Mid-October is when Bergen County leans all the way into fall. This weekend, Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18, brings a drive-through light show for the little ones, a haunted trail for teenagers who claim nothing scares them, an oompah band, a nature festival and a night of Halloween comedy. Here are six ways to make a little room for a day out, from Mahwah to Hackensack.
Planning note: This guide is for October 16–18, 2026. Details were checked on October 15. Tickets, prices and weather arrangements can change; use each organizer’s link to confirm your date and entry time before setting out.
Demarest Farms Halloween Light Show · Hillsdale
For a Halloween outing that keeps everyone in the car, Demarest Farms runs a guided route through 32 acres of light displays. Tune the radio to 107.9 FM and follow the show at a family-friendly pace. The drive itself takes about 20–25 minutes, and the farm market offers treats before or after your visit.
When: The season runs September 26–November 1. Choose an available October 16–18 date and timed-entry reservation on the booking page; exact slots for this weekend were not independently confirmed. Cost: The checked checkout price was $37.72 per car, including a $2.72 booking fee. One ticket covers one car.
Good to know: Appropriate for all ages. Reserve online; tickets are not sold at the farm market. Arrive 10 minutes before your reservation and allow for a possible wait at peak times. Oversized vehicles cannot be accommodated. Where: 244 Werimus Road, Hillsdale.
Pantophobia Haunted Trail · Mahwah
For a more frightening night, Pantophobia’s outdoor trail at Darlington County Park turns a mile of woods, grass, sand and pavement into a haunted walk. Allow about 35–40 minutes for the trail itself, wear comfortable athletic shoes and dress for an evening outdoors.
When: Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, 8–11 p.m.; Sunday, October 18, 8–10 p.m. Entry uses timed windows. Cost: $36 on Friday and Saturday; $33 on Sunday, plus taxes and fees.
Good to know: The organizer sets no fixed minimum age and leaves the decision to parents or guardians. This trail is intended to scare; the separate children’s hayride is not running in 2026. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your selected time and follow the organizer’s final-entry instructions. Where: Darlington Lake, 600 Darlington Avenue, Mahwah.
Official hours, prices and visitor guidance · Choose a night and book
Hayrides and pumpkin picking at Secor Farms · Mahwah
A daylight choice for families, Secor Farms puts several fall traditions in one visit: a hayride, pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay maze and a petting zoo with goats and bunnies. Weekend general admission covers access to those activities, so plan for more than a quick stop at the pumpkin display.
When: Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. for weekend fall activities. Cost: Check the current general-admission price on the booking page. Pumpkins are extra, weighed at 75 cents per pound.
Good to know: Buy general admission online in advance; walk-in ticket sales are not guaranteed. On weekends, the petting zoo and other fall activities require admission. The farm market has different operating hours from the activities. Where: 85 Airmont Avenue, Mahwah.
Oktoberfest at Zion Lutheran Church · Saddle River
For a Saturday evening around the table, Zion Lutheran Church is hosting an Oktoberfest with a live oompah band and German food in its fellowship hall. Soft drinks are included, with beer for adults of legal drinking age; the organizer also permits guests to bring their own wine.
When: Saturday, October 17, 5:30–9 p.m. Cost: $30 for adults, $15 for ages 12–20 and free for children under 12. Online tickets carry service fees of $0.75 for an adult ticket and $0.38 for an ages 12–20 ticket.
Good to know: Tickets are also offered at the door, but the church asks guests to let it know they are coming so it can plan the food. Where: Zion Lutheran Fellowship Hall, 96 East Allendale Road, Saddle River.
Halloween Comedy Show and Costume Contest · Hackensack
Howdy Stranger brings its Halloween improv show to HACPAC, with audience suggestions steering a zombie-apocalypse story. Costumes are welcome, and a costume contest adds another reason to dress up. It is a useful indoor option for anyone who would rather laugh at the season’s scares.
When: Saturday, October 17, starting at 8 p.m.; the ticket listing gives an end time of 9:30 p.m. Cost: The venue advertises tickets at $15–$25. Check the ticket page for the category you qualify for, any added fees and current purchase terms.
Good to know: Although the venue describes the show as family-friendly, it warns that improvised scenes may include adult themes and language. Parents should use their judgment for younger children. Where: HACPAC’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, 102 State Street, Hackensack.
Great Fall Festival at Flat Rock Brook · Englewood
Sunday’s nature-focused option is the Great Fall Festival at Flat Rock Brook. The organizer lists canoeing, raptor presentations, guided hikes, a scavenger hunt, face painting, crafts, music and food trucks. It is a chance to spend part of the afternoon outside and choose activities as you go.
When: Sunday, October 18, noon–4 p.m. Cost: Confirm admission with the organizer before visiting; a current admission charge could not be independently verified for this guide.
Good to know: Check the organizer’s updates for weather arrangements and any activity-specific requirements. Where: Flat Rock Brook, 443 Van Nostrand Avenue, Englewood.
The weekend at a glance
Use this quick comparison to narrow the list, then follow the event link above for current availability. Listed prices are the checked advertised rates; where a fee is stated separately, add it to the admission price.
| Event and town | When | Admission / booking |
|---|---|---|
| Demarest Farms · Hillsdale | Select an available October 16–18 timed slot | $37.72 per car including the checked booking fee; reserve online |
| Pantophobia · Mahwah | Fri–Sat 8–11 p.m.; Sun 8–10 p.m. | $36 Fri–Sat / $33 Sun, plus taxes and fees; timed entry |
| Secor Farms · Mahwah | Sat–Sun 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. | Check booking price; pumpkins extra; buy online in advance |
| Zion Oktoberfest · Saddle River | Sat 5:30–9 p.m. | $30 adults / $15 ages 12–20 / under 12 free; online fees apply |
| Halloween comedy · Hackensack | Sat 8–9:30 p.m. | $15–$25 advertised; check ticket categories and fees |
| Great Fall Festival · Englewood | Sun noon–4 p.m. | Confirm current admission with the organizer |
Also checking Zoo Boo? Start with availability
Bergen County Zoo’s Zoo Boo is scheduled for October 16–18, with October 23–25 listed as rain dates. Some ticket listings have shown sold out; we have not confirmed that every session is unavailable. Check the current sales links before making plans. Zoo admission and train tickets are separate, and rain dates apply if the event is postponed.
Before you go
Make reservations before leaving home, keep the booking confirmation handy and check the organizer’s latest weather and entry guidance. This is an editorial roundup, not a guarantee that tickets remain available.
If the weather changes your plans, see Rainy Day, Small Kids for indoor ideas. Planning a meal around an outing? Our Teaneck dining guide and private dining-room guide offer more places to explore.
Information checked October 15, 2026 against the organizer and ticketing pages linked above. This dated guide is retained as an archive after October 18; check organizers for future events.
