By Danielle Davies
If you’ve ever driven past Storybook Land during November or December, you know that it’s a South Jersey holiday legend. Decked out with thousands upon thousands of lights, with Santa and Mrs. Claus cozily tucked away in their very own house, Storybook Land seems like it was made just for Christmas.
As enchanting as December is at Storybook Land, however, it’s much more than a Christmas attraction. Founded in 1955 by John and Esther Fricano, Storybook Land caters to families with young children, with classic storytime favorites — think “There was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” and “Billy Goats Gruff”— serving as the whimsical backdrop for magical visits. Open nine months a year, it’s home to not-too-fast rides, just-right-for-kids exploring, summer splashes, birthday parties, visits from the Easter Bunny, and during October, plenty of fall favorites.
Here are five reasons Storybook Land is a must-visit at Halloween.
1. The weather can’t be beat.
While this might not be the thing to entice your kids, trust us when we tell you that a beautiful fall day at Storybook Land is like nothing else. Contrary to the winter months, when parents are contending with mittens and hats and boots and strollers, autumn is a fairytale, with plenty of space to spread out, take photos, and explore among the changing leaves and imaginary world of Storybook Land.
2. That perfect fall feeling.
On the most boring day of the year, Storybook Land is still a feast for the eyes. The immaculately kept park has so much to see, from rides and attractions to themed eating areas and even a few exotic animals. During October, Storybook Land ups their already amazing game with hay stalks, cornstalks and pumpkins galore, providing little ones with all the Halloween fun without any of the Halloween frights.
3. Autumn hayrides.
There’s no dispute — New Jersey has a bunch of hayrides available during October. As the Garden State, NJ has tons of farms and fields perfect for tractor rides. However, many of them are associated with jumps and scares ideal for older kids and teenagers, but way less fun for the smaller set. At Storybook Land, kids and their families are guaranteed a happy Halloween Hayride that tours the festive theme park without anything scary.
4. Elmer’s Hay Maze.
While there’s plenty to keep you busy at Storybook Land, Elmer’s Hay Maze is a specialty attraction during Halloween that’s totally worth it. Rather than the high corn stalks of an adult maze, this kid-friendly maze is all delightful stacks of hay bales colorfully decorated with an associated scavenger hunt for puzzle pieces. Like all the other attractions at Storybook Land, Elmer’s Hay Maze is free with admission.
5. The trick or treating.
Is a Halloween event really a Halloween event if candy isn’t involved? We don’t think so. Storybook Land encourages kids to come in their costumes, get a free trick-or-treat bag, and then hit the various stations throughout the park to do their trick-or-treating.
Storybook Land Trick or Treat Weekend takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 28 and 29. Storybook Land is located at 6415 E. Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township. Visit StorybookLand.com for more information.
Danielle’s been a writer and storyteller for the past fifteen years—her work has appeared everywhere from Philadelphia Style Magazine and The Press of Atlantic City to Cape May Magazine and The WC Press in West Chester. Nationally, her short stories have been published in Typehouse Magazine and Scary Mommy. She lives in South Jersey with her husband and two children.
