Halloween in New Jersey is more than just candy and costumes — it’s a season filled with history, local traditions, and family-friendly events that bring communities together. This year, the calendar is packed with celebrations, from spooky trails to educational programs. One standout event is Family Saturday: Halloween at Paulsdale, set for Saturday, October 11, from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Mount Laurel. Family Saturday: Halloween at Paulsdale Brings History and Seasonal Fun to Mount Laurel. On Saturday, October 11, from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Alice Paul Institute will host Family Saturday: Halloween, a free program designed to bring together seasonal fun with history, creativity, and a touch of tradition.
Guests arriving at the National Historic Landmark can expect an afternoon that blends festive activities with educational experiences. The event kicks off at noon with Halloween-themed crafts and historical fortune-telling games that children and adults can enjoy together. At 1 p.m., visitors will be treated to a special presentation on the history and traditions of tarot cards, providing insight into the cultural origins of one of Halloween’s most enduring symbols.
This gathering is recommended for ages six and up, making it ideal for families who want a lighthearted introduction to the season without the frights that dominate many other October events. For the Alice Paul Institute, it’s also an opportunity to open the doors of Paulsdale to a new generation, connecting local residents and visitors with one of South Jersey’s most important cultural landmarks.
The setting itself adds depth to the celebration. Paulsdale is not only a beautiful estate surrounded by autumn’s colors but also a place where the history of women’s rights in America is preserved and shared. Hosting a Halloween event here highlights how history and entertainment can intersect, offering families an experience that feels both festive and meaningful.
This is just one of many seasonal activities that make October a highlight on the state’s cultural calendar. Across New Jersey, towns and cities are preparing for haunted hayrides, pumpkin festivals, and costume parades, making it a perfect time to explore all corners of the Garden State. From historic settings like Paulsdale to boardwalk celebrations along the Jersey Shore, families have no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.
For those planning their fall outings, this event at Paulsdale stands out not only for its unique programming but also for its free admission, making it accessible to all. It’s a reminder that some of New Jersey’s most memorable experiences combine education, tradition, and community celebration.
As Halloween draws closer, the Garden State proves once again that its entertainment scene is as diverse as its history. To discover more seasonal happenings, concerts, theater, and cultural highlights this fall, visit Explore New Jersey Entertainment.
But Paulsdale is just the beginning. Across the state, communities are preparing to celebrate Halloween with a wide range of activities for all ages.
Northern New Jersey
In northern towns and cities, haunted attractions and historical tours dominate the calendar. The famed Haunted Village at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts in Madison invites visitors to explore a centuries-old setting transformed with eerie storytelling and costumed interpreters. Families in Morris County can also take part in Pumpkin Illumination: A Pumpkin Carving Event in Montclair, where hundreds of glowing jack-o’-lanterns light up the night.
Central New Jersey
Central Jersey offers everything from pumpkin patches to haunted hayrides. At Terhune Orchards in Princeton, the annual Halloween festival combines apple picking, pumpkin painting, and live music, creating a farm-style celebration of autumn. Meanwhile, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson returns with its popular Fright Fest, featuring haunted mazes, scare zones, and thrill rides for teens and adults looking for something scarier.
Southern New Jersey
Along with Paulsdale’s event in Mount Laurel, South Jersey families can head to Historic Smithville’s Halloween Village in Atlantic County, where the cobblestone paths fill with costumed revelers, trick-or-treating stations, and live entertainment. For something truly unique, Cape May offers Ghost Tours of the Physick Estate, blending Victorian history with spine-chilling tales of the supernatural.
Jersey Shore
The Shore towns celebrate Halloween with their own flair. Asbury Park’s Zombie Walk, scheduled for mid-October, attracts thousands of participants in elaborate costumes for a ghoulish parade through the boardwalk. Ocean City keeps it more family-friendly with its Halloween Parade on Asbury Avenue, one of the longest-running parades of its kind in the state.
These seasonal gatherings highlight the breadth of New Jersey’s Halloween celebrations, from historical lessons and craft-making to haunted attractions and parades. Families, teens, and adults alike can find something that fits their seasonal spirit, whether it’s a lighthearted community event or a night of thrills.
Halloween isn’t the only highlight on the fall calendar. Sports fans are also counting down to the start of the New Jersey Devils preseason, with their first game at the Prudential Center set for September 21 against the New York Rangers. For the latest updates, rosters, and behind-the-scenes coverage of the team, visit Explore New Jersey Devils.
As October approaches, the Garden State proves once again that it’s one of the best places in the country to celebrate Halloween. From historic homes like Paulsdale to lively boardwalk parades and haunted hayrides, New Jersey offers a seasonal calendar that is as diverse as the state itself.
