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Indigenous Peoples Day Weekend in New Jersey: Best Things To Do with Kids

Check out a sky full of colorful kites at the LBI Fly International Kite Festival. Photo by Wayne Herrschaft
Check out a sky full of colorful kites at the LBI Fly International Kite Festival. Photo by Wayne Herrschaft
10/11/24 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this long weekend.

Indigenous Peoples' Day, on Monday, October 14, 2024, marks the holiday formerly known as Columbus Day for NJ school kids. Take the opportunity to get immersed in fall splendor at the annual and spectacular LBI Fly International Kite Festival or visit a local autumn festival in Dunellen and Newton.

Spooky season is upon us, so start making Halloween plans with our Top Free Halloween Events in New Jersey. Find other fantastic things to do this weekend in our Family Activity Calendar.

More Things To Do in New Jersey this Week with Kids:​

 

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Things To Do in New Jersey this Indigenous Peoples Day Weekend with Kids

The Amazing Pumpkin Carve at Woolsey Park

Titusville
Wednesday, October 9-Sunday, October 13
This impressive display boasts live music, fire pits with storytelling, games, pumpkin painting, and dozens of outrageously carved giant pumpkins. READ MORE

Clark Unico's 17th Annual Italian American Feast

Clark–FREE
Thursday, October 10-Sunday, October 13
Four days of fun await at Clark's annual feast, featuring food, games, rides, entertainment, crafts, raffles, a beer and wine tent and more.  READ MORE

Circus Vazquez in Paramus

Paramus
Friday, October 11-Monday, October 28
The circus is coming to Westfield Garden State Plaza!  This year's show features a brand-new cast, brand-new thrills, brand-new laughs and brand-new excitement. READ MORE

17th Annual Scarecrow Stroll

Cranford–FREE
Friday, October 11-Thursday, October 31
Cranford hosts its Annual Scarecrow Stroll and promises the event is the biggest and best yet. Gawk at more than 100 wild and crazy scarecrows on display throughout downtown Cranford. Register online to create your own scarecrow and enter to win prizes.  READ MORE

LBI Fly International Kite Festival

Long Beach Island–FREE
Friday, October 11-Saturday, October 12
Don't miss a sky full of spectacular kites on Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day weekend. This annual festival features kites brilliantly designed by artists, giant inflatable kites, and the amazing show of sport kiting. READ MORE

South Jersey Pumpkin Show and Carve

Woodstown
Friday, October 11-Sunday, October 13
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of pumpkins, creativity, live music, and Halloween fun. Spooktacular activities include pony rides, a petting zoo, carriage rides, a kids' haunted house, mini golf, and more.  READ MORE

Union County Hayrides and Campfires

Mountainside
Fridays and Sundays through Friday, October 18
Revel in the fall season at Union County's hayride and campfire events. Enjoy a hayride along with music, hot chocolate, and marshmallows to toast over a campfire. Tickets must be purchased online. READ MORE

Irish Festival at Historic Smithville

Galloway–FREE
Saturday, October 12-Sunday, October 13
The annual Irish festival at Historic Smithville offers two stages of live music throughout the day. As part of this amazing festival sponsored by the Cape Atlantic Irish Association, you can peruse an Irish market, enjoy children’s activities, and eat at a food court. READ MORE

30th Annual Pine Barrens Jamboree

Waretown–FREE
Saturday, October 12
Enjoy music, cultural demonstrations, nature and history programs, food vendors, and more at this celebratory event.  READ MORE

Ocean County YMCA Fall Festival

Toms River–FREE
Saturday, October 12
Pumpkin decorating, face painting, inflatables, K9 demos, health screenings and more are all part of the fall fun at Ocean County YMCA.  READ MORE

Califon Street Fair 2024

Califon–FREE
Sunday, October 13
The historic downtown of Califon is transformed into a communal scene of fall fun, shopping, food, and entertainment. Stroll through the picturesque downtown and enjoy exquisite artisans and crafters, a variety of tasty food trucks and vendors, a beer garden, a pie-eating contest, and live music. READ MORE

Dunellen HarvestFest

Dunellen–FREE
Sunday, October 13
The 12th annual Dunellen HarvestFest features artists and crafters from around the Garden State, local nonprofits, activities for kids, food, music, dancing, and more. READ MORE

33rd Annual Ocean County Columbus Day Parade

Seaside Heights–FREE
Sunday, October 13
Head over to the Boulevard for the 33rd annual parade, featuring floats from local organizations, bands, antique cars, clowns and more. READ MORE

Nutley- Belleville Columbus Day Parade and Flag- Raising Ceremony

Belleville–FREE
Sunday, October 13
Marching bands, drill teams, antique automobiles, motorcycles, floats, flags, zeppole stands and local town organizations are all on tap for this 42nd annual parade. Face painting, bounce houses and slides for the children add to the fun. READ MORE

Maplewood Art Walk & Music Fest

Maplewood–FREE
Sunday, October 13
Maplewood's art scene comes alive with the works of local artists, plus live music, children's activities and art competitions. It's a perfect opportunity to check out Maplewood's local shops and eateries.  READ MORE

Newton Fall Festival

Newton–FREE
Sunday, October 13
The town of Newton and the Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce team up for this ninth annual family-friendly fall festival along Spring Street. Enjoy live music, classic cars, children's activities, and food during the festivities. READ MORE

Indigenous Peoples Day in Downtown South Orange

South Orange–FREE
Monday, October 14
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day in Spiotta Park, featuring the Red Blanket Dance Troupe sharing their rich cultural heritage through powerful and beautiful performances.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article: