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Free in October 2025: 51 Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

The Ridgefield Park Music Fest Street Fair has lots to see and do, including music, food, games, and rides. Photo courtesy of JC Promotions
The Ridgefield Park Music Fest Street Fair has lots to see and do, including music, food, games, and rides. Photo courtesy of JC Promotions
9/30/25 - By Laurie Rein

The month of October is chock full of goodies, with more than 50 fun and FREE events for NJ kids and families. Save your money for candy and costumes, and take advantage of 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 Palmer Square's Fall Fest. Swing by local street community celebrations in Matawan and Maplewood.

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 Union and Dover and annual favorites like the Ocean City Halloween Parade. 

For more FREE and low-cost fun, check out Free Halloween Events in New Jersey and 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 in October 2025

Ridgefield Park Music Fest Street Fair

Ridgefield
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Main Street is transformed into a giant town block party, from Park Street to Cedar Street. Presented by Ridgefield Park Board of Commissioners, the festival brings out thousands of music lovers. Bands perform on the Cedar Street stage, plus enjoy a DJ with games and activities by Park Street. READ MORE

Readington Hop Farms Oktoberfest

Neshanic Station
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Readington Hop Farm hosts a jam-packed Oktoberfest. The fun includes goat races, unique local vendors, dancing and singing to live music, a wide selection of traditional German beers and more. READ MORE

Matawan Day

Matawan
Saturday, October 4, 2025
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

Oktoberfest in Historic Smithville

Galloway
Saturday, October 4-Sunday, October 5, 2025
Historic Smithville’s famous Oktoberfest has more than 150 juried crafters, an international food court, music, kids’ activities, nonprofit organizations, and more. READ MORE

Scotch Plains Day

Scotch Plains
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Swing by the downtown for live music, entertainment, food trucks, community groups, inflatables, a car show and a kid zone.  READ MORE

18th Annual Scarecrow Stroll

Cranford
Friday, October 10-Friday, October 31, 2025
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

Somerset County Journey Through the Past

various locations
Saturday, October 11-Sunday, October 12, 2025
Visit Somerset County for its 20th annual Journey Through the Past. Participate in its new passport program while you visit up to 32 historic sites throughout the county - all open and free to the public on Saturday and Sunday. READ MORE

Family Saturday: Halloween at Alice Paul Center

Mt. Laurel
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Join the Alice Paul Center for a not-so-spooky celebration of Halloween. Play historical fortune telling games and make Halloween-themed crafts. At 1 pm, enjoy a presentation on the history and traditions of tarot cards. READ MORE

31st Annual Pine Barrens Jamboree

Waretown
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Enjoy music, cultural demonstrations, nature and history programs, food vendors, and more at this celebratory event.  READ MORE

Irish Festival at Historic Smithville

Galloway
Saturday, October 11-Sunday, October 12, 2025
The annual Irish festival at Historic Smithville offers two stages of live music throughout the day. As part of this amazing festival sponsored by the Cape Atlantic Irish Association, you can peruse an Irish market, enjoy children’s activities, and eat at a food court. READ MORE

Fall Fest at Palmer Square

Princeton
Sunday, October 12, 2025
(new date due to weather) All are invited to Princeton’s ultimate fall fest! Enjoy a festive afternoon filled with everything there is to love about the fall season, including music, games, face painting, a photo booth, crafts and more. READ MORE

CANCELED- Dunellen HarvestFest

Dunellen
Sunday, October 12, 2025
(canceled due to weather) The 13th annual Dunellen HarvestFest features artists and crafters from around the Garden State, local nonprofits, activities for kids, food, music, dancing, and more. READ MORE

CANCELED- Califon Street Fair 2025

Califon
Sunday, October 12, 2025
(canceled due to weather) The historic downtown of Califon is transformed into a communal scene of fall fun, shopping, food, and entertainment. Stroll through the picturesque downtown and enjoy exquisite artisans and crafters, a variety of tasty food trucks and vendors, a beer garden, a pie-eating contest, and live music. READ MORE

Gardens Aglow

Montclair
Friday, October 17, 2025
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

Halloween Parade & Dance Party in Sea Isle City

Sea Isle City
Friday, October 17, 2025
This lively local parade features music, strolling entertainers, floats, local organizations, and many well-costumed revelers. Following the parade, stick around for the Halloween Family Dance Party.   READ MORE

Chatsworth Cranberry Festival

Chatsworth
Saturday, October 18-Sunday, October 19, 2025
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

Boo at the Boardwalk

Point Pleasant
Saturdays and Sundays, from Saturday, October 18-Sunday, October 26, 2025
Celebrate Halloween at Jenkinson's Boardwalk with two weekends of family fun, including trick-or-treating, crafts, a magic show, limited kiddie rides, slime, and more. READ MORE

Voorhees Harvest Festival

Voorhees
Saturday, October 18, 2025
This free family event features a pumpkin patch, hayrides, Voorhees Art Commission pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, Voorhees Fire Prevention, craft and food vendors, petting zoo, DJ, and more. READ MORE

Halloween Celebration in Union

Union
Saturday, October 18, 2025
The township of Union is going all out for Halloween this year with a trunk or treat plus an evening food truck festival. 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

Costume Pet Parade at Historic Smithville

Galloway
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Paw Dazzle hosts the Annual Costume Pet Parade, Historic Smithville’s cutest event. Spectators can watch 100+ pets show off their unique Halloween costumes. READ MORE

Spookfest Market 2.0 in Piscataway

Piscataway
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Get ready for a frightfully fun day at the Second Annual Outdoor Spookfest Market by Beastro Events, a family-friendly Halloween celebration that is hauntingly unforgettable. ️ READ MORE

Cranford Carve Out and Parade of Pumpkins

Cranford
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Take a spooky stroll through Hanson Park, where illuminated pumpkins are on display. Various pumpkin prizes are awarded.  READ MORE

Fall Harvest Festival at Tice's Corner Marketplace

Woodcliff Lake
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Tice's Corner Marketplace hosts a festival of the season with plenty of fall fun, including bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists, fall-themed games and more. Come in costume! READ MORE

Dover Trunk or Treat

Dover
Saturday, October 18, 2025
The Town of Dover celebrates Halloween with its 15th annual trunk or treat. Collect goodies at Crescent Field Parking Lot. Don't miss the costume and trunk-decorating contests. READ MORE

Maplewood Art Walk & Music Fest

Maplewood
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Maplewood's art scene comes alive with the works of local artists, plus live music, children's activities and art competitions. It's a perfect opportunity to check out Maplewood's local shops and eateries.  READ MORE

Addams Family Fun Day in Westfield

Westfield
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Join Morticia, Gomez and other Addams Family favorites at this spooky and spectacular festival, which is part of Westfield's month-long AddamsFest. The fun includes character visits, live entertainment, bubbles, pumpkin decorating and more. READ MORE

Fair Lawn Street Fair & Craft Show

Fair Lawn
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Take a stroll through downtown Fair Lawn, and peruse original and interesting arts & crafts, shopping, live music, kid's games and great food. READ MORE

Thompson Park Day

Lincroft
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Celebrate the magic of autumn with this annual event that features a variety of family-friendly activities, including pumpkin painting, entertainment, archery, kids' races, rides, food and more. READ MORE

2025 Cape May Halloween Parade

Cape May
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Cheer on costumed marchers, plus decked-out cars and golf carts, at Cape May’s Annual Halloween Parade. Prizes are awarded for many categories, such as funniest, scariest, and most original. READ MORE

Dia De Los Muertos: Day of the Dead Celebration

Washington
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Dia De Los Muertos: Day of the Dead Celebration returns to Downtown Washington, featuring a traditional Mariachi Band, free sugar skull face painting, artisan, and local vendors. Send a message to your deceased loved ones in the fire pit. READ MORE

Trick or Treat Around the Park at iPlay America

Freehold
Friday, October 24, 2025
Join iPlay American for a free night of spooktacular fun. Enjoy the Trick or Treat Trail, enter the costume contest and raffle, get great giveaways, and more.   READ MORE

Belmar Costume Contest and Trunk or Treat

Belmar
Friday, October 24, 2025
Double the Halloween fun with a parade and trunk or treat in the Dempsey Park lot. Prizes are awarded for the funniest, scariest, and most original costumes. READ MORE

Strut Your Mutt: Canine Halloween Costume Contest

Montclair
Saturday, October 25, 2025
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

Avalon Trunk or Treat

Avalon
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Enjoy an evening of fun with decked out cars full of treats. Come in costume! READ MORE

Hillsborough Howl-O-Ween

Hillsborough
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Pups are the stars of this Halloween parade at Ann Van Middlesworth Dog Park. Cheer on costumed dogs as they compete for prizes. Vendors round out the fun. READ MORE

Hometown Halloween in Washington Borough

Washington
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Bring the family trick-or-treating at Hometown Halloween in Downtown Washington. The fun includes prizes for best costumes, a DJ playing spooky tunes, and festive pumpkins entered by the businesses for the pumpkin-decorating contest. READ MORE

BOOgie Bash- Beyond The Boogie's Trunk or Treat

Montclair
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Put on your costume and head to the Bellevue Avenue Parking Lot for trick or treating and a dance party. READ MORE

PAL Halloween Parade in Summit

Summit
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Parade goers of all ages are invited to march in costume from Deforest Avenue to the Village Green, followed by music, entertainment and snacks. Costume awards include Most 2025 Relevant, Scariest, Cutest, Best Group, Mayor's Choice and more. READ MORE

Monster Bash in Historic Smithville

Galloway
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Historic Smithville invites visitors to enjoy vendors and music throughout the day leading up to its evening Zombie Walk. Show up ready in full costume and makeup. Horror Queen Genoveva Rossi signs autographs all day. READ MORE

Morris Township's Annual Trunk-or-Treat and Halloween Movie

Morris Township
Saturday, October 25, 2025
A big screen movie plus trunk or treat make for a fun day in Morris Township. Collect treats from trunks on Dwyer Lane, then gather for a showing of a Halloween movie on Ginty Field at dusk. READ MORE

New Providence Street Fair

New Providence
Sunday, October 26, 2025
The new New Providence Fall Festival Street Fair is a day packed with festive fun, food, and fantastic finds, presented by New Providence Business. Experience over 100 amazing vendors, crafters and local businesses, plus two kid zones. READ MORE

Witches Day Out at Historic Smithville

Galloway
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Get spooked as Historic Smithville hosts Witches Day Out. Wear your witch’s hat and enter the hat contest. Plus, enjoy a scavenger hunt, raffles, and a parade. READ MORE

The Bazaar Fall Festival at Whitechapel Projects

Asbury Park
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Don't miss The Bazaar's annual Fall Festival at Whitechapel Projects, complete with a pet costume contest, workshops, music, delicious food and libations, and activities galore. Kids can dress up and go trick-or-treating at vendor tables. READ MORE

Edison Trunk or Treat

Edison
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Edison Chamber of Commerce welcomes trick-or-treaters to its trunk or treat. Don your most creative costumes and enter the costume contest for a chance to win amazing prizes.  READ MORE

Villians' Halloween Costume Party at Casino Pier

Seaside Heights
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Step into the dark side this Halloween at the Villains Halloween Party. The most mischievous villains are taking over the Casino Pier Arcade and are the judges for the ultimate costume contest with multiple categories and prizes. READ MORE

2025 Montville Trunk or Treat

Montville
Thursday, October 30, 2025
(new date due to weather) Kids are invited to collect goodies from trunks full of treats, hosted by local businesses and families. READ MORE

Ocean City Halloween Parade

Ocean City
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Feast your eyes on creative costumes and floats, antique vehicles, and cheerleading and dance teams at this 77th annual parade. READ MORE

Downtown Morristown Trick-or-Treat

Morristown
Friday, October 31, 2025
Costumed cuties are invited to trick-or-treat at local businesses throughout downtown Morristown. READ MORE

Halloween Family Bash in Jersey City

Jersey City
Friday, October 31, 2025
Have a ghoulishly good time in historic downtown Jersey City on Halloween. Enjoy games, a corn maze, face-painting, pumpkins, a bouncy house, candy and more. READ MORE

Trick or Treat at Physick Estate

Cape May
Friday, October 31, 2025
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

Places featured in this article:

Somerset County various locations
Wells Mills County Park
Downtown Chatsworth
Jefferson School Parking Lot
Maplewood Village
Montville Community Park Amphitheater
6th Street & Asbury Avenue
Downtown Morristown
Newark Ave Pedestrian Mall

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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