MomSkoop
Autumn in New Jersey brings more than crunchy leaves and cozy sweaters—it brings full-blown parade and festival action perfect for families looking to celebrate the spooky season together.
From seaside boardwalks to small-town Main Streets, these events are vibrant, kid-friendly, and loaded with community spirit.
Whether your little ones want to strut their costumes, spot marching bands, or just soak up the Halloween energy, there’s something here for every mom looking to make memories without stressing over big-city crowds.
1. Toms River Fire Co. #1 Halloween Parade
When downtown Toms River lights up at 7:00 p.m. on October 31st, it’s not just another village parade—it’s one of the largest Halloween parades in the country. The mood is electric: floats, marching bands, costumed families and folks lining Main Street with chairs hours ahead of time. It’s a true spectacle with something for everyone.
For moms in charge of littles, there are a few pro tips: arrive early for parking (think 5:30-6:00 p.m.), bring a foldable chair and blanket (chairs must be secured early per rules). While the kids watch the parade roll by, you’ll have time to soak up the decorations and festive energy.
This event also has serious hometown charm: it’s put on by Toms River Fire Company #1 and has been around for decades, so it feels both historic and joyful. Definitely go prepared for crowds, but know you’re in for a memorable night.
2. Hoboken Ragamuffin Halloween Parade
In the heart of Hoboken, the annual Ragamuffin Parade kicks off at 4:30 p.m. on October 31st, with family-friendly costumes, floats, live music and a real sense of local vibe. It’s perfect for families who want festive energy without staying out super late.
The route starts around 10th & Washington Streets and marches down Washington Street – a nice dose of small-city charm with big celebration flair. Because it begins earlier, younger kids won’t feel too tired, and you’ll likely beat the later crowds.
For moms looking to plan smart: stroller access is good here, and you’ll be close enough to restaurants or cafés for a warm-up before or after. Bonus: you can coordinate costumes ahead of time and even make a mini-photo shoot of your group before the parade hits.
3. Bordentown Halloween Parade
When Bordentown announces its annual Halloween parade (usually the last Sunday in October, step-off around 2:00 p.m.), it’s a low-key, charming small-town wonder that the family will love. The float builders, local bands and community groups bring the hometown feel to full effect.
For fans of quieter celebrations, this parade offers plenty of visual fun (costumes, marching groups, decorated vehicles) without the intensity of major-city crowds. It’s an ideal choice for moms who want safe, manageable parking and less stress. The route is accessible and kids can still enjoy that “parade magic” vibe.
One tip: bring hand-warmers or extra layers, since earlier afternoon means cooler temps. Also scout a spot near the finish line for post-parade candy-sharing and photo opps—perfect family memory moment.
4. Lambertville Family Halloween Parade
In cozy Lambertville, the community gathers at Mary E. Sheridan Park around 2:45 p.m. (for ~3:00 p.m. step-off) on the designated day (often Oct 26) for a laid-back yet festive family parade. Locals stroll in costumes, wave to friends, and share in a warm neighborhood atmosphere.
It’s especially ideal if your crew prefers less hustle and wants to combine parade fun with exploring downtown shops and cafés. After the parade, you can wander the streets, grab hot cider, maybe hit the riverfront—all without frantic parking dramas.
Moms will appreciate that the timing leaves room for naps, snacks and pre-parade prep. Wrap everyone in glow-sticks or fun accessories so your little ones stand out, and consider arriving 30 minutes early to snag a bench spot.
5. Princeton’s Hometown Halloween Parade
When the evening rolls in at around 5:30 p.m. on a Friday in late October (often Oct 24), downtown Princeton transforms into a Halloween celebration with a parade through Palmer Square and surrounding streets. You’ll find a mix of local schools, community groups, creative costumes and that collegiate-town charisma.
This one’s great for families who want to combine trick-or-treating vibes with a stroll through an elegant town. Kids can show off costumes, mom can grab a latte at a local café, and the whole family can enjoy viewing the decorated windows and lights that the town puts on.
For planning: parking garages near Nassau Street fill up fast, so consider ride-share or earlier arrival. Dress in layers as dusk can bring a chill. And wrap up the night with sweet treats and a cozy drive home.
6. Asbury Park Zombie Walk
At the boardwalk of Asbury Park on the first Saturday in October (2025 edition scheduled for Oct 4), the Zombie Walk turns conventional costumes upside-down: think moans, shambling, dramatic makeup—and even toddlers in zombie-mode (yes, adorable!). The event is part festival, part march, and totally photo-worthy.
For moms whose kids are a bit older (or little ones who don’t mind a fun-scare theme), this offers a creative twist on Halloween parades—zombies galore, live music, and boardwalk energy. It’s less “floats and bands” and more “fun performance and costume art.”
Bring baby wipes or makeup remover for later, because the zombie face-paint lingers! Also pick a viewing spot at Convention Hall early if you want good photos. And don’t feel pressure if your stroller isn’t zombie-themed—just show up for the fun.
7. Skylands Stadium Jack-O’Lantern Experience
At Skylands Stadium in Augusta (Sussex County), the annual “Jack-O’Lantern Experience” lights up select nights through early November (2025 edition runs through Nov 2) with thousands of carved pumpkins, mazes, rides and festive food. It’s an all-in Halloween-festival feel perfect for families.
What makes this stand out: it’s less parade-route, more immersive festival. Kids can wander among glowing pumpkins, ride a carousel, enjoy live music, and get into that autumn wonderland mood. Moms will love the lights, photo-ops, and the relaxed pace.
Book tickets in advance (it can sell out). Arrive when it opens to avoid crowds, bring a light jacket for later evenings, and snap the “family in front of pumpkins” photo early—those glows fade quickly as dusk falls.
8. Six Flags Great Adventure Fright Fest
At Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, the park’s annual “Fright Fest” runs from mid-September through early November (2025 edition: Sept 12–Nov 2). This is Halloween on steroids—with roller coasters by day, spooky zones by night, and family-friendly shows in between.
For moms juggling age-diverse kids: there are plenty of daytime activities that avoid full scares (live shows, trick-or-treat trails, costume contests), so you can tailor your visit to younger kids’ comfort levels. Then maybe the older ones venture into the more intense zones while you relax with snacks.
Planning wise: buy tickets ahead and use the park app for wait times; arrive early for “family friendly” section; allocate a “rest/quiet” break mid-day (kids will get tired). And hey—matching family costumes riding together = Instagram gold.
9. Jenkinson’s “Boo at the Boardwalk”
At Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, “Boo at the Boardwalk” happens on select weekends (Oct 18–19 & 25–26, 2025, 12–4 p.m.) and includes trick-or-treating, science shows, underwater pumpkin carving and amusement-rides. It’s a sweet mix of beachside fun and Halloween magic.
This is ideal for families who want daytime events (no late night), easy parking by the shore, and a festive laid-back vibe. Younger kids especially will love the boardwalk feeling, ride options and mild spooky touches. Moms can sip a hot coffee, stroll the pier, and still feel the holiday energy.
One planning tip: parking fills up early on boardwalk weekends—consider arriving before noon. Bring a change of clothes (boardwalk breezes + fall temps = combos). And for snacks: boardwalk treats are awesome, but budget some eateries for after-parade bite.
10. Cape May County Park & Zoo “Boo at the Zoo”
The free event at Cape May County Zoo in Cape May Court House on Sat, Oct 25, 2025 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) brings the zoo to Halloween: costume contest, kids’ activities, decorated exhibits and that sweet mix of nature + fun.
Families will appreciate the manageable size, accessible walking paths (great for strollers), and that you can make a half-day of it and still nap before dinner. It’s less intense than big town parades, and perfect for toddlers or preschooler crews who might not last a late night.
Tip: Dress in layers for outdoor morning chill, bring a small backpack with snacks and water (zoo food is handy but lines form). And bring costume accessories that won’t interfere with little ones seeing animals or walking comfortably.
11. Historic Smithville Monster Bash & Zombie Walk
In the charming village of Smithville (Galloway) the day starts with a “Monster Bash” (vendors, music, games) and transitions into an evening “Zombie Walk” — usually on Sat, Oct 25. The setting is picturesque, the pace relaxed, and the theme fun rather than scary.
What I love for moms: you get both festival feel and parade mode in one outing. Younger kids can enjoy daytime crafts and music, then stick around for the zombie-walk spectacle if they’re up for it. It’s flexible, fun, and easy on logistics.
Plan for some photo ops (historic village + zombies = unique combo), bring bug spray just in case of dusk insects, and consider driving separately if you don’t want to stay for the late portion—either part is awesome on its own.
12. Ridgewood Haunted Harvest & Costume Parade
In Ridgewood (Bergen County) the “Haunted Harvest” festival culminates in a costume parade that’s gaining buzz among families. It’s ideal for moms in the northern NJ area who want a friendly crowd, community feel and fall-festival extras (pumpkin patch, live music, games).
The setup: arrive during the afternoon for harvest-type activities (hay rides, pumpkin painting, food trucks) then join or watch the costume parade as dusk nears. The combination lets kids burn energy and feel celebrated without late-night fatigue.
For accessibility: parking is easier compared to shore towns, the venue is walkable and stroller-friendly, and if your older kids want to linger you can always pop in for a hot apple cider while they roam light-oned. Comfortable shoes + coat = ready to roll.