Fall in New Jersey brings so many fun family activities! We have corn mazes, pumpkin picking, apple picking, trick or treat events and haunted houses. In the last few years we’ve noticed a growing trend of towns being invaded by scarecrows! Traditionally these are located in bustling downtowns, and decorated by community groups or businesses.
We have a tradition of trying to attend one every year. It’s so easy to do with so many New Jersey Scarecrows. Check out all the NJ scarecrow trails, displays, and contests to explore with kids!
We’re excited to report that these clever New Jersey scarecrow creations will be back for 2023. It’s just another example of fun and safe fall things to do in New Jersey.
Plan a trip sometime this month to one of these great towns; maybe for lunch or a treat or a stop at a special store and check out these fun scarecrow displays. You may be surprised by the creativity, and what a great tradition to start at your own location. Be prepared for your kids to ask to make their own unique scarecrow!
New Jersey Scarecrows
We are currently updating this guide to scarecrows near me and you for 2023. Click on the links for full details about each of these trails of New Jersey scarecrows.
North Jersey Scarecrows
Essex County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrow Display in Montclair, NJ
Scarecrows will grace the beautiful grounds and winding pathways of Van Vleck House & Gardens. From traditional scarecrows to dark-and-scary tributes to Halloween, from repurposed and upcycled creatures to sewn-and-stuffed homages to characters inspired by history, mythology, film, or literature, the only limit is your imagination.
Visit the Scarecrows in the Gardens from October 17, 2022 – October 31, 2022.
Morris County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in the Garden in Morris Township, NJ
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 353 Hanover Ave, Morris Township hosts original scarecrow creations created by families, schools, scouts, organizations, and more. Receive a map at the Haggerty Education Center, and explore the gardens. Scarecrows will be on display daily from October 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m, Free to view. If your family or group of up to 6 would like to participate in the Photo Scavenger Hunt the cost is $10/group. Preregistration is required. For more info, call (973)326-7601.
Sussex County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Branchville, NJ
Branchville Borough Historical Society and Broad Street Books sponsors the sixth annual Branchville Scarecrow Contest this October. Scarecrows will be on display until October 24, 2021. As of October 8, 2022, there are no details about this event for 2022.
Scarecrows in Vernon, NJ
Vernon Chamber of Commerce has scarecrows set up throughout the town from October 15 through October 26, 2022.
Union County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Cranford, NJ
Registration for the 15th Annual Downtown Cranford Scarecrow Stroll is now open! This is your chance to take part in one of Cranford’s biggest events. Registration is free and prizes are awarded in each category. Downtown Cranford’s Scarecrow Stroll will be out for viewing from October 14, 2022, to October 31, 2022.
Wander the streets of Cranford and be amazed at the creativity of local businesses and resident groups in the scarecrows they decorated!
Scarecrows in Linden, NJ
New for 2020, Linden public schools have created scarecrows to be displayed outside of City Hall. Check them out from October 19 – 31.
Scarecrows in New Providence, NJ 2023
New Providence Business is hosting another annual Scarecrow Contest, bringing a festive feel to the downtown! The contest encourages New Providence residents, businesses, civic organizations, school groups, sports teams, and families to build the wildest, cleverest, funniest scarecrows they can imagine (within contest guidelines).
The scarecrows will be on display throughout the downtown to bring the community and businesses together. New Providence scarecrows will be available to view in downtown from October 7 to October 31, 2023, for their annual Scarecrow Contest. Vote for your favorite among the creepy, cute and funny!
Warren County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Hackettstown, NJ
Hackettstown Business Improvement District with WRNJ Radio, will hold the Annual Scarecrow Contest. Stores will create a scarecrow and place them outside the storefront from October 10 – November 7, 2022. There’s a selfie with a scarecrow contest.
Do you know where we can find more New Jersey Scarecrows in Northern New Jersey? Let us know in the comments below or send us a picture to [email protected].
Central Jersey Scarecrows
Hunterdon County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Delaware River Towns, NJ
Delaware River Towns sponsors another New Jersey Scarecrow Contest, creations will be on display all through October (October 1-31, 2022). The Delaware River Towns Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is very excited to promote their Fourth Annual Scarecrow Contest! Their towns are well known for attracting fans of Halloween, including a Rocky Horror Picture Show, and dozens of incredibly decorated homes and businesses. Learn more.
Scarecrows in Lambertville, NJ
Lambertville is known for celebrating Halloween with the Rocky Horror picture show at Music Mountain Theatre and the incredibly decorated homes and businesses that draw visitors. But that’s not all, this year the Lambertville scarecrows will be back. As organizers are saying, “COVID-19 cannot cancel this annual event!” Scarecrows will be on display from October 1, 2021 – October 31, 2021. As of October 8, 2022, there are no details about this event for 2022.
Mercer County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Ewing, NJ
The Ewing Green Team, Ewing Arts Commission and Art Has No Boundaries are pleased to announce the 4th All Around Town Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt is now in the planning stages. Past years have seen 34 scarecrows featured and almost 80 individuals and groups participating in the hunt! Organizers are excited for Ewing-area residents to experience some much-loved Halloween fun. Ewing New Jersey scarecrows will be on display from Friday, Oct 1, 2022, to Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 4:30 pm.
Middlesex County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in South Plainfield, NJ
South Plainfield’s Borough Hall will be surrounded by scarecrows on display from October 14 – November 13, 2021. As of October 8, 2022, there are no details about this event for 2022.
Halloween Scarecrow Contest in Spotswood, NJ
Scarecrows will be on display from October 26, 2022 – October 29, 2022 around town in Spotswood. Learn more about the Spotswood Halloween Scarecrow Contest.
Monmouth County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Manasquan, NJ
Manasquan’s Chamber of Commerce will decorate the Main Street area with scarecrows this October! Scarecrows will be on display from October 17, 2022, to October 31, 2022.
Scarecrows in Keyport, NJ
The Friends of the Keyport Library is hosting the 8th annual scarecrow contest to beautify the library property! This year’s themes will be “Stranger Things”, “Be WItched”, and “It Came from the Bay”. All entries must adhere to good family community standards and will not be religious or political in nature. In-Person and Online voting takes place Sunday, October 22, 2022 – Sunday, October 29, 2022.
Somerset County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrow Stroll in Bernardsville
Scarecrows will be on display from October 15, 2022 – October 31, 2022 downtown in Bernardsville, New Jersey. Learn more about the Scarecrow Stroll in Bernardsville.
Scarecrow Festival in Hillsborough 2023
Last year over 40 scarecrows graced the Municipal Building to the delight of all who visited. See how many show up for this year’s 3rd Annual Hillsborough Scarecrow Festival! Scarecrows will be on display from October 1, 2023 – October 23, 2023.
Do you know where we can find more New Jersey Scarecrows in Central New Jersey? Let us know in the comments below or send us a picture to [email protected].
South Jersey Scarecrows
Atlantic County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Brigantine, NJ
New Jersey Scarecrows at the beach – why not! The Brigantine Beach Cultural Arts Commission brings the scarecrows back for their Annual Scarecrow Exhibit. As of October 8, 2022, there are no details about this event for 2022.
Burlington County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Eastampton, NJ
Scarecrows on Parade returns to Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton from October 1 – October 22. 2022. Friends, neighbors, scout groups, businesses, and local organizations, have a great time and compete against each other to create “the Best Scarecrow Display.”
Scarecrows in Medford, NJ
The Woman’s Club of Medford hosts the annual Scarecrow Contest Thursday, October 28, 2021. Scarecrows are humorous, lovable, and whimsical, but never frightening or distasteful. Scarecrows will be displayed by the shops of Medford.
Scarecrows in Palmyra, NJ
Palmyra Scarecrow Display in Palmyra from October 21, 2022 – October 31, 2022.
Cape May County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Cape May, NJ 2023
Scarecrow Alley at the Physick Estate is a must see! The grounds of Cape May’s original haunted house, the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., have been transformed for the spooky season. Scarecrow Alley is a highlight of the Estate’s Halloween decorations. Walk the grounds and vote for your favorite ghoulishly gruesome or foolishly funny scarecrow. Visit any day from October 1, 2023 – October 31, 2023, and cast your vote for your favorite. The Physick Estate is at 1048 Washington Street, Cape May. Admission is free.
Cumberland County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Vineland, NJ
You have all of October 2020 to visit Main Street Vineland and their Scarecrow Challenge! The Scarecrow Challenge on The Ave is returning this year, again in partnership with the Vineland Board of Education. All Vineland public and private schools, as well as local clubs and organizations, are invited to design scarecrows. The scarecrows, situated on frames, will be mounted on downtown lampposts on Landis Avenue. Some lampposts will be decorated with corn stalks. Stroll down Landis Avenue and just try to pick your favorite! As of September 16, 2023, there are no details about this event for 2023. We do not believe it happened in 2022.
Gloucester County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrow Display in Clayton, NJ
Come see all of the family friendly scarecrows on display throughout town in Clayton, New Jersey from October 1, 2022 – October 31, 2022.
Scarecrows in Pitman, NJ
The Friends of the Pitman Library are hosting the second annual Scarecrow Contest. These New Jersey scarecrows are on display until November 4th along Broadway and Pitman Avenue. As of September 16, 2023, there are no details about this event for 2023. We do not believe it has happened since 2018.
Main Street Scarecrow Contest in Williamstown, NJ
Scarecrows will be on display on Main Street in Williamstown from October 1, 2022 – November 5, 2022. Read more about the Main Street Scarecrow Contest.
Ocean County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Toms River, NJ
Downtown Toms River will line up the scarecrows along Washington and Main Street for their Scarecrow Walk. Vote for your favorite between October 12 – 31, 2022.
Salem County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrow Display in Woodstown 2023
Check out the scarecrows that are on display throughout town in Woodstown, New Jersey. They will be there from September 29 – October 31, 2023. Learn more about the Scarecrow Display in Woodstown.
Do you know where we can find more New Jersey Scarecrows in Southern New Jersey? Let us know in the comments below or send us a picture to [email protected].
Which trails will have your favorite New Jersey scarecrows?
For more scarecrow fun check out these children’s books about scarecrows
- The Scarecrows’ Wedding by Julia Donaldson
- A wedding that no one will ever forget is the intention of Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay. They are two scarecrows in love who decide it is time to get married. The happy couple creates a list, seeks out the items from the list on their farm, enlists the support and assistance of their colleagues (cows, geese, and other animals), and hit an unexpected obstacle. What happens next is a plot twist but the cute and quirky story is wrapped up with a happy ending for the preschooler crowd! It is a delightful story with a light rhythm that is fun to read.
- You can buy The Scarecrows’ Wedding on Amazon. Please use our affiliate link.
- More children’s books about scarecrows on Amazon.
Halloween Things to Do in New Jersey with Kids
Updated for 2023.
