16 Free Family-Friendly Things to Do in South Jersey This October
October at the Jersey Shore sometimes gets a bad reputation that it doesn't deserve.
Sure, we sometimes have (really) rainy weekends, but the summer crowds are long gone, the air is crisp, parking is free, and there's still a ton to check out.
Even better: you don't have to spend a dime to enjoy the last gasps of local summer.
This month, we've put together a list of 16 free, family-friendly events happening up and down the Shore, from fall festivals to seasonal celebrations to community events that have drawn crowds for years.
Whether you're looking for something to do with the kids on a weekend or you just gotta get away from raking leaves, this list has you covered.
16 Free October Events in South Jersey
Wed., Oct. 7 — Somers Point Volunteer Fire Company No. 1's Fire Prevention Night and Open House, 6-8 PM, at the firehouse on Bethel Road, featuring a helicopter landing, smoke maze, bounce house, tours of the firehouse, and more.
Sat., Oct. 10 and Sun., Oct. 11 — Irish Festival at Historic Smithville, featuring children’s activities, a delicious food court, Irish dancers, and live music on two stages.
Sat., Oct. 10 — Stone Harbor Classic & Vintage Car Show, 10 AM-1 PM, up and down 96th Street, featuring cars 15 years old and older.
Sat., Oct. 10 — Pleasantville Fire Department's Fire Prevention Open House, Noon-2 PM, at the firehouse at 1 N. First Street. Coloring stations, a Jaws of Life demonstration, tours of fire trucks, Sparky the Fire Dog, and more.
Sat., Oct. 17 — Wildwoods Fall Festival, 11 AM-7 PM, Fox Park (across from the Wildwoods Convention Center), featuring a full day of free family entertainment, food and craft vendors, live bands, a beer garden, and more.
Sun., Oct. 18 — The John R. Elliott HERO Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run, 9 AM-12:30 PM, to raise awareness about the importance of safe and sober designated drivers. The annual event begins at Ocean City High School.
Sun., Oct. 18 — Corvette show, Historic Smithville, 8 AM-3 PM, featuring over 100 Corvettes.
Fri., Oct. 23 — Saint Joseph Regional School's Fall Festival, 5-8 PM, at the school at 11 Harbor Lane in Somers Point. Food trucks, crafts/vendors, beer and wine garden, bounce house, face painting, and more.
Sat., Oct. 24 — Halloween fun returns to Cape May County with Boo at the Zoo, 10 AM-2 PM. Festivities for all ages; guests are encouraged to come in costume. Children's games, candy giveaways, live entertainment, animal encounters, an inflatable obstacle course, and more. Costume contest with prizes will start at 11 AM; registration begins at 10:00.
- READ MORE: Cape May Zoo Announces Fall Events for 2026
Sat., Oct. 24 — Humane Society of Ocean City's "Howl-o-Ween" parade on the Boardwalk at 2 PM. Contestants are encouraged to dress themselves and their pooch in zany, fun Halloween costumes.
Sat., Oct. 24 — North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Block Party – Vehicle check-in begins at 1:30 PM at 1st & New Jersey Avenues, and the event is 2:30–5:00 along Olde New Jersey Avenue. Music, magic, balloon twisting, and more! Families are encouraged to bring their vehicles decorated for Halloween.
Sat., Oct. 24 — 20th Annual Downtown Hammonton Trick or Treat, 2-4 PM. Businesses and organizations throughout downtown (Bellevue Avenue) will hand out candy, plus activities, games, and music.
Sun., Oct. 25 — Historic Smithville's Witches Day Out, Noon-5 PM. Come dressed in your finest witch outfit; activities, specials, a scavenger hunt, parade, and more.
Sun., Oct. 25 — Cape May's Halloween Parade, registration begins at 1:30 PM; parade starts at 3 PM from Washington & Perry Streets.
Thu., Oct. 29 — Ocean City's Halloween Parade along Asbury Avenue between 6th and 11th Streets; starts at 7:15 PM.
Fri., Oct. 30 — 71st annual Mays Landing Halloween Parade, 6:30 PM, runs through portions of downtown Mays Landing.
NJ Fall Fun Means Sunflowers, Corn Mazes and Pumpkins
Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt
Significant or historical events in New Jersey for October (chronological order)
Gallery Credit: Dan Alexander
Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for WPUR Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com.
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