Fall Activities At Van Vleck House & Gardens In Montclair: 2026 Events

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Van Vleck House & Gardens will kick off its fall season this weekend when Mosaic Dance Theater Company presents “Inside the Faerie Realm.”

Performed on the terrace behind the historic Van Vleck House, this original fairy-themed ballet will transport audiences into an enchanting world of imagination, movement, and storytelling.

While the event is sold out, according to the website, there will be more children's and family programming coming up at Van Vleck. See an online event brochure here.

“Our fall season is filled with opportunities for children and families to learn together through exploration and outdoor activities amidst the beautiful gardens of Van Vleck,” Michelle Wiessner, director of education at The Montclair Foundation/Van Vleck House & Gardens.”

“We are excited to welcome both new and returning families for a season of discovery, creativity, and fun for the whole family,” Wiessner added.

The list of events includes:

Nature Explorers

Young naturalists can investigate the wonders of the garden through hands-on activities, outdoor discovery, and seasonal science exploration.

• September 12, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m.
• October 10, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m.
• December 19, 10:30a.m. to 12:30p.m.

Tales on the Trails

This beloved preschool series combines stories, nature walks, and crafts.

• September 16: Fall into Autumn, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• October 14: Acorns & Oaks, 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• November 18: Woodland Friends, 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• December 16: Cardinals in the Winter, 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Outdoor Adventures

Families explore the natural world through scavenger hunts, crafts, and outdoor investigations.

• September 19: Autumn Blooms, 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.
• October 17: Spiders,10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.
• November 14: Fall Leaf Fun, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m.
• December 12:Winter Birding, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Garden to Table

Young chefs harvest, learn, and create seasonal treats together.

• September 17: Veggie Pizza, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• October 8: Pumpkin Hummus, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• November 12: Spinach & Garlic Waffles, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Family Yoga in the Gardens

Families are invited to move, breathe, and connect through guided yoga and mindful play in the gardens.

• October 17, 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Annual Sensory Celebration

An inclusive family event featuring art, movement, gardening activities, and self-guided hikes and sensory experiences throughout the grounds.

• October 24, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Art in Nature

Participants create nature-inspired artwork while enjoying the beauty of the autumn gardens.

• November 7, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Scout Day: Natural Crafting

Scouts explore creativity and environmental stewardship through hands-on nature activities and outdoor art projects.

• November 7, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Santa at Van Vleck

Families can meet Santa, enjoy festive activities, and capture memorable holiday photos inside the beautifully decorated Van Vleck House.

• December 4, 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• December 5, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• December 6, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

As the steward of Van Vleck House & Gardens since 1993, The Montclair Foundation aims to preserve one of Montclair's most treasured historic and horticultural landmarks, while providing “meaningful opportunities for learning, inspiration, arts and cultural experiences, and community connection.”

For event and class registrations and more information about The Montclair Foundation, visit montclairfoundation.org

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