30th Annual Cranberry Festival in Chatsworth. If you like to browse arts & crafts, this one’s for you – stroll through rows upon rows of local craftsman demonstrating and selling their goods, from candles to paintings to homemade soap. And of course you can get your fill of the tart berry, with everything from cranberry ice cream to cranberry bread. If you’ve got car aficionados in the family, check out the huge display of both antique and classic automobiles. All ages welcome. Saturday & Sunday 9am-4pm. FREE admission ($5/Vehicle suggestion donation).  

Haunted Forest (Tenafly, NJ)
Arrive at Tenafly Nature Center early while it’s still light and meet several live forest creatures; last year’s animals included a wolf, flying squirrels and a porcupine. Then stick around until night falls and see how they adapt to their environment. Small groups will depart with a guide to meet the forest folk along the trails for tours lasting about an hour & a half. And don’t worry – the program is entertaining and educational-- not scary--perfect for people of all ages who love animals. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and crafts around the campfire after your hike. All ages welcome. Saturday & Sunday 5-7:30pm. $10/Members, $15/Non-Members, Children under 2 are free.

Saturday, October 19th

Milk & Cookies: Giggly Ghosts and Silly Songs (New Brunswick, NJ)
Milk & Cookies Performance Theater is a lively, interactive and free series featuring storytelling, music and puppetry that invites young people to discover the joy of interacting with the arts. Get ready for Halloween with Robin Bady as she shares silly (but not scary) stories and songs about ghosts, witches and otherworldly spirits. The program includes lots of audience participation for maximum fun! And of course, milk & cookies are passed around for a delicious treat. Recommended for families with children ages 3 to 8. Show times at 10am & 12pm. FREE (advanced registration is required). 732-246-7469 ext 545

Leaf Peepers Boat Tour (Howell, NJ)
If you’ve already enjoyed the beautiful changing leaves with a stroll through the park or a Sunday drive, how about hopping on a boat to see fall foliage in a whole new way? Enjoy the New Jersey autumn colors in all their glory on a relaxing boat tour around the Manasquan Reservoir. A Park System Naturalist will be on board to narrate your tour and answer any questions. A great, low-key ride for the whole family – be sure and bring your camera for some awesome photo ops! All ages welcome. Boats depart at 2 & 3:15pm. (Please arrive 10 minutes early). $6/Person (pre-registration is required). 732-751-9453

Sunday, October 20th

Brite Nites (Warren, NJ)
Bring the kids to Wagner Farm Aboretum for the brightest Halloween event in Jersey. Check out over 1,500 uniquely carved pumpkins that will light the night – a truly amazing site to see. A haunted house will be open for those that dare – best for teens & adults! Younger kids can take part in the free face painting and pick out a Halloween themed temporary tattoo. And everyone can enjoy seasonal sweet and snacks at the Black Hat Café while listening to Halloween music. All ages welcome. 6:45-8pm. Cost varies depending on activity.

Family Woodland Walk (Ringwood, NJ)
The days that we’ll be able to get outside before it gets too chilly are numbered so gather up the troops for a beautiful autumn walk this Sunday at the NJ Botanical Gardens. This easy, family-friendly hike is a great way for nature lovers to spend a laid back weekend afternoon. Each hike is different depending on the guide and interests of the group – you may meander along the charming woodlands and meadow paths or make the slightly longer trip to the top of Mount Defiance for breathtaking views of the northern Jersey Ramapo Mountains. Your guide will talk about the geology, plants and animals that call the Gardens home and answer any questions kids (and grown ups!) might have. Recommended for ages 6 & up. 1pm. FREE.  

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