There’s something special about fall in Union County, New Jersey. Crisp mornings, colorful leaves, pumpkin patches, apple cider, hayrides and Halloween celebrations make September and October some of the best months to get out and enjoy everything our area has to offer.
Whether you live in Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford, Mountainside, Clark or another nearby community—or you’re considering moving to Union County—there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season.
From apple picking and pumpkin patches to community festivals and Westfield’s famous AddamsFest, here are some of the best fall activities in and around Union County, NJ for 2026.
Go Apple Picking Near Union County
Few activities say fall in New Jersey quite like apple picking.
While you won’t find large commercial orchards in the heart of Union County, several popular New Jersey farms are close enough for an easy day trip.
Alstede Farms in Chester is a favorite destination for fall activities and offers pick-your-own apples during the season. In addition to apple picking, visitors can enjoy scenic wagon rides, a corn maze, a giant hay pyramid and other farm activities. Pumpkins are also part of the farm’s fall experience.
For something a little different, Alstede’s Harvest Moon Nights begin September 25 this year and feature moonlit hayrides, a nighttime corn maze, campfires, music and seasonal food.
Wightman Farms in Morristown is another popular option for families looking for apple picking and traditional fall fun. Its Fall Festival includes scenic hayrides, a pumpkin from the pumpkin field, multiple mazes and access to the apple orchard.
Because picking conditions and apple varieties change throughout the season, always check with the farm before heading out.
Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
Pumpkin picking is another favorite fall tradition for Union County families.
Many of the farms offering apple picking transition into pumpkin season as September turns into October, making it easy to combine both activities into one fall outing.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve for Halloween, decorating your front porch or simply looking for a fun afternoon with the kids, visiting a local pumpkin patch is one of those classic New Jersey experiences that never gets old.
And if you’re preparing a home for sale this fall, here’s a bonus tip: a few pumpkins, mums and simple seasonal touches can also create beautiful fall curb appeal—just don’t overdo the decorations!
Take a Hayride & Enjoy a Campfire in Union County
You don’t even have to leave Union County for a classic fall hayride.
The Union County Hayrides & Campfires return in October 2026 at Warinanco Park in Roselle and Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.
This year’s events include a hayride, campfire, entertainment, hot chocolate and marshmallows. Scheduled dates include October 2 at Warinanco Park and October 4, 9, 11 and 16 at Trailside.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, so this is one fall activity you’ll want to plan ahead for.
Celebrate AddamsFest in Westfield
Halloween in Westfield is unlike Halloween just about anywhere else.
Why? Westfield is the hometown of Charles Addams, creator of The Addams Family, and every October the town embraces that connection with the annual AddamsFest celebration.
Throughout October 2026, residents and visitors can enjoy Addams-inspired activities around town, including the Haunt Your House decorating contest, Wicked Windows of Westfield, the Addams Family House on Mindowaskin Pond and Addams-inspired public art.
One of the highlights for families is Addams Family Fun Day on Sunday, October 18, when Quimby Street will host character visits, pumpkin decorating, music, entertainment and activities with local merchants.
There’s even a Charles Addams Heritage Trail Tour on select Saturdays for anyone interested in learning more about the Westfield places connected to the famous cartoonist.
It’s quirky, creative and uniquely Westfield—and one of the traditions that gives the community so much personality.
Don’t Miss Westfield’s Halloween Parade
Keep the costumes handy.
The Halloween Family Fun & Parade is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, as part of the broader AddamsFest season. Hosted by the Westfield Police Department and the Optimist Club of Westfield, the event has become another popular local Halloween tradition.
There’s also a Jack O’Lantern Trail at Brightwood Park on October 24, offering another opportunity to enjoy Halloween weekend close to home.
Find Fall Fun in Scotch Plains & Fanwood
Westfield isn’t the only town getting into the spirit.
Scotch Plains has several community activities planned for October, including Scotch Plains Weekend October 2–4 and a Trunk or Treat on October 24.
The Scotch Plains Public Library is also hosting its 5th Annual Fall Festival on October 17, along with a Not So Spooky Family Fun Night on October 29.
Over in the Fanwood-Scotch Plains community, the Annual Fall Harvest at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA takes place October 24. The community event is scheduled to include a pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating, a haunted walking trail, trackless train rides, crafts, games and a Halloween costume parade and contest.
These smaller community events are part of what makes fall in Union County so much fun—you don’t necessarily need to drive far to find something happening on a fall weekend.
Take a Fall Walk Through Union County
Not every fall activity needs a ticket or an itinerary.
Sometimes the best way to enjoy autumn is simply to get outside.
Union County’s parks and residential neighborhoods become particularly beautiful as the leaves change. Trailside Nature & Science Center and Watchung Reservation in Mountainside are great destinations for a fall walk, while local parks and tree-lined neighborhoods throughout Westfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains and Cranford offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season closer to home.
Grab a coffee, take the dog for a walk, bring the kids or simply enjoy an afternoon outside before winter arrives.
Explore Downtown & Support Local Businesses
Fall is also a great time to rediscover our downtowns.
Spend an afternoon strolling Downtown Westfield, exploring local shops and restaurants, or visit the downtown areas in Cranford, Fanwood and nearby communities.
Many local businesses embrace the season with fall menus, window displays, seasonal merchandise and special events.
Supporting local businesses is one of the things that helps keep Union County’s downtown communities vibrant—and fall provides the perfect excuse to explore.
Fall Is One of the Best Times to Experience Union County
Apple picking and pumpkin patches are fun, but what really makes fall special here is the combination of seasonal activities and strong community traditions.
You can spend Saturday morning apple picking, take the kids to a local fall festival in the afternoon and be back in Westfield for dinner. The next weekend might mean a hike through Watchung Reservation, pumpkin decorating downtown or dressing up for a Halloween parade.
It’s this combination of suburban convenience, active downtowns, parks, community events and easy access to so much of New Jersey that makes living in Union County, NJ so appealing.
Thinking About Moving to Union County?
If you’re considering a move to Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford, Mountainside, Clark or the surrounding Union County area, choosing a home is about more than bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage.
It’s also about finding the community that feels right for you.
As a local Realtor, I love helping buyers discover not only the homes available in our area, but also the neighborhoods, downtowns, parks and community traditions that make each town unique.
Thinking about buying or selling a home in Union County? Contact Jill Skibinsky at (908) 419-3333 to start the conversation and discover which community might be the right fit for your next move.
Popular fall activities include Union County’s Hayrides & Campfires, hiking and leaf-peeping at Watchung Reservation, Westfield’s AddamsFest, local fall festivals, Halloween parades and community events throughout Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood and surrounding towns.
Popular apple-picking destinations within driving distance of Westfield and Union County include Alstede Farms in Chester and Wightman Farms in Morristown. Apple availability varies throughout the season, so check with the farm before visiting.
Yes. Union County’s annual Hayrides & Campfires program returns in October 2026 at Warinanco Park in Roselle and Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Advance tickets are required.
Westfield’s AddamsFest runs throughout October with numerous activities, including Addams Family Fun Day on October 18, the Jack O’Lantern Trail on October 24 and Halloween Family Fun & Parade on October 25, along with decorations, exhibits and other Addams-inspired activities throughout town.
Westfield was the hometown of Charles Addams, creator of The Addams Family. The town celebrates that history each October with AddamsFest, bringing themed events, art, decorations and family activities throughout the community.
Union County communities offer a wide variety of seasonal events, parks, downtown activities and community traditions throughout the year. Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and surrounding towns each offer their own mix of recreation, local events and neighborhood amenities.
