Fall in NJ is perfectly cool and welcoming. Enjoy changing leaves, cooler weather, and seasonal fun. If you’re looking for what to do in fall in New Jersey, here are over 20 ideas for what to do!
What to do in Fall in NJ
We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in New Jersey during the fall. Let us know in the comments what your family loves doing best!
Check out leaves.
Head to one of the many state parks in NJ and check out the turning leaves. With a state covered in deciduous trees, you’re sure to find an explosion of fall colors across the state.
Pumpkin Picking.
Head to a pick your own pumpkin farm in New Jersey and grab a pumpkin to carve with your family.
Try Apple Picking this Fall in NJ
Similarly, head to one of the many NJ apple orchards and grab a bushel of the juicy fruit. Try baking some healthy apple muffins or perfectly decadent apple pie.
Another fall favorite is pear picking in NJ!
Visit a Corn Maze.
The Garden State is known for it’s amazing, fresh corn at the end of summer, and that summer leaves corn stalks. These are then turned into mazes kids and adults alike love to solve! Try your hand at one of the many corn mazes in NJ.
Go on a Hayride.
This activity is one of our favorite things to do in Fall in NJ! Visit a farm (many of the famous NJ pick your Own farms have hayrides!) and take a hayride. Usually, they’ll end in some fall produce picking.
Go for a Hike.
Hit up a park like the Watchung Reservation or Delaware Water Gap with your family and get some fresh air and exercise by taking a hike filled with the colors of fall. Find more state parks here!
Visit a Beach.
In late summer and early fall, New Jersey boardwalks tend to empty out. Take a stroll down the shore without all the tourists. Bonus: most of them become free beaches in NJ after Labor Day.
Check out a Zoo
With the heat ending, hit up a Zoo in NJ and see the animals come out to play! While some animals may shelter in teh shade when it’s hot, during fall they are ready to run and meet guests. Many zoos also offer boo at the Zoo for Halloween.
See also: Free Zoos in NJ
Go Trick or Treating at a Mall
You can really go anywhere, but with so many NJ malls, trick or treating at the stores is a perfect option. Check out the individual mall sites to learn info on dates and times.
Go to a Fall Festival
Fall festivals are huge in NJ – from 4-H fairs to apple fests to Oktober Fests, you’ll find something for everyone.
Find our favorite farms in NJ here!
Visit a Cider Mill
There are numerous working cider mills in NJ, from Ralston cider mill in Sussex County to Hacklebarney cider mill right in the state park. Head on over and learn about the process.
Oktoberfest.
The Oktoberfest at Mountian Creek in Vernon draws crowns to enjoy music, eat authentic food and, of course, drink some beer!
Tour a Winery
Wineries are popular among the Garden State. Fall in NJ is a great time to tour the gorgeous vineyards. Check out the winery sites to see dates, times, and tour information. Terhune Orchards and Tomasello Winery both have great options.
Visit a Haunted House or Hayride
If you’re feeling brave, head to farms like Schaefers Farm and hop on a spooky haunted hayride. Many spots offer a two in one, with a haunted hayride taking you to a haunted corn maze!
Cider Donuts.
Nothing says fall in NJ quite like cider donuts! Head over to an apple orchard and enjoy a fresh apple cider donut. Our favorite in the state can be found at Riamede farm.
Paintball.
If running, hiding, and outsmarting your friends is your speed, head to one of the many paintball fields in NJ. The weather is perfectly cool!
Visit a lighthouse
NJ is known for it’s numerous lighthouses – some even let you climb to the top! With the weather cooler and summer rush past, many empty out so you can avoid the crowds.
Six Flags.
Great adventure hosts FrightFest in October. If you like being scared out of your mind, head to Jackson and enjoy the rides as well as the spooky attractions.
Hit up an Aquarium
Aquariums in NJ are the perfect way to see animals in cooler weather. Indoor and temperature-controlled, these are perfect year-round. Try Jenkinson’s Aquarium on the Point Pleasant Boardwalk or Adventure Aquarium in Camden.
Bird watching
Fall is known for bird migration – head to a wildlife heavy spot to watch flocks of birds take off. NJ State Parks, lakes, and wildlife reserves would be great places to check.
Fall Food Festivals
Fall food festivals are a great way to take in different foods and cuisines as well as enjoy old favorites. Check yur local towns or busy venues. Mountain Creek hosts an Oktober Fest in September!
Take in a late season baseball game
Before the season ends, take in a game from one of the NJ baseball teams.
Ice Skating
While ice skating in NJ is typically a winter activity, fall is just as fun! Head to one of the many indoor rinks around the state.
Car Shows
Fall in NJ is a great time to hit up some of the many local car shows that happen on weekends. Without the heat, you’ll have a blast wandering and taking in the cool cars, old and new.
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