Spend the day at Van Saun Park and bask in seasonal fun like ice skating. Photo by Kaylen Chiarello Ebner
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Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
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Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.
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The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
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Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
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Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
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Outhouse orchards corn maze
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The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
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Visit the petting zoo at Alstede Farms for a chance to meet the animals. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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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
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Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
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The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
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At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
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Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
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The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
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Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
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Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend With Kids: Alpacas, Jack-o'-Lanterns, Harvest Weekend

Meet the sweet alpacas at Swallow Hill Farms Alpaca Open House. Photo courtesy of the farm
Meet the sweet alpacas at Swallow Hill Farms Alpaca Open House. Photo courtesy of the farm
9/23/20 - By Laurie Rein

It's the first official weekend of fall, and no matter whether you choose to spend it with cute alpacas, colorful pumpkins, or spooky jack o' lanterns, there's autumnal fun for everyone. So hop on a fall train and explore all those long-awaited seasonal activities with this fresh crop of even picks. 

Be sure to click through to the individual websites for social distancing and reservation guidelines and bookmark our Event Calendar for daily updates on reopenings at our favorite family-friendly spots, plus additional exciting live events.

If you're looking for extracurricular activities, our Back-to-School Fair is still going; catch the last few FREE demo classes this week, including sessions from Atlantic Acting and Coucou French. We've also rounded up some cool in-person classes and enrichment centers offering remote learning support.  

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Get lost in the giant corn maze at Alstede Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm
Get lost in the giant corn maze at Alstede Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm

In-Person Events in New Jersey This Week

Bergen County Zoo Reopens

Paramus
Wednesday, September 23
Come visit the sloth, bobcats, and elk as Bergen County Zoo reopens to the public. Masks are required for all visitors. Advanced tickets are required. READ MORE

Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest Extreme

Jackson
Fridays-Sundays-Sunday, November 1
Are you ready for a fright? With the Haunted Attractions Pass, you can brave haunted houses, eerie scare zones with lurking ghouls, and spine-tingling rides in the dark. The only way out is through! READ MORE

Swallow Hill Farm Alpaca Open House

Hillsborough–FREE
Saturday, September 26
Bring the family to this outdoor farm open house. Meet the 20 alpacas who live on the farm, and shop for alpaca products. Watch the agility show happening at the same time. READ MORE

New Brunswick Harvest Weekend

New Brunswick–FREE
Thursday, September 24 through Sunday, September 27
Stroll the streets of downtown New Brunswick for four days of outdoor dining, entertainers, musicians, games, caricatures, and more. READ MORE

Movie Night at the Farm

Somerset
Saturday, September 26
Snyder Farm is the perfect setting for fall movie nights. Bring a chair or blanket, and book tickets in advance. Concessions are available. READ MORE

An Afternoon of Colonial Handicrafts

Westfield
Sunday, September 27
The Miller-Cory House Museum has reopened. Enjoy an afternoon of colonial handicrafts with demonstrations of theorem painting, tin piercing, wreath vine making, weaving using a lap loom, outdoor cooking on tripods, and more. READ MORE

Alstede Farms Corn Maze

Chester
Daily through Saturday, October 31
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

Jack-O-Lantern Experience

Augusta
Daily, Friday, September 25-Sunday, November 1
Skylands Stadium is transformed with more than 6,000 jack-o'-lanterns. The stadium and surrounding cornfields are set ablaze by this stunning display. See spectacular visuals and enjoy a thrilling fall festival on the grounds. READ MORE

Motorcycle Run & Car Show

Clark–FREE
Sunday, September 27
Spend the day admiring classic cars or take a scenic motorcycle ride during this 10th-annual show. The fun includes food trucks, raffles, a DJ, and a beer garden. READ MORE

Nature Buddies Pre-K Program

Cape May
Thursday, September 24
New Jersey Audubon presents weekly programs, featuring stories, songs, and exploration, all about different nature themes. Pre-registration is required, and safety guidelines are in place. READ MORE

Bridgewater Food Truck Fest

Bridgewater
Saturday, September 26
Come hungry to this food truck and beer festival at TD Bank Ball Park, the home of the Somerset Patriots. Enjoy 15+ food trucks, live music from Naughty Humphry and The Big Fuss. READ MORE

Six Flags Great Adventure Safari Drive-Thru Opening

Jackson
Daily through Sunday, November 1
Six Flags Great Adventure's drive-thru safari is back open for the season. This is a contact-free experience where guests see the attraction's 1,200 exotic animals, which live on 350 acres, from their own cars. READ MORE

Corn Maze Train

Phillipsburg
Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, September 27
This historic passenger coach runs to Snyder Farm's corn maze. Maze fees are not included in River Train or Great Pumpkin Train fares. READ MORE

Fall Harvest At Heaven Hill Farm

Vernon
Wednesdays through Sundays through Sunday, November 8
Come on out to the country this fall and enjoy the harvest at Heaven Hill Farm. The fun includes pumpkin picking, a corn maze, hayrides, pony rides, touring cars, and much more. READ MORE

Somerville Summer Stage 2020

Somerville–FREE
Saturdays through Saturday, October 24
Spend a relaxing Saturday evening listening to live music on Division Street. Guests must remain six feet apart, wear masks, and bring their own seating. READ MORE

Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford

Freehold–FREE
Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, October 25
Observe a 19th-century gristmill in action at this historic farm property. While you're there, stroll through the 18th-century industrial village, as well as the woodlands and wetlands of the area. READ MORE

Happy Day Farm Fall Festival

Manalapan
Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, October 25
Fall is in the air at Happy Day Farm. Pick a pumpkin from the patch, enjoy corn hole, the corn maze, hay mountain, pedal carts, pumpkin bowling, tractor rides, and much more. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. READ MORE

Outdoor Summer Dining and Fall Family Programming at Imagine That!

Florham Park
Saturdays and Sundays, through Sunday, October 18
ImagineThat! hosts exciting outdoor events this summer and fall, with social distancing in place. The weekend fun includes music, bingo, magic, and more family-friendly entertainment options. READ MORE

Stony Hill Farms Corn Maze and Fun Park

Chester
Daily through Sunday, November 8
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

Demarest Farms Drive-In Movies

Hillsdale
Select days through Sunday, October 11
This New Jersey farm and garden center transforms into a drive-in theater for alfresco flicks all summer long. Reservations must be made online in advance. READ MORE

Holland Ridge Farms U-Pick Sunflowers

Cream Ridge
Daily through Saturday, October 31
The Holland Ridge Farms pick-your-own sunflower season is a celebration of one of the most popular flowers in the world. You'll find not only yellow sunflowers, but also white, red, and bicolor varieties. READ MORE

Fosterfields Living Historical Farm Tours

Morristown
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through Saturday, October 31
Experience farm life from the past during Fosterfields' drive-thru and walk-thru tours. See farm animals, crops, and demonstrations from your vehicle. Advance tickets can be purchased online. READ MORE

Fall Picking & Hayrides at Johnson's Corner Farm

Medford
Daily through Saturday, October 31
Enjoy fall festivities at Johnson's Corner Farm every day from mid-September through October. Get in the seasonal spirit with apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, live music, animals, a corn maze, and a food tent. READ MORE

Fall Festival at Ort Farms

Long Valley
Daily Saturday, September 19-Sunday, November 1
While away a fall day at Ort Farms. In addition to traditional fall farm activities (hayrides, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, pony rides, etc), the farm store offers fresh baked goods, local produce, apples, and cider. Watch for special themed weekends throughout the harvest season! READ MORE

Fall Family Weekends at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, November 1
During the fall weekends, a day of fun on the farm awaits the entire family. Enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, live music, barnyard animals, pony rides, pedal tractors, and the hay bale maze.  READ MORE

Wightman Farms Fall Festival 2024

Morristown
Saturdays and Sundays through November 1
Head over to Wightman Farms for an all-inclusive fall fun package that includes entry to the apple and pumpkin orchard, one pumpkin per person, a scenic hayride, and entry to Mazeland. Tickets are sold on-site.  READ MORE
Go trick-or-treating at Storybook Land. Photo courtesy of Storybook Land
Go trick-or-treating at Storybook Land. Photo courtesy of Storybook Land

More Live Events Coming Up This Fall in New Jersey

Trick-or-Treat Weekends at Storybook Land

Egg Harbor Township
Saturdays and Sundays, October 3-25
Families visiting Storybook Land can climb aboard the Happy Hayride to pick a pumpkin and decorate it just in time for Halloween. Then, find your way through Elmer’s Haymazin’ Maze and pick up treat bags. READ MORE

Hedge Field Farms: Fall Event

Bridgeton
Saturdays, October 3-24
Hedge Field Farms hosts a weekend chock full of fall fun. Find your way out of its 3-acre corn maze, hop aboard a hayride, play farm-themed games, do a fall project, find a perfect pumpkin in the patch, and bring some freshly cut sunflowers home to decorate your harvest table. READ MORE

Addamsfest 2024 in Westfield

Westfield
Thursday, October 1-Sunday, October 31
In honor of Westfield's own Charles Addams, this creepy and kooky celebration provides a safe environment for Addams-themed fun, including entertainment, exhibits, and more. READ MORE

Annual Welcome Fall Festival

Union–FREE
Sunday, October 4
Union's annual Fall Festival, car, bike, and truck show is back with live music, inflatables, food vendors, cars, motorcycles, and trucks. Masks are required, and social distancing is enforced. READ MORE

School House Rock Live Jr.

Hackettstown
Sunday, October 4
The Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science, and politics through clever, catchy songs is instructing a whole new generation to Unpack Your Adjectives and do The Circulations. READ MORE

Pumpkin Trains

Flemington
Saturdays and Sundays, October 3-25
All aboard the train at Flemington Station for a trip to Everitt Farms at Pumpkin Junction. Allow about 2.5 hours for your visit. Your train ticket includes a round-trip fare, plus admission to a corn maze, a tractor-pulled wagon ride, a corn box, and other activities. READ MORE

The Great Pumpkin Train

Phillipsburg
Saturdays and Sundays, October 3-November 1
Throughout the month of October, visitors can take the train to pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Extend the fun with add-ons like the corn maze and gem mining for an additional fee. READ MORE

Top Virtual Events This Week

Maplewood-South Orange Book Festival

FREE
Friday, September 25-Saturday, October 24
Readers, writers and book lovers of all ages are sure to find something of interest at this annual festival being held virtually this year. The festival presents authors of all genres, from children's books to young adult and adult. READ MORE

Dino Fest at Home

FREE
Tuesday, September 22-Friday, September 25
The Natural History Museum brings home the dinosaurs, with a virtual version of its annual festival celebrating dinosaurs, their prehistoric past, and the science that brings their world back to life.  READ MORE

The Shows Must Go On: The Greats on Tour

FREE
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday, October 18
The Shows Must Go On returns, with livestreams of theatrical tour productions.   Broadway may be dark, but as theater fans know: The shows must go on. Favorite musicals are made available to watch online for free. READ MORE
Wander the trails at Laonaka Falls. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Wander the trails at Laonaka Falls. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

More Things To Do in New Jersey in September

Best Pumpkin Patches in New Jersey for Families

Find the perfect pumpkin and experience fall fun at these 20 NJ farms. READ MORE

The Great Pumpkin Train and More Halloween Train Rides in New Jersey

Hop aboard an NJ pumpkin train for scenic and spooky fun. READ MORE

Indoor Attractions Reopen for Family-Friendly Fun in New Jersey

Take the fun indoors as these New Jersey attractions are reopening now. READ MORE

20 Best Corn Mazes in New Jersey for Fall Family Fun

From easy paths to 10-acre monsters, NJ boasts tons of fun corn mazes. READ MORE

Fall Bucket List for Kids: 47 Things To Do in New Jersey this Fall

Foliage, apple harvests, pumpkin patches, and more await in NJ. READ MORE

10 Favorite NJ Parks and Reservations with Fun for Kids

Have a nature adventure with hiking, fishing, picnicking, and more! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Downtown New Brunswick
New Jersey Audobon - Department of Education, Center for Research and Education
Fosterfield's Living Historical Farm
Downtown Westfield
Centenary Stage Co., Sitnik Theater of the Lackland Center
Delaware River Railroad Excursions