I'm from the South, and we have a lot of fun activities there, especially if you love the outdoors. One thing that's not quite so common in my region, though, is snow. I've seen it a few times in person in my part of Georgia, but it's typically an almost-miraculous occurrence, an "everybody get outside right now, come check out these flurries!" type of event and not an everyday facet of winter like those who live above the Mason-Dixon Line are accustomed to. Thanks to the lack of traditional winter weather in my neck of the woods, I grew up without a lot of experiences that many in the northern climes take for granted. I've never been ice skating or in a snowball fight, and, up until recently, I had never been skiing. A friend in New Jersey loves an indoor ski facility that opened up fairly recently at a mall not far from her home. I am extremely clumsy and it took quite a bit of convincing for her to believe that I was not going to break any limbs if she took me out for an afternoon of skiing; but I finally won her over and we visited Big SNOW at American Dream, a one-of-a-kind experience in East Rutherford, NJ.
First off, this mall is amazing! Anyone who thinks shopping malls are dead has clearly not visited this spot. American Dream is a sprawling complex that's the second-largest mall in the country, after Mall of America in Minnesota. The mall opened in stages from 2019 to 2020 after numerous financing issues and construction delays postponed its grand opening. The COVID-19 pandemic then caused even further delays, but the mall is now a thriving destination for both shopping and entertainment. More than 400 retailers are here, as well as restaurants, a Nickelodeon Universe theme park, DreamWorks Water Park, and, of course, Big SNOW American Dream.
I've never been to a traditional ski area, so I can't really compare the experience to outdoor skiing, but I had such a blast. This is the country's first indoor ski slope, and it contains three trails on four acres of skiable land. The building contains more than 5,500 tons of snow, and the interior is kept at a crisp 28° F. at all times.
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The snow here is real, made with a snow-making machine that works the same way precipitation is made in nature. Purchasing a time slot allows you access to the slopes for two hours, which I found was the perfect amount of time to not leave me utterly exhausted while still feeling like I got my money's worth. Your reservation comes with skis or a snowboard, a helmet, jacket, and pants to use during your visit.
I was impressed at the number of different lessons that were offered here, including courses for young children. I was fortunate enough to be visiting with a friend who is quite experienced on the slopes and she was an excellent teacher.
I'm typically pretty clumsy, and I expected to fall a ton during my time here. I did take a few tumbles on one particular curve that kept messing me up, but the nice thing about indoor skiing is there aren't any unexpected branches or debris to worry about. I hopped right back up and hit the slopes again. I couldn't believe how much fun this was, and I highly recommend it - even if you've never been skiing before!
For more information about Big SNOW American Dream or to book a ticket, check out the Big SNOW American Dream website. Looking for more fun things to do on your trip to American Dream? Check out the Nickelodeon Universe Indoor Theme Park - it's located right inside this sprawling mall, too!
I grew up in the '90s, in the heyday of shopping malls, so I'm not ashamed to say I'm a little obsessed with the American Dream mega-mall in East Rutherford. Less a shopping center than a massive one-stop destination with every kind of store, attraction, and restaurant you can imagine, it spent more than two decades in development. But under the management of Triple Five, the same team behind the Mall of America, American Dream has been adding new attractions in a hurry. Hot on the heels of this year's Hasbro Gameroom, the mall has opened Bubble Planet, a new interactive museum in New Jersey that brings the surrealist exhibition to the NY/NJ area for the first time. It opened in October and will be here until December, and we can't wait to see it for ourselves.
American Dream is a wonderland of attractions, including dozens of restaurants, well over 100 stores, and a wild array of attractions, including a Nickelodeon-themed amusement park, a Dreamworks-themed water park, an indoor ski slope, a 7-D theater, and an underground aquarium. You could easily spend several days here exploring.
Colorful soap bubbles on pink background. Beautiful 3D pattern. Festive backdrop.
They've just been joined by Bubble Planet, a massive indoor exhibit that's something of a cross between an interactive museum and a surreal selfie opportunity. Featuring several colorful rooms filled with bubbles of every type, it's got an interactive playground, unique photo ops, and even virtual reality elements that are perfect for guests of all ages. This is a limited-time exhibit, and will only be around until the end of 2025 at present, so get your ticket while it's here.
Have you had the chance to visit this unique interactive museum in New Jersey? If not, tell a friend about this article and go visit Bubble Planet! You can book your tickets on the Bubble Planet website, and make sure to check out the American Dream website for a full directory of this massive mall. You'll definitely want to get something to eat while you're here, and some of the unique options include the modern Around the Clock Diner, and the unique self-serve wine bar Vinoteca. It definitely might take you more than a day to see everything here, so if you'd like a place to stay, I highly recommend the Homewood Suites by Hilton East Rutherford, I always choose this chain when I'm traveling, thanks to its spacious rooms and delicious free breakfast buffet.
Autumn is upon us, and I look forward to this season all year. There are so many great things that happen this time of year, ranging from incredible seasonal festivals, pumpkin patches and apple orchards in full bloom, and of course the fall's star attraction - that kaleidoscope of colors called fall foliage that takes over our parks and forests every year. There are so many great things to do in fall in New Jersey that it can feel a little overwhelming - so we thought it was time to narrow it down to the best of the best! These fifteen fall activities and hotspots are the perfect way to set your fall off on a high note and keep you enjoying the season until the first snowfall!
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New Jersey Fall Foliage: Where To Go In New Jersey For Fall Foliage
Fall foliage in New Jersey is something truly remarkable, and we think there's no better place to see it than in the state's many stunning state parks. You can join throngs of leaf-peepers in top destinations - or find your own little slice of heaven far away from the crowds.
Wow Factor - A rural northern New Jersey park with densely wooded forests and easy hikes, it's a prime spot for fall colors.
Need To Know - This New Jersey state park is open from 8 AM to 8 PM daily.
Ringwood State Park is one of New Jersey's most isolated state parks, and between that and its large area, it's one of the parks where you're most likely to have a lot of breathing room. With natural havens like Shepherd Lake Recreation Center, it's an ideal spot for catching some great photos of the fall foliage or just relaxing on the shore and taking in the natural beauty.
Wow Factor - This small, historic state park is filled with fall trees that you can see up-close, and is one of the easiest state parks to hike.
Need To Know - This state park in New Jersey is open 8 AM to 4:30 PM daily.
Best known as the spot where Washington crossed the Delaware, Washington Crossing State Park is a whopping 3,575 acres and is full of easy-to-navigate trails. The fall foliage here is lush and dense, consisting mostly of well-maintained trees that form a beautiful canopy. This is an ideal fall foliage hike for families, as you don't have to head off-trail much and you can combine it with a historic tour.
Wow Factor - It's the tallest waterfall in New Jersey, and it looks even more incredible flanked by fall colors.
Need To Know - Located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, this waterfall is accessible from 9 AM to 5 PM.
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Waterfalls in New Jersey are an impressive bunch, and they don't get more impressive than Buttermilk Falls. This stunning 75-foot waterfall is easy to reach - only a few feet from the parking lot - and is especially impressive in the fall, when the colors contrast nicely with the flowing water. You might only need a few minutes to take pictures here, but it'll create lasting memories.
Wow Factor - This large, rural park provides massive vistas of fall foliage along the many hiking trails and waterfronts.
Need To Know - This state park in New Jersey is open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM seven days a week.
Belleplain State Forest might just be the best leaf-peeping park in New Jersey, thanks to its rich, thick canopy of trees. The colors change rapidly here, which means it's an ideal place to visit several times during the season. The large state forest has plenty of camping opportunities as well, so it's an ideal multi-day getaway. The East Cree Loop Trail, the top trail in the park, is 6.8 miles and has an easy rating from AllTrails.
Best Pumpkin Patches In New Jersey
There is no activity that calls back to childhood nostalgia more than picking pumpkins. Those massive gourds call out from a field filled with them, each making the case that they'll make the ideal pumpkin pie or jack-o-lantern. Here are our favorite pumpkin patches in New Jersey.
Wow Factor - A charming farm and market with plenty of fall activities, this huge pumpkin patch shares space with an apple orchard and fall activities.
Need To Know - Pumpkin picking opens September 21st. The farm is open 9 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday.
Duffield's Farm Market in Sewell is one of the best farms in New Jersey, thanks to just how much it has going on. It's acclaimed for its massive farm market complete with farm-fresh goodies and some of the best apple cider donuts in the state. Hayrides and other family-friendly activities are on hand in between the apple and pumpkin picking, and the deli is a great spot for lunch.
Wow Factor - A massive, rustic pumpkin field with countless gourds of every shape, color, and size.
Need to Know - The pumpkin patch opens for the season on September 21st, with seasonal hours to follow.
There's something charming about an old-fashioned pumpkin patch that feels like it comes out of a storybook. Conklin U-Pick Pumpkin Farm is one of the smaller farms on this list, but it supplements its pumpkin-picking with seasonal activities like hayrides, crafts, a haunted hayride for Halloween - and of course, a selection of delicious fall treats like hot apple cider, cider donuts, and more.
7. Red Wagon Farm
At a cozy farm, plump pumpkins await picking alongside a crate and corn plants in the background.
Location - Manalapan Township, New Jersey
Wow Factor - A massive field of huge pumpkins that can be picked right off the vine, plus seasonal activities.
Need to Know - Opens for the season on 9/21 and is expected to be open 10 AM to 5 PM each day.
Red Wagon Farm is a traditional farm that does its biggest business in the fall as its pumpkin field reaches its peak. This huge farm is home to so many great options, including pre-picked pumpkins and a massive bin of smaller gourds of every shape and size. It's also a delightful family attraction, with hayrides and a petting zoo, along with a corn maze and a delicious concessions stand with indulgent treats.
8. Heaven Hill Farm
Pumpkin Harvest in Southern New Jersey ahead of the Halloween holiday.
Location - Vernon, New Jersey
Wow Factor - The largest pumpkin patch in New Jersey, this sprawling farm is a fall wonderland with stunning views and great shopping.
Need to Know - Open 9 AM to 6 PM, pumpkin season begins here on September 14th. Admission ranges from $12 to $22.
More a fall wonderland than a simple pumpkin patch, Heaven Hill Farm is a massive destination that goes all out when the leaves start to change color. In addition to a massive pumpkin patch to purchase your holiday gourd from, you'll be able to have tons of fun at over 30 activities geared towards kids and families. This includes the largest corn maze in North Jersey, and even several thrilling carnival rides. But the garden center and pumpkin patch are worth the admission on their own thanks to the massive selection.
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Best Fall Festivals In New Jersey
Fall is a great time to get out and party, as the best fall festivals in New Jersey are certainly a diverse bunch. There are amazing harvest festivals with fun for the whole family, boisterous Oktoberfest celebrations where the beer flows freely, and unique events you can only find in the Garden State.
Wow Factor - One of the largest cranberry festivals in the Northeast, with a fantastic selection of ways to enjoy the famous berry.
Need to Know - Held October 19th and 20th in 2024.
There are few fruits I love more than cranberries - especially when they're on the Thanksgiving dinner table! Chatsworth is the heart of the cranberry production business in New Jersey, with its massive cranberry bogs being a striking sight as you hike around the area. The annual Chatsworth Cranberry festival brings a massive selection of cranberry treats to the historic village, along with live music and local artists selling their wares.
Wow Factor - The biggest fall festival in New Jersey, featuring over 35 activities and a wide assortment of seasonal food and drink.
Need to Know - Held on select days between September 14th and November 3rd. Tickets are $27.50 for general admission.
A sprawling fall festival with just about anything you could dream of, this is the premiere Autumn event in the garden state. You can enjoy hayrides, play games like cornhole, pick your own pumpkin, and take the challenge of a themed corn maze. There are plenty of activities just for the kids like arts and crafts, as well as delicious fair-like treats including funnel cakes and fried oreos. Our favorite activity to watch here? The pig races!
11. Festival of the Sea
Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey, USA
Location - Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Wow Factor - An extensive festival with over 250 vendors and delicious seafood, all in one of the state's best beach towns.
Need to Know - Held September 21st in 2024 from 10 AM to 7 PM
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Located on Arnold Avenue in Point Pleasant Beach, only feet from the train station, the Festival of the Sea is a long-time New Jersey shore tradition - and it's not hard to see why it's stuck around. This is a fantastic place to pick up small-batch goods from local vendors, some of which are making seriously quirky products. Dozens of the town's best restaurants will be on hand, providing special fair foods that give a taste of their regular menu.
12. Highlands Oktoberfest
Beer at Beer Fest, Munich, Germany
Location - Highlands, New Jersey
Wow Factor - The largest Oktoberfest in New Jersey, this event combines German food and drink with a classic New Jersey street festival.
Need to Know - Held in Veterans Park on October 5th from 10 AM to 7 PM, with a rain date of 10/6.
New Jersey doesn't have the massive Oktoberfest celebrations of some midwestern states where German culture is much more present, but this Highlands street festival is more than enough to satisfy that Teutonic nostalgia! There are dozens of booths on hand, serving classic fair foods and German specialties, as well as fun activities including live music and a "Steinholding Competiton" where talented competitors see how long they can hold a stein of beer aloft.
Free & Cheap New Jersey Fall Activities
We know a budget crunch can happen at any time, but that doesn't mean there isn't still fall fun awaiting you. You can take some of the best hikes in New Jersey, flanked by fall foliage, to either a towering view or some of New Jersey's best historic sites - or you can indulge in the state's best ice cream as they deliver seasonal treats!
Wow Factor - One of the best views in New Jersey, on our own little branch of the Appalachian Trail.
Need to Know - Located in Stokes State Forest. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
There is no better way to see the fall foliage than from a towering height, and the 47-foot Culver Fire Tower offers an incredible view of Stokes State Forest. Linked to the Appalachian trail, it can be reached on a 4.7-mile hike. This is a challenging and rugged expedition, so come prepared, but fall is one of the best times to attempt it - the weather will likely be nice and cool and the views stunning.
Wow Factor - Incredible fall foliage flanked by a wide assortment of historic buildings.
Need to Know - Open 7 AM to 7 PM daily.
New Jersey's historic sites are always worth exploring, and one of the best is found in the humble Black River County Park. This is where you'll find a collection of well-preserved buildings like the Cooper Mill, as well as some great ruins, all flanked by gorgeous orange-and-red trees along the Black River Loop Trail. This 6.3-mile route has some challenging terrain if you want to see all of it, taking you by a beautiful river that's a popular spot for fishing and birding.
Wow Factor - Some of the best seasonal ice cream and innovative flavors in New Jersey.
Need to Know - Open seven days a week starting at noon. Closing times vary - 5 PM on Monday and Tuesday, 9 PM Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.
It wouldn't be fall without some amazing seasonal snacks, and they don't get any better than the ice cream at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. This innovative scoop shop is known for their fast-changing menu, and in the fall they specialize in flavors incorporating pumpkin, fresh apple cider from Terhune Orchards, and so much more. The cookies will also get an upgrade with the season, so make sure to pay another visit as the weather cools down.
What are your favorite things to do in fall in New Jersey? Do you have any annual autumn traditions that you want to share with us? Let us know in the comments section! And if you're looking for some other fall adventures, consider going on a tour of the best waterfalls in New Jersey! If you're planning on a lot of outdoor adventures this fall, it's the perfect time to pick up to pick up a new winter coat before the weather really gets cold.
