Editors' Picks: Our 10 Favorite Things This Month

Watch Muppets Haunted Mansion with the kids; it premieres in October. Image courtesy of Disney

Usually at Mommy Poppins we recommend things that get you out doing, experiencing, and exploring. But every month a few fantastic products, movies, books, and shows pop up—and we just want to share them with you all. From holiday products you need to order before they sell out to a Halloween special that looks like an instant classic to a little something that will keep your kids hydrated at school, these are the things our editors are loving this October. We hope you love them, too.

Kids Free October in San Diego: Deals at the Zoo, Legoland, Seaworld, Etc

Kids are free in October at the San Diego Zoo. Photo courtesy of the San Diego Zoo

The lazy days of summer may be over, but fall is when there's FREE stuff for kids to do in San Diego. So, pack up and head to SoCal's favorite tourist destination to take advantage of San Diego Tourism Authority's annual Kids Free promotion.

This citywide campaign kicks off October 1, enticing families to visit San Diego's big-ticket attractions like Legoland, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wildlife Park, and Seaworld. Kids can eat, stay, and play for free at more than 100 participating hotels, restaurants, museums, and parks until October 31.

We've selected a dozen offers that we think are particularly good deals—put two or three together, and you've definitely got savings worth traveling for. Scroll down for a link to all 100+ free opportunities for kids in October.

Best Kids Art Classes in Chicago: Painting, Yarn, Pottery, Toddler, and More

Kids can try knitting or crochet classes at Sisters Art Studio.

If you have a little artist looking to master their skills, you’ve come to the right place. From sculpting and pottery to knitting and drawing, we’ve rounded up the best kids’ art classes in Chicago. Our list includes everything from creative, fun art classes for toddlers to more advanced fine arts programs for big kids. Plus, there's a class in Chicago for every schedule: reoccurring weekly classes, camps, after-school classes, and virtual on-demand options.

20 Things To Do in Conroe with Kids

Horseback riding is a favorite kid activity in Conroe

Looking for a kid-friendly day trip or weekend away? Try Conroe, a city with plenty of fun things to do with kids and located just an hour north of Houston, not far from The Woodlands. With a huge lake and a national forest, Conroe excels in outdoor activities, but there are also some great indoor options if you hit bad weather.

Here are our favorite things to do in Conroe with kids, from the best parks for stunning scenery to the best places to catch a show.

35 Things To Do in Gainesville, Florida, with Kids

Cheer on the Gators in Gainesville, FL! Photo by the author

Gainesville, Florida, may be known as a college town, but there are so many other things to do in this city north of Orlando—and much of it is perfect for families and kids. As a Florida native and a University of Florida graduate (Go Gators!), I love to take the trip to Gainesville, FL, with my kiddos whenever I get the chance.

Here are some of our favorite activities and attractions in and around Gainesville, FL. From outdoor activities and sports, to museums and festivals, you are sure to find something that peaks your family's interest.

For more fun destinations for families around the Sunshine State, visit our Florida Family Travel Guide.

Houston Terror Dome

Activity Date: 
Repeats every week every Friday and every Saturday until Sat Nov 04 2023 except Fri Nov 03 2023. Also includes Sun Oct 08 2023, Sun Oct 15 2023, Thu Oct 19 2023, Sun Oct 22 2023, Thu Oct 26 2023, Sun Oct 29 2023, Mon Oct 30 2023, Tue Oct 31 2023.
Friday, September 22, 2023 Various times
Saturday, September 23, 2023 Various times
Friday, September 29, 2023 Various times
Saturday, September 30, 2023 Various times
Friday, October 6, 2023 Various times
Saturday, October 7, 2023 Various times
Sunday, October 8, 2023 Various times
Friday, October 13, 2023 Various times
Saturday, October 14, 2023 Various times
Sunday, October 15, 2023 Various times
Thursday, October 19, 2023 Various times
Friday, October 20, 2023 Various times
Saturday, October 21, 2023 Various times
Sunday, October 22, 2023 Various times
Thursday, October 26, 2023 Various times
Friday, October 27, 2023 Various times
Saturday, October 28, 2023 Various times
Sunday, October 29, 2023 Various times
Monday, October 30, 2023 Various times
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 Various times
Saturday, November 4, 2023 Various times
Event Info
Cost: 
$5-$40
Recommended Age: 
12+
Editor's Pick: 
Activity Types: 

Phobia Haunted House BW 8

Activity Date: 
Repeats every week every Sunday and every Friday and every Saturday until Sat Nov 04 2023. Also includes Thu Oct 26 2023, Mon Oct 30 2023, Tue Oct 31 2023.
Saturday, September 30, 2023 Various times
Sunday, October 1, 2023 Various times
Friday, October 6, 2023 Various times
Saturday, October 7, 2023 Various times
Sunday, October 8, 2023 Various times
Friday, October 13, 2023 Various times
Saturday, October 14, 2023 Various times
Sunday, October 15, 2023 Various times
Friday, October 20, 2023 Various times
Saturday, October 21, 2023 Various times
Sunday, October 22, 2023 Various times
Thursday, October 26, 2023 Various times
Friday, October 27, 2023 Various times
Saturday, October 28, 2023 Various times
Sunday, October 29, 2023 Various times
Monday, October 30, 2023 Various times
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 Various times
Friday, November 3, 2023 Various times
Saturday, November 4, 2023 Various times
Event Info
Cost: 
Tickets start at $15
Recommended Age: 
12 and up
Editor's Pick: 
Activity Types: 

Creepy Hollow Haunted House in Rosharon

Activity Date: 
Repeats every week every Friday and every Saturday until Sat Nov 04 2023. Also includes Sun Oct 22 2023, Sun Oct 29 2023, Tue Oct 31 2023.
Friday, September 29, 2023 Various times
Saturday, September 30, 2023 Various times
Friday, October 6, 2023 Various times
Saturday, October 7, 2023 Various times
Friday, October 13, 2023 Various times
Saturday, October 14, 2023 Various times
Friday, October 20, 2023 Various times
Saturday, October 21, 2023 Various times
Sunday, October 22, 2023 Various times
Friday, October 27, 2023 Various times
Saturday, October 28, 2023 Various times
Sunday, October 29, 2023 Various times
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 Various times
Friday, November 3, 2023 Various times
Saturday, November 4, 2023 Various times
Event Info
Cost: 
$40
Recommended Age: 
12 and up
Editor's Pick: 
Activity Types: 

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