Take a dip at Raging Waters or one of New Jersey's other terrific water parks. Photo by David Howarth
40 Things To Do in New Jersey Before School Starts
Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
25 Back-to-School Tasks You Didn't Know You Could Pay Someone Else to Do
Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for New Jersey Kids
Cascade down the lazy river at Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
41 Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer: Summer Fun Guide
An area of Hooks Creek Lake is sectioned off for swimming. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Best Swimming Lakes in New Jersey You Need To Discover
Visit Crystal Springs Family Water Resort and spend the day swimming and splashing. Photo courtesy of the resort
Best Swimming Pools with Day Passes in New Jersey
The Funplex's rides will please little thrill-seekers.
The Funplex Amusement Park and Water Park Guide: Family Fun in East Hanover and Mt. Laurel
Ocean Oasis water park is among New Jersey's best outdoor water parks.
Best Outdoor Water Parks in New Jersey for Family Fun
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Get ready for beach treasure hunts this summer in Lavallette. Photo courtesy of Enjoy Lavallette
105 Free Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer with Kids
The Wildwoods boasts 5 miles of beautiful, free beaches. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods
Best Free Beaches on the Jersey Shore for Families
GUIDE
Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide
All aboard for family fun at A Day Out With Thomas. Photo courtesy of Delaware River Railroad Excursions
21 Best Things To Do in New Jersey August 2023 with Kids
Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
100 Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids Before They Grow Up
Floating through the water at Morey's Piers is a great way to beat the heat this summer. Photo by David Howarth
Heat Wave Hot List: 27 Cool Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Totally Tubular Aqua Park offers 5,000 square feet of wet-and-wild fun in Ocean City.
Inflatable Water Parks in New Jersey
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers.. Photo by Kip Dawkins
70 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide
Hop on a ride at Morey's Piers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Great Amusement Parks in New Jersey for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Long Branch Beach, NJ. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
40 Indoor Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey for Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
The Steel Pier Amusement Park is a family-friendly destination in Atlantic City.
Visiting the Steel Pier with Kids: Guide to this Jersey Shore Amusement Park
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park is a dream come true for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey: 12 That Are Worth the Drive
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Free Indoor Play Spots in New Jersey for Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 16 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Free Fun Things to Do with NJ Kids
At Tenafly Nature Center Camp, kids experience the natural world. Photo courtesy of the nature center
Most Affordable Summer Camps in New Jersey for Kids
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Allow yourself to get drawn into the mesmerizing art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
Indoor Activities for Kids: 40 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day in NJ
Guests experience the safari at Six Flags Great Adventure from the privacy and safety of their own vehicles. Photo courtesy of Six Flags
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

Fall Fairs and Harvest Festivals in New Jersey for Families

Celebrate the coming of fall at the Happy Day Farm Fall Festival. Photo courtesy of the farm
Celebrate the coming of fall at the Happy Day Farm Fall Festival. Photo courtesy of the farm
9/23/22 - By Laurie Rein

New Jersey's farms are bursting with ripe apples ready to be plucked from the trees, which means harvest festival season is upon us. We've rounded up 25+ great fall fairs and harvest fests in New Jersey, all packed with signature seasonal fun like hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking, pie contests, scarecrow making, live animals, live music, and more. Some even incorporate a little early Halloween fun.

For more seasonal activities, be sure to check out our New Jersey Fall Fun Guide, our New Jersey Halloween Guide, and our list of 45 things we can't wait to do in NJ with kids this fall. 

Sign up for our FREE newsletters to get the latest fall coverage and more delivered right to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Pick pumpkins and enjoy more fall fun every weekend at Johnson's Corner Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Pick pumpkins and enjoy more fall fun every weekend at Johnson's Corner Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

Fall Fairs and Harvest Festivals in New Jersey for Kids in 2022

Farm Festival

Clifton–FREE
Thursday, September 29
Join City Green at the Farm Eco-Center for Farm Fest, featuring live music from Jeiris Cook and drinks from Ghost Hawk Brewery. Grab a bite to eat or bring your own picnic, plus shop and visit the goats and chickens in the Learning Farm. READ MORE

Fall Craft & Music Festival- CANCELED

Cream Ridge
Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2
Canceled due to weather. Come support local businesses at the Fall Craft & Music Festival. With over 50 unique craft vendors, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for a loved one or even yourself. There are also incredible live musicians.  READ MORE

Hightstown Harvest Fair & Tricentennial - CANCELED

Hightstown–FREE
Saturday, October 1
Canceled due to weather. The Hightstown Harvest Fair promises a day filled with local artists and crafters, small businesses, live entertainment, great food, and children’s rides and activities. READ MORE

North Brunswick's Annual Heritage Day

North Brunswick–FREE
Saturday, October 1
New date due to weather. Join North Brunswick Township for one of its biggest events of the year. Heritage Day is held annually during the fall to celebrate North Brunswick's rich history and diverse cultural heritage. READ MORE

Scotch Plains Day

Scotch Plains–FREE
Sunday, October 2
Swing by downtown Scotch Plains for live music, entertainment, food trucks, community groups, and a kid zone.  READ MORE

Saddle Brook Fun Family Street Fair

Saddle Brook–FREE
Sunday, October 2
The annual UNICO Street Fair features merchandise and craft vendors, kiddie rides, great food, displays showcasing local merchants and civic groups, and live music. Shop with quality exhibitors, enjoy a bite to eat, and relax in the live music area. READ MORE

Pumpkin Festival & Share the Harvest Food Drive

Cape May–FREE
Saturday, October 8
The 30th Annual Pumpkin Festival provides family-friendly entertainment and fun throughout the day, including craft and food vendors, face painting, pumpkin painting, a haunted barn, games, activities, and more. READ MORE

Newton Fall Festival

Newton–FREE
Sunday, October 9
The town of Newton and the Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce team up for this annual family-friendly fall festival along Spring Street. Enjoy live music, classic cars, a 1950's costume contest and food during the festivities. READ MORE

Dunellen HarvestFest

Dunellen–FREE
Sunday, October 9
The 10th annual Dunellen HarvestFest features artists and crafters from around the Garden State, local nonprofits, activities for kids, food, music, dancing, and more. READ MORE

Seton Hall Weekend

South Orange–FREE
Friday, October 14-Sunday, October 16
Head to Seton Hall University for a fun weekend celebration of community spirit and of the close ties enjoyed by alumni, students, faculty, staff, and neighbors. Enjoy outdoor performances, crafts, rides, carnival games, theater performances, tours, and sporting events. READ MORE

Chatsworth Cranberry Festival

Chatsworth–FREE
Saturday, October 15-Sunday, October 16
Considered one of the best festivals in the Mid-Atlantic region, the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival is a colorful and fun-filled celebration of the fall cranberry harvest. Enjoy delicious cranberry delights, hundreds of vendors, and non-stop musical entertainment. READ MORE

Harvest Homecoming at the Frazee House

Scotch Plains–FREE
Saturday, October 15
The historical Frazee House of Scotch Plains hosts its 5th annual Harvest Homecoming. Activities include live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, food trucks, balloon art, face painting, pumpkin tossing, and a haunted trail.  READ MORE

Thompson Park Day

Lincroft–FREE
Sunday, October 16
Drop by Thompson Park for a fall day full of family fun. Pumpkin painting, wagon rides, a scarecrow contest, and more make for a festive fall day. READ MORE

Celebrate Fall 2022

Summit
Sunday, October 16
The Reeves-Reed Arboretum welcomes visitors for an afternoon filled with family-friendly entertainment. Play games, do arts and crafts, decorate pumpkins, and get plenty of face time with the goats at this highly anticipated seasonal festival.  READ MORE

Grayrock N Roll Fall Festival

Clinton–FREE
Saturday, October 22
Head over to Grayrock Farm Sanctuary for this day-long affair. More than 60 vendors sell their goodies. Plus, enjoy farm animals visits and live music. Food trucks are on-site. READ MORE

Harvest Festival

Paterson–FREE
Saturday, October 22
Celebrate fall at City Green's Harvest Festival at Eastside Park in Paterson. Pick up pumpkins, create fall nature crafts, shop for City Green seasonal veggies, and more. READ MORE

Montvale's Family Fun & Food Truck Street Festival

Montvale–FREE
Sunday, October 23
The Montvale Chamber of Commerce hosts its 11th annual street fair, featuring more than 150 quality exhibitors, a special arts and crafts section, a kids' area, a community section, two food courts, and continuous live entertainment all day. READ MORE

Long Branch Fall Bazaar 2022

Long Branch–FREE
Saturday, October 22- Sunday, October 23
Don’t miss the Long Branch Fall Bazaar, a family-friendly event featuring all things fall, spooky and fun. Check out Halloween-themed vendors, live music, children's activities, and more.  READ MORE

Sussex County Harvest, Honey, and Garlic Festival

August–FREE
Saturday, October 29
The 11th annual Sussex County Harvest, Honey, & Garlic Festival is a celebration of agritourism, ecotourism, arts, and heritage. Enjoy a farmers' market with local Sussex County and Jersey Fresh products like fruit, vegetables, cheese, wine, and more. READ MORE

New Providence Annual Street Fair

New Providence–FREE
Sunday, October 30
The New Providence Street Fair promises a day of fun for the entire family. The streets are filled with various exhibits, vendors, and activities. Expect kiddie rides, a climbing wall, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, sand art, temporary tattoos, and so much more.  READ MORE

Happy Day Farm Fall Festival

Manalapan
Select dates through Sunday, October 30
Fall is in the air at Happy Day Farm. Pick a pumpkin from the patch, enjoy corn hole, a corn maze, hay mountain, pedal carts, pumpkin bowling, tractor rides, and much more. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. READ MORE

Wightman Farms Fall Festival 2022

Morristown
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday, October 30
Head over to Wightman Farms for the all-inclusive fall fun package that includes apple and pumpkin orchard entry, one pumpkin per person, tote bag, scenic hayride, and Mazeland entry. Tickets are sold on-site.  READ MORE

Fall Fest at A. Casola Farms

Holmdel
Daily through Monday, October 31
Pack up your goblins and monsters and head to A.Casola Farms for some haunted Halloween fun. Events including pumpkin picking, pony rides, corn mazes, and a petting zoo, plus daytime hayrides and a haunted house on weekends. READ MORE

Fall Family Weekends at Terhune Orchards

Princeton
Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, October 30
During seven fall weekends, a day of fun on the farm awaits the entire family. Enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, barnyard animals, pony rides, pedal tractors, and the hay bale maze.  READ MORE

Fall Picking & Hayrides at Johnson's Corner Farm

Medford
Daily through Monday, 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

Great Pumpkin Festival

Vernon
Select dates through Sunday, November 6
The largest fall festival in northern New Jersey features 40+ themed activities including farm animals, a spider web crawl, a stunt dog show, an anniversary-themed corn maze, an obstacle course, farm animals, duck racing and more. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Historic Cold Spring Village
Downtown Chatsworth
Grayrock Farm Sanctuary
City Green Learning Garden at Eastside Park
Sussex County Fairgrounds

About the Author

Laurie R
Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com
Recent Articles By Laurie R:
Read more articles by Laurie Rein.