46 Fun and Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids September 2025

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Take to the water during Port Monmouth's Wind & Sea Festival. Photo courtesy of the Monmouth County Park System

Our roundup of FREE September events and activities in New Jersey is the perfect remedy for end-of-summer blues.

September is off to a promising start with local neighborhood fairs throughout the state, like Bridgewater Community Day Featuring Touch-a-Truck.

As summer transitions to fall, get in the autumn spirit at admission-free seasonal events, including Ridgewood Fall Craft Street Fair and Harvest Home Festival.

For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Event Calendar. 

25 Fun Halloween Party Game Ideas for Teens and Big Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on

Tweens and teens are not too old to enjoy Halloween!

Throwing a Halloween party is a fun way to celebrate the spooky season with kids. But when you've got tweens or teens, you need to think beyond the cute Halloween activities and crafts and come up with ideas that are a little more active and inventive. In other words, you need to up your Halloween party game—literally. Luckily, there are so many great Halloween party game ideas for teens (and tweens and even just bigger kids).

Start planning your Halloween party with these 25 Halloween party game ideas for tweens and teens that will make your next Halloween party epic. If you've got younger kids, check out our list of 25 fun Halloween games for preschoolers and little kids.

For great Halloween activities near you check your local Halloween Activities Guide, and for Halloween movies, games, crafts, costumes, and treats all season long, see our Halloween Activities Guide for Families.

10 of the Best Mommy-and-Me Classes in DFW for Kids

Submitted by Gabby Cullen on

Two toddlers enjoying mommy-and-me-classes. Photo courtesy iStock

Mommy-and-me classes are the absolute best because not only will your little one have a chance to learn something new, but you'll be able to spend quality time with them and meet other parents (a total bonus). If you're having a hard time picking a daddy-and-me or mommy-and-me class, we've rounded up a few of our favorites. Not only are they engaging for both you and baby, but most of these classes have locations all over DFW, making it even easier to get out of the house for a little fun! 

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Best Harvest Festivals & Pumpkin Festivals in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Fall Fun in 2025

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

The pie eating contest is just the start of the fun at the Armonk Cider and Donut Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival

Fall is a magical time in Westchester and the Hudson Valley as the days become crisp and cool and the colorful autumn foliage paints the landscapes. And what better way to celebrate the season than at a local fall festival? 

We've picked out our favorite family-friendly fall festivals in the area, many of which offer fun seasonal activities for kids, from pumpkin painting to carnival rides. With the abundance of farms in the area, fall is the perfect time to sample the local harvest, from freshly picked apples to cider and doughnuts, and many of these festivals are held on the farms themselves.  So whether you want to pick apples, get lost in a corn maze, or enjoy live music while sipping local craft beverages, these festivals are sure to give you the fall vibes you're looking for. 

For even more ways to celebrate the season, bookmark our Guide to Fall Fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, our favorite fall day trips, and our Guide to Farms and You-Picks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. 

Best 2025 Fall Festivals and Fairs in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Beautiful blooms are just the start of the fun at Holland Ridge Farms Fall Flower Festival. Photo by Patrick Marini/courtesy of the farm

As the carefree days of summer draw to a close, these fall festivals in New Jersey give families plenty to look forward to. Chow down on delicious seafood at the Downbeach Seafood Festival, and sneak in some early Halloween fun at Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest and Kids Boo Fest, plus, get a taste of fall at local fairs, including Jersey City's All About Downtown Street Fair and Sea Isle City Family Fall Festival.

Read on for more info on the great New Jersey fairs and festivals happening in September and October. 

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