Smithsonian Museum Day (nationwide, that means NJ too!)
On Saturday get Free admission to tons of museums!  Just sign up for a ticket off the Smithsonian website, print, and get free admission for up to two people per household to any museum on the Smithsonian list.  Our top family-friendly choices for NJ are: the Newark Museum (Newark), the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms (Morris Plains), and the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts (Madison).  See listings below for more details.

Harvest Moon Celebration at the Newark Museum (Newark)
For an Asian spin on the Harvest Festival, the Newark Museum presents their Harvest Moon Festival with Asian storytelling and a chance to nibble on moon cakes and pomelos while sipping ginger tea. Crafts include lantern-making and papercutting as well as lunar explorations.  Saturday from 12:30 to 4:30.  Admission is typically $10 per adult and $6 per child, but with Smithsonian Museum Day you get two free admissions.

Fall Family day Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms (Morris Plains)
For Smithsonian Museum Day, the Stickley Museum is going all out with the Fall festivities.  Arthur from PBS Kids Go! will be there, plus there will be hayrides, pumpkin painting, apple cider pressing, carnival games, live music and square dancing, and special food vendors. 
Saturday from noon to 4pm.  $7 per person, adults are free when accompanied by children (even without the Smithsonian Museum Day pass).

Harvest Festival at Trailside Nature and Science Center (Mountainside)
Celebrate the Fall Harvest as the early Americans did!  This festival includes Colonial and Native American crafts, log sawing, shingle splitting, and for kids a "build a scarecrow", pony rides, a petting zoo, children's Colonial games and crafts, Native American storytelling and more.  Sunday from 11am to 5pm.  Admission is $3 per person, children 7 and under are free.

The Corn Maze at Pumpkin Junction (Ringoes)
All aboard! Ride the Black River & Western Railroad to a 10 acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, carnival games, and wagon rides.  This spectacular maze even has a beginner section for those with no prior corn maze experience!  Saturday 1pm to 9pm, Sunday 1pm to 6pm.  First come first serve (no advance registration). Tickets are $14 for adults, $7 for kids 3-12, under 3 free.

Free Family Day Powwow at the Monclair Art Museum (Montclair)
This annual event includes Native American art, music, dance, food, art projects, craft demonstrations and more.  Saturday from 1 pm - 5 pm. FREE.

Wings and Wheels Expo at the Aviation Hall of Fame (Teterboro)
Get a closer look at WW II airplanes, helicopters and unique antique airplanes and enjoy food, contests and other aviation related exhibits.  Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm.  Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for kids ages 3-11.

Puptoberfest 2010 (Rockaway)
It is not October yet, but Puptoberfest is here!  Pamper your four legged friend with a doggy fashion show, pet pictures and portraits, paw painting, a kissing booth, pet parade and contests, food, music, and more fun!  Dogs welcome!  Saturday from 11am to 5pm.  Admission is $10 per family.