By Julie Davis
Before the weather gets really frightful, take advantage of the great outdoors. The two river area (and beyond) offers an abundance of outdoor activities for families to enjoy—from fall festivals to petting farms. So drop the rake, and head out on one of these thoroughly entertaining adventures.
Sickles Market Fall Festival
Sickles annual fall fest is back, with even more to enjoy. Kid activities include face painting, pumpkin decorating, a coloring contest, and more. For mom and dad, there are tasty cheeses to sample as Sickles celebrates American Cheese Month.
October 22 and 23
1 Harrison Ave, Little Silver
www.sicklesmarket.com
Dearborn Market Fall Weekends
Every weekend in October, Dearborn Market is host to several fall favorites: hay rides, pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and more. On October 23 there’s a petting zoo and on the 30th enjoy free pony rides.
2170 Route 35, Holmdel
www.dearnbornmarket.com
Green Meadows Farm
If you haven’t experienced this hands-on petting zoo, it’s an absolute must. Kids get up close and personal with everything from bunnies, ducks, and chicks to goats. They can even milk a cow. Zoo is seasonal and open seven days a week until October 30.
330 Middle Road, Hazlet
www.greenmeadowsfarmnj.com
Fire Works at Pier Village
Every first Saturday of the month, Pier Village lights up the night with a spectacular fireworks display. November 5 is the next show, which starts promptly at 8:30p.m. Be sure to bundle—and bring a few blankets.
Pier Village, Long Branch
www.piervillage.com
Little Rockers Rock Rumson
Calling all groupies: The areas coolest kids’ band rocks out at Victory Park. From the band’s original songs (like the addictive “Hello Hey” and “Morning Train”) to a few Halloween favorites, bring your little ones for some rock-n-roll sing-a-long fun.
October 31, at 4pm
Victory Park, Rumson
www.littlerockersmusic.com
Red Bank Farmers Market
Sunday’s from 9a.m. to 2p.m., stroll the Red Bank Farmer’s Market for fresh local produce, delicious delicacies, blooming flowers and more. While you’re browsing, give your kids an unsuspecting lesson on the importance of buying local. Closes mid-November.
The Galleria, Red Bank
www.thegalleriaredbank.com
A-Scare-ium
Spend a late afternoon on the Jenkinson’s boardwalk, then, if you dare, duck inside the Aquarium for a spooky evening of spine-chilling fun. From 6p.m. to 8p.m. there are less frightening activities, like coloring and crafts, for the little ones. But from 8:30 p.m. pirates and other creatures will be lurking around every corner.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Point Pleasant
www.jenkinsons.com/aquarium
Beach Sweeps
Take part in Clean Ocean Action’s beach clean up. It’s a wonderful way to teach your children about the importance of keeping our oceans and beaches free of garbage and other unnatural debris. Bring gloves and dress for the weather—this event happens rain or shine.
Saturday, October 22, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
www.cleanoceanaction.org to register and find a beach location
Eastmont Orchards
Apples, pumpkins, gourds: Get all of your fall favorites at this popular pick-your-own. Open through the last weekend of October. Call before you make the trip to ensure all is ripe for the picking.
169 Country Road 537, Colts Neck
www.eastmontorchards.com
A. Casola Farms Fall Fest
From haunted hayrides and pumpkin picking to a 15-acre corn maze, there’s something for everyone at this family friendly farm. Their Fall Fest runs through October 30—hurry while it’s still in harvest.
178 Highway 34, Holmdel
www.antoniocasola.com
