Second Annual Flying Pumpkin Festival
Peaceful Valley Orchards, Pittstown, NJ
Saturday, October 17; Rain Date: October 18, 10am - 4pm
Watch medieval war machines catapult pumpkins 500 feet across the fields; build and race a car made of ears of corn; participate in a family race or launch your own mini-pumpkin at this charity event. Of course, tamer activities including a cake walk, pumpkin picking, face painting, balloon animals, a petting zoo, and live music will be available–but when’s the last time your cathartic activity involved smashing a pumpkin? Activity fees range from $2-4 with family discounts available.


25th Annual Cranberry Festival
Chatsworth, NJ
Saturday, October 17- Sunday, October 18, 9 am - 4pm
609-726-9237
Celebrate the 3rd largest cranberry harvest in the United States with this festival covering everything cranberry and more. Sample some cranberry ice cream, tour a cranberry bog, or just wander past the 160+ artists and craft demonstrations. Live music and an antique/classic car show round out the day, and best of all, admission is free.




3rd Annual Garlic Festival
Hoboken, NJ
Sunday, October. 18, 1 pm - 5 pm
201-656-2240
Seeking something smaller (and stinkier?) Swing by the Hoboken Historical Museum for an education in everything garlic. Free tastings of garlic in a variety of forms--pestos, dips, vinegars–the kids are sure to find something they like Then purchase some local garlic and farm produce and head home to create your own garlic concoction. Free admission



Fall Harvest Family Festival at the Morris Museum
Saturday, October 24, 11am – 4 pm
973 971 3718
Visit the museum’s exhibit, “Horseplay: A History of Equestrian Sports in New Jersey,” then head outside for a day of horse-related family fun. Kids can make clay horses, try on equestrian costumes, take pony rides, create their own blue ribbons and learn what a "Hunt Master" does. Gallop over early–the first 100 children under 12 years old receive a free Breyer horse model to paint. Members: $8/child, $7/adult. Non-members:$12/child, $11/adult