Updated for 2019!
The fall is definitely my favorite season. I love visiting farms, picking apples and enjoying nature walks with my kids. There are so many amazing experiences to be had that help kids learn, grow and develop. What’s even better is that these experiences don’t have to cost a lot of money. In fact, many are FREE. Yes, I said FREE! At Mommy University, we love sharing brain boosting activities but we also know that most families, like ours, are on a budget. This fall, we have put together a list of exciting brain boosting experiences your entire family will LOVE!
FREE Brain Boosting Fall Fun
Smithsonian Magazine Annual Museum Day
On September 21, Museum Day ticket holders can enjoy FREE admission to museums in NJ (and beyond). Hosted by Smithsonian Magazine, Museum Day offers families the opportunity to explore museums they may have never experienced before. For a list of NJ museums and to order your free ticket, visit smithsonianmag.com.
Home Depot Kids Workshops
If you follow Mommy University on Facebook, then I am sure you have seen our pictures at the Home Depot Kids Workshops. I have been bringing my older son since he was 4 years old. Even though it says it starts at age 5, I have never had a problem bringing my kids. Home Depot Kids Workshops take place the first Saturday of every month from 9am-12pm. The workshop is great for building fine motor skills, increasing independence and sparking creativity. For a list of projects, click here.
Free Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning
Every Saturday from 11am-3pm at Lakeshore Learning stores, kids can enjoy a fun themed crafting experiences. This spring kids can make a variety of adorable crafts while building fine motor skills and sparking the imagination.
Admission to Pick-Your-Own at Alstede Farms
Whether it is apples, pumpkins, corn or fruit, families love PYO experiences at the farm. This fall enjoy FREE PYO admission at Alstede Farms Monday-Thursday 9am-12pm. This includes a hayride to the fields.
Open Arms Evening
On November 10, families with children on the autism spectrum are invited to explore the Garden State Discovery Museum in Cherry Hill for FREE. This relaxing and judgment-free evening is fun for the entire family. The event takes place 6pm-8pm and registration is not required.
Barnes and Noble Story Time
Since my kids were babies I have taken them to the FREE story times at Barnes and Noble. Not only do kids get to enjoy a great story, they also sing songs and complete a fun activity. Most Barnes and Noble stores offer weekly story times so check your local schedule for more details. Special events also take place throughout the fall.
After story time, kids can make a fun craft based on the story.
Bank of America Museums On Us
On the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America card holders can enjoy FREE admission to museums all over the country. The Museums On Us program gives families access to amazing learning experiences that they otherwise may not have been able to afford. In NJ, families can visit Morris Museum, Liberty Science Center, Garden State Discovery Museum, Newark Museum, The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University, Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Montclair Art Museum and Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art.
Fall Festivals
With fall comes an array of fun and exciting festivals. From apples to pumpkins to food trucks, there are plenty of fall festivals for families to enjoy in NJ. What’s even better is that many of them are FREE!
Cape May County Zoo
Zoos offer amazing developmental and academic benefits for kids. This fall families can explore Cape May County Zoo for FREE. In fact, this zoo is free all year long! It’s a wonderful way to enhance vocabulary and introduce kids to the world of science!
Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland
When you think fall, you don’t necessarily think Santa, BUT Santa’s Wonderland is a fun and FREE experience I had to add to the list. Kids can make crafts, make a wooden picture frame to display their Santa picture, build with Lincoln Logs and explore the Big Dig Excavation Area. Kids can also enjoy remote control trucks, a foam toy arcade and laser arcade and a new activity rug. Event dates to be announced soon. Learn more on the Bass Pro Shops website.
Keep checking back as we will be adding to this list as new events are released! Have fun learning through play this fall!
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