October in New Jersey is full of fun, family-friendly activities for everyone. From Halloween festivities to outdoor excursions and local community events, there’s no shortage of free things to do. Stroll through parks, catch live music, browse farmers’ markets, and take part in seasonal traditions—there’s something for all ages to enjoy this fall without spending a cent.

Paw Prints PetFest & 5K
October 4th from 10am-3pm. Now in its 9th year, Paw Prints PetFest & 5K returns to historic Smithville Park as a non-profit community event drawing more than 5,000 attendees. Every dollar raised supports homeless animals in Burlington County through medical care, training, foster programs, TNR, and more. Smithville Park in Burlington County

Touch-A-Truck – East Coast’s Largest
October 4th from 10:00am–3:00pm. Head to the East Coast’s biggest Touch-A-Truck event, benefitting The Ashley Lauren Foundation to support children battling cancer in New Jersey. Kids can climb into dozens of vehicles including first responder trucks, classic cars, big rigs, race cars, excavators, and even the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. Enjoy a helicopter landing, Re/Max hot air balloon rides, the Monmouth Fun Bus, live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, games, pony rides, face painting, and appearances by Crunchy the T-Rex and the Yellow Bumblebee Transformer. The first 240 families to arrive will also receive a free WaWa soft pretzel. East Freehold

North Brunswick Annual Heritage Day
October 4th from 3:00–10:00pm, celebrate one of North Brunswick’s biggest events of the year! Enjoy a full day of cultural music, food, and vendors, capped off with an evening performance by Valerie & The Dimensions and a spectacular fireworks show. North Brunswick Community Park (2051 Rt. 130)

Chowder Cook Off Classic
October 5th from 11:00am–4:00pm, head to the Little League Field in Beach Haven for this free family festival. Enjoy unlimited chowder tasting as you vote for your favorite red and white varieties, plus live music, children’s entertainment, a food court, and seasonal fun. The weekend kicks off with the Merchant Mart on Saturday and continues Sunday with the beloved Chowder Cook Off Classic—held rain or shine. Beach Haven, Long Beach Island

Mission Gratitude Touch-a-Truck
October 5th from 10:00am–12:00pm. Enjoy a free event honoring first responders, military personnel, and service dogs. Kids can climb inside fire trucks, rescue vehicles, and military trucks while meeting puppies being raised to become future guide dogs. The morning also features face painting, balloon twisting, music, food, and plenty of family fun. Pediatric Dental Associates of Randolph

The Blackwood Pumpkin Festival
October 5, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Returning at the Mainstage Center for the Arts in Blackwood. Now in its 32nd year, this popular community event features pumpkin painting, vendors, games, and seasonal fun for all ages. Admission is free. Blackwood

Celebration of Pets Parade
Spend an afternoon as the community comes together to celebrate pets of all kinds. The event will feature animal shelters, fostering groups, pet-sitters, and artisans offering pet-inspired goods, along with music, food, and activities for kids. A Pet Parade will take place at 2:30 PM, with costumes optional and prizes awarded in several categories, and pets may also receive a special blessing. Free and open to all, the event will be held rain or shine, and everyone is welcome—with or without a pet. Verona, NJ

Family Glow Skate Night
October 8th from 6:30–9:00pm, bring the family for a night of glowing fun on wheels. Skate together under the lights in a newly renovated space full of energy, music, and laughs. Admission is $5, with skate rentals, roller blade rentals, and skate mates available for an additional fee. Kids 17 and under without skates must rent them, and all children must be accompanied by an adult chaperone age 21+ on Friday and Saturday nights. Spectator tickets are available for non-skating adults 18+. United Skates, Jackson

Annual LBI FLY International Kite Festival
October 11th & 12th, watch the skies over Ship Bottom on Long Beach Island fill with brilliant artist-designed creations, giant inflatables, and high-energy sport kites flown by world-class fliers. This free, family-friendly festival brings together all ages for a weekend of colorful spectacle, with many of the unique kites also on display at local galleries leading up to the event. Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island

Awesome Autumn Amble at Huber Woods Park
October 15, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Explore the park’s trails with a Park System Naturalist and learn about the many plant and animal phenomena along the way. The event is open to all ages (participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult) and is free. Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot to begin your autumn adventure. Middletown

Halloween Farmer’s Market
October 18, at 12:00 PM, celebrate the season at Calgo Gardens. This festive outdoor market features live music, tarot readings, kids’ activities, Halloween-themed photo opportunities, and a variety of delicious food vendors. Admission is free, making it a perfect fall outing for the whole family. Freehold

Free Movies In the Park
October 24th 7-8:30pm. Enjoy a cozy evening under the stars at Free Movies in the Park. Bring a blanket or chair, gather with family and friends, and watch a film outdoors in a relaxed community setting. Cape May

Boogie Bash Trunk or Treat
October 25 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM. This free, family-friendly event features festive trunk-or-treating, plenty of Halloween fun, and a chance to show off your best costume. Don’t forget to dress up, bring a friend, and enjoy a spirited celebration of the season! Montclair

The Fall Market at Horseshoe Lake Park
October 25, at 11:00 AM. Come on down for a festive day filled with vendors, food trucks, live music, and crisp autumn weather. The event also features trick-or-treating, so be sure to come in costume. Admission is free, and all are welcome to join in the fall fun. Roxbury Township

Greater Wildwood Elks Halloween Haunted House
Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. Experience a spooky, family-friendly evening. This free walk-through haunted house is designed to entertain and delight kids and trick-or-treaters of all ages, with themed rooms and festive treats along the way while supplies last. The Greater Wildwoods Elks Lodge #1896, 109 West 1st Avenue, Wildwood

No matter your interests, New Jersey offers plenty of opportunities to get out, have fun, and make memories this October—all without spending a penny. Be sure to mark your calendar, bring family and friends, and take advantage of the season’s free events before they’re gone. From spooky Halloween fun to autumn festivals and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month.

Read more at NJ Kids