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The Best Halloween Events in New Jersey for Families in 2022

Celebrate Brick or Treat at Legoland. Photo courtesy of Legoland
Celebrate Brick or Treat at Legoland. Photo courtesy of Legoland
9/25/22 - By Laurie Rein

Spooktacular news, New Jersey: Halloween 2022 is on its way, bringing with it a slew of family-friendly Halloween events! Grab your calendars, and start plotting your seasonal frights. From over-the-top fun at theme parks like Six Flags Great Adventure Fright Fest to animal-centric celebrations like Cape May's Boo at the Zoo, here are the best Halloween activities in New Jersey for kids and families.

Be sure to bookmark this post, as we plan to update it throughout the month with all the upcoming must-do events. And check out our Guide to Halloween Events in New Jersey and New Jersey Fall Fun Guide for even more thrills.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses and times. And keep in mind: Really cool things to do with kids often book up quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

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There's plenty of fun to be had during a visit to Six Flags Fright Fest no matter your age. Photo courtesy of Six Flags
There's plenty of fun to be had during a visit to Six Flags Fright Fest no matter your age. Photo courtesy of Six Flags

Fun Halloween Events at New Jersey Theme Parks

Haunted Wild West Fest

Stanhope
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, October 1- Sunday, October 30
Wild West City gets haunted this October. The daytime festival features classic Wild West City shows with a Halloween twist. When the sun sets, explore the haunted ghost town at the nighttime festival.  READ MORE

Boo at the Boardwalk

Point Pleasant–FREE
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

Trick-or-Treat Weekends at Storybook Land

Egg Harbor Township
Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, October 22-Sunday, October 30
Families visiting Storybook Land can climb aboard the Happy Hayride to pick a pumpkin, and decorate it just in time for Halloween. Then, find your way through Elmer’s Haymazin’ Maze, and pick up treat bags. READ MORE

Six Flags Great Adventure Fright Fest & Kid's Boo Fest

Jackson
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, October 30, plus Monday, October 31
Six Flags Great Adventure’s Fright Fest returns with its iconic, family-friendly “thrills by day” and “fright by night."  Experience 13 haunted houses, scare zones, the Trick-or-Treat Trail, live shows, haunted mazes, and more.  READ MORE

Brick-or-Treat at Legoland

East Rutherford
Daily through Monday, October 31
Join the LEGO Monsters at their Brick-or-Treat Monster Party this Halloween to celebrate the release of their brand new 4D Movie, The Great Monster Chase. Halloween activities include creative workshop builds, finding the missing monsters, taking selfies and more. READ MORE
The light show at Demarest Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm
The light show at Demarest Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm

Halloween Events on New Jersey's Farms

Halloween Light Show at Demarest Farms

Hillsdale
Select dates through Monday, October 31
Take a drive through the largest Halloween light show in New Jersey at Demarest Farms. A guided tour passes through 32 acres of brilliant Halloween light displays. READ MORE

Gardens Aglow

Montclair–FREE
Friday, October 21, 2022
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
Dust off your broom and fly on down to Witches Day Out in Historic Smithville. Photo courtesy of the village
Dust off your broom and fly on down to Witches Day Out in Historic Smithville. Photo courtesy of the village

Small-Town Halloween Events for New Jersey Kids

Addamsfest 2022

Westfield–FREE
Daily from Saturday, October 1-Monday, October 31
In honor of Westfield's own Charles Addams, this creepy and kooky celebration provides a safe environment for Addams-themed fun, including movies, exhibits, and more. READ MORE

Annual Scarecrow Stroll

Cranford–FREE
Daily, 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

Halloween Parade & Dance Party

Sea Isle City–FREE
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

Halloween Spooktacular

Union–FREE
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

Witches Day Out at Historic Smithville

Galloway–FREE
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

Ocean City Halloween Parade

Ocean City–FREE
Thursday, October 27
Feast your eyes upon creative costumes and floats, antique vehicles, and cheerleading and dance teams. READ MORE

North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Block Party

North Wildwood–FREE
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

Glassboro Fall Festival Trunk or Treat

Glassboro–FREE
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

2022 Montville Trunk or Treat

Montville–FREE
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–FREE
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
Delight in the lights at Wagner Farm Arboretum's Brite Nites Drive-Thru. Photo courtesy of the farm
Delight in the lights at Wagner Farm Arboretum's Brite Nites Drive-Thru. Photo courtesy of the farm

Haunted Halloween Events in New Jersey

Ghoul Spring Village at Historic Cold Spring Village

Cape May
Friday, October 21-Saturday, October 22
Take a spooky walk through Historic Cold Spring Village during its fourth annual Ghoul Spring Village. The family-friendly haunted walk features characters representing the land of the living and the world of the dead. READ MORE

Wagner Farm Arboretum Brite Nites

Warren
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Thursday, October 13-Saturday, October 29
Wagner Farm Arboretum's popular Brite Nite attraction returns for its 11th season with both drive-thru and walk-thru options. The family-focused Halloween-themed Brite Nites showcases an elaborate display of intricate, creative, hand-carved, and lit pumpkins.  READ MORE

Bloodshed Farms: The Last Drive

Columbus
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday, October 30
Your car might not feel so comfortable when it's surrounded by the twisted creatures and menacing characters of Bloodshed Farms. You navigate theatrical sets full of terrifying displays and special effects in this drive-thru haunted attraction. READ MORE

Haunt O'Ween

Holmdel
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday, October 30
Take a haunting walk through a tunnel of glowing jack-o’lanterns and nine “worlds” to explore across 200,000 square feet. The frightening fun includes games, rides, face painting, a carving station, and more. READ MORE

2022 Skylands Stadium Jack-o’-Lantern Experience

Augusta
Select dates through Friday, November 4
This festive 30-day event guarantees thrills and chills for the whole family! Enjoy seasonal food and drinks, carnival rides, pumpkin picking/painting, and a stroll through over 6,000 hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns in the crisp fall air with family and friends. READ MORE
Enjoy kid-friendly fun, candy, entertainment, and plenty of animals at Boo at the Zoo in Cape. May. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Enjoy kid-friendly fun, candy, entertainment, and plenty of animals at Boo at the Zoo in Cape. May. Photo courtesy of the zoo

Halloween Events With Furry Friends

Costume Pet Parade

Smithville–FREE
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

Marty's Place Howl-O-Ween Family Fest

Freehold
Saturday, October 22
Have furry fun at Marty’s Place Howl-O-Ween Family Fest, featuring hay rides, ghost walk, a canine costume contest (with prizes), dog photo sessions, mini swim sessions, raffles, K-9 sheriff demos, a kid zone and more.  READ MORE

Haunts 4Heroes 2022

Franklinville–FREE
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

Strut Your Mutt: Canine Halloween Costume Contest

Montclair–FREE
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

Boo at the Zoo

Cape May–FREE
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

Howl-O-Ween at Turtle Back Zoo

West Orange
Monday, October 31
Trick-or-treat at Turtle Back Zoo, featuring candy stations throughout the grounds. Grab a bag and your costumes, and enjoy treats and entertainment. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Downtown Westfield
Jefferson School Parking Lot
6th Street & Asbury Avenue
Montville Community Park Amphitheater
Columbus Farmers Market

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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