FREEThings to Do with Kids in New Jersey This Weekend
October 24–25, 2026 · 79 events
This weekend's New Jersey kids' lineup leans heavily on free library programming, from a candy corn guessing contest and teen-led reading buddies to sensory-inclusive storytime and a Day of the Dead craft workshop. We've also included a few paid options for families who want something more structured, including a $25 toddler art class and a $50 build-your-own Halloween friend session with open play. Picks are spread across Jersey City, Westfield, Livingston, Mahwah, Rutherford, Hackettstown, and North Bergen, so you can find something close to home on Saturday or Sunday.
Top Picks
1Top Pick
FREEA free, low-pressure library contest where kids guess the candy corn count for a prize, with two winners split by age group (4–11 and 12–18). A practical drop-in option during library hours.
2Top Pick
FREEBook Buddies -- A Program Pairing Teens and Kids Ages 4-8
Westfield Memorial Library · Westfield
Ages 4–8
Pairs teens with kids ages 4–8 for a monthly reading session, giving younger children a reading buddy at no cost. Good for families in Westfield looking for a structured Saturday morning activity.
3Top Pick
FREEA free hands-on program for ages 7–11 that uses paper to explore architecture through drawing, building, and making. A fit for kids who prefer building and design over storytime.
4Top Pick
FREEA free Day of the Dead workshop for ages 6–11 where participants build a mixed-media shadow box nicho and reflect on the tradition. A craft option with cultural content for older kids.
5Top Pick
storytimeFREEAn inclusive storytime for ages 5 and up with stories, sign language, music, movement, and crafts in a neurodiversity-affirming setting. Designed for children of all abilities and their caregivers.
6Top Pick
storytimeFREEA free movement and music session for kids up to age five at the Mahwah Public Library. Note that as a main list registrant, arriving within ten minutes of the start time matters.
7Top Pick
artFREEFree Arts & Crafts with Kelsey
Riverview Farmers Market · Jersey City
Free arts and crafts with resident Artist Educator Kelsey at the Riverview Farmers Market, running every 2nd and 4th Sunday while supplies last. Projects change weekly, so it pairs well with a market visit.
8Top Pick
A Halloween-themed family event at The Little Play Café in Rutherford for kids up to age 6, with sign-up required. A drop-in option for families wanting a seasonal outing.
9Top Pick
From $50Stuff a Spooky: Build Your Own Halloween Friend
Play Away Indoor Play Place · Hackettstown
Up to age 6Drop-in
A paid ($50) Halloween activity where kids choose a Frankenstein bear or black cat, then stuff, dress, and take it home; includes open play from 9:30 AM–12:30 PM and two adults per family. Sibling discounts are available.
10Top Pick
artFrom $25A $25 Saturday art class for ages 2–4 with an accompanying adult at Urban Arts At Monroe, with weekly projects inspired by art history, artists, stories, poems, and songs. Structured for school readiness and motor skill development.
Saturday, October 24 (8)
FREEThe Sluggers Class (1.5 - up to 3 yrs)
The Inner Athete Hoboken - Monroe Center #C409 · Hoboken
Ages 18 mo–3 yrCourse
FREE
FREEFREEFREE
FREE
FREEHindustani Classical Music Concert with Rupali Venugopal
Westfield Memorial Library · Westfield
Sunday, October 25 (2)
FREE
FREEChinese Corner: Calligraphy Workshop
Summit Free Public Library · Summit