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

Free in November: 35+ Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

Visit Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops. Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops
Visit Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops. Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops
11/4/22 - By Laurie Rein

The many FREE events in New Jersey are among the things to be thankful for in November. Stop by late fall festival freebies like the Day of the Dead Community Festival, Healthy HeARTS Festival, and Fall Festival at Adventure Sports & Entertainment. Or check out one of the Garden State's stunning FREE holiday light celebrations, including tree-lighting events in Cape May, Princeton, and Point Pleasant Beach. Read on for dozens of great free things to do in New Jersey this November. 

For more FREE and low-cost fun, check out our Family Activity Calendar and our Fall Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids.

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Ongoing Free Things To Do in November 2022

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Bridgewater

Bridgewater
Every Monday
Bring the little ones to Barnes & Noble in Bridgewater every Monday morning for stories and fun. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime in Livingston

Livingston
Every Tuesday and Thursday
Enjoy childhood classics and new favorites at Barnes & Noble in Livingston on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  READ MORE

Bookscape Babies

Princeton
Every Tuesday
Cotsen’s youngest patrons get active, social, and build their vocabularies in a special play space in the Bookscape gallery. Soft ramps, tunnels, and plush alphabet letters await. READ MORE

Barnes & Noble Storytime

Princeton
Every Tuesday and Saturday
Head over to Barnes & Noble at Princeton Market Fair every Tuesday and Saturday for seasonal stories and coloring.  READ MORE

Howell Family Storytime

Howell
Every Wednesday
Bring the little ones to Monmouth County Library's Howell branch for a fun morning of stories and crafts. READ MORE

Tiger Tales

Princeton
Every Friday
Join the staff at Cotsen Library for a special interactive weekly storytime. Tiger Tales begins with a story and ends with a hands-on project to take home. READ MORE

Cattus Island Nature Walks

Toms River
Every Saturday and Sunday
Join a park naturalist for a 40-year Ocean County tradition. Discover the fascinating and diverse wonders of the natural world. No registration is required. READ MORE

Live Animal Talks

Beechwood
Every Sunday
Head over to Jakes Branch County Park Nature Center every Sunday for an up-close look at the park's inhabitants. Visitors learn about the various species that call the Nature Center home. Talks last about 20 minutes. READ MORE
El Día de los Muertos returns to Princeton on Saturday, November 5. Photo courtesy of the Art Council of Princeton
El Día de los Muertos returns to Princeton on Saturday, November 5. Photo courtesy of the Art Council of Princeton

Free Things To Do in New Jersey from Tuesday, November 1-Sunday, November 6, 2022

"Here for the Holidays" Showcase

Millburn
Thursday, November 3
The Here for the Holidays Showcase features over 30 vendors with everything you need to entertain and look your best for the holidays. Enjoy tastings, demos, complimentary relaxation services, hands on mini-workshops, home décor shopping and more. READ MORE

Day of the Dead Community Festival

Princeton
Saturday, November 5
It's a Day of the Dead celebration in Princeton with strolling mariachis, sugar skull decorating, folk arts and crafts, food and drink, and traditional dance. Learn about this rich cultural holiday at this family-friendly event. READ MORE

Rock, Gem & Mineral Show

Mountainside
Saturday, November 5-Sunday, November 6
Explore minerals, rocks, gems, and fossils at Trailside Nature and Science Center. Over 20 vendors present and sell minerals, rocks, gemstones, and jewelry from around the world. READ MORE

Healthy HeARTS Festival

Elmer
Saturday, November 5
Appel Farm Arts & Music Center hosts Healthy HeARTS Festival, a celebration of arts and wellness to launch their new year-round Environmental Arts and Wellness program. READ MORE

Climb Time at Freneau Woods Park

Aberdeen
Saturday, November 5
Stop by Freneau Woods Park, and test your skills on the park system's 25-foot portable climbing wall. READ MORE

Awesome Autumn Campfire

Beechwood
Saturday, November 5
Gather around the campfire in the field at Jakes Branch County Park. Enjoy live music, lawn games, and refreshments.  READ MORE

Mill Demonstration at Historic Walnford

Freehold
Weekends from Saturday, November 5-Sunday, November 27
Observe a 19th-century gristmill in action at this historic farm property. While you're there, stroll through the 18th-century industrial village, as well as the woodlands and wetlands of the area. READ MORE

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Atlantic City
Daily from Saturday, November 5-Saturday, December 24
Bass Pro Shops welcomes visitors to make a holiday shopping trip more fun by adding a Santa visit to your outing. Pose for a free photo with Santa in-store. Reservations must be made online. READ MORE

Cookstove Demonstration at Longstreet Farm

Holmdel
Sunday, November 6
Visit the out kitchen at Historic Longstreet Farm, and see what's cooking on the woodstove. Discover how food, recipes, cooking techniques, and the kitchen itself has changed since the 1890s. READ MORE

Free Things To Do in New Jersey from Monday, November 7-Sunday, November 13, 2022

Art Fair 14C

Jersey City
Friday, November 11-Sunday, November 13
View and buy art from hundreds of artists in the Jersey City Armory. READ MORE

Family Saturdays: Collage

Princeton
Saturday, November 12
The Arts Council of Princeton’s Family Saturdays invites everyone to learn, connect, and grow through hands-on experiences with art. This workshop introduces children to the collage world through techniques like quilting, graffiti, and clipping to develop their imagination. READ MORE

Jaw Dropping World of Sharks Lecture Series

Trenton
Saturday, November 12
Dive in and discover more about sharks in this new lecture series held in conjunction with the exhibition “Jaw Dropping World of Sharks.” Each month features a different shark expert covering topics ranging from fossils to conservation efforts. READ MORE

Small Explorers: Oceans & Sharks!

Trenton
Saturday, November 12
This month's Small Explorers program focuses on the story “Swimmy” by Leo Lionni. Explore the shark exhibit, and learn about the creatures in the ocean. Make your own sea creature, and check out the shark teeth. Come explore the deep blue sea. READ MORE

Tree Bingo

Trenton
Sunday, November 13
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

Free Things To Do from in New Jersey Monday, November 14-Sunday, November 20, 2022

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Cape May
Saturday, November 19
The Physick Estate hosts this festive evening to kick off the holiday season. The fun begins with a concert by The Atlantic Brass Band, followed by a Physick Estate Open House, and finally Santa's tree lighting.  READ MORE

Hand Lettering Workshop: Make Something Special (FULL)

Madison
Saturday, November 19
The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts partners with The Book Arts Roundtable for a hand lettering workshop, taught by artists Ann Vollum and Chris Schorr. The session includes instruction on the design and hand lettering of a small art project that can be framed. READ MORE

Fall Festival at Adventure Sports & Entertainment

Jackson
Sunday, November 20
Experience fall fun at this new premiere sporting facility, with kids games, craft vendors, food, music, sports, laser tag and a special appearance by Trenton Thunder's Boomer. READ MORE

Nature Under the Microscope

Trenton
Sunday, November 20
Explore nature up close, really close! Staff guides participants through the use of a microscope to examine our collection of insects, butterfly wings, feathers, seeds, plus any natural treasures that you find while exploring outside the nature center. READ MORE
Princeton's Palmer Square gets decked out in holiday finery with a little help from Santa. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
Princeton's Palmer Square gets decked out in holiday finery with a little help from Santa. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square

Free Things To Do in New Jersey from Monday, November 21-Sunday, November 27, 2022

Dreamcatchers

Madison
Monday, November 21
Come to METC after school to celebrate Native American culture Thanksgiving week to make your very own dream catcher. This is a drop-in crafting event–no pre-registration is necessary. READ MORE

Thanksgiving Day Nature Walk

Kingston
Thursday, November 24
Before the big meal, get outside for some fresh air and exercise on a nature walk at the Mapleton Preserve. Participants may look for birds and feathers of all kinds, including turkeys, and enjoy the abundance and subtle beauty of late fall. READ MORE

Holiday Light Show on Lake Meone

Smithville
Daily from Thursday, November 24-Friday, January 6, 2023
Watch in wonderment as more than 100 Christmas trees magically float on Historic Smithville Village's Lake Meone. Visit any day of the week between 5:30pm and 8:30pm to catch a choreographed light show synchronized to music. READ MORE

Palmer Square Tree Lighting

Princeton
Friday, November 25
Princeton's charming Palmer Square gets decked out in its holiday best with a little help from Santa. Jolly old St. Nick is on hand to help flick the switch on the 32,000 lights that illuminate the giant spruce.  READ MORE

Point Pleasant Beach Tree Lighting

Point Pleasant
Friday, November 25
Santa makes his way to Downtown Point Pleasant, featuring a DJ, horse and carriage rides, refreshments and activities for the children. Take your picture with Santa at Ocean County Music. READ MORE

Bloomfield Center Holiday Hunt

Bloomfield
Saturday, November 26
The Bloomfield business owners and the Bloomfield Center Alliance welcome shoppers to an afternoon of holiday cheer, festive entertainment, giveaways and of course great local shopping. READ MORE

Santa's Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Cape May County Zoo

Cape May
Saturday, November 26
Santa Claus is coming to the Cape May Zoo and bringing plenty of festive holiday cheer. Enjoy live holiday music, an ice sculpture demonstration, Polar Express train ride, bounce house, character appearances, and free treats for all. Plus, get a visit with jolly old St. Nick himself. READ MORE

Celebrate the Arrival of Santa at iPlay

Freehold
Sunday, November 27
Join iPlay for Santa's grand arrival. The fun includes a Santa photo-op, holiday crafts to take home and more. READ MORE

Feed the Animals

Trenton
Sunday, November 27
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

Santa's Arrival in Morristown

Morristown
Sunday, November 27
Santa Claus is coming to Morristown. Visitors can watch Santa light the town green, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate,  and pose for photos at Santa's house. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton University Library
Monmouth County Library, Howell Branch
Cotsen Library at Princeton University
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center
Jake Branch County Park Nature Center
Museum of Early Trades and Crafts Education Annex
Adventure Sports & Entertainment

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.