Union County Announces2026 Hayrides & Campfires at Warinanco Park & Trailside Nature & Science Center

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and families to enjoy a favorite fall tradition with the return of Hayrides & Campfires this October at Warinanco Park and the Trailside Nature & Science Center.

The annual program offers families an opportunity to enjoy a crisp fall evening outdoors with a hayride, campfire, entertainment, hot chocolate and marshmallows.

"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 is:

Warinanco Park
Friday, October 2
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Trailside Nature & Science Center
Sunday, October 4
3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday, October 9
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 11
3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday, October 16
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are $6 for Union County residents and $12 for non-residents and go on sale Tuesday, September 1 at 9:00 a.m.All tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the event. Group sales are limited to 15 people, and no refunds or exchanges will be offered. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ucnj.org/ticketor in person at:

Trailside Nature & Science Center
452 New Providence Road, Mountainside
Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
908-789-3670

Union County Parks Reservations
Warinanco Sports Center
1 Park Drive, Roselle
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
908-527-4900

Each ticket includes one hayride, entertainment, hot chocolate and marshmallows. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the campfire.

Upon arrival, participants should report directly to the check-in table, where their ticket will be exchanged for a numbered hayride pass. Hayrides depart approximately every 20 minutes, with passes assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Friday participants must check in before 8:00 p.m., and Sunday participants must check in before 5:00 p.m. Participants who arrive after those times 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. For Friday rain information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m. For Sunday rain information, call Trailside Nature & Science Center at 908-789-3670 after 1:00 p.m.

For more information about Union County parks and recreation programs, visit www.ucnj.org.