I just love holiday craft fairs. I’m not a fan of malls and big crowds, so to me, a holiday fair is the perfect place to find adorable, hand-made gifts for everyone in the family. Not to mention, your purchases help support local artists, so it's a win-win. There’s a certain kind of charm to a holiday craft fair, and I hope you stop by some of these wonderful New Jersey fairs this holiday season.

After the Halloween hoopla filled with candy & costumes and before the December cookie baking & gift frenzy, Thanksgiving brings a slower pace to the seasonal festivities in my house, allowing us to recharge with family and a delicious meal. In my kids eyes, Thanksgiving can seem a tad…well, boring compared to the spooky decorations we put out for Halloween and the gingerbread houses we construct come Christmas. I love Thanksgiving and want it to be a meaningful time for my family - and that means getting them involved. Check out these fun Thanksgiving Day craft events happening all throughout the month of November, where kids can roll up their sleeves and get into the Turkey Day groove - and maybe bring home a little something to decorate your holiday table too!

Hasta la vista, Halloween; it was real. We may have pulled a muscle or two dragging those overloaded trick-or-treat bags around, but at least we earned a break before the next onslaught of holiday overload comes a calling. That's why we're going to fill this weekend with Santa Claus.

What's that? I meant science. There's some serious science happening on the UCLA campus this Sunday. Your kids can prepare for careers in astrophysics, pharmacology, food science... Speaking of putting the food in science, anyone up for a tree lighting?

Tree lighting? No, that was supposed to be "pumpkin launching."  A fitting end for the Halloweeny squash. And it's science, because launching and trajectories and, well, squashing. (Squashing! So nice, you say it ice!)

Keep reading for our merriest picks for this weekend....

November brings kids playing in piles of colorful leaves, crispy cool mornings, Thanksgiving Day and lyrics from Guns-N-Roses' November Rain to my mind. But, the reality is that the first two weeks of the month provide a brief pause for Philly families before the hustle and bustle of the holidays set in.

If you are looking to spend some QT with the family, there are many options going on throughout the Delaware Valley this weekend. Explore an art museum, see a show, go outside and embrace nature or celebrate a Veteran.

Read on to find our top picks for the weekend but make certain to browse through our recently published November Go List as well as the entire Events Calendar. However you enjoy the weekend, make it a great one!

Some folks have no problem figuring out what to do with a school holiday, and to those families we say, "Bon Vogage!" On the other hand, parents whose commitments don't allow for an early November getaway might want to find a meaningful day outing to celebrate Veterans Day or an entertaining childcare option to take the place of school. Either way, we've got suggestions!

With warm temperatures still hit or miss around Long Island, get outside and play before old man winter hits. Enjoy the Colors of Nature program at Sherwood Jayne Farm or Family Crew Hour at the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum.

Several local productions are still on stage this weekend as well if you choose to stay indoors: Jungle Book in Smithtown, James and the Giant Peach in Northport and Sleeping Beauty in East Islip.

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The ideal fall weather this week has me thinking both about ways to get outside to enjoy the sunshine and the exciting indoor events of the chilly winter to come. Taking a hike through piles of leaves is always a favorite outdoor activity with my family, but another great option this weekend is the Veterans Day Cruise to Georges Island (pictured).

Indoors, local stages are starting to light up with tons of family-friendly productions, including shows starring swans, a little elephant, and even a magician. The days are going to start to fly by now with the approach of the holiday season, and plenty of other cool goodies are just on the horizon.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• If you're looking for a quick getaway, this Basketball Hall of Fame day trip is perfect for young sports fans.
• It might be hard to believe, but now's the time to purchase tickets for Polar Express rides near you.
• Your whole family can have fun, do good and stay active by running a festive race together this holiday season. 
• Find out how to make hasty pudding and other First Thanksgiving dishes with your kids. 

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full Event Calendar!

Welcome to November! Time for cozy sweaters, frolicking in crunchy leaves, and roasting marshmallows in outdoor fire pits. If you enjoy the increasingly longer evenings and relish in cuddling with good stories, you will enjoy scouring the book sales happening this weekend at libraries in Ansonia, Southbury, and Farmington (it's never too early to stock up for snowy days!).

November is National American Heritage Month, so consider a visit to the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, which is hosting the Honoring the Veterans Powwow on Saturday and closing for the season at the end of the month. You might also enjoy visiting The Institute for American Indian Studies where older children can learn how to build a fire using only what nature provides.