Weekend Fun for Boston Kids: Hackathons, Apple Days, Spooky Fun, October 1-2

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Now that October is here, there is no denying fall is officially upon us (I will admit that I tried to deny its arrival throughout September). But of course, here in New England, fall does at least offer a host of fun-filled events, including those celebrating apples (pictured) and pumpkins. On top of that, the Halloween season is most definitely gearing up as well, with spooky activities ranging from the Midnight Zoo to a Brick or Treat both of which are starting up now and continuing on weekends throughout the month.

For those of you who'd rather continue to deny fall's arrival, take the older kids to a Minecraft hackathon or get older girls coding at HUBweek's Girl Hackathon. Finally, who doesn't love a free concert? With both MusiConnects and Middlesex Band concerts to choose from, you have your pick of opportunities to take in some tunes with the kids.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

Speaking of trips, you can win one just for helping us pick our Besties. How do you like them apples?

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full events calendar!

Weekend Fun for Westchester Kids: Halloween Fun, Apple and Garlic Festivals

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With October comes the start of the Halloween season, and all the associated festivals, spectacles, parades and haunted houses throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We’ve populated our Event Calendar with many of these festivities (as well as a variety of non-Halloween events for when you crave diversity), so take a peek and plan ahead. Stay tuned, because much more is coming!

The Rivertowns, strongly associated with Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” go all out for Halloween, with month-long events that start this weekend like The Great Jack O Lantern Blaze (which is already sold out for this weekend) and The Legend Behind the 'Legend', as well as haunted happenings for older kids like Scared by the Sound.

For some non-Halloween happenings, fall festivals continue with the return of Warwick Applefest and the more pungent Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, to name just a couple of the diverse options that await. Also consult our guide for the best places to go apple picking.

Read on for our top weekend picks, but be sure to also check our Event Calendar for more family fun this weekend and beyond!

Weekend Fun: Blessing of the Animals, Kids Theater, Halloween

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A long weekend is on the horizon for NYC kids. If you're planning to skip town, we've got lots of day trip and weekend getaway ideas to consider. If you're staying close to home, this weekend is packed with annual favorites like the Chili Pepper Festival in Brooklyn, Honey Weekend in the Bronx, and Blessing of the Animals and Feast of Saint Francis in Morningside Heights.

Hoping to catch a show this weekend? Consider Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea at the New Victory Theater, Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities by Cirque du Soleil on Randall's Island, or Pete the Cat in Queens.

And if you're already in the Halloween spirit, head to opening weekend of Boo at the Zoo, join in a Ragamuffin Parade, or get up close and personal with Creepy Creatures of Halloween.

Read on for our top weekend picks. For even more options, check out our NYC Staycation post and, as always, remember to peruse our Event Calendar.

It's Fall Y'all: October Festival Fun in the Bayou City

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There’s no better way to usher in the harvest season than with a fall festival. With over tons of events happening in the Houston area over the next few months, the opportunities for enjoying cooler temperatures (okay, that may be a bit ambitious for October) and good, old-fashioned family fun are endless. Here’s our roundup of fairs and festivals taking place this autumn. 

October GoList: The Best Things To Do with NJ Kids This Month

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Halloween may be the star of the show this month, but there's plenty of other fun to be had in the days and weeks leading up to the big event. This month is jam-packed with awesome activities, from tradition fall fun like hayrides and harvest festivals to stage shows featuring such kid faves as The Wiggles and the Very Hungry Caterpillar. And of course, there are Halloween happenings aplenty, guaranteed to please trick-or-treaters ranging from older ghouls and goblins to the littlest pumpkins. So grab a pumpkin spice latte (or two) and start planning with more than a dozen of the best events this October for NJ kids.

Swale: Floating Food Forest Docks at Brooklyn Bridge Park

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Albeit temporary, a brand new installation, Swale, has made its home at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and we are thoroughly impressed. Swale is both a sculpture by talented artist, Mary Mattingly, and a functioning farm located on a barge made from recycled materials. Beyond the beautiful setting is a hands-on learning opportunity showcasing the impact of food sustainability, as well as demonstrating value in reusing our planet's natural resources. Oh, and did we mention that this exhibit is FREE?

25 Scary Haunted Houses, Ghost Tours & Hayrides for Philly Teens and Tweens

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Older children who love a good scare during the Halloween season have no shortage of options in the Philadelphia area. We’ve compiled a list of haunted houses, hotels and hospitals, ghost tours, zombie-filled amusement parks, horrifying hayrides and creepy corn mazes. Tweens and teens will find werewolves, witches, skeletons, bloody monsters and menacing clowns around every corner at many of these terrifying entertainment venues. Most of these events are NOT recommended for children under the age of 12. Be sure to check each house's website for more info on dates and schedules. Enter if you dare!

Exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore

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Wondering where you can sink your toes into a 40-mile stretch of sand featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in the world? Look no further than Cape Cod. Of course, as a New Englander, I may be biased, but only slightly. Without dispute, the waves, ponds, marshes, and dunes that comprise the Cape Cod National Seashore are magnificent. Add biking and hiking trails, historic landmarks, old lighthouses, wild cranberry bogs, miniature golf, and delicious ice cream parlors, and you have a recipe for coastal adventure and lifelong memories.

Best Free Halloween Events for Kids in New York City

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What's the one way to make a costume-and-candy filled Halloween celebration even sweeter? Make it FREE. In New York City there are so many no-cost fetes, we've decided to give parents a real treat: a roundup of FREE Halloween events for kids in all five boroughs, including big annual favorites such as Fort Greene's BAMboo! block party, Brookfield Place Halloween Party, and the Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Flotilla in Central Park, and the one-night-only theatrical spectacle at Brooklyn's Halloween 313 house.

So bring your trick-or-treat bags, but leave your wallets at home for these gratis happenings. Then check out our Halloween Fun Guide for details on the best trick-or-treat spots and other seasonal festivities.

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