Oct' 25
As the leaves turn golden and pumpkin spice fills the air, Bergen County, NJ, comes alive with excitement and the collective anticipation for the season of sweaters, cider, and spectacular scares is palpable. Every year, families and thrill-seekers in this northeastern corner of the state embark on a quest to find the perfect autumnal activity from gentle afternoon parades for the smallest costumed crusaders to terrifying, late-night events that test the bravest souls.
Enjoy autumn with your loved ones with Halloween events in Bergen County that cover everything from friendly parades to thrilling haunted experiences.
1. Zoo Boo 2025 at Bergen County Zoo
Location: Bergen County Zoo, Van Saun County Park, 216 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652
Date: October 17-19, 2025 | Rain date is October 24
Time: 8 - 9pm EDT ( Check Time Slots)
More info: eventbrite.com/e/zoo-boo-2025
Details:
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Need to buy tickets; check the link to purchase.
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The time on your ticket is for arrival, but the event continues until 9:00 PM.
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Everyone aged 2 and up must have a ticket for entry, and all tickets are priced the same.
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Enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the zoo, Madscience shows, decorated exhibits, music, and an optional train ride (separate ticket).
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Note that refunds are generally not available for this event.
One of the most popular fall activities in NJ is Zoo Boo that transforms the Bergen County Zoo into a festive, family-friendly Halloween celebration. This event is a local tradition that transforms a daytime favorite into a magical, illuminated Halloween wonderland. Given the popularity, it is highly recommended to purchase your tickets far in advance, as time slots often sell out quickly, and the only way to guarantee entry is by securing your ticket online beforehand.
2. Fairview Public Library Annual Halloween Party
Location: 213 Anderson Avenue, Fairview NJ 07022
Date: Wednesday October 22, 2025
Time: 4:30-5:30pm
Phone: (201)-943- 5288
Email: [email protected]
More info: fairviewlibrarynj.org/en/calendar/
Registration Link: REGISTER HERE
Details:
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Features games, music, and dancing.
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Registration is required to attend this event.
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The party welcomes attendees of all ages in the community.
The library offers a perfect, low-stress environment for younger children to celebrate Halloween mid-week. This annual party focuses on pure, classic fun, giving kids a chance to show off their costumes and move to festive tunes in a safe, familiar setting. Families should call the library with any specific questions and be mindful of the necessary registration, as spots can be limited to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all participants.
3. Boo Bash at Ramsey Free Public Library
Location: 30 Wyckoff Ave Ramsey, NJ 07446
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Phone: 201-327-1445
Email: [email protected]
More info: Ramsey Free Public Library
Registration Link: REGISTER HERE
Details:
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Geared toward children in kindergarten through 5th grade.
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Registration is required for each individual child attending the event.
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Activities include a not-too-spooky haunted house, trick-or-treating, festive crafts, and temporary tattoos.
This afternoon event expertly balances fun with fright, featuring a haunted house experience designed to be thrilling without being overly scary for grade-schoolers. The combination of classic trick-or-treating with hands-on craft activities ensures a well-rounded and engaging time for all attendees. Parents should plan to register their children as soon as possible via the provided link to secure their spot for this popular Saturday afternoon gathering.
4. Not-So-Spooky Halloween Parade at Mawah Public Library
Location: 100 Ridge Rd Mahwah, NJ 07430
Date: Saturday October 25, 2025
Time: 2pm-4pm
Phone: (201) 529-7323
More info: mahwah.librarycalendar.com/event
Registration Link: REGISTER HERE
Details:
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The parade begins at 2:00 PM, followed by a craft session and treated collection at the info desks.
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Each person attending (including parents/guardians) must have their own individual registration.
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A parent or guardian is required to accompany all children during the event.
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Registration opens four weeks prior for cardholders, and two weeks prior for neighbors.
The concept of parading through the library in costume offers a unique and sheltered twist on the traditional outdoor event. Children are encouraged to bring their own trick-or-treat bags, although the library will provide them as well. The staggered registration system prioritizes local cardholders before opening to the broader neighboring community, so planning ahead and noting the date of registration is crucial for securing a reservation.
5. Bergenfield Parade & Contest
Location: Cooper’s Pond 115 W Church St, Bergenfield, NJ,
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
More info: Instagram
Details:
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The main features are the Halloween Costume Parade and Contest.
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Attendees are encouraged to "dress to impress" to compete for prizes.
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The event includes photos and fun for the entire family.
This morning's parade and contest offer a chance for participants to showcase their most elaborate and creative costumes on a beautiful Saturday morning. The contest element adds a competitive, yet playful, edge to the traditional parade, encouraging high-quality costume design. As Cooper’s Pond is the central hub, it provides a lovely, scenic backdrop for family photos and the judging of the costumed contenders.
6. Waldwick Ragamuffin Parade
Location: Starts from the Public Safety Building, 5 West Prospect St, Waldwick, NJ 07463
Date: Saturday October 25, 2025 | Rain date October 26, 2025
Time: 10am
More info: WaldwickCommnityAlliance.com
Details:
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The parade steps off from the Public Safety Building on East Prospect Street.
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Attendees can enjoy free refreshments and receive complimentary pumpkins.
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Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated trunk and the best costume.
Starting bright and early on Saturday morning, this traditional "ragamuffin" parade invites everyone to come out in their spookiest or silliest attire. The provision of free refreshments and pumpkins adds an extra layer of seasonal generosity, making it a true community event. Since the parade route starts from a specific building, spectators should check the local alliance's website closer to the date for the exact route map and prime viewing locations, especially in case the rain date is invoked.
7. Franklin Lakes Trunk or Treat
Location: Municipal Field, 480 Dekorte Drive (behind Police Department)
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Time: 11 AM – 1 PM
More info: franklinlakes.org
Registration Link: REGISTER HERE
Details:
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A costume parade is planned, complete with prizes for the winners.
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Community members can register their vehicle to participate in the "trunk" part of the event.
Trunk-or-treating is a highly popular, safe alternative to neighborhood door-to-door trick-or-treating, concentrating the fun in one convenient location. Held mid-day at the municipal field, the event fosters community spirit and gives car decorators a chance to showcase their creativity alongside the children’s costumes. This outdoor celebration promises a lively atmosphere, and families are encouraged to arrive early to ensure a good spot for viewing the parade and accessing the decorated vehicles.
8. Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Location: Back Parking Lot, 230 E. Ridgewood Ave. Paramus New Jersey 07652
Date: Sunday October 26, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Details:
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No registration is required to attend.
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The event will feature various emergency services vehicles.
Hosting a fall event at a medical center provides a unique opportunity, particularly with the inclusion of emergency services vehicles, which can be a huge draw for curious children. This relaxed, no-registration-required structure makes it a convenient stop for families on a busy Sunday afternoon. Since the location is the back parking lot, attendees should follow signs upon arrival at the Medical Center campus to ensure they easily find the designated event area.
9. Dot Painted Paper Pumpkins Mahwah public library
Location: 100 Ridge Rd Mahwah, NJ 07430
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time: 11:00am–11:45am
Registration Link: REGISTER HERE
Details:
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Designed for young registrants aged 2 to 5.
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Participants will use dot paint markers to create a unique paper pumpkin decoration inspired by artist Yayoi Kusama.
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Registration is required for each person attending the program.
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Parents or Guardians must be present during the entire event.
This creative activity provides a wonderful, fine-motor skill-enhancing alternative to traditional pumpkin carving, making it perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. The craft draws inspiration from famous modern art, which adds an educational element to seasonal fun. Since the activity is specifically timed and structured for very young children, parents should ensure they arrive on time and are prepared to assist their little artist throughout the short session.
10. Haunted Coopers Pond 2025
Location: 133 E Church St, Bergenfield, NJ 07621
Date: Thursday & Friday, October 30 & 31, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
More info: bergenfieldnj.gov/event
Details:
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Tickets will become available starting on October 27, 2025.
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Tickets must be acquired via the Borough Website and Eventbrite.
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Attendance is limited to Bergenfield Residents ONLY, with proof of residency required for entry.
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Tickets are highly limited, and households can only reserve tickets for one night; duplicate requests will be invalidated.
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This is a genuinely scary experience and is not suitable for small children.
This is the ultimate thrill for locals who crave a true scare to cap off their Halloween celebration. The strict residency requirement and the severe limit on tickets emphasize the exclusive and high-demand nature of this haunted attraction. Given that it is explicitly flagged as "scary," parents should heed the warning and ensure they leave younger, more sensitive children at home, as this event is designed to deliver genuine, late-night frights.
11. Bergenfield Trunk or Treat
Location: Downtown Bergenfield (The Avenue)
Date: Friday, October 31
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
More Info: bergenfieldnj.gov/event/
Details:
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The main artery, The Avenue, will be closed to vehicle traffic for the event.
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The closed street will be transformed into a gauntlet of spooky cars handing out candy.
Ending the season on Halloween afternoon, this trunk or treat takes the concept to a grand, municipal scale by shutting down the main downtown thoroughfare. This creates a highly safe, spacious environment for children to collect treats from creatively decorated vehicles. The closure of The Avenue is a significant commitment, highlighting the community's dedication to providing a fun and centralized trick-or-treating experience right in the heart of the town.
Summary:
Bergen County truly knows how to celebrate the fall season, from not-so-spooky parades to dazzling trunk-or-treats and creative fall crafts. These family events in Bergen County NJ 2025 remind us that the best memories are made together. Whether you’re seeking Halloween events for kids, NJ or simply looking for fun fall weekends close to home, there’s something magical waiting for everyone.
If you’re inspired to explore more local family activities, classes, and kid-friendly events near you, turn to Wondrfly, your trusted guide to discovering exciting experiences that bring families closer, one adventure at a time.
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