Your Guide to the Most Unique New Jersey Scarecrows

Posted on: October 2nd, 2018 by Melanie C.

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 attending one every year, but with a recent move to a new area we are seeking new ones and have found plenty of New Jersey Scarecrow Trails, Displays and Contests to explore with kids!

See Bob the Builder as a scarecrow at New Jersey scarecrow trails.

Bob the Builder … building a zombie!

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 Scarecrow Displays

Details in italics are being confirmed for 2019.

North Jersey Scarecrow Displays

Sussex County Scarecrow Displays

Branchville Borough Historical Society and Broad Street Books sponsors the third annual Branchville Scarecrow Contest this October. Organizers expect to place almost 200 scarecrows around town – it’s a must see! Visit Broad Street Books for a walking map of scarecrows the last week of October.

Union County Scarecrow Displays

Downtown Cranford’s Scarecrow Stroll will be out for viewing from October 16 – October 31 this year. Wander the streets of Cranford and be amazed at the creativity of local businesses and resident groups in the scarecrows they decorated!
New Providence brings scarecrows back to downtown from October 11 – November 1 for their annual Scarecrow Contest. Vote for your favorite among the creepy, cute and funny!

Warren County Scarecrow Displays

Hackettstown Business Improvement District with WRNJ Radio, will hold the Annual Scarecrow Contest. Stores will create a scarecrow with a villain theme and place them outside the storefront from October 8 – November 9.

Morris County Scarecrow Displays

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 Saturday, October 19 – December 1, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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 Scarecrow Displays

Hunterdon County Scarecrow Displays

Delaware River Towns sponsors another New Jersey Scarecrow Contest, creations will be on display all through October.

Mercer County Scarecrow Displays

Support the Ewing Green Team and their New Jersey Scarecrow Contest on Saturday, October 26 at the Ewing Senior and Community Center. Hot cider and refreshments will be served!

Middlesex County Scarecrow Displays

South Plainfield’s Borough Hall will be surrounded by scarecrows on display until October 27.

Monmouth County Scarecrow Displays

Manasquan’s Chamber of Commerce will decorate the Main Street area with scarecrows this October! Scarecrows will be placed beginning October 14 and remain through Halloween.
The Friends of the Keyport Library hosts the 5th annual scarecrow contest to beautify the library property! View at least 20 scarecrows designed by local families and businesses on October 12 (judging that day, with a raindate of the 20th), remaining out for a couple of weeks.

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 Scarecrow Displays

Atlantic County Scarecrow Displays

Scarecrows at the beach -why not! The Brigantine Beach Cultural Arts Commission brings the scarecrows back for the Fourth Annual Scarecrow Exhibit. Visit the island before October 31 to view the creations.

Burlington County Scarecrow Displays

Scarecrows on Parade returns to Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton from October 2 – 31. The contest will be judged on October 14 at the Fall Float Festival.
The Woman’s Club of Medford hosts the annual Scarecrow Contest from October 5 – 27. Scarecrows will be displayed by the shops of Medford.

Cape May County Scarecrow Displays

Scarecrow Alley at the Physick Estate is a must see! Visit any day from 10 am – 5 pm or Saturdays 10 am – 10 pm October 12- November 4 and cast your vote for your favorite. The Physick Estate is at 1048 Washington Street, Cape May.

Cumberland County Scarecrow Displays

You have all of October to visit Main Street Vineland and their Scarecrow Challenge! Stroll down Landis Avenue and just try to pick your favorite!

Gloucester County Scarecrow Displays

The Friends of the Pitman Library are hosting the second annual Scarecrow Contest. Scarecrows are on display until November 4th along Broadway and Pitman Avenue.

Ocean County Scarecrow Displays

Downtown Toms River will line up the scarecrows along Washington and Main Street for their Scarecrow Walk. Vote for your favorite between October 15 – 31!

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.

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.