NJ Halloween events worth checking out!
There are two types of people in New Jersey in October: those who want to spend an evening being chased by someone with a chainsaw, and those who would prefer to sip apple cider and admire a pumpkin from a safe distance.
Luckily, we live in a state where you can enjoy both!
With Halloween just around the corner, here are a few ways to get out of the house, enjoy the season and make the most of October before we all start pretending it’s time for Christmas
1. The 13th Hour Haunted House | Wharton
Let’s start with the people who enjoy being scared out of their minds.
The 13th Hour features three haunted attractions with elaborate sets, special effects and plenty of opportunities to question why you paid money to be frightened.
You can also add an escape room if you want to test your problem-solving skills after your heart rate returns to normal. The haunted attractions run on select dates through November 1, so check the schedule and grab tickets ahead of time.
2. Brighton Asylum | Passaic
If one haunted house isn't enough to get your adrenaline going, Brighton Asylum offers three indoor haunted attractions, complete with live actors, elaborate sets and plenty of jump scares. You can also explore additional experiences, including escape rooms and horror-themed games.
The best part for those of us in Bergen and Passaic County? You also don't have to drive halfway across the state for a night of Halloween thrills.
The attraction operates on select nights through November 1.
3. Heaven Hill Farm's Great Pumpkin Festival | Vernon
For a more family-friendly outing, Heaven Hill Farm's Great Pumpkin Festival has more than 35 activities, including hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a corn maze, farm animals, pig races, pedal cars and a giant straw pyramid.
There's also a Boo Barn for those who want a little Halloween atmosphere without committing to a full-fledged haunted house.
The festival runs through November 8, so there's still time to plan a visit. And if you have kids who love dressing up, the farm's Halloween weekend includes a trick-or-treat trail and a costume contest.
4. The Pumpkin Patch Train | Whippany
This one deserves a spot on your list for next year.
The Whippany Railway Museum's annual Pumpkin Patch Train takes families on a 45-minute round-trip ride aboard a historic train. Afterward, children with valid tickets can pick out a kid-sized pumpkin and receive a decorating kit while supplies last.
It's a charming, old-fashioned fall outing, especially for younger children who might not be ready for a haunted house.
And, if ya miss the pumpkin patch train, keep an eye for when it transforms into the Polar Express for Christmas!!
Whether your ideal Halloween involves haunted houses, hayrides or a train ride through the countryside, there's still time to squeeze in a little seasonal fun.
And in true New Jersey fashion, you can always finish the day with a diner stop!
What are you doing for Halloween? Are you into the season, or not really?
