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 2021. 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
Details with strikeouts are NJ scarecrow trails and displays we have not yet confirmed for 2021. Click on the links for full details about each of these trails of New Jersey scarecrows.
North Jersey Scarecrows
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.
Scarecrows in Vernon, NJ
Vernon Chamber of Commerce has scarecrows set up throughout the town from October 16 through October 30, 2021.
Union County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Cranford, NJ
Registration for the 14th 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 15, 2021, to October 31, 2021. 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
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 9, 2021 – November 1, 2021, 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 with a cartoon character theme and place them outside the storefront from October 8 – November 11, 2021.
Morris County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows 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 Friday, October 1, 2021 – to Sunday, November 7, 2021. 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.
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 jenniferauer@jerseyfamilyfun.com.
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, 2021). The Delaware River Towns Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is very excited to promote their Third Annual Scarecrow Contest! Their towns are well known for attracting fans of Halloween, including a Zombie Crawl, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Ghost Tours, High Heel Contests, 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.
Mercer County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Ewing, NJ
The Ewing Green Team, Ewing Arts Commission, and Art Has No Boundaries are pleased to announce that our 3rd All Around Town Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt is now in the planning stages. Following previous year’s very successful events which featured 34 scarecrows and almost 80 individuals and groups on the hunt, we are expanding options for participation this year, as well as cash prizes to sweeten the fun! Organizers are excited for Ewing-area residents to experience some much-needed fun while staying safe and healthy with an activity that lends itself to those requirements. Ewing New Jersey scarecrows will be on display from Friday, Oct 1, 2021, to Thursday, October 28, 2021, 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.
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 16, 2021, to October 31, 2021.
Scarecrows in Keyport, NJ
The Friends of the Keyport Library is hosting the 7th annual scarecrow contest to beautify the library property! This year’s themes will be “Nautical Nonsense”, “Nightmare on Broad Street”, and “Fairytale Funhouse”. 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 17, 2021 – Sunday, October 23, 2021, One vote per person, per category. Winner announcement & celebratory activities will take place on Saturday, October 23rd, from 2 PM-4 PM at the Library.
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 jenniferauer@jerseyfamilyfun.com.
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. 2021 Information is not yet available.
Burlington County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Eastampton, NJ
Scarecrows on Parade returns to Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton beginning October 21, 2021. Voting ends at 5 PM on October 30th.
Scarecrows in Medford, NJ
The Woman’s Club of Medford hosts the annual Scarecrow Contest Thursday, October 28, 2021. Scarecrows are humorous, lovable, 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 17, 2021 – November 7, 2021. On 10/30, winners will be announced online at www.palmyrahalloweenparade.com.
Cape May County Scarecrow Displays
Scarecrows in Cape May, NJ
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, 2021, – November 2, 2021, 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! No 2021 updates.
Gloucester County Scarecrow Displays
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. No updates for 2021.
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 13 – 31, 2021.
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 jenniferauer@jerseyfamilyfun.com.
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.
Need more ideas for a spooktacular New Jersey Halloween?
Let us help you have a great New Jersey Halloween with 10 Amazing New Jersey Halloween Activities to Try This Year.
Our Spooktacular Guide to New Jersey Halloween Family Fun With Your Kids includes
- New Jersey Trick or Treat Times,
- Best Halloween Events for Kids in New Jersey,
- New Jersey Halloween Attractions,
- New Jersey Haunted Houses & Halloween Displays,
- New Jersey Scarecrow Trails,
- New Jersey Pumpkin Patches,
- and Where Kids Can Eat Free on Halloween.
Click over to Our Spooktacular Guide to New Jersey Halloween Family Fun With Your Kids.
