The Nai-Ni Chen Dance company celebrates Lunar New Year in a Jersey City performance this weekend. Photo courtesy of the dance company
Santa Sightings and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend
Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey
Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue
Pictures with Santa in New Jersey
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
34 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in New Jersey for Kids
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
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
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
'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey December 2024 with Kids
Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
Holiday and Thanksgiving Volunteering for Kids and Families in New Jersey
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks 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

Things To Do in NJ this Weekend: Fright Fest, Corn Mazes, Insect Festival

Enjoy kid-friendly thrills during the day at Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest. Photo courtesy of Six Flags
Enjoy kid-friendly thrills during the day at Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest. Photo courtesy of Six Flags
9/10/19 - By Laurie Rein

While it's technically the last weekend of summer, there are plenty of fall-themed things to do this weekend in New Jersey, including corn mazes, fall festivals, and early Halloween fun. Make room on your calendar for seasonal favorites like corn mazes at Alstede Farms and Stony Hill Farms, and the spooky, pre-Halloween Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure.

Take advantage of end-of-summer, almost-fall temperatures when you bask in seaside adventures at the Wind & Sea Festival, old-fashioned fun at Fall Harvest Fest and Spirit of the Jerseys, plus celebrations of bugs and bats.  Don't miss local festivals like Jersey City's All About Downtown Street Fair, PlayDay South Orange, Fanny Wood Day Street Fair, and Bridgewater's Community Day Featuring Touch-a-Truck & Dog Day.

Check out our Fall Fun Guide for NJ Kids for more options for family fun, including 50 Things We Can't Wait to Do with NJ Kids this Fall. And look to our September GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.


 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Head to Stony Hills Farms this weekend for hayrides, pumpkins, a corn maze, and more fall fun! Photo courtesy of the farm
Head to Stony Hills Farms this weekend for hayrides, pumpkins, a corn maze, and more fall fun! Photo courtesy of the farm

Things To Do All Weekend

Stony Hill Farms Corn Maze and Fun Park

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

Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest Extreme

Jackson
Six Flags Great Adventure’s Fright Fest goes extreme this year, presenting a world of nightmarish creatures inspired by legendary horror brands–including SAW and Stranger Things–brought to life. The themed experiences, scare zones, and harrowing creatures deliver extreme frights and surprises. READ MORE

Civil War Weekend

Cape May
The Civil War comes to life at the Village’s annual Civil War Weekend. Visitors can tour Union and Confederate camps and meet authentically clad military and civilian reenactors, who discuss the everyday lives of Civil War soldiers and the roles civilians played in supporting them. READ MORE

Alstede Farms Corn Maze

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
Celebrate the end of summer at the Wind and Sea Festival in Port Monmouth. Photo courtesy the Monmouth County Park System
Celebrate the end of summer at the Wind and Sea Festival in Port Monmouth. Photo courtesy the Monmouth County Park System

Things To Do on Saturday, September 14, 2019

Annual New Jersey Storytelling Festival

Lambertville – FREE
Storytellers from the tristate area offer bales of laughter, wit, and wisdom with farm-related stories for young and old alike. This year's event is held at the Amphitheater in Community Park North. READ MORE

Princeton Children's Book Festival

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

17th Annual Insect Festival

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 Swamp Fall Festival

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

Spirit of the Jerseys

Manalapan – FREE
History comes alive in this fun-filled adventure for the entire family into New Jersey’s past. Activities include living history demonstrations, period music, historical personages, games, crafts, exhibits and much more. READ MORE

Water Lantern Festival

Jersey City
Enjoy a picturesque evening at Liberty State Park when the Hudson River becomes illuminated by beautiful lanterns. The festivities begin with food trucks and music, followed by the designing of lanterns at 6:30pm. READ MORE
Fannywood Day Street Fair is full of activities to keep the kids busy. Photo courtesy of the fair
Fannywood Day Street Fair is full of activities to keep the kids busy. Photo courtesy of the fair

Things To Do on Sunday, September 15, 2019

Fanny Wood Day Street Fair

Fanwood – FREE
Loads of activities await at this community downtown festival. Take part in a scavenger hunt, spaghetti and meatball eating contest, bagel toss and inflatables. Live music tops off the fun. READ MORE

Fall Harvest Fest

Morris Township
Spend the day at Fosterfields at one of Morris County’s most popular fall festivals. Hop aboard the open-air wagon for a scenic ride around the farm, visit the friendly farm animals, lend a hand churning butter and pressing apples into cider, and watch a blacksmith perform his craft. READ MORE

PlayDay South Orange

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

Arts in the Park 2019

Highland Park – FREE
This 14th annual Arts in the Park street festival, juried art show, and arts and crafts sale, attracts thousands of art enthusiasts and visitors from around the region who stroll through downtown Highland Park.  READ MORE

Bridgewater Community Day

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

Montgomery FunFest

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

Places featured in this article: