There are less than two weeks left until the start of summer, and I absolutely can't wait. The Garden State offers enjoyable activities year-round, but some things are just better in the summer. Here are 15 activities in New Jersey that you don't want to miss this season.
1. Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Rio Grande
Take a break from the beach and head inland a bit to this unique, interactive museum. Sit in selected cockpits, climb a real air traffic control tower, explore the science of flight, try your hand at simulators and so much more. Open daily from 9-5, April 1st to Columbus Day, adult admission is $12. Active duty military are free with ID.
Check out the outdoor area of this iconic music venue, open from May to September. The stage overlooks the beach and features a wide variety of acts from The Go-Go's to Flogging Molly, Deftones and Sugar Ray. Check out the Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival this weekend, June 11-12.
Take the top down and enjoy a movie under the stars, 1950s-style. This is the last remaining drive-in theater in New Jersey, though if you're further north, options are available in New York State. Delsea offers double features and a fantastic selection of concessions. Check out the classic car cruise on August 6th.
This magical amusement park is not just for kids. A perfect place for family fun, the water park is included with admission. You'll find rides of varying thrill levels, arcade games, picnic areas, delicious treats and top-rated water slides.
This unique living history farm offers period actors, interactive experiences and special events like butter making and hayrides. Best of all, this farm is free to visit. Upcoming (free) demonstrations include a crochet/lacemaking demonstration on June 11th and a blacksmith demonstration on June 12th. For $15, parents can participate in farm chores with their children (on select days) including milking the cows, collecting the eggs and feeding the animals.
This free Fourth of July event offers activities for everyone and a fantastic fireworks display at night. Enjoy live music, magic shows, fire eaters and more.
You may have visited this fantastic free lighthouse before, but you'll want to go back. A fantastic new exhibit, "Seeing Stars," opened over Memorial Day Weekend. You'll find an incredible collection of flags, including a flag carried into battle by the famous Buffalo Soldiers, in the place where the Pledge of Allegiance was first recited. Did you know that happened right here in New Jersey? Visit on Flag Day (6/14) for a special ceremony and documentary screening.
The center and surrounding park offer easy hiking trails and a wide variety of gardens; the herb garden and butterfly garden are personal favorites. You'll find a variety of exhibits and programs including yoga for adults.
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9. Summer Movies at the State Theatre, New Brunswick
Enjoy free family-friendly movies on a 46' screen each week starting in July. Featured films this summer include Frozen, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Despicable Me 2, Babe and more. Shows are presented on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m..
10. New Jersey Astronomical Association, Voorhees State Park
Located on the border of Clinton/High Bridge, this observatory is open to the public most weekends from March - October. Enjoy observatory tours, telescope viewing, solar telescope viewing and guest lectures on 4th Saturdays. Admission is free though donations are appreciated.
11. Strawberry Picking at Battleview Orchards, Freehold
It's strawberry season here in New Jersey and the berries at Battleview are ripe for the picking. Today's hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., and schedule updates are available on Battleview Orchard's Facebook Page. The cost is $3.75 per pound.
I had no idea of all the fun you can have on Lake Hopatcong until I discovered this place. The adventurous will enjoy wakeboarding and waterskiing, tubing is ideal for almost anyone, and kayaks/pontoon boats are available for a more relaxing ride.
There are so many free summer concerts in New Jersey, so why Hoboken? Held in Sinatra Park, you'll get gorgeous views of the Hudson River and NYC skyline. Before the 7 p.m. show, grab dinner at one of the city's great restaurants - The Cuban and Grimaldi's Pizzeria are within easy walking distance. Concerts started on June 2nd and will be held on Thursdays until August 15th. Check out the David Bowie tribute on August 4th.
14. Come As You Art! at Garden State Discovery Museum, Cherry Hill
This may be a children's museum, but this FUNdraiser is only for adults. Admission starts at $22, which includes food and live music. $63 will get you food, music, 2 drinks and 10 auction tickets, additional packages are available. The 21+ event will be held on Saturday, June 18th from 7:30 - 11 p.m..
This wonderful winery offers a variety of events throughout the summer featuring the perfect mix of live music, food and wine. The live music series, held on varying days of the week, is free to attend, and wine tastings are $8. The tastings include six samples and a souvenir glass. Food is available for purchase. Bring a blanket and lay out on the grass for a perfectly relaxing evening.
Which of these activities would you most like to enjoy? What is your favorite thing to do during the summer in New Jersey? I know we do tend to love our beaches and boardwalks, but I decided to switch it up with some unique attractions and events. For more summer fun in the Garden State, check out this weekend getaway, these waterparks, and some Atlantic City Boardwalk highlights.
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.
We Can’t Get Enough of This Small Town New Jersey Farm With Apple Picking and a Pumpkin Patch
Located in rural South Jersey, Duffield's Farm Market is a charming fall farm in New Jersey with fun activities and delicious food for the whole family.
Fall is in the air, and I've been looking forward to it for a long time. This season seems to bring promise with it - at least once I graduated high school and wasn't dreading the end of summer vacation! Now, I'm always excited for the cooler weather, the beautiful fall colors, and the delicious seasonal treats. There's no better place to experience all that than at a fall farm in New Jersey - and that's exactly what you'll find at Duffield's Farm Market in Sewell. Found in a laid-back area of South Jersey, this charming spot is a combination of a farm and a grocery, but it really goes all out for autumn - so read on to discover why this hidden gem needs to be on your fall bucket list!
Duffield's Farm Market is a great spot to visit for farm-fresh goodies all through the year - but they really go out for fall as their famous apple orchard is in full bloom. You can choose from a small or large bag of apples...
As you take a ride on the farm's famous hayride! This isn't just a great way to get apples, it's a fun attraction in its own ride. If you don't want apples today or prefer to get them from the market, the hayride can be taken as a stand-alone attraction.
But that's only part of the fun at Duffield's. The farm also hosts a pumpkin patch, so you can pick that perfect fall gourd as part of the autumn festivities.
There are several special events through the fall, including the Apple and Food Truck Festival on September 7th. This all-day event brings some of the area's most inventive food trucks to the farm for a delicious day of grazing.
Of course, that doesn't mean you're out of luck for food if you're not there on food truck day! The on-site deli is always serving up classic sandwiches, hearty meals and soups, and...
Seasonal baked goods! There's something new at the bakery every season, but we recommend making room for an old favorite on your first visit - delicious, crumbly apple cider donuts rolled in cinnamon sugar. It doesn't get any more fall than that.
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Have you visited Duffield's Farm Market in Sewell? Let us know what you thought of this fall farm in New Jersey in the comments section! You can check out the Duffield's Farm Market website for all the details on the upcoming season, and the Duffield's Farm Market Facebook page is the place to go for the latest announcements. While you're in Sewell, Tall Pines State Preserve is a seriously underrated spot for some amazing fall foliage views. If you need a place to stay in the area, the Courtyard Glassboro Rowan University is a classy and cozy spot only minutes away.
