Best Family-Friendly New Jersey
Festivals in 2026

Updated: October 13, 2026

This guide lists family-friendly festivals and events in Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey.
Listings include event dates, locations, and descriptions, with admission costs provided for many events.
The guide covers seasonal activities such as pumpkin festivals, Halloween events, cultural festivals, and holiday celebrations.
Options include free events and paid events, with activities for a range of family interests.

Explore the options below and discover the perfect family-friendly New Jersey festival for your weekday or weekend outing

Kid-Friendly Festivals and Events in Northern New Jersey

Discover an exciting lineup of family-friendly festivals, seasonal celebrations, and engaging community events happening throughout Northern New Jersey.

Best Ongoing Family Friendly Northern New Jersey Events in 2026

Great Pumpkin Festival
September 12th – November 8th, 2026
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon, NJ
Transforms the property into a festive fall attraction with pumpkin picking, hayrides, a sprawling corn maze, barnyard animals, live entertainment, and dozens of family activities. Visitors can expect a lively, carnival-style atmosphere with food vendors, photo spots, and rotating weekend themes.
Cost: Weekend & Holiday General Admission $26.98 (children 2 years & younger are free)

Jack O’Lantern Experience
Selected dates from September 25 until November 1, 2026
Skylands Stadium, 94 Championship Place, Augusta, NJ
A glowing autumn walk-through filled with thousands of hand carved pumpkins, whimsical displays, and larger than life themed scenes that transform Skylands Stadium into a nighttime Halloween wonderland. Guests stroll along an outdoor trail lined with illuminated jack-o'-lanterns, creative sculptures, and photo ready installations, with seasonal treats and stadium concessions available before or after the experience.
Recommended Ages: Ideal for all ages, especially families with children ages 3 and up.
Cost: $20- $45

Best Family-Friendly North Jersey Festivals in October 2026

Disney on Ice-Spotlight Magic!
October 28 - November 1, 2026
Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Experience the magic of Disney on Ice. This enchanting ice-skating show includes over 30 Disney characters, featuring Gary De'Snake and Gazelle (Zootopia 2), Angel (Lilo & Stitch), as well as a showcase of Disney's iconic villains including the Evil Queen, Gaston, Maleficent, and Ursula!
Cost: $33.75 - $220.40

Colonial Christmas
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, November 27, 28, 29, 2026
Jacobus Van derveer House, 3055 River Road, Bedminster, NJ
Explore beautifully decorated rooms, enjoy live period music, Clydesdale wagon rides, museum tours, and discover holiday customs from America's colonial past in one of New Jersey's most historic homes. Friday evening will be the annual Christmas Tree lighting. Saturday will host the gala Colonial Christmas Cocktail Party and Sunday the house will be open with midday events.

Dickens' Days
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, November 27, 28, 29, 2026
The Guild of Clinton, Clinton, NJ
This annual family event will transform Clinton into a Victorian Village. Take a trip back in time to Victorian Clinton and celebrate the season with Clinton's festive activities including horse and carriage rides, carolers, and more!
Cost: Typically around $10 for adults, with children 6 and under free

Holiday Walk Drone Light Show
Friday, November 27, 2026: 5:30pm–7pm
Downtown New Providence, NJ
The evening will feature music, activities, giveaways. @6pm: Santa arrives atop Terrana Orthodontics (65 South Street), along with the NPHS Marching Band.
@ 6:30pm (or thereabouts; anytime after Santa's arrival!) the evening will end with a drone light show.
Cost: Free to attend

Warren Holiday Festival
Friday, Saturday, November 27, 28, 2026
Municipal Complex, Warren, NJ
Families can enjoy festive highlights including Santa’s grand arrival atop a decorated firetruck, live performances, with strolling entertainers, colonial-era reenactors, and open house tours of historic sites.
Cost: Free to attend

Best Family-Friendly North Jersey Festivals in December 2026

German Christmas Market of NJ
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, December 4, 5, 6, 2026 (rain or shine)
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Rd, Augusta
Step into a festive wonderland at the German Christmas Market. This beloved annual event features authentic German food, handcrafted gifts, holiday music, and family-friendly entertainment. Step into a cherished German tradition with their collection of handcrafted wooden goods, imported directly from Germany.
Cost: Nominal admission fee. Additional charges for childre's activities

Kid-Friendly Festivals and Events in Central New Jersey

Discover an exciting lineup of family-friendly festivals, seasonal celebrations, and engaging community events happening throughout Central New Jersey.

Best Ongoing Family Friendly Central Jersey Events in 2026

Historic Village - Night of Frights
Friday, Saturday Nights, October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 2026: 6pm - 9pm
Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Township, NJ
Experience spine-tingling thrills at this immersive Halloween event where 18th- and 19th-century buildings come alive with ghosts, ghouls, and eerie entertainment. See the Village at night where everything that goes bump in the night comes out to play.
Cost: $21.97, Child 4-12 $16.73

Best Family-Friendly Central Jersey Festivals in October 2026

Piscataway Fall Harvest Festival
Weekends, October 16 - 18 & 23- 25, 2026
East Jersey Old Town Village, 1050 River Rd, Piscataway, NJ
This family-friendly event features living history interpreters, pumpkin picking, wagon rides, seasonal crafts, and live music by the Sawmill Run Old Time String Band. Guests can enjoy fresh pies, apple cider, and cider doughnuts while exploring the historic village grounds.
Cost: Free to attend

Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck and Music Festival
Saturday, Sunday, October 24, 25, 2026
Bradley Park, 101 5th Ave, Asbury Park, NJ
Celebrate spooky season at the Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck and Music Festival, a two-day family-friendly event across from Convention Hall. Featuring 20 gourmet food trucks, live bands, costume contests for all ages, a vendor shopping village, and an adult beverage garden, this festive fall gathering blends delicious eats with seasonal entertainment in one of New Jersey’s most iconic shore towns.
Cost: $5, Childen under 10, free

Último Domingo, Día de los Muertos at the Zimmerli Art Museum
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton St, New Brunswick, NJ
Último Domingo (Last Sunday) is a series celebrating Latinx culture and invites bilingual communities to come together through the experience of art
Celebrate Latino heritage at this vibrant, family-friendly afternoon filled with art-making, bilingual performances, and cultural exhibitions. This free event invites visitors of all ages to honor the Day of the Dead through interactive experiences that blend tradition and creativity, making it one of New Jersey’s top cultural happenings for fall 2026.
Cost: Free to attend. Pre-register for free parking

Best Family-Friendly Central Jersey Festivals in November 2026

Cow Parade
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Cherry Grove farm, Lawrenceville, NJ
This annual family festival features hay rides, face painting, bouncy house, kids' games, food, music, beer, local artisanal vendors, and more! After milking, you can watch as the cows, adorned with garlands, bells, and flowers, parade from the milking parlor, down the lane and around the field back to their pasture
Cost: Free to attend. Parking $20

Collect A Con
November 21, 22, 2026
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison, NJ
Get ready for the ultimate pop culture celebration at Collect-A-Con. This massive two-day event brings together anime merch, Funko POPs, vintage toys, trading cards, and celebrity guests from your favorite shows and games. Families, collectors, and cosplay fans alike will love the live performances, exclusive panels, and immersive experiences
Cost: $43.22-$48.37

Corn Picking & Thanksgiving Hayrides at The Howell Living History Farm
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Twp., NJ
Celebrate the spirit of the season at the Corn Picking & Thanksgiving Hayrides event. Families can enjoy festive hayrides, hands-on corn picking, and community giving by donating non-perishable food or new toys for Toys for Tots. This beloved fall tradition blends farm fun with holiday generosity.
Cost: Bring a non-perishable food item donation wagon to earn a ride on a hay wagon.

Greenberg's Great Train & Toy Show
November 28, 29, 2026
New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, Edison, NJ
This show Features Hundreds of Tables of Trains for Sale Exhibitors from Across the Country Huge Operating Model Train Displays Including: Free Workshops and Demonstrations Free Test Track . Test Run Your Trains at the Show On-Site Train Repairs Free Door Prize Giveaways Plus Much More!
Cost: $11, $12. Children (Ages 11 and under): FREE

Kid-Friendly Festivals and Events in Southern New Jersey

Discover an exciting lineup of family-friendly festivals, seasonal celebrations, and engaging community events happening throughout Southern New Jersey.

Best Ongoing Family Friendly South Jersey Events in 2026

Tri-State Sunlower Festival
Dalton Farms, 660 Oak Grove Rd. Swedesboro, NJ
September 10 until November 1, 2026
Wander acres of towering sunflowers in peak bloom. The festival blends vibrant fields, U-pick stems, photo-ready backdrops, hayrides, a variety of fun attractions and events for the whole family. With its sweeping views, it’s an ideal spot for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys a slow, scenic afternoon surrounded by golden color.
Cost: Weekday: $16.95 online / $20.00 at the gate - Weekend: $18.95 online / $25.00 at the gate

Diggerland-Diggerfest
Weekends, September 19 thru November 29, 2026
Diggerland, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ
The park transforms into an autumn adventure zone where kids can operate real machinery, enjoy fall-themed activities, and take part in special weekend entertainment. It's a lighthearted, hands-on celebration that blends Diggerland's signature dig and drive excitement with crisp weather charm, making it an easy pick for families looking to add something different to their fall outings.
Cost: $47.98

Jacks & Lights
September 18th - November 1st, 2026
Argos Farm, 1250 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ
Experience the jaw-dropping magic of thousands of carved jack o'lanterns lighting up the night sky. It's a family-friendly Halloween walk through filled with whimsical jack o'-lantern displays, themed light installations, and cozy fall atmosphere.
Cost: Online $19.95 - $24.95 | Gate $24.95 - $29.95

DiDonato's Magical Holiday Express
November 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, December 4-23, 2026
DiDonato's Family Fun Center, Hammonton, NJ
South Jersey’s beloved Christmas train ride. Families can experience a dazzling journey through millions of twinkling lights, meet Santa and his elves in their festive workshop, enjoy holiday treats, and explore the enchanting Holiday Village.
Cost: $22.95 - $31.95

Diggerland Drive thru Holiday Light Show
November 20 until January 3, 2027
100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin, NJ
This dazzling one-mile course transforms America's only construction-themed park into a festive wonderland of twinkling lights, animated displays, and illuminated tunnels. Families can enjoy holiday music via Diggerland's exclusive radio station while cruising through millions of lights. Perfect for all ages, this unforgettable event is a must-see New Jersey holiday tradition.
Cost: $37.99

Best Family-Friendly South Jersey Festivals in October 2026

Durga Puja
October 16, 17, 18, 2026
Indian Cultural Center at 820 NJ-73, Marlton, NJ
The three day Bengali Hindu cultural festival brings genuine depth and tradition to the calendar, showcasing elaborate classical dance performances, Rabindra Sangeet musical tradition, traditional folk rituals including the dhunuchi naach, and authentic Bengali cuisine, giving South Jersey's Bengali community, and anyone curious to experience the tradition firsthand.
Cost: Adult: $103.00, !3-18 years: $51.50, 6-12 Years: $41.20

Ocean City Halloween Parade
Thursday, October 29, 2026
Asbury Ave., Ocean City, NJ
The Ocean City NJ Halloween Parade is a beloved family-friendly event that lights up Asbury Avenue from 6th to 11th Street starting at 7:15 p.m. This festive parade features vibrant floats, creative costumes, marching bands, and plenty of candy and activities for all ages.
Cost: Free to attend

Best Family-Friendly South Jersey Festivals in November 2026

New Jersey Wing Fest
Saturday, November 7, 2026: 12PM–6PM
Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds, 275 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill, NJ
A haven for wing lovers. Guests can sample creative, spicy, and classic wings from local chefs and food trucks, enjoy live music, craft vendors, cold drinks, and family-friendly activities. It's a lively autumn celebration built around bold flavors, community spirit, and plenty of napkins.
Cost: $5-$50, Parking $10

Christmas at the Hangar
November 28, 2026
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, 500 Forrestal Road, Cape May, NJ
This festive holiday event transforms the historic aircraft hangar into a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, decorated planes, and family-friendly cheer. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, seasonal treats, and unique photo opportunities surrounded by vintage aircraft
Cost: Adults: $16 | Children (ages 3-12): $12 | Children (under 3): FREE | Active Duty U.S. Military: FREE

Collingswood Holiday Parade
Saturday, November 28, 2026
Downtown, Collingswood, NJ
This festive event transforms the heart of Collingswood into a winter wonderland of joy and celebration. The parade kicks off at Zane Avenue and marches all the way to West Linden Avenue, showcasing a spectacular lineup of marching bands, dancers, holiday-themed floats, mummers, mascots, and giants on stilts.
Cost: Free

Frequently Asked Questions About
Family-Friendly New Jersey Festivals

How are New Jersey family festivals organized in this guide?

The guide groups events by Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey, then sorts them by season or month. Each listing includes details such as dates, location, activities, and cost when available.

Are there free family festivals in New Jersey?

Yes. The guide lists free events, including the Piscataway Fall Harvest Festival, Último Domingo at the Zimmerli Art Museum, and the Ocean City Halloween Parade. Check each event page for current admission and parking details.

What types of family festivals are included?

The listings include farm and harvest events, Halloween activities, cultural celebrations, holiday markets, parades, and live entertainment. Families can compare event descriptions to find activities that fit their interests.

How can I confirm festival dates and ticket prices?

Use the event links in each listing to check the organizer's latest schedule, ticket prices, and any changes before visiting. This is especially helpful for events with selected dates or separate weekday and weekend pricing.