Top 2025 New Jersey Fall Activities and Festivals

NJ Fall Activities, Scenic trips, events, and things to do

Must-See NJ Fall Festivals, Events, and Day Trips

Get ready for crisp air, changing leaves, and the best fall nj activities across the state.

Whether you’re planning fall day trips nj with the family or looking for something special with friends, New Jersey delivers big on autumn fun.
The north sees leaves turn by mid-October (think gold, orange, and red in places like the Skylands and Highlands), with color working its way south through early November.

All around the state, you’ll find ways to make memories—think pumpkin patches, hayrides, food festivals, and something for every age.

Northern NJ Fall Activities & Events

Great Pumpkin Festival
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon, NJ | Sep 13 - Nov 2, 2025
See why this festival is a family tradition: 35+ outdoor attractions, hayrides, a themed corn maze, petting farm, pig races, dog shows, pedal carts, and enormous pumpkin slingshots. Little ones will love the Boo Barn and classic fall games.

Jack O’ Lantern Experience
Skylands Stadium, Augusta, NJ | Sep 26 - Nov 2, 2025
Walk a 45-minute trail of thousands of glowing pumpkins and detailed displays. The whole family can soak up Halloween spirit and seasonal fun here.

Mountain Creek Resort Fall Festival
Vernon, NJ | Weekends Sep 27 - Nov 2, 2025
Try the mountain coaster for sweeping foliage views, or stick to live music, games, bounce houses, and a hay maze for laid-back fun.

Morristown Fall Festival on the Green
Morristown Green, Morristown, NJ | Sep 28, 2025, Noon-5pm
Enjoy four stages of music, games, a beer garden, local vendors, and plenty for the kids at this lively event in downtown Morristown.

South Orange Downtown Fall Festival
South Orange, NJ | Sep 28, 2025
Make it a family day with free crafts, pumpkin decorating, classic games, storytime, and tunes with DJ Lou.

JC Harvest Festival
Hamilton Park, Jersey City | Oct 4, 2025, 10am-2pm
Parents of little ones love this spot for pumpkin painting, hands-on crafts, music, and food.

Pumpkin Patch Trains
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany, NJ | Oct 5, 11, 12, 2025
Catch a 10-mile train ride with bright fall views. Kids get a free pumpkin and decorating kit too. Costumes add to the fun.

Sussex County Harvest, Honey & Garlic Festival
Sussex County Fairgrounds, Branchville, NJ | Oct 18, 2025
This free festival gives everyone a taste of life on the farm. Enjoy hayrides, pumpkin painting, crafts, artisan booths, and local farm displays.

Celebrate Fall at Reeves-Reed Arboretum
Summit, NJ | Oct 19, 2025
Check out garden walks, games, music, crafts, and a Spooky Trail with a side of goats and sweet treats.

Ralston Cider Mill Museum Tours
Mendham, NJ
Step inside New Jersey’s last operational cider mill (dating to 1848) and learn how cider and applejack are made, even the old-fashioned way.

Central NJ Fall Activities & Events

U-Pick Sunflowers Fall Festival
Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge, NJ | Sep 12 - Oct 13, 2025
Walk through blooming sunflower fields, snap photos, and explore food trucks, farm animals, and live music.

Happy Day Farm Fall Festival
Manalapan Township, NJ | Select dates Sep 13 - Nov 2, 2025
Packed with over 35 activities, this event features tractor rides, pig races, sunflower mazes, petting zoo, giant slides, and popular seasonal snacks.

Fall Apple Fest
Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Township, NJ | Sep 20-21, 2025
Taste pies, try cider-making, meet farm animals, shop local vendors, hear live music, and keep kids busy with crafts and historic demos.

Tewksbury Harvest Festival
Christie Hoffman Farm Park, Tewksbury, NJ | Sep 27, 2025
Browse antiques and crafts, grab a bite from food trucks, listen to live bands, relax in the beer garden, and let the kids enjoy games. Dogs welcome (on a leash).

The Great Pumpkin Train
Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg, NJ | Sep 30 - Oct 29, 2025
Kids get a pumpkin after a scenic train ride to Snyder Farm. Enjoy picnic spots, corn mazes, and lovely river views.

Annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve
Woolsey Park, Hopewell Township, NJ | Oct 9-12, 2025
See oversized pumpkins turned into works of art. Enjoy music, fire pits, face painting, and outdoor games.

Allentown Fall Festival
Main St, Allentown, NJ | Oct 11-12, 2025
Spend the weekend exploring local music, food, a craft beer garden, classic cars, historic demos, vendors, and activities for all ages.

Beachwood Harvest Festival
Beachwood, NJ | Oct 18, 2025
Family highlights include a pumpkin patch, food and craft booths, fire pits, a Halloween costume contest, and a showing of "Snow White".

Brick Township Fall Fest
Windward Beach Park, Brick, NJ | Oct 18, 2025
Celebrate with food trucks, corn hole, inflatables, games, fire pits, and fireworks.

Piscataway Fall Harvest Festival
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway, NJ | Oct 24-26 & Oct 31-Nov 1, 2025
Travel back in time with craft activities, wagon rides, old-timey music, pumpkin picking, and homemade treats.

Fall Foliage Hayrides & Baseball
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Township, NJ | Oct 25, 2025
Hop on a hayride to see peak foliage, then watch or join an "old-time baseball" match on the farm.

Southern NJ Fall Activities & Events

Tri State Sunflower Festival and Pumpkin Fest
Dalton Farms, Swedesboro, NJ | Sep 5 - Oct 26, 2025
Pick sunflowers, pumpkins, enjoy live music, walk the corn maze, and try tractor rides. This spot has everything you want for a fall day.

Mullica Hill Apple Festival
Mood’s Farm Market, Mullica Hill, NJ | Sep 6, 2025
Hayrides, apple picking, donut-eating contests, a classic corn maze, and live music make this event a hit.

Woodstown Fall Festival
Downtown Woodstown, NJ | Sep 27, 2025
Stroll through craft vendors, check out scarecrow displays, see historic homes, and ride the Woodstown Central Railroad. Don’t miss the beer and wine garden.

Diggerfest Fall Festival
Diggerland USA, West Berlin, NJ | Weekends in Sep-Nov, 2025
Kids get a chance to operate machines, while the whole family enjoys music, food, hayrides, a corn maze, and a petting zoo.

Fall Antique, Glass & Bottle Show
Batsto Village, Hammonton, NJ | Sep 28, 2025
Shop antiques and collectibles, then take a wagon ride or grab food from local vendors.

Bordentown Cranberry Fest
Downtown Bordentown, NJ | Oct 4-5, 2025
Over 100 crafters, live music, a beer garden, and a dedicated kid zone fill Main Street with fall spirit.

Smithville Oktoberfest
Historic Smithville Village Greene, Galloway, NJ | Oct 4-5, 2025
Browse 150+ craft booths, try global snacks, enjoy live music, and keep the kids busy with fun games.

Berlin’s Annual Fall Festival
Berlin Boro County Park, Berlin, NJ | Oct 11, 2025
Catch live music, car show, pumpkin painting, food stands, and a friendly beer garden at this free event.

Rotary Club Pumpkin Festival
Historic Cold Spring Village, South Cape May, NJ | Oct 11, 2025
Bring the kids for games, pumpkin painting, hayrides, and a Halloween parade, along with local craft shopping and classic treats.

Lima Bean Festival
Wilbraham Park, West Cape May, NJ | Oct 11, 2025
Dig into unique lima bean dishes, browse food stalls, antiques, and listen to local music.

Ocean City Fall Block Party
Asbury Ave, Ocean City, NJ | Oct 11, 2025
Bring the crowd for over 400 craft and food vendors, music all day, and a drone show to close out the night.

Stafford Fall Harvest & Wine Festival
Heritage Park, Manahawkin, NJ | Oct 11-12, 2025, Noon-5pm
Sample local wines, shop crafts, relax to live music, and explore the food trucks. Ticket price includes a souvenir wine glass.

Cape May Fall Festival
The Nature Place, Cape May, NJ | Oct 16-19, 2025
Bird watchers love this gathering with guided walks, live bird encounters, nature vendors, and expert talks.

Chatsworth Cranberry Festival
Downtown Chatsworth, NJ | Oct 18-19, 2025
Shop over 150 craft and food stands, hear live music, and spend the day in a true NJ fall festival setting.

Where to Stay for Your Fall Getaway

Alpine Haus, Vernon, NJ
Cozy up in romantic suites with fireplaces and deep soaking tubs, right near the Sussex County Skylands. Read reviews

Cascades Lodge, Hamburg, NJ
Relax at a full resort with both indoor and outdoor pools, mineral spa, and championship golf. More info

Ampersand Inn, Newton, NJ
Nestled inside beautiful Kittatinny Valley State Park. Enjoy fireplaces, soaking tubs, and balconies for a relaxing retreat. Check reviews

Riverside Victorian, Clinton, NJ
Stay steps from Clinton’s main street in a charming, historic inn with all the comforts of home. See more

Chestnut Hill on the Delaware, Milford, NJ
Sleep in a Victorian B&B with river views and timeless decor. Check opinions here

Whistling Swan Inn, Stanhope, NJ
Enjoy a Skylands getaway with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs in a relaxed B&B setting. Find out more

Key Takeaways

Peak NJ fall color hits north mid-October, moves south into early November.
Active travelers can hit weekend festivals Sep-Nov: pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, train rides, sunflower fields, live music, beer and wine.
Add scenic drives in the Skylands and along the Delaware River.
Book tickets and stays early.

New Jersey Fall Fun: FAQs on Activities, Festivals, and Scenic Drives

What are the best scenic drives for leaf peeping?

Route 29 along the Delaware River, Lambertville to Frenchtown
Skyline Drive and surrounding roads near Ringwood and Oakland
Ramapo Valley Road in Mahwah
Palisades Interstate Parkway overlooks
Great Bay Boulevard in Tuckerton for marsh views and sunsets

Which fall festivals are worth planning around?

Standouts include the Great Pumpkin Festival in Vernon, the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival in the Pine Barrens, food and drink events at Laurita Winery, and county harvest fairs.

What family-friendly farms offer the most activities?

Terhune Orchards in Princeton, Alstede Farms in Chester, Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford, Argos Farm in Forked River, and Von Thun’s Farms are reliable picks. Expect hayrides, corn mazes, apple and pumpkin picking, live music, and seasonal treats.

Are there good Halloween events for all ages?

Yes. Six Flags Fright Fest in Jackson skews older at night, with daytime options for kids. Many towns host safe trick-or-treat streets, and farms run non-scary corn mazes during daylight hours.

What should I know about tickets and reservations?

Popular festivals and farms sell timed tickets online, especially on weekends. Book early for peak foliage weekends and major events.

How can I avoid crowds?

Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Aim for Fridays or Sundays instead of Saturdays. Choose the first two weeks of October for North Jersey if you want color with fewer people.

What should I pack for a fall day out?

Layers, closed-toe shoes or boots, and a rain jacket. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a portable phone charger. For farms, pack hand wipes and small bills for stands.

Any budget-friendly picks?

Town harvest festivals, scenic drives, and state parks are low cost or free. Pack a picnic, then stop at roadside farm stands for cider and donuts. Look for weekday discounts at farms when available.

Are pets allowed at farms and festivals?

Policies vary. Many farms do not allow pets for food safety reasons. Outdoor town fairs and some winery events allow leashed dogs. Always check the event’s pet policy before you go.

What are the top small towns to pair with a foliage drive?

Lambertville and Frenchtown along Route 29, Clinton for the Red Mill views, Chester for farm stops, and Cape May for Victorian porches framed by fall colors. Each has walkable streets and good local food.

Any quick hikes to pair with a drive?

Try Ramapo Reservation in Mahwah, Pyramid Mountain in Montville, and Hacklebarney State Park near Chester. For water views, stop at Palisades Interstate Park overlooks and short trails.

Where can I see cranberry bogs or learn about harvests?

Head to the Chatsworth area in the Pine Barrens. The Cranberry Festival highlights local growers, crafts, and food. Some tours sell out, so check event pages early.

What food and drink events happen in fall?

Expect Oktoberfests, wine weekends at Laurita Winery, food truck fests, and seafood and chili cook-offs. Many are family-friendly by day, then shift to adult-focused in the evening.

What are the best photo spots?

Palisades overlooks for river and city views
Clinton’s Red Mill and bridge
Sunflower or late-season flower fields at select farms
Rustic barns and orchards in Chester and Princeton areas
Go early for soft light and fewer people.

What if it rains?

Most festivals run rain or shine, with modified schedules. Farms may close fields or rides if it is muddy. Check social feeds the morning of your visit for updates.

Can I reach fall spots without a car?

Some towns are reachable by NJ Transit, like Princeton, Red Bank, or Asbury Park. For farms and overlooks, ride-hail or local shuttles may be needed. Consider a car rental for scenic routes.

Any safety tips for scenic drives?

Watch for cyclists, leaf peepers pulling over, and wildlife at dusk. Use designated pull-offs for photos. Keep gas, snacks, and a paper map in case of spotty service.