UNION COUNTY, NJ — Union County residents will have several chances to take part in the county's annual Hayrides & Campfires program when it returns this October to Warinanco Park and the Trailside Nature & Science Center.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced the fall program, which includes a hayride, campfire, entertainment, hot chocolate and marshmallows.
According to the county, the event is designed to give families a chance to spend a fall evening outdoors at two county park locations.
"Fall is one of the best times to enjoy Union County's parks, and our Hayrides & Campfires give families a chance to spend an evening together outdoors and enjoy a tradition that has become a favorite for so many residents," said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. "We encourage families and friends to make plans early, reserve their tickets and come enjoy a great night in our parks."
The 2026 schedule begins at Warinanco Park on Friday, Oct. 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Additional dates at Trailside Nature & Science Center are Sunday, Oct. 4, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 11, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Friday, Oct. 16, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $6 for Union County residents and $12 for non-residents. They go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 9 a.m. and must be purchased in advance.
The county said tickets will not be sold at the event, group sales are limited to 15 people, and no refunds or exchanges will be offered.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ucnj.org/ticket or in person at Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or at Union County Parks Reservations at the Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive, Roselle, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair for the campfire.
Upon arrival, participants should report to the check-in table, where their ticket will be exchanged for a numbered hayride pass.
Hayrides depart about every 20 minutes, with passes assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Friday participants must check in before 8 p.m., and Sunday participants must check in before 5 p.m.
According to the county, those who arrive later are not guaranteed a hayride.
In the event of rain, ticket holders will be rescheduled to another available hayride date or an alternate date, as space permits.
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