Things to Do in NJ - September 2024

Woo hoo – fall is here, and New Jersey’s regions are filled with wow things to do in any weather. See what’s popping up near you this September. From brag-worthy hikes to hot air balloons and historic revolutionary sites, there’s something for everyone in the great Garden State. Here are some of our faves.

In North Jersey 

Hike at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Old Mine Road | Hardwick | Skylands Region
Step into a scenic wonderland encompassing nearly 70,000 acres along 40 miles of the Delaware River including 72 miles of the renowned AT - the Appalachian Trail.

Enjoy American Dream 
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford | Gateway Region
There’s never a shortage of what to do at the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere and the largest indoor water park in North America. Dining, shopping, indoor year-round skiing too. 

Tee Up at The Architects Golf Club
700 Strykers Road, Lopatcong | Skylands Region
Legendary greens meet historic tees with 18 holes designed in the style of greats including A.W. Tillinghast, Donal Ross, Alister MacKenzie, Robert Trent Jones and more. 

The Architects Golf Club

Renew at Reflections Spa at Crystal Springs Resort 
3 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg | Skylands Region
Start fall feeling relaxed, refreshed and revitalized with the help of this luxe, highly-rated NJ spa offering innovative facial and body treatments along with sweeping (and soothing) mountain vistas. 

Crystal Springs Couples Massage

Go Ziplining at Mountain Creek
200 Rt. 94 Vernon/McAfree Road, Vernon | Skylands Region
Up your sense of adventure as you zip your way through the sky suspended above a mountaintop lake with priceless panoramic tri-state views.  

Experience the Montclair Jazz Festival | September 14 
26 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair | Gateway Region
Join in this vibrant, arts-rich celebration of jazz music with amazing live performances, multi-cultural cuisine, local artists and wow everywhere you turn! 

In Central Jersey 

Pop over to The Balloon Glow & Laser Show | September 13-14 
Middlesex County Fairgrounds, 655 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick | Central Jersey Region
Enjoy hot air balloons in flight, a Kids Zone with games and rides, live music and crafts. Hot air balloon rides are available for purchase, so if soaring through the clouds is on your bucket list, here’s your chance. 

Stock Up on Apples at Terhune Orchards Vineyard & Winery
330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton | Central Jersey Region
Pick your own Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Jonathan, Empire and Crimson Crisp apples in September, then come back in October for Red Delicious and Granny Smith. Cheers to the winery and the farm store too!


Visit The Garden State Sheep Breeders Sheep & Fiber Festival | September 14-15
Hunterdon County 4-H Fairgrounds (South County Park) Rt. 202 & 179, Ringoes | Central Jersey Region
There’s a lotta wool and a lotta wow happening at this beloved event boasting open sheep shows, herding dog showcases, food vendors, spinning, weaving and sheep shearing demos. 


Take Your Pick of Flowers at Snyder’s Farm
586 South Middlebush Road, Somerset | Central Jersey Region
Head out with your best buds for some of the most beautiful flowers of the season. Clip as you and snap up some amazing pics too. Check out more fun places to pick sunflowers in the great Garden State here

Zinnias at Synders

Explore Washington Crossing State Park 
355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville | Central Jersey Region 
This iconic NJ park marks the pivotal site where Gen. George Washington crossed the icy Delaware on December 25, 1776, and went on to secure significant victories in the Revolutionary War. For more history, view NJ’s American Revolution Itineraries. And if you love parks, our Jersey State Parks Passport is for you! 

Say Hello to Alpacas at Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm
890 Rt. 601, Skillman | Central Jersey Region
Here, you can visit and feed friendly alpacas and get your fill of fragrant purple-hued lavender products and cozy woolen items too. It’s a win-win. 

In South Jersey 

Have a Fin-tastic Time at Jenkinson’s Aquarium
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach | Shore Region
Get an up-close look at sharks, penguins, alligators and other aquatic animals from around the globe, then give the rides on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk a whirl. 

Jenkinsons Aquarium

Brush Up on History at the Painted Ladies, Porches and More Walking Tour 
Corner of Ocean Street & Washington Street, Cape May | Southern Shore Region
Stroll from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth to the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate and learn about Cape May’s Victorian architecture and vibrant history along the way. Check the website for dates and times.

Bite into The South Jersey Apple Festival | September 7 – 8 
Shoppes at Dragon Village, 1318 State Highway 77, Bridgeton | Southern Shore Region
This event is apple to the core – apple pies, apple cider, live entertainment, harvest crafts, classic car show, dog parade – all ripe for the pickin’. Get ready for the Salem Apple Festival scheduled for October 5 at the Salem County Fairgrounds too. 

Toast Fall at Tomasello Winery
225 N. White Horse Pike, Hammonton | Greater AC Region
Visit one of NJ’s 50+ wineries, take pics in the gazebo, sip sensational local wines and enjoy charcuterie and cheese plates daily and a tapas menu Friday - Sunday. And if you also enjoy craft beer, raise a glass to the Jersey Brews Trail. Psssst…you earn free swag too! 

Stroll Downtown Haddonfield
2 Kings Court, Haddonfield | Delaware River Region
This Jersey gem is a delightful way to spend a September Day. Tree-lined with charming boutiques, coffee shops and outdoor cafes, it is also home to the “Haddy” dinosaur statue and the historic Indian King Tavern Museum. Visit again in October for Haunted Haddonfield walking tours.

Giddy Up & Go to the Cowtown Rodeo
780 Harding Highway, Pilesgrove | Delaware River Region
See live bull riding, lassoing, bronc riding, barrel racing and more every Saturday at 7:30 pm. Be sure to mark your calendar, though. The final rodeo of the 2024 season is taking place on September 28. 


Discover more events and in every season and every region of the Garden State. And for more trip inspo, nothing beats our free NJ Travel Guide and e-newsletter. As always, check with your destinations before you go for the latest details.