Mostly Free and Fun Things To Do With NJ Kids This Weekend September 29-30: Fall Funfest, Go Dog Go, Chowderfest & More!

9/26/12 - By

Fall family fun is in full swing in New Jersey this weekend. There's so much going on, you might not know what to do first. Head down the shore for Margate's Fall Funfest or Chowderfest in Beach Haven, "go" to Go, Dog, Go in Hoboken, or sample some amazing free events such as Hub City Sounds, Public Lands Day, Devil's Family Fun Day and National Museum Day Live. Read on for all our top picks and remember, you can find a listing of all NJ activities for kids in our Event Calendar.

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Margate Fall Funfest By The Bay (Margate, NJ)
This signature event on Ventnor in Margate from 11am-5pm offers something for everyone. The kids will have a blast at the children’s stage with the interactive shows and entertainment. The whole family will enjoy the fine arts and crafts, fabulous foods, live musical entertainment, educational exhibits,  and Ray Scott’s Dock “Wetlands Wonderland”. You can also take a scenic boat ride through the back bays and sandy beaches. Proceeds from this event benefits several regional charities, including Gilda's Club.

Go, Dog, Go! (Hoboken, NJ)
Bring the whole family out to the Monroe Theatrespace in Hoboken for this theatrical adaptation of the P.D. Eastman classic book (a fav in our house!). You'll enjoy a mix of movement, music and dogs, of course! $22 adults/$12 children& seniors. Saturday at 2pm and 5pm. Sunday at 11am and 3pm. Call 201-683-7014 for reservations.

Devils Family Fun Days (Chester, NJ)
Let's hear it for hockey AND fall fun! Come out to Alstede Farm from 11am-5pm to enjoy a visit with Team Mascot NJ Devil and Devils alumni players. There will be lots of Devils fun, including autographs, tickets & more! Also, if you wear your favorite Devils player Jersey or Devils gear, you will get FREE Pick Your Own admission plus unlimited FREE scenic hay rides all day long. 908-879-7189.

14th Annual Chester Lion's Club Oktoberfest (Chester, NJ)
It's a traditional festival at Chubb Park from 12-8pm, complete with traditional music, native dress, a special Oktoberfest beer, and authentic German food. Family fun includes children's activities, dancing, games and pony rides. Admission: $6 per person. Children under 12 are FREE.

Pumpkin Palooza (Cherry Hill, NJ)
Kick off fall at Garden State Discovery Museum's annual fall festival from 11am-5pm. Enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, pony rides (12-4pm only), pumpkin picking & painting, making your own scarecrow, and Moon Bounce fun. All day passes are just $15, $12 for Museum members. 856-424-1233.

Saturday September 29th

LEGO DUPLO Read! Build! Play! (Jersey City, NJ)
Come out to Liberty Science Center from 11am-2pm to make your own creations from hundreds of LEGO DUPLO blocks. There will also be a story time and incredible LEGO sculptures to gawk at. Everything you and your child need for hours of onsite creative building is provided free of charge, with activities led by trained LEGO “Playmasters.” Best for kids 2-6 years old. Free with admission.

Hub City Sounds (New Brunswick, NJ)
Your family is sure to enjoy the last FREE outdoor event at Boyd Park this season, which is a double bill of Family Friendly Programs by George Street Playhouse and American Repertory Ballet. Starting at 4:30pm, you'll see George Street Playhouse’s touring production of Austin the Unstoppable — a musical for families about health and wellness. This will be followed by the dancers of American Repertory Ballet who will present excerpts from two dances, “Grumpy Bird” and “Drive”. Food and beverages available for purchase at the event.  Free parking at Rutgers University 1 block away.

National Public Lands Day - Free Admission to National Parks (US)
Have you always wanted to visit one of the US National Parks, but just haven't gotten around to actually doing it? On National Public Lands Day you and your family can not only explore one of the nine NJ National Parks for free, but you can participate in the the nation's largest, single-day volunteer event for public lands. Check out the list of all the  National Parks here to plan your visit.

Smithsonian Magazine - National Museum Day Live (US)
If you prefer to stay indoors, you can bring your family to one of New Jersey's 20+ museums (I recommend the Zimmerli Art Museum in New Brunswick!) offering free admission courtesy of Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket. Get your tickets HERE. Note: One ticket per household, for two people. A ticket will gain entry to only one of the participating museums, excluding parking and special events and exhibits.

Sunday September 30th

Chowderfest (Beach Haven, NJ)
This event celebrating one of my favorite comfort foods is the perfect event to welcome fall!  Chowderfest is held at the Taylor Ave ball field in Beach Haven from 11am-4pm and offers unlimited chowder tasting, live music, children's entertainment, food court, and hundred of vendors. Admission: Adults - $20.00 Children's (Ages 4-12) - $10.00.

Hawks over the Hudson (Alpine, NJ)
Enjoy watching live birds of prey migrate above the highest point on the Palisades Cliffs. Activities and programs with other local nature centers will be held throughout the day and presentations by the Delaware Valley Raptor Center will feature their live birds of prey (1pm and 2:30pm). The event will be held at the State Line Lookout in Alpine at exit 3 off the Palisades Interstate Parkway North. FREE.

Family Activity Center (Morristown, NJ)
Enjoy a fall day at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm from 1-3:30pm. Make picture frames and play games that were popular long ago. $6 for adults; $5 for seniors (ages 65 and over); $4 for ages 4 – 16; and Free for children under age 2. 973-631-5343.

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.

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