Looking to get in the Halloween spirit with family and friends and want to switch up your fall routine this year? Check out this run down of some can’t-miss-fall-attractions that New Jersey has to offer.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
I know this seems like such a common trip most people do in the fall, but is there really any other place that captures the essence of fall better than a pumpkin patch? Along with this, it’s the perfect Insta–worthy photo opportunity for you and some friends, your dog, or even your significant other, which makes it a staple during this season.
A local favorite is A. Casola Farms in Holmdel, NJ. Only 25 minutes from Monmouth University, this dog-friendly pumpkin patch features a haunted corn maze, petting zoo, and has doughnuts that are to die for!
Hiking
New Jersey offers the best of both worlds with its beautiful shores and country-like grounds. Take in gorgeous views of the color changing leaves in nature as you journey through the trails. Ramapo Park Lake Loop is one hour and 21 minutes away but has a hiking trail that will take you through Van Slyke Castle’s ruins, views of calm lakes, streams, and paths with rocks to climb.
Light Installations
For those interested in the ultimate spooky Halloween atmosphere, Wagner Farm Arboretum’s Brite Nites, might be just for you. Brite Nites is a Halloween-themed event that showcases installations of hand-carved and LED-lighted pumpkins. This year’s 11th annual Brite Nites has select walk thru dates on Oct. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 and drive thru dates on Fridays and Saturdays on Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29.
Zombie Opera
If you love theater, look into attending Jersey City’s Zombie Opera. Originally started by Half-Light Productions, this family-friendly event stars actors dressed as zombies as they perform opera. This new take on opera is now in its third year, and is happening on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Park gazebo.
Haunted attraction & Farmer’s Markets
As seen on The Today Show, Cake Boss, Buzzfeed, ABC, NBC, FOX, the Brighton Asylum is a legendary haunted attraction in New Jersey. At this interactive attraction, guests can walk through the three epic haunted houses with escape rooms at their own pace.
The Brighton Asylum also offers an after-hours tour around the most spiritually active parts with only flashlights and ghost hunting equipment with an experienced paranormal guide.
Berry Fresh Farms is a farmers market with a great selection of fruits, vegetables, plants and seasonal crops like corn and pumpkins.
Despite the calm presence of a farmers market during the day, this just also happens to be the location of the 13th Hour Haunted House. An hour and 21 minute drive from campus, this haunted house has puzzles waiting to be solved and is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. There is a food truck right outside of this attraction, which is perfect if you are craving some carnival food after this chilling experience.
Fall Festivals
The Sussex County Fairgrounds, which are located at 37 Plains Road in Augusta, NJ will host the 11th annual Sussex County Harvest, Honey, and Garlic Festival. The festival honors ecotourism, arts and heritage tourism, as well as agriculture. A farmers’ market, beekeepers, a hayride, pumpkin painting, crafts, and other fun events will be held on Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..
Before that on Oct. 15 and 16 is the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival. This cranberry fair features over 150 vendors, 15 food vendors, and has live music to celebrate the cranberry harvest.
In addition to all this, Monmouth University’s student Activities Board will be hosting a Haunted Casino Night on campus on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 8:00-10:30 p.m.
