20 Fun Fall Activities in New Jersey You Should Try

As the weather cools down and the leaves start to change, comes the perfect time to get out and enjoy some fun fall activities in New Jersey.  In fact, there are plenty of fun fall activities in the Garden State that you should try. From apple picking to pumpkin carving, there are plenty of options for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, indoor activities, or something in between, you’ll be sure to find something to make your fall season one to remember. 

Well, we have to admit that New Jersey offers an abundance of fun and exciting activities for the fall season. Not to mention the cooler temperatures that make it the perfect time for you to explore the great outdoors and get in touch with nature. Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or a weekend getaway, we will help you to make the most of the season in New Jersey.

What is Fall Like in New Jersey?

Fall in New Jersey is typically mild and pleasant, with temperatures around 80°F. It usually starts in mid-September and lasts through mid-November. Autumn in New Jersey is a beautiful time of year with changing foliage, cool temperatures and plenty of outdoor activities. There are lots of festivals and activities to enjoy as well, including apple picking, hay rides, corn mazes, and many more. For more recommendations on fall activities in New Jersey, you can read the article below.

Is New Jersey Good to Visit in the Fall?

Yes, New Jersey is a great place to visit in the fall. The state has plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, apple picking, and more. The cooler weather also makes it a great time to explore some of New Jersey’s cultural attractions, such as museums, historic sites, and art galleries. Suppose you are looking for fun fall activities in New Jersey, please check this article above.

Awesome Fall Activities in New Jersey

1. Apple Picking at Battleview Orchards

Fall Activities In New Jersey

Pick your own bushel of fresh apples straight from the orchards and enjoy the sun on this Garden State fall tradition. If you don’t know which are the best apple picking locations, then we suggest you pick tasty apple varieties at the family-run Battleview Orchards in Freehold.

The place opens from the beginning of September through the end of October. We have no doubt it will be the ideal activity during New Jersey fall weather, whether you love Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Cortland, Gala, or other varieties.

2. Explore the Largest Pumpkin Patch

Fall Activities In New Jersey

Without some roasted pumpkin seeds and jack-o-lanterns, there wouldn’t be any fall season in New Jersey. So, make sure you go to Red Wagon Farm in Manalapan, New Jersey while visiting the city. It is the largest pumpkin patch where you may select from more than 100 different varieties of pumpkins.

On top of that, you may harvest these pumpkins right from the vine! Additionally, they hold Fall Harvest Weekends where you may visit the pumpkin farm to choose from a variety of other festive seasonal items.

3. Go on Hayride at Alstede Farms

Fall Activities In New Jersey

A traditional hayride, whether drawn by a horse or a tractor, is undoubtedly the ideal fall activity for kids while taking in the fresh, crisp air of nature. Take the kids on a wagon ride at Alstede Farms, where there are many more enjoyable activities planned as part of their Fall Harvest. You will be transported to the farm in the wagon so that you can choose your own apples, pumpkins, beets, and maize easily. In short, it’s truly a gorgeous autumnal refuge.

4. Take a Winery Tour

Fall Activities In New Jersey

With more than 50 wineries tucked away in the lush valleys of New Jersey, there are many possibilities for wine sampling and picturesque walks through what seems like never-ending fields of grapevines. For those who love wine, this is one of the most recommended fall activities in New Jersey to experience.

Explore the family-run Bellview Winery in 150 Atlantic St, Landisville for the best award-winning wines. Want more? Visit Hill Creek Farms and partake in a wine tasting. While adults meander through the wine garden, children may ride a barrel train through orchards.

5. Corn Maze Journey at Happy Day Farm

Fall Activities In New Jersey

In the New Jersey fall season, there are many farms with corn mazes to explore. In the enormous corn mazes of Happy Day Farm in Manalapan, let the youngsters run wild or maybe even play a little hide-and-seek white at it.

The corn maze is part of the farm’s Fall Harvest Pumpkin Festival, which starts Saturday, September 10th and runs until October 31st. If you are looking for a family-friendly activity, we recommend you to visit this new field as it offers your family a flurry of autumnal entertainment as well.

6. Hiking at Palisades Interstate Park

Fall Activities In New Jersey

Hiking is definitely the best fall sport activity in New Jersey. Suppose you are looking for the best scenic hike trail this fall, we recommend you to go to Palisades Interstate Park. Because of the breathtaking vistas of the foliage it offers, this North Jersey climb is definitely a must-do. We can assure you that there aren’t many vistas better than the expansive panoramas of the Hudson River that it offers.

7. Visit Grounds for Sculpture

Fall Activities In New Jersey

Suppose you are looking for indoor activity to beat the colder weather, how about visiting the Grounds for Sculpture? Explore the Grounds for Sculpture’s 42-acre outdoor sculpture park, featuring over 270 sculptures by renowned and emerging artists.

With only $20, you get to see a wonderful sculpture park that showcases the transformational experience of viewing art in nature. So make sure you put this place on your list because this place in New Jersey is a must-see, especially in the lovely fall season.

8. Watch Zombie Opera

Next up we have the Jersey City Zombie Opera, which was produced during the pandemic by Half-Light Productions. This spot is becoming an annual event you should visit while you are in the city. In 2022, this event is returning for the third time, making an incredibly unique local event.

You can see a fantastic operatic zombie performance by the last weekend of October from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Hamilton Park gazebo. In addition, the ticket is free! What else could you possibly need? This is definitely the best free fall activity in New Jersey.

9. Attend Holland Ridge Farms Fall Flower Festival

Here we have a wonderful outdoor festival to celebrate the autumn, which will pamper your eyes with beautiful flowers in New Jersey! Take a stroll through the fields and enjoy the beautiful fall blooms at Holland Ridge Farms.

Naturally, Holland Ridge is well-known for its tulips, but it also hosts an excellent fall flower festival. There will be crafters, music and last but not least, free kid’s activities as well. Moreover, we need to remind you to be sure to take your camera, because you would want to capture the gorgeous sights!

10. Explore a Haunted Farm Fest

When it comes to spooky fall activities in New Jersey, you should go to find a haunted farm. For some truly terrifying horrors, head to BloodShed Farms Fear Fest in Columbus or the Farm of Horrors in Flemington. You can take a walk on the wild side and challenge yourself to the Zombie Trail. There are zombies, clowns, and other ghastly creatures lurking in the dark!


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11. Join The Ghost Downtown Tour

Explore the downtowns’ ghost stories in case you enjoy mysterious things to do in New Jersey in fall. Join the knowledgeable tour guides from Paranormal for the Ghosts and Legends of the Downtown Asbury Park Tour. A trolley can transport you around Cape May as your psychic guide tells you about the eerie past of this famous Victorian town. It’s time to  learn about the ghosts and spirits that haunt it.

12. Feel Thrill Experience at Six Flags Great Adventure

Perhaps ghosts aren’t enough to scare you, we think you might want get more adrenaline rush with the fall outdoor adventure. Six Flags Great Adventure in 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson Township offers its perennially popular Fright Fest, where frightful characters wander about the park freely.

At Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, you can also experience some of the world’s best roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions. Moreover, you can also have a fun time with the Halloween shows, restaurants, and shopping outlets. 

13. Explore New Jersey’s Museums

Explore New Jersey's Museums

When it’s chilly and windy outside, we recommend you to go inside to view a variety of fascinating exhibitions. Go to the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center in 1000 Village Dr. Millville, or the Princeton University Art Museum, both featuring outstanding works of art.

Moreover, you can also head to the New Jersey State Museum or the Museum of NJ Maritime History for excellent places to learn about history. We’re pretty sure a visit to museums will be one of the best fall-weather activities to broaden knowledge while keeping you warm.

14. Try Your Luck at New Jersey’s Casinos

Try Your Luck at New Jersey’s Casinos

Dream of becoming wealthy this fall? In Atlantic City, where thronging casinos provide action-packed table games, thrilling slots, and bingo, give your dreams a run for their money. Furthermore, you can also play and stay in posh casino resorts with some cool restaurants and entertainment.

In our opinion, the Tropicana Casino & Resort in 2831 Boardwalk and Caesars Atlantic City in 2100 Pacific Ave would be the best places to visit. Also, don’t forget to check out the nightlife to have fun.

15. Enjoy Gourmet Comfort Food

Enjoy Gourmet Comfort Food

Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy delicious, hearty foods and all your favorite indulgences. Therefore, we recommend you to visit one of the many gastropubs in New Jersey that provide upgraded pub fare.

Some of the best ones are Kobe beef burgers, lobster mac ‘n cheese, and juicy steaks served with hand-cut fries, where you can get comfortable with friends and family. There are many options, ranging from Publick House in Mountainside in the North to The Blue Pig Tavern in the South, and many places in between.

16. Try Romantic Bed and Breakfast

Try Romantic Bed and Breakfast

On these chilly days, a romantic getaway in New Jersey would be one of the perfect fall activities to do while you’re in New Jersey. Suppose you don’t like a fall outdoor activity, how about trying a romantic bed and breakfast?

At this romantic escape, you’ll enjoy attractive settings and attentive treatment. Visit Hope’s historic Inn at Millrace Pond in 313 Johnsonburg Rd or Toms River’s Victorian-style room in 600 Main St. Try one of these bed and breakfasts nearby the beach for an oceanfront getaway.

17. Lose Yourself at Sea Hear Now Festival

Lose Yourself At Sea Hear Now Festival

Attending a music festival is one of the best fall-weather activities in New Jersey. For the best concert experience, we suggest you go to the Sea Hear Now Festival. Over 25 acts will be presented over the course of two days on three stages at the stunning Asbury Park Waterfront.

Enjoy live surfboard shaping, demonstrations, and surfing expression sessions between the stages with top pros. Additionally, famous eateries and vendors from the seafront and elsewhere offer delectable regional cuisine.

18. Go on Bike Ride

Go On Bike Ride

Start your fall adventure in New Jersey by cycling. On two wheels, you can discover the natural splendor of New Jersey. Admire pine and oak forests as they change into the hues of blueberry farms and cranberry bogs throughout the 42.6-mile Pine Barrens River Ramble, which also passes by several picturesque waterways.

Additionally, you may also pass by a number of other interesting locations along the way, such as Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, Cape May Park & Zoo, and The Wetlands Institute.


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19. Attend Fall Food Festival

Attend Fall Food Festival

 Without a doubt, fall is a food festival season in New Jersey, with everything from craft beer festivals to BBQ feasts and food truck gatherings. Therefore, while you’re spending time around the city, warm yourself on the chilly days with delicious food from New Jersey’s Fall Food Festival.

We recommend you to start by attending The Relief Beerfest in Moorestown offers a wide selection of brews to sample. Or, you can go to Alstede Farms for pie tasting, wine tasting, and other activities.

20. Watch The Geese Fly South for the Winter

Watch The Geese Fly South for The Winter

This fall season, watch a wonderful fall attraction where geese are flying south before winter. There are several wilderness locations in New Jersey that are perfect for bird viewing since they are abundant with coastal marshes, ponds, and forested islands.

In the fall, you may paddle through creeks that are home to more than 260 different bird species at Meadowlands Environment Center in Lyndhurst. Or, observe migratory birds from the trails at Cape May Point State Park.

Final Thoughts

New Jersey is a great place to create lasting memories with family and friends, and its vibrant fall foliage is a sight to behold. From apple picking and pumpkin patches to hiking and biking, there are plenty of activities that can be enjoyed by all. Moreover, fall in New Jersey is a wonderful time to explore all the state has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a full-on autumn adventure, we hope this article will be helpful.


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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

The most popular fall activity in New Jersey is apple picking. With plenty of orchards across the state, there are many opportunities to go apple picking, enjoy the fall foliage, and sample some delicious apple cider. Other popular activities include visiting pumpkin patches, visiting wineries, and taking a scenic hike through the countryside.

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