Spend the day at Van Saun Park and bask in seasonal fun like ice skating. Photo by Kaylen Chiarello Ebner
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in New Jersey: Light Shows, Tree Lightings, and Santa's Arrival
Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids
Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.
Turtle Back Zoo's Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns for 2024: What to Know Before You Go
The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in New Jersey
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
Holiday and Thanksgiving Volunteering for Kids and Families in New Jersey
Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
25 Things To Do in New Jersey During November's School Holidays
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey
Outhouse orchards corn maze
GUIDE
NJ Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Best Farms with Family Entertainment in New Jersey
Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ
Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive
Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids
At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less
Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
100 Free Fun Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 20 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids
Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up
Boonton's
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide

50+ Fall Events for New Jersey Preschoolers

Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center will host HalloWheaton, a free trick-or-treat event with interactive performances and family activities. Photo courtesy of Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center will host HalloWheaton, a free trick-or-treat event with interactive performances and family activities. Photo courtesy of Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center
9/6/19 - By Laurie Rein

If your preschoolers are bursting with energy in the fall, we present you with 50+ ways to keep them busy with oodles of seasonal fun. The new season brings with it some awesome fall events, including fall festivals, corn mazes, train rides, touch-a-trucks, and more for the 5-and-under set! 

Catch big names at preschool-friendly performances of Peppa Pig, Sesame Street Live, Disney On Ice, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Or head outside with your little ones to enjoy the beautiful weather and colors at events like the Great Pumpkin Train Ride, Giant Corn Maze Adventures, Great Pumpkin Festival, and Hefty Harvest & Scary Scarecrows.

Plus, get in the Halloween spirit at non-spooky fall events such as Boo at the Boardwalk and Trick-or-Treat Weekend at Storybook Land.

Read on for the full list of fun fall events for little ones in New Jersey. And don't forget to check out our Fall Fun Guide and Event Calendar to find even more great things to do this season!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Touch-a-Truck is always a huge hit. Photo courtesy of the event
Touch-a-Truck is always a huge hit. Photo courtesy of the event

Things To Do with Preschoolers in September 2019

Alstede Farms Corn Maze

Through Thursday, October 31 – Chester
It's the season to explore Alstede Farms' popular corn maze, which covers 10 acres of farmland. The theme of this year's maze is Apples.  READ MORE

Stony Hill Farms Corn Maze and Fun Park

Through Sunday, November 10 – Chester
This year's 10-acre corn maze has an Orchid Adventure theme. While exploring the maze, you learn about bees and weather. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. There's more farm fun to be had and unlimited hayrides are included in admission. READ MORE

IndigoKids Story - ON HOLD

Tuesday, September 10 (repeats every Tues. and Thurs.) - Short Hills- FREE
Swing by IndigoKids in The Mall at Short Hills every Tuesday and Thursday morning for storytime. READ MORE

Penny's Storytime

Thursday, September 5 (repeats every Thurs.) – Hoboken – FREE
Preschoolers and a parent or guardian are invited each Thursday for stories and songs about city life. READ MORE

Kids' Story Hour at Rutgers Landscape & Nursery

Thursday, September 5 (repeats every Thurs.) – Ringoes – FREE
Spend Thursday mornings at the Nursery Greenhouse with local librarian Ms. Jean for stories, plus play time with backhoes and shovels in the sand pit. READ MORE

Storytime with Lolly

Friday, September 6 (repeats every Fri.) – Frenchtown – FREE
Come sing, read, and play at the Lovin' Oven with Lolly. Enjoy the amazing local, fresh food,and let Lolly read and sing for your kiddos. READ MORE

Kids Club: Powered By Nat Geo Kids- ON HOLD

Saturday, September 7 (repeats Oct. 5 and Nov. 2) – Freehold – FREE
Head to the Freehold Raceway Mall for Kid's Club, held the first Saturday of each month in the food court. Each month features a Nat Geo theme, free carousel rides until 11am, prize drawings and other fun activities. Hosted by 94.3 The Point.  READ MORE

Touch-A-Truck 2 and Train Ride

Sunday, September 8 – Whippany
Come to the Whippany Railway Museum for its Touch-A-Truck 2 & Train Ride event.  This family event offers children of all ages a hands-on opportunity to explore working trucks of all types, as well as meeting the people who build, protect and serve the local community. READ MORE

Fall Picking & Hayrides at Johnson's Corner Farm

Sunday, September 8 – Thursday, October 31 – Medford
Enjoy fall festivities at Johnson's Corner Farm every day from mid-September through October. Get in the seasonal spirit with apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, live music, animals, a corn maze, and a food tent. READ MORE

Apple Cider Making

Sunday, September 8 (repeats Sundays through October 27) – Tenafly
'Tis the season to test the old adage about an apple a day. Kids and their parents are invited to drop by the nature center to learn a little about the history of apple cultivation then make their fresh cider using an old-fashioned press. READ MORE

Pottery Barn Kids Weekly Storytime - ON HOLD

Tuesday, September 10 (repeats every Tues.) – various locations – FREE
Pottery Barn Kids stores host a special weekly storytime for children. READ MORE

Tyke's Tuesday at ISC

Tuesday, September 10 (repeats every Tues.) – Cherry Hill
No matter what the weather brings, parents and their pre-schooler can have fun while making new friends and getting a little exercise at this weekly event. Admission includes a skate lesson, skate rental, skate mates, a soft pretzel, a small drink, and time in the Funzone. READ MORE

Read & Pick at Terhune Orchards

Tuesday, September 10 (repeats Sep. 24 and Oct. 1) – Princeton
At uniquely interactive storytime, young readers will gather 'round to hear a book about fruits, vegetables, pollinators or farming equipment. Afterward, they'll make a craft and enjoy activities inspired by the book before heading out to the farm's orchards and children’s garden. There, they'll pick the fruit or vegetables they just learned about, take a tractor ride or interact with barnyard animals. READ MORE

Mommy & Me Storytime

Wednesday, September 11 (repeats every Wed.) – Montclair – FREE
Bring your little book lover to Watchung Booksellers for this weekly Mommy & Me program with a literary twist. READ MORE

Tiger Tales- ON HOLD

Friday, September 13 (repeats every Friday)- Princeton- FREE
Preschoolers will love this interactive storytime, with picture books and hands-on crafts.  READ MORE

17th Annual Insect Festival

Saturday, September 14 – Pennington – FREE
Bugs rule at this unusual annual event hosted by Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County. Those bug-loving gardeners promise an afternoon of games and activities for children that highlight the importance of bugs in our lives and teaches children (and their parents) about the incredible and often beautiful insects common to the Northeast. READ MORE

Great Pumpkin Festival

Saturday, September 14 (repeats Sat. and Sun. through Nov. 3) – Vernon
This year's 10 acre maze theme is "Down the Farm." Visit the farm these fall festival weekends for more than 30 family-friendly activities including visits with animals, a hay maze, spider web crawl, Maggie the milking cow, monster sling shots, a barnyard sports  and much more. READ MORE

Diggerfest Fall Festival

Saturday, September 14 (weekends through Oct. 27) – West Berlin
Full-day admission to this annual seasonal celebration grants you access to all of the rides and attractions at Diggerland USA, plus additional fall festival and Halloween fun. READ MORE

Great Swamp Fall Festival

Saturday, September 14 – Chatham – FREE
Stop by Great Swamp as they welcome the Fall season with a day of batty fun for all—guided walks, archery, river, seining, activities for kids and more. READ MORE

Butterfly Bonanza

Saturday, September 14 – Montville
Celebrate the beauty and importance of New Jersey’s butterflies and other important pollinators. Packed with excitement, entertainment, and education for all ages, this event showcases how pollinators contribute to the natural world. READ MORE

Princeton Children's Book Festival

Saturday, September 14 – Princeton – FREE
The annual Children's Book Festival welcomes children's book authors and illustrators to Hinds Plaza. Families can meet the people behind some of their favorite stories, get books signed and chat about literary inspiration.  READ MORE

PlayDay South Orange

Sunday, September 15 – South Orange – FREE
Get your game on at PlayDay South Orange, featuring more than 10 play areas. From board games to basketball, radio controlled cars to rope jumping, it’s the most fun you’ve ever had between two curbs. READ MORE

Montgomery FunFest

Sunday, September 15 – Princeton – FREE
Fly over to Princeton Airport for an afternoon of festival fun, including food, local business vendors and live entertainment. The whole family will enjoy hot air balloon rides, carnival games and inflatables. READ MORE

Bridgewater Community Day

Sunday, September 15 – Bridgewater – FREE
The free event is loaded with fun, including inflatables, live music, a farmers market, trucks and cars, emergency vehicles, food trucks, vendors, crafts, and more. READ MORE

Peppa Pig Live! Peppa's Big Adventure

Thursday, September 19 – Red Bank
Peppa Pig Live! is here with the all new action-packed live show featuring your favorite characters as life size puppets and costume characters. in her new live show. READ MORE

Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival

Friday, September 20– Sunday, September 22 –  Paramus – FREE
This free family event features a craft fair, carnival rides, a petting zoo and other animals, archery, a farmer's market, pumpkin picking, music and entertainment. There will also be a demonstration by 4-H master gardeners. READ MORE

Allaire Fall Apple Festival

Saturday, September 21 – Farmingdale
The harvest has been gathered, and now it is time for the families of the Howell Iron Works to relax. Join in celebrating the harvest, and try your hand at cider pressing, games, dancing, and much more. READ MORE

Touch A Truck

Saturday, September 21 – Red Bank
Pack up the family and join us for a day of fun at the Red Bank Middle School. Trucks, motorcycles, boats, cars, and SO MUCH MORE will be on hand for the kids to climb on and explore. When the kids grow tired of the vehicles, arts & crafts and carnival games will be available. READ MORE

State Theatre Family Day

Sunday, September 22 – New Brunswick – FREE
Families are invited to enjoy a day of activities at State Theatre. The fun includes live music, illusionist Jason Bishop, face painting, balloon animals, ice sculpting, a photo booth and more. READ MORE

18th Annual Fall Family Festival

Saturday, September 28 – Roseland – FREE
Head over to the Essex County Environmental Center to celebrate the autumn equinox. There are fun-filled activities for the entire family, including hands-on nature games and crafts, canoeing, Native American life, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, food, and more. READ MORE

The Great Pumpkin Train

Saturday, September 28 (weekends through Oct. 27) – Phillipsburg
Throughout the month of October, visitors can take the train to pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Extend the fun with add-ons like the corn maze and gem mining for an additional fee. READ MORE

Harvest Home Festival at Historic Longstreet Farm

Sunday, September 29 – Holmdel – FREE
Harvest Home Festival is an old-fashioned country fair reminiscent of the 1890s. It takes visitors back in time to when neighbors gathered to help with the harvest, spent time socializing and enjoying each other's company.  READ MORE
Enjoy rides, trick-or-treating, and more Halloween fun at Storybook Land. Photo courtesy of Storybook Land
Enjoy rides, trick-or-treating, and more Halloween fun at Storybook Land. Photo courtesy of Storybook Land

Things To Do with Preschoolers in October 2019

Happy Hayrides

Thursday, October 3 (Thurs., Fri., Sat., Sun. through Oct. 24) – Egg Harbor Township
Climb aboard the Happy Hayride, pick and decorate a pumpkin, and find your way through Elmer's Hay-Mazin' Maze.  READ MORE

Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic

Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6 – Newark
Everyone’s invited to New Jersey Performing Arts Center for an amazing journey with Elmo to discover the “power of yet” in Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic. This production features favorite Sesame Street pals Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie, Monster, Big Bird and more in a brand-new, magical adventure live on stage. READ MORE

Open Cockpit Weekends

Saturday, October 5 – Sunday, October 6 – Teterboro
Kids and adults can check out the cockpits of some of the extraordinary aircraft at The Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum, including a very rare Lockheed bush plane, a “M*A*S*H” Bell-47 helicopter, the world’s last remaining Martin 202 airliner, and a TWA Convair 880 jetliner circa 1959. READ MORE

Jeff Boyer's Big Bubble Bonanza

Sunday, October 6 – Englewood
Master bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer pops over to Bergen PAC with his amazing bubble spectacular, including volcano bubbles, bubble rainbow with people inside and more.  READ MORE

Fall Into Fun Festival

Thursday, October 10 – Thursday, October 24 – Egg Harbor Township
Families visiting Storybook Land can climb aboard the Happy Hayride to pick a pumpkin. Then, decorate your pumpkin just in time for Halloween. In addition, guests can find their way through Elmer’s Hay-Mazin’ Maze, and ride the attractions. READ MORE

Touch A Truck

Saturday, October 12 – Blackwood – FREE
It's time for Gloucester Premium Outlets' annual Touch A Truck event. Families can expect to see local fire departments sharing information about fire prevention, vendors, and more. READ MORE

Pumpkin Fest 2019

Monday, October 14 – Colts Neck – FREE
This Columbus Day festival is fun for all ages. The family-friendly day includes pumpkin painting and decorating, fun games, an antique tractor display, live music, and free food samples.  READ MORE

Boo at the Boardwalk

Saturday, October 19 (repeats Sat. and Sun. through Oct. 27) – Point Pleasant – FREE
Celebrate Halloween at Jenkinson's Boardwalk with two weekends of family fun, including trick-or-treating, crafts, a magic show, the Witch Sister Trio of Treats, and more. READ MORE

Halloween Hootenanny

Friday, October 25 – Cherry Hill
Visitors to the Garden State Discovery Museum can wander through the museum's Halloween themed exhibits, make a special crafts, show off dance moves, and collect candy at the "Trunk or Treat" in the museum parking lot. READ MORE

Trick-or-Treat Weekends at Storybook Land

Friday, October 25 – Sunday, October 27 – Egg Harbor Township
Families visiting Storybook Land can climb aboard the Happy Hayride to pick a pumpkin and decorate it just in time for Halloween. Then, find your way through Elmer’s Haymazin’ Maze and pick up treat bags. READ MORE

Pumpkin Patch Day at Liberty Hall

Saturday, October 26– Union
The Liberty Hall Museum hosts its annual Pumpkin Patch Day, which features pumpkin picking, carving, and decorating, plus tractor rides, crafts, and trick-or-treating.   READ MORE

North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Block Party

Saturday, October 26 – Wildwood – FREE
Get your car decked out for Halloween at this annual festive family event. Costumed children can visit each car, where families will provide treats from the trunks. Balloon twisting and magic add to the fun.  READ MORE

Witch's Day Out

Sunday, October 27 – Smithville – FREE
Grab your favorite little witches and head over to Smithville. Bewitching awards are given out throughout the day. Anyone in a witch hat is eligible for shop treats and discounts. READ MORE

HalloWheaton

Sunday, October 27 – Millville – FREE
Get ready for Halloween at WheatonArts with trick-or-treating and interactive performances for families. Children will have a chance to trick-or-treat and take pictures with traditional costumed characters, such as the Mummy, the Grymm Witches, the too-tall scarecrow and many others. READ MORE

Hoboken Ragamuffin Parade and Costume Contest

Wednesday, October 31 – Hoboken – FREE
The Hoboken Ragamuffin Parade features local live music, floats, lots of great costumes, and so much more. Wear your Halloween best! READ MORE
See new characters and new storylines in the Disney On Ice in Road Trip Adventures at NJPAC in November. Photo courtesy of Disney
See new characters and new storylines in the Disney On Ice in Road Trip Adventures at NJPAC in November. Photo courtesy of Disney

Things To Do with Preschoolers in November 2019

The Great Pumpkin Sail

Friday, November 1 – Mountainside
Bring your carved jack-o'-lantern to Echo Lake Park post-Halloween and enjoy the spectacular view of floating pumpkins. Sign up for one of three sessions. READ MORE

Disney Junior Holiday Party! On Tour

Saturday, November 2 – Englewood
Disney Junior Holiday Party dances its way over to Bergen PAC. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Vampirina and other favorite characters in this live, interactive musical. READ MORE

Disney Junior Holiday Party! On Tour

Tuesday, November 5 – Red Bank
Disney Junior Holiday Party dances its way over to Count Basie Center for the Arts. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Vampirina and other favorite characters in this live, interactive musical. READ MORE

Disney on Ice: Road Trip Adventures

Wednesday, November 6 – Sunday, November 10 – Newark
Get ready to hit the road with Mickey, Minnie and the audience as they embark on a wild ride to many favorite Disney destinations. See the world from the rooftops of London, travel to the sun-soaked Motunui, set off on a safari to the Pride Lands and play at a larger-than-life carnival with Woody and Forky. READ MORE

Disney Junior Holiday Party on Tour!

Saturday, November 9 – Morristown
Disney Junior Holiday Party! is a dazzling musical wonderland where children and their families can sing and dance along to their favorite Disney Junior songs plus holiday classics. READ MORE

Teddy Bear Picnic

Wednesday, November 13 – Madison
Celebrate National Teddy Bear Day at METC. Children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed friend to gather and hear teddy bear stories, make a craft, and enjoy treats. READ MORE

Rumpelstiltskin at SOPAC

Saturday, November 16 – South Orange
This classic tale comes to the stage at SOPAC, featuring song and audience participation along with the fabulous stage sets and costumes. READ MORE

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Friday, November 29 – Red Bank
The beloved TV classic rides visits the Count Basie stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in this musical. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Pottery Barn Kids- various locations
Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton University Library
Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
Princeton Public Library
Count Basie Center for the Arts
Delaware River Railroad Excursions
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of NJ / Teterboro Airport
Count Basie Center for the Arts