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Meet fireman, police officers, and EMTs at Mission Gratitude's Touch-A-Truck event. Photo courtesy Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph
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10/2/22 - By Laurie Rein

No tricks here, just treats: We've rounded up more than 55 FREE events for NJ kids and families in October. Save your money for candy and costumes, and load up on dozens of no-cost events every day of the month. Food, crafts, and fall fun are on tap at harvest festivals, including the Dunellen HarvestFest and Hoboken Harvest Festival, plus community fairs like Scotch Plains Day and Seton Hall Weekend.

October comes to a close with the main event of the season: Halloween. Throw on those costumes and head over to FREE celebrations, including trunk-or-treats in Wildwood and Glassboro and annual favorites like Cape May's Boo at the Zoo.

Read on for this month's gratis picks! For more FREE and low-cost fun, check out our Family Activity Calendar, as well as our Fall Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids and Halloween Events and Guide for NJ Kids.

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Free Things To Do from Saturday, October 1-Friday, October 7

Readington Hop Farms Oktoberfest

Readington
Saturday, October 1-Sunday, October 2
Readington Hop Farm is hosting its first Oktoberfest. Readington Brewery offers specialty Oktoberfest beers while Marketspace Vendor Events hosts craft vendors on the farm. German music is presented both days by Not Another Oompah Band. READ MORE

Saddle Brook Fun Family Street Fair

Saddle Brook
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

Mission Gratitude Touch-A-Truck

Randolph
Sunday, October 2
Join Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph for a family fun event honoring  local first responders and service dogs.  Meet fireman, police officers and rescue squad members and touch and climb into their vehicles.  READ MORE

Scotch Plains Day

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

Seek and Find

Trenton
Sunday, October 2
Families can explore nature together with “Seek,” an app by iNaturalist. A staff member teaches you how to use it, then go on a different Seek challenge each month. Use your own smartphone or participate with us as a group. READ MORE

Morristown Festival of Books & Kidfest

Morristown
Friday, October 7-Saturday, October 8
Morristown's popular all-day literary festival is back! Meet over 30 fiction, nonfiction, young adult, and children’s authors, plus enjoy book sales and signing, and outdoor entertainment. READ MORE
Head to Cranford for the annual Scarecrow Stroll. Photo by Laurie Rein
Head to Cranford for the annual Scarecrow Stroll. Photo by Laurie Rein

Free Things To Do from Saturday, October 8-Friday, October 14

Pumpkin Festival & Share the Harvest Food Drive

Cape May
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

Princeton Children's Book Festival

Princeton
Saturday, October 8
Returning in-person and outdoors, the annual Children's Book Festival welcomes children's book authors and illustrators to Hinds Plaza. Families can meet the people behind some of their favorite stories, get books signed and chat about literary inspiration.  READ MORE

28th Annual Pine Barrens Jamboree

Waretown
Saturday, October 8
Enjoy music, cultural demonstrations, nature and history programs, food vendors and more at this celebratory event.  READ MORE

World Diversity Day Children's Festival

Freehold
Saturday, October 8
Exciting performances and engaging activities await children as World Diversity Day Children’s Festival comes to Lake Topanemus Park. This outdoor event celebrates diverse cultures and acceptance of others with live entertainment and hands-on activities. READ MORE

Allentown Annual Fall Festival

Allentown
Sunday, October 9
This annual festival takes place in the charming and historic village of Allentown. Highlights include local artisans, food trucks, children's activities, petting zoo, live music and a classic car show.  READ MORE

Irish Festival at Historic Smithville

Galloway
Saturday, October 8-Sunday, October 9
The annual Irish Festival at Historic Smithville is a well-attended festival, with two stages and live music throughout the entire day. An Irish market, children’s activities, and a food court are also part of this amazing festival sponsored by Cape Atlantic Irish Association. READ MORE

Allentown Annual Fall Festival

Allentown
Sunday, October 9
This annual festival takes place in the charming and historic village of Allentown. Highlights include local artisans, food trucks, children's activities, petting zoo, live music and a classic car show.  READ MORE

Fallcraft At The Woodland

Maplewood
Sunday, October 9
Get a holiday shopping jump at Fallcraft at The Woodland in bustling Maplewood. The event is family-friendly and open to the public. Take a look at great items by talented, local craft artisans. READ MORE

Dunellen HarvestFest

Dunellen
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

Newton Fall Festival

Newton
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

Tree Bingo

Trenton
Sunday, October 9
Learn your leaf shapes in this family-friendly bingo with prizes. Outside, practice tree ID by collecting real leaves to use as game pieces. Then it’s game on. Everyone's “rooting” for you. READ MORE

Seton Hall Weekend

South Orange
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

Annual Scarecrow Stroll

Cranford
Friday, October 14-Monday, October 31
Cranford hosts its Annual Scarecrow Stroll and promises the event is the biggest and best yet. Gawk at more than 100 wild and crazy scarecrows on display throughout downtown Cranford. Register online to create your own scarecrow and enter to win prizes.  READ MORE

Free Things To Do from Saturday, October 15-Friday, October 21

Costume Pet Parade

Smithville
Saturday, October 15
Paw Dazzle hosts Historic Smithville Village's annual Costume Pet Parade. Spectators can watch more than 100 pets show off their special Halloween get-ups. READ MORE

Thompson Park Day

Lincroft
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

Springfield's Fall Festival and Car Show

Springfield
Sunday, October 16
Everyone is welcome to attend Springfield’s Annual Fall Festival and Car Show. Mountain Ave is lined with food trucks, vendors, a petting zoo, a horse-drawn carriage ride, live music, a beer garden, and an inflatable Kid Zone for all ages to enjoy. READ MORE

Kids Career Carnival

Chester
Sunday, October 16
Companies and organizations share hands-on activities, demos, games, and giveaways to spark career curiosity among elementary and middle school students. There is also plenty of fun for younger and older kids, as well as parents and educators. READ MORE

Chatsworth Cranberry Festival

Chatsworth
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

Atlantic City Fall Bazaar 2022

Atlantic City
Saturday, October 15-Sunday, October 16
Don't miss this free two-day fall celebration of makers, music and art in Atlantic City. Enjoy shopping in a beautiful arts & crafts-focused event space in the heart of Atlantic City. READ MORE

Gardens Aglow

Montclair
Friday, October 21
The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens come alive for one night only this Halloween season. Visitors can see a display of artfully carved jack-o'-lanterns provided by art students at local high schools. READ MORE

Scream on the Green

Summit
Friday, October 21
Dare to venture into the night and have some haunting-ly good entertainment and ghoulish goodies at Scream on the Green. The featured movie is The Nightmare Before Christmas.  READ MORE

Halloween Parade & Dance Party

Sea Isle City
Friday, October 21
This lively local parade features music, strolling entertainers, floats, local organizations, and many well-costumed entertainers and revelers. Following the parade, stick around for the Halloween Family Dance Party.   READ MORE

4-H Trunk or Treat

Bridgewater
Friday, October 21
Bring your treat bags to Ted Blum 4-H Center and collect candy from decorated cars. The fun includes crafts and games as well. READ MORE
Boo on Boardwalk returns to Point Pleasant beach. Photo courtesy of the event
Boo on Boardwalk returns to Point Pleasant beach. Photo courtesy of the event

Free Things To Do from Saturday, October 22-Friday, October 28

Hoboken Harvest Festival

Hoboken
Saturday, October 22
Free activities include pony rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, hayrides, a trackless train, music, a hay maze, face painting, a moonwalk, balloon art, craft activities and more. READ MORE

Halloween Spooktacular

Union
Saturday, October 22
The township of Union is going all out for Halloween this year with a trunk or treat plus an All Hallow's Evening. The trunk or treat features 30 vehicles and takes place from 1pm-4pm at Jefferson School parking lot. A prize is awarded for the best decorated. READ MORE

Monster Bash at Historic Smithville

Galloway
Saturday, October 22
Come spend a day and night in the Village and take part in the area’s largest Zombie Walk. Featured are vendors and music throughout the day; the “walk” begins at 6pm. Show up ready in full costume and makeup. Makeup artists will also be on site. READ MORE

YMCA Fall Harvest

Scotch Plains
Saturday, October 22
The Fanwood-Scotch Plains Y welcomes back its annual Fall Harvest event. This outdoor event is FREE and open to the community. There are tons of fun family activities, including arts and crafts, games, fitness stations, trackless train, a pumpkin patch, and more. READ MORE

Matawan Day

Matawan
Saturday, October 22
New date due to weather. Head over to Matawan for an afternoon of music, food, vendors, kids' activities, and more. Plus, don't miss pumpkin-decorating, eating contests, balloon animals and a beer and wine garden. READ MORE

Barnegat Drive-In Movie Series

Barnegat
Saturday, October 22
Head to the Barnegat Public Dock for a night at the drive-in every other Tuesday. Satisfy your snack cravings with The Lunch Wagon, Kona Ice of Tom's River, and Nully's Ice Cream, who are on-site for the occasion.  READ MORE

Montvale's Family Fun & Food Truck Street Festival

Montvale
Saturday, October 22
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
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

Haunts 4Heroes 2022

Franklinville
Saturday, October 22-Sunday, October 23
Have a great time at this Halloween-themed event, featuring family-friendly spooky decorations and fun activities. Bring bags for trick or treating throughout the stable and among vendors. Costumes are welcome. READ MORE

Boo at the Boardwalk

Point Pleasant
Saturdays and Sundays, from Saturday, October 22-Sunday, October 30
Celebrate Halloween at Jenkinson's Boardwalk with two weekends of family fun including trick-or-treating, crafts, face/arm painting, and entertainment. READ MORE

Feed the Animals

Trenton
Sunday, October 23
It’s lunchtime for the education animals. See what it takes to keep them healthy, clean, and fed. Some willing hands may be enlisted to help. READ MORE

Witches Day Out at Historic Smithville

Galloway
Sunday, October 23
Get spooked as Historic Smithville hosts Witch’s Day Out. Wear your witch’s hat and enter the hat contest. Parade and judging takes place between 3:30pm and 4:30pm. READ MORE

iPlay America's Trick-or-Treat Around the Park

Freehold
Friday, October 28
iPlay America invites you for a night of spooktacular and free fun. Enjoy the Trick-or-Treat Trail, costume contest, raffle, and more. READ MORE

Free Things To Do from Saturday, October 29-Monday October 31

Boo at the Zoo

Cape May
Saturday, October 29
Visitors of all ages should come in costume to this annual Halloween event sponsored by the Cape May County Board of Commissioners. Enjoy kid-friendly fun, candy, entertainment, plenty of animals, an inflatable obstacle course, and more.  READ MORE

Sussex County Harvest, Honey, and Garlic Festival

Augusta
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

North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Block Party

North Wildwood
Saturday, October 29
Get your car decked out for Halloween at this annual festive family event. Costumed children can visit each car, where families will provide treats from the trunks. Balloon twisting adds to the fun.  READ MORE

Strut Your Mutt: Canine Halloween Costume Contest

Montclair
Saturday, October 29
The annual Strut Your Mutt: Canine Halloween Costume Contest lets local dog owners show off their creative talents, celebrate their pets, and share a happy occasion with other dog owners. READ MORE

New Providence Annual Street Fair

New Providence
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

Halloween Trunk-or-Treat

Red Bank
Sunday, October 30
UMC of Red Bank welcomes families to its annual trunk-or-treat party in the back parking lot of their building. This year's event features DJ Marco Bianculli and a photo booth. Games, a costume parade, and prizes for best trunk round out the event. READ MORE

Downtown Morristown Trick-or-Treat

Morristown
Monday, October 31
Costumed cuties are invited to trick-or-treat at local businesses throughout downtown Morristown. READ MORE

2022 Montville Trunk or Treat

Montville
Monday, October 31
Kids are invited to collect goodies from trunks full of treats, hosted by local businesses and families. READ MORE

Trick or Treat at Physick Estate

Cape May
Monday, October 31
Spooky characters greet Halloween visitors to the Physick Estate. Kids in costume should bring their trick-or-treat bags for candy. Enjoy Halloween music and Scarecrow Alley as well.  READ MORE

Glassboro Fall Festival Trunk or Treat

Glassboro
Monday, October 31
Fill your bags with heaps of candy from dozens of cars that show up with trunks filled with treats. It's like going to 50 houses in 15 minutes.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph
Historic Cold Spring Village
Princeton Public Library
Wells Mills County Park
Downtown Chatsworth
Noyes Arts Garage at Stockton University
Jefferson School Parking Lot
Sussex County Fairgrounds
Downtown Morristown
Montville Community Park Amphitheater

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
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