Top Fall Activities in South Jersey for Families

The air is getting crisp, the leaves are changing, and your kids are asking, “What can we do this weekend?” If you’re anything like me, you want to soak up every bit of fall before it slips away. Somehow, those golden weekends fly by in the blink of an eye!

Every autumn, I make it my mission to find the best seasonal activities in South Jersey for families. Some are long-time favorites, others are hidden gems I’ve stumbled on with my own family, but all of them promise cozy memories, fresh air, and plenty of fall fun.

Keep reading for your ultimate South Jersey fall bucket list!

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Is it really fall if you don’t come home with a wagon full of pumpkins? Pumpkin patches are more than just shopping for gourds, they’re an experience. Think hayrides through fields, corn mazes, hot cider, farm animals, and maybe even a few apple cider donuts.

Best Local Pumpkin Patches in South Jersey

• Johnson’s Corner Farm (Medford, NJ) – Famous for its pumpkin-picking hayrides, barnyard animals, and fresh apple cider donuts that are worth the trip alone.
• Duffield’s Farm Market (Sewell, NJ) – A family-owned farm with a smaller, friendlier vibe. Great for younger kids who don’t want to be overwhelmed by big crowds.
• Maugeri Farms (Swedesboro, NJ) – Known for its themed weekends and live music, making it a festive choice for families with older kids.

Pumpkin Patch Tips

• Go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
• Bring cash for food stands and a wagon for hauling pumpkins (trust me, you’ll need it).
• Wear layers—you’ll be chilly in the shade and warm in the fields.

Personal note: The first I went to Johnson’s, my daughter was only a couple of months old. I took a picture holding her up next to a pumpkin for size reference and I can’t wait to recreate that photo this year!

Explore Fall Foliage Trails

There’s something magical about crunching leaves underfoot and being surrounded by fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. South Jersey may not be the Poconos, but we still have some gorgeous spots to admire fall colors.

Top Trails and Parks

• Batsto Village (Wharton State Forest) – A mix of history and nature, with trails through the Pinelands and beautiful fall views by the lake.
• Alcyon Lake Park (Pitman, NJ) – Short, easy trails perfect for little legs, plus plenty of spots to stop for a snack.
• Cooper River Park (Pennsauken, NJ) – A paved path along the water that’s stroller-friendly and stunning in peak foliage.

Trail Tips for Families

• Pack water and snacks. Even short trails feel long with kids.
• Early morning or golden hour walks are most comfortable (and perfect for photos).
• Make it fun for kids: bring a leaf-spotting checklist or challenge them to find the biggest acorn.

Attend a Fall Festival or Fair

Nothing says fall like the smell of kettle corn, the sound of live music, and kids running from one game to the next. Festivals bring the whole community together and give you a chance to try everything from hayrides to face painting in one spot.

Top Local Fall Events

• Tri-State Sunflower Festival & Pumpkin Fest (Swedesboro, NJ) – Enjoy a colorful cornucopia of sunflowers and pumpkins at Dalton Farms. With giant slides, a trike track, cozy food vendors, live music, and even a beer garden on weekends, it’s an ideal family outing filled with fun and photos!
• Mullica Hill Fall Festival (Mullica Hill, NJ) – Great for families who love small-town charm with hayrides, antiques, and local food. Mid-October.
• Bordentown Cranberry Festival (Bordentown, NJ) – Technically about cranberries, but filled with vendors, food, and live entertainment. First weekend in October.

Festival Survival Guide

• Bring cash and set a “treat budget” to avoid overspending.
• A stroller or wagon can double as both kid transport and snack storage.
• Go early in the day before things get crowded.

Personal note: We love a treat budget. Otherwise my husband and I can justify an infinite number of snacks!

Go Apple Picking

Few things feel as “fall” as apple picking. It’s hands-on, family-friendly, and the perfect excuse to bake a pie (or two).

Best Local Orchards

• Stone Tavern Orchards (Cream Ridge, NJ) – This charming, authentic family farm delivers full seasonal flair with pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, cozy hayrides, a corn maze, and even a corn pit for extra fun. It’s a local favorite for immersive fall outings that everyone will enjoy.
• Mood’s Farm Market (Mullica Hill, NJ) – A South Jersey classic, known for its simple, authentic experience.

What to Know

• Check each farm’s website before going as apple varieties sell out quickly.
• Bring reusable bags or baskets to carry apples.
• Don’t forget to grab cider on your way out! It always tastes better straight from the source.

Best time to go: mid-September through early October before the trees are picked over.

Seasonal Tastings for Parents

Fall in South Jersey isn’t just about kids’ activities. Parents deserve a little autumn indulgence too! Local wineries and vineyards celebrate the season with special tastings, seasonal blends, and live entertainment, giving adults a chance to soak in the crisp fall air with a glass in hand.

Fall Wine Tastings in South Jersey

• Harvest Weekends at William Heritage Winery (Mullica Hill, NJ) – Every weekend, the vineyard comes alive with live music from local artists, paired with food trucks serving seasonal favorites, from wood-fired pizzas to sweet fall treats. Guests can also enjoy tastings of estate-grown wines, including their signature BDX Bordeaux-style blend and Brut Rosé, all while soaking in the stunning fall foliage.
  Tip: Seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early on busy weekends for the best spots.
• Saddlehill Winery (Voorhees, NJ) – Nestled in the heart of Voorhees, Saddlehill Winery is a historic estate transformed into a premier wine destination. With roots dating back to 1773, the estate offers a rich heritage alongside modern amenities. Guests can enjoy estate-crafted wines, farm-to-table culinary delights, and a peaceful escape from everyday life.
  Tip: Grab a table outside and sip while your kids play in the grass. Afterward, take them to see the farm animals!
• Other local options: Consider Sharrott Winery or Cedar Rose Winery, both known for their cozy outdoor spaces, pumpkin-themed cocktails, and scenic views ideal for fall selfies.

Have a Spooky Adventure

If your family enjoys a little thrill, South Jersey has some fantastic Halloween-themed experiences that range from spooky to family-friendly.

Halloween Activities and Ghost Tours

• Night of Terror at Creamy Acres Farm (Mullica Hill, NJ) – A standout for teens and older kids, this haunted attraction features themed hayrides, spooky houses, and interactive scare zones. It’s an immersive experience that makes Halloween extra memorable.
  Insider tip: Buy tickets online in advance to skip the long lines, and consider arriving earlier in the evening to catch shorter wait times for rides and attractions.
• Lantern-Lit Haunted History Walk (Cape May, NJ) – If you’re looking for spooky without over-the-top scares, the Ghost Capers Haunted Cape May Ghost Tour is the perfect balance of history, atmosphere, and intrigue. This lantern-lit walking tour takes you through Cape May’s historic district, weaving together ghost stories, Victorian scandals, and local legends. The atmosphere is eerie but never overwhelming, making it a great fit for families with older kids.
  Insider Tip: Tickets sell out quickly, especially in October so book early! Bring a light jacket since evening tours can get breezy by the shore.

More Fall Fun in South Jersey

• Navigate a Corn Maze – Cherry Hill’s Springdale Farms has one of the best family-friendly mazes around.
• Take a Scenic Drive – Route 206 through the Pine Barrens offers wide-open views of fall colors.
• Visit Historic Smithville – Quaint shops, fall festivals, and a train ride for kids.

Make It a Full Day with These Combos

• Morning pumpkin picking + afternoon stop at Mullica Hill Fall Festival – grab lunch and browse vendors.
• Apple picking at Moods Farms + picnic at Alcyon Park – the kids can run while you enjoy cider donuts.
• Haunted hayride + cozy dinner nearby – perfect teen outing.

What to Wear for Fall Activities

The secret to enjoying fall in South Jersey? Layers. Mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm, and evenings downright cold.

• Layers: Think light sweaters, vests, and jackets you can peel off.
• Footwear: Sneakers or boots for farms, hiking boots for trails.
• Extras: Hats, gloves, sunscreen (yes, even in fall), and hand wipes for sticky cider-donut fingers.

Lesson learned: I once wore cute suede boots to a pumpkin patch after it rained. Big mistake. Let’s just say those boots never recovered.

Make the Most of Fall in South Jersey

Fall is short, but it’s packed with opportunities for memory-making. From pumpkin patches to apple picking, festivals to foliage hikes, South Jersey has everything you need to create those cozy family traditions that stick with you year after year.

For me, the best part of fall is how it slows us down just enough to notice the little things: the way the air smells different, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the glow of golden hour on a hayride. I hope this guide inspires you to get out and discover something new with your family this season.

Which of these activities is at the top of your family’s fall bucket list? Share your favorite South Jersey fall traditions in the comments!