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 like hayrides and pumpkin patches.

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 with fall festivals—think kids' activities featuring food trucks, games like cornhole and apple bobbing, and options for every age.

Northern NJ Fall Activities & Events

Great Pumpkin Festival
Now until November 2nd, 2025
Heaven Hill Farm, Vernon, NJ
This festival features 35+ family fun outdoor activities included! Hayrides, Alien Invasion themed corn maze, farm animals, live entertainment, and so many fun activities for the entire family. Plus, don’t miss the 100’s of photo opportunity spots along the way! They also have 12 carnival rides, Apple Cannon, Paintball Range, Gem Mining, Wine Tasting, Food Vendors, Kettle Corn, Our Famous Apple Cider Donuts, amazing selection of pumpkins, gourds, mums, the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show followed by Pig Racing.

Jack O’Lantern Experience
Sept 26 to Nov 2, 2025, Skylands Stadium, Augusta
A must-see fall attraction featuring over 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins and dazzling light displays. Perfect for families, couples, and Halloween lovers, this immersive walk-through event transforms the stadium into a glowing wonderland of themed scenes, seasonal music, and photo-worthy moments. Timed tickets ensure a smooth experience, with hot cider and treats available onsite. Don't miss one of New Jersey's top autumn events—ideal for spooky fun and unforgettable memories.

Mountain Creek Fall Festival
Weekends, Sept 27 to Nov 2, 2025, Vernon
Experience the vibrant colors and crisp mountain air at this family-friendly event. Features scenic sky rides, thrilling mountain coaster adventures, live music, local food vendors, and seasonal favorites like hay mazes, bounce houses, and pumpkin shopping. Whether you're leaf-peeping, sipping cider, or enjoying outdoor games, the Fall fest offers unforgettable fun for all ages.

Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular
November 6th, 2025 - January 11th, 2026, Thursdays & Sundays: 4pm-8pm Fridays & Saturdays: 4pm - 9pm
Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun County Park, Paramus, NJ
Larger-than-life glowing lanterns have been installed creating 30+ glowing scenes. See animals real and imagined laid out throughout the zoo.
Let it Glow is a symphony of vivid glowing colors to tease your eyes and dazzle the mind. Come and enjoy an enchanting stroll throughout the zoo These larger than life lanterns are amazing in picture but stunning in person! With over 30 scenes, these hand-made artistic wonders are more breath-taking than the last! Its one of those things you need to see in person to truly appreciate.

Central NJ Fall Activities & Events

Happy Day Farm Fall Festival
Manalapan Township, NJ | Select dates Sep 13 - Nov 2, 2025
This family-friendly event is packed with over 35 activities, including hayrides, pony rides, pig races, sunflower mazes, a corn maze, petting zoo with farm animals, giant slides, and popular seasonal snacks.

Fall Festival Weekend at Von Thun’s
Saturdays & Sundays, September 13th – November 2nd, 2025
Monmouth Junction, NJ
Von Thun offers a patchwork of seasonal fun designed for everyone, from toddlers toddling after baby goats to friends staging friendly corn maze races. Bring a camera—there are plenty of Instagram-worthy moments across the 20+ attractions, and every weekend introduces new reasons to return.

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.

Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck and Music Festival
Saturday, October 25, 2025, Bradley Park, Asbury Park
Celebrate spooky season at the Asbury Park Halloween Food Truck and Music Festival, a two-day family-friendly event at Bradley Park 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

Piscataway Fall Harvest Festival
Oct 24 to 26 and Oct 31 to Nov 1, 2025, Piscataway
This free, 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. Perfect for families and fall lovers, the festival offers a nostalgic blend of heritage and harvest fun in the heart of Middlesex County

Corn Picking & Thanksgiving Hayrides at The Howell Living History Farm
Saturday, November 29, 2025
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—making it one of the top Thanksgiving weekend activities in New Jersey for all ages

Southern NJ Fall Activities & Events

Explore these exciting NJ fall festivals packed with seasonal fun across Southern New Jersey.

Fintastic Pumpkin Glow at Adventure Aquarium
September 25 to November 2, 2025, Camden
Dive into autumn magic at the Fintastic Pumpkin Glow. This family-friendly fall event features glowing pumpkin sculptures floating above and submerged among sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. Guests can explore aquatically themed gourd displays, enjoy hands-on activities like Paint-A-Pumpkin, and experience a non-spooky seasonal celebration perfect for all ages. Don't miss this unique blend of underwater wonder and festive flair—ideal for fall outings near Philadelphia and South Jersey.

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

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

Ocean City Halloween Parade
Oct 30, 2025, Ocean City
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. Join the community in celebrating Halloween spirit with fun, treats, and spooky sights in one of the tri-state area's longest-running nighttime parades.

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.