12 Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Jersey City & Hudson County - October 2025 Guide

The crisp October night glimmers from the flickering lights of pumpkins glowing on porches, children giggling behind masks, and the promise of one perfect Halloween night. Imagine strolling down Newark Avenue, lanterns bobbing in tiny hands, laughter echoing through historic streets and magic in every corner. That’s the spirit of Jersey City at Halloween: a tapestry of haunted fun, cozy festivity, and community warmth that invites families to step into a storybook’s spookiest chapter.  Halloween isn’t just a day; it’s an entire season of magic, creativity, and togetherness.

This October, Jersey City and greater Hudson County transform into a playground for witches, ghosts, goblins and most of all, families seeking delight. Whether your family loves spooky adventures, costume parades, or sweet pumpkin fun, this guide unveils the most enchanting family-friendly Halloween events in Jersey City and Hudson County 2025. Pack your costumes, grab your candy bags, and get ready for a month filled with excitement, laughter, and a touch of Halloween wonder.

1. Halloween Costume Contest at the Museum of Jersey City History

Location: 298 Academy Street, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Date: October 11, 2025
More info: www.mjchistory.org

Email:  [email protected]

Details:

This event brings local history and festive fun together! Children ages 0–15 can participate in the costume contest, showing off their creativity and confidence in a historic setting. The museum becomes a colorful runway of little ghosts, fairies, and superheroes. Parents can explore exhibits while kids enjoy prizes and friendly competition, a perfect mix of education and play.

2. K-Pop & Cauldrons Halloween Bash

Location: CRRNJ Terminal, 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Date: October 19, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

More info: K-Pop & Cauldrons Instagram Link

Details:

This free family-friendly party brings together Halloween fun with music, theater, and K-pop energy! Expect arts & crafts, dance performances, bouncy houses, and themed decorations. The CRRNJ Terminal offers stunning skyline views, so parents get a treat too! It’s a wonderful mix of entertainment and creativity, perfect for families who want Halloween fun with a cultural twist.

3. Halloween Kids Party Cruise (JC → NYC)

Location: Liberty Harbor Marina Boatyard, 15 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City
Date: October 25, 2025
More info: Book Your Tickets

Details:

Turn your Halloween into a floating adventure! This kid-friendly cruise sails from Jersey City to NYC with themed decorations, candy stations, and onboard entertainment.  Children can dance, play, and spot the city skyline under the night sky; it’s a magical mix of thrill and beauty. If you’re looking for something truly unforgettable this Halloween, this cruise is your ticket.

4. Hudson County Family Fun Halloween Fest

Location: 902 Brewing Co., Hudson County
Date: October 25, 2025
Time: 12 PM-6PM

More info or Tickets: www.visithudson.org

Details:

A full day of non-stop family fun! Enjoy face painting, balloon twisting, glitter tattoos, pumpkin decorating, and a costume contest, all in one place. There’s also live music, food trucks, and a trackless train that keeps kids entertained for hours. It’s the ultimate family destination where parents can relax while children immerse in festive joy.

5. Hudson County Fall Festival

Location: 101 Pacific Avenue, Hudson County
Date: October 25, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
More info: www.hudsoncountyculturalaffairs.org

Tickets: www.visithudson.org
Details: Autumn and Halloween themed activities

Celebrate the beauty of autumn and Halloween in one delightful festival. With local artisans, live entertainment, and fall-inspired activities, it’s a heartwarming outing for all ages. Families can enjoy craft booths, hayrides, and pumpkin painting stations while soaking up the cozy community atmosphere. It’s a relaxed, family-first event with plenty of seasonal charm.

6. HoBOOken 5K Halloween Run + Scary Scurry Kids’ Run

Location: Pier A, 100 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken, NJ
Date: October 25, 2025
Time: 5K at 10:00 AM, Kids’ Run at 11:00 AM

Registration Link: HoBOOken 5K Race 

Details:

A blend of fitness and fun! Families can join the festive 5K or the adorable “Scary Scurry” kids’ run, both filled with laughter and costumes. It’s not just a run, it’s a Halloween celebration on the move, with prizes, music, and scenic Hudson River views. You’ll feel the city’s community spirit in every stride.

7. Halloween Family Bash — Downtown Jersey City (HDSID)

Location: Newark Avenue Pedestrian Mall & Grove Street, Downtown Jersey City
Date: October 31, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
More info: www.jcdowntown.org 

Details

Get ready for one of Jersey City’s biggest Halloween celebrations! The Downtown Family Bash is packed with fun, think games, a corn maze, pumpkin crafts, face painting, candy giveaways, and bouncy houses galore. It’s safe, exciting, and filled with smiles, making it a perfect day for toddlers to tweens. You’ll love the community vibe, the live music, and the sight of kids showing off their costumes down the pedestrian mall. This bash truly captures Jersey City’s warm Halloween spirit.

8. Jersey City Halloween Night Market

Location: Harborside Atrium, 210 Hudson Street, Jersey City
Date: October 31, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Details:

If you love food, music, and shopping, this night market is your dream come true. Over 30 vendors, interactive games, a DJ, and a costume contest await families looking for lively evening fun. It’s ideal for slightly older kids and teens who want to enjoy a festive city vibe while munching on delicious treats. You’ll find everything from spooky sweets to artisan crafts, making it a must-visit for a memorable Halloween night.

9. Hoboken Ragamuffin Halloween Parade & Costume Contest

Location: Washington Street between 13th & 14th Streets, Hoboken
Date: October 31, 2025
Time: Parade at 3:00 PM; Contest at 4:30 PM

More Info: Hoboken Ragamuffin Halloween Parade - Hudson County
Details:

A beloved local tradition that’s full of small-town charm! Kids march proudly in costume, cheered by families lining Washington Street. After the parade, enjoy a lively costume contest and community gathering at the Little League Field. It’s the perfect way to experience Hoboken’s warmth and creativity during Halloween.

10. Bayonne Annual Halloween Parade & Costume Contest

Location: Corner of 25th Street & Broadway, Bayonne, NJ
Date: Historically late October, check official website

Parade route / start: Corner of 25th Street & Broadway, Bayonne, NJ → 22nd Street and back to 25th Street.

More info: www.bayonnenj.org
Details:

The Bayonne Halloween Parade is a long-standing community favorite with colorful floats and costume contests for kids up to 13 years. It’s an afternoon filled with excitement, tradition, and local pride. Families love this friendly neighborhood celebration that combines nostalgia with plenty of candy and smiles.

11. Pumpkin Patch @ Pier 13 (Hoboken)

Location: Pier 13, Hoboken, NJ
Date: Wednesdays through Sundays in October
More info: www.pier13hoboken.com
Details: Seasonal pumpkin patch

Nothing says fall like a pumpkin patch by the water! Kids can pick pumpkins, take adorable photos, and enjoy simple seasonal fun. With the backdrop of Manhattan’s skyline and the fresh river breeze, it’s a beautiful and calm escape from the city’s Halloween chaos, a must-do for families with younger children.

12. Disney & Donuts: Halloween Edition

Location: Hoboken, NJ
Date: October 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
More info: www.hobokengirl.com
Details:

This adorable morning event combines two things kids love most, Disney and donuts! Expect music, themed activities, and gentle Halloween fun for little ones.  It’s ideal for toddlers or preschoolers who might find spooky events overwhelming. The joyful vibe makes it a heartwarming way to kick off Halloween week.

Why These Events Are Worth Attending

Each event celebrates more than just costumes; it’s about creativity, connection, and community. From scenic runs and cultural parades to musical bashes and cozy pumpkin patches, these events offer safe, inclusive spaces for families to make lasting memories. 
Halloween in Jersey City and Hudson County 2025 isn’t just a holiday; it’s a celebration of imagination and togetherness that both kids and parents will cherish.

Summary:

This October, Jersey City and Hudson County are filled with festivities where laughter rings out and memories are made. Halloween becomes truly magical when you know where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of it. Whether you’re looking for thrilling parades, cozy pumpkin picking, or sweet morning adventures, this guide helps you plan every moment.

At Wondrfly, we bring you the best local resources, event updates, and ideas to make family time extraordinary. So grab your costumes, pack your candy bags, and let the Halloween 2025 adventures begin with a little help from Wondrfly!