Halloween 2026: Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure — Daytime, Toddler-Friendly Halloween in Jackson, NJ

Looking for Halloween fun that won't leave your little one in tears? Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ splits its Halloween season in two: Fright Fest (the scary nighttime version, recommended for ages 13 and up) and Kids Boo Fest (a daytime, not-so-scary celebration made for families). If your kids are in that sweet spot of loving costumes and candy but not ready for haunted houses, the daytime Boo Fest is the move.

📍 Place

Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson Township, NJ 08527. It's the park's family-friendly Halloween celebration, running by day on select dates from September 12 through November 1, 2026 — including Saturdays and Sundays October 17–18, 24–25, plus October 31 and November 1. Daytime activities include a trick-or-treat trail, a hay maze, a costume contest, kids' entertainment, and a pumpkin patch, all inside the regular theme park with its rides and attractions.

🚗 Drive Time

About 1 hour 30 minutes from Tenafly, Fort Lee, and Palisades Park (roughly 75 miles down the Garden State Parkway and Route 195). It's a full-day commitment, so aim for an early arrival when gates open — the Boo Fest activities wind down in the late afternoon, well before the scarier evening event begins.

👶 What Kids Can Do

• Trick-or-treat along the kid-friendly trail and fill up a candy bag (bring your own bag or bucket!)
• Wander the hay maze — a perfect "just right" level of spooky for toddlers and preschoolers
• Enter the costume contest (or just enjoy the parade of costumes around the park)
• Pick out a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch
• Catch daytime Halloween shows and character entertainment made for young audiences
• Ride the park's gentle family rides — many are open during the day season

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What Adults Can Do

• Sip hot cider and grab seasonal fall treats between attractions
• Browse the park's Halloween decor and photo spots (great for family photos)
• Catch a live show while the kids play
• If your teens are with you, note that Fright Fest (haunted houses, scare zones) starts after dark — strictly for ages 13+
• Enjoy the fall foliage on the drive down — central NJ puts on a nice October show

🧭 Things to Do Nearby

• Six Flags Wild Safari (same complex): drive-through animal park, open select fall dates — a great second day if you make it a weekend
• Lakewood BlueClaws area / downtown Toms River: easy dinner stop on the way home
• Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold: burn off energy on the playground and lake trails before heading home

🍂 Seasonal Highlights

October is peak Halloween season in NJ, and Boo Fest keeps the fun firmly on the friendly side — costumes encouraged, scares off. Dress the toddler in something comfortable to walk in (masks get hot fast), pack a light jacket for the late afternoon, and grab a pumpkin spice or apple treat before you go. Check the park's event calendar before you drive down, since Boo Fest runs on select dates only.

Details like dates and ticket prices change season to season — check the official Six Flags Great Adventure website before you go.