A Guide to Fun Family Activities for Fall in New Jersey

Fall is by far the most beautiful time to be in New Jersey. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp and the crops are ready for harvesting. Ever since my daughter was able to walk we have taken advantage of this prime time of year in New Jersey to really get outside and enjoy our state. New Jersey is loaded with wonderful outdoor activities for children and families to enjoy together.

Pumpkin picking is a favorite past time of many and New Jersey is filled with many wonderful pumpkin patches. Our family favorite pumpkin patch is Johnson's Farm in Medford, NJ. It is loaded with activities for the kids and everything is very reasonably priced. They also have a bakery with tons of delicious treats. South Jersey also has an annual Pumpkin Show. This affordable fair has games, rides pumpkin contest and more. This years fair will be held on October 13th from 9-am to 9-pm.

Hay rides are another favorite fall past time in NJ. Often a hay ride accompanies pumpkin picking on many of New Jersey's farms. Johnson's has a hay ride that takes you out to the pumpkin patch and then picks you up after you have selected your pumpkin. Haunted hay rides are popular as well. Haunted hay rides are around every corner in New Jersey. Some of the local haunted hay rides in New Jersey are not really appropriate for younger children, because they can be quite scary. Check out the hay ride or get as much information as you can prior to taking kids that may be easily frightened. Often hay ride places accommodate families by offering a more toned down, less scary hay ride for children under age twelve.

Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure is another great fall activity in New Jersey. Running from October 6th through October 28th Fright Fest is truly designed with all ages in mind. If you have young children visit fright fest up until 5:30 p.m. each night for kids sized thrills. Fright Fest for kids has shows your kids will love and interactive activities they will have a blast taking part in. Once the sunsets fright fest becomes a thrill seekers paradise not for the faint at heart.

Another great fall activity in New Jersey for kids are corn stalk mazes. As with hay rides corn stalk mazes often accompany pumpkin picking. Corn stalk mazes are great fun for children. Although, you should be prepared because some of the larger ones can take along time for your children to solve. Conte Farms in Tabernacle, NJ has a great corn stalk maze set on six acres. They Also have tons of other festive fall activities including pumpkin picking and hay rides.

Fall is also a great time to get out and take your kids picking. Apples are usually a nice fall crop and kids love plucking them right off the tree. Another great thing about apple picking is they keep for a while so you can use what you pick for school lunches. You can also extend he fun by making homemade apple pie with your kids when you return home from your outing.