Halloween Activities For a Haunted Weekend

Halloween haunts aren't far of Hillsborough this weekend, with holiday themed activities filling each day.

Many activities allow parents and kids to relax and have fun—and don their costumes more than once—while also enjoying the season. For the non-parent crowd, the activities can be found as near as a call to a local cab company, for a ride to a bar.

Hopefully, these won't be canceled or otherwise postponed because of weather!

Here's what's going on this weekend:

Where/When: 10 a.m. Friday at the
Why Go: Because two to six year olds can listen to a story and create a craft to take home, while in costume.
Cost: Free

Where/When: 7 p.m. Friday at .
Why Go: The fundraiser supports one of the high school programs and is a great way to get some cool items.
Cost: $10, plus cost of extra tickets.

Where/When:7 p.m. Friday at the Hillsborough YMCA
Why Go: You can don costumes, walk through a haunted trail, do crafts and dance to music with the family.
Cost:Free.

Where/When:8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Evenings; 2 p.m. Sunday at the
Why Go: To watch a fuddy-duddy professor spent a summer in their Maine cabin connecting with nature and coping with changing family values.
Cost: Adults-$17; Seniors/Students $15.

Where/When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at .
Why Go:To participate in group excercise classes, a biathlon and lift-a-thon that benefits Ian Progin and his family.
Cost: There is a nominal fee for classes that will go to the Progin Family Fund.

Where/When:10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot.
Why Go:Because you're cleaning out wearable clothing, bed linens, stuffed animals and toys, and Project Graduation will receive money for each pound of items that's collected. Please put donations in tightly-tied plastic bags.
Cost: Free.

When/Where: The Bridgewater Township Library is holding its special Halloween sing-along Saturday at 10 a.m.
Why Go: So your children can sing along to their favorite Halloween songs while wearing their favorite Halloween costumes
Cost: Free


Where/When: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, in Basking Ridge center, with about three dozen participating businesses fanning out from South Finley Ave.
Why Go: Because kids can enjoy a safe, well-lit environment for picking up treats while parents get to hob-nob and enjoy some other freebies offered at this annual event coordinated by the Bernards Township Regional Chamber of Commerce. Head over to the  for additional Halloween activities afterward.
Cost: Free.


Where/When: 1 p.m. Saturday at
Why Go: To see 28 bands from throughout the state perform.
Cost: $10.

Where/When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday at in Hillsborough.
Why Go: To look for a fuzzy friend and begin the adoption process.
Cost: Bring your wallet.

When/Where: Saturday at the Bridgewater Commons Mall from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Why Go: To wear your costumes to the mall and take part in arts and crafts, face painting and prizes.
Cost: Free

When/Where: Saturday at TD Bank Ballpark, with the walk beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Why Go: Not only will you have the chance to raise money for diabetes research, but you will also get to take part in Halloween activities, like trunk-or-treating, pumpkin picking, a petting zoo and a costume contest.
Cost: A suggested donation is $20 per family to participate.

Brite Nites
When/Where: Wagner Farms Arboretum in Warren Township Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Why Go: Family-friendly Halloween fun, with hundreds of carved pumpkins and a not-too-scary Haunted House.
Cost: $7 fro kids and seniors; $10 for adults.

Where/When: 7 p.m. Saturday at 29 Second Avenue, Raritan.
Why Go: There are food and dessert specialties from several area restaurants, and wines to match. Entertainment and a basket auction round out the night.
Cost: $40

Where/When: Noon Sunday at in Hillsborough.
Why Go: Children of all ages can explore a balloon maze, try some creepy treats and make a scary craft to take home.
Cost: Free.

Where/When: Noon Sunday at in Hillsborough
Why Go: To go on a scavenger hunt through the Duke Estate, listen to a storyteller and learn about native wildlife. Costumes welcome.
Cost: $3 for children under 17. Adults are free.

Jazz in the Afternoon
When/Where: Sunday at noon at Uproot Restaurant in Warren.
Why Go: Local jazz faves Warren and Allan Vache, with Randy Reinhart,  Dan Levinson, Vinnie Corrao and Neal Miller in concert.
Cost: $18 ($15 for WBGO and NJ Jazz Society members). Reservations required.

When/Where: The Branchburg Sports Complex on Readington Road at 3 p.m. Sunday
Why Go: To show off your craziest Halloween costumes at the second annual party, while also enjoying bounce house time, carnival games and refreshments.
Cost: Free

When/Where: The exhibit by continues every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. during October at the Brick Academy, 15 W. Oak St., in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: Besides learning more about the history of some local places, you may be intrigued to hear and see exhibits about some of the history that still may be among us. Do you remember Phyllis, in search of her lost love? Or elegant but haunting Blairsden? You decide if you believe.
Price: Free