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5 Revolutionary War Sites in New Jersey to Visit with Kids

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Mon, 09/26/2016 - 12:30pm

In certain parts of New Jersey, it seems like you can’t walk more than a few feet without stumbling upon a spot where George Washington and the Continental Army made history during the Revolutionary War. Indeed, New Jersey is known as “The Crossroads of the American Revolution,” and Washington spent more time in our strategically located state than anywhere else during the war. It’s pretty incredible when you think about it: the Revolutionary War happened all around us.

Whether you're looking to put a little educational spin on your next family day trip or your child is suddenly turning into a budding historian, a visit to one of these historic spots can make a great way to spend a morning or afternoon in New Jersey. You'll see old barracks and monuments, hike along nature trails, and even enjoy hands-on activities and demonstrations at places like the Princeton Battlefield State Park.

Read on for five of the best sites in NJ for kids to soak up a little American history.

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Pumpkin Picking Farms & Corn Mazes On Long Island

Submitted by Karen on Mon, 09/26/2016 - 10:00am

Plenty of pumpkins, nestled alongside mysterious corn mazes and the occasional haunted house, await Long Island residents this fall. Some pumpkins are pre-picked and neatly arranged in a pumpkin patch, while others are available for picking right off the vine. All of the farms listed here provide either carts or wheelbarrows to transport the pumpkins. Read on for our pumpkin picking tips, as well as a list of farms throughout Long Island. For more pumpkin picking destinations in the tri-state area check out Pick Your Own Guide: Where to Pick Your Own Fruits and Vegetables in New York, New Jersey, Long Island, and Connecticut.

And for more seasonal fun, check out our Long Island Halloween Guide, as well as sign up for our weekly newsletter.

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Corn Mazes in PA: Take the Kids for Hayrides, Pumpkin Picking and Fall Harvest Fun Near Philly

Submitted by Lori McManus on Mon, 09/26/2016 - 9:00am

The fall season brings so many new activities for families to enjoy. Traditional favorites such as apple picking and harvest festivals provide great fun for kids, but if yours are ready for a different adventure, add a corn maze to your weekend plans.

We have listed many farms in the area that have professionally designed mazes spanning several acres that can take up to two hours to complete. Many of the large mazes have special themed games where visitors follow clues along the way, testing their knowledge and navigational skills. Older kids will appreciate the nighttime flashlight mazes or scary Halloween themes, while the younger set will enjoy the smaller hay mazes available at most farms. Whatever your family’s adventure level is, this list is sure to have something for everyone.

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Weekday Picks: Makerspaces, Movies, and the Beginning of Halloween Fun: September 26- 30, 2016

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Sun, 09/25/2016 - 10:15pm

My household has been energized by the autumnal dip in temperature and humidity. Suddenly it's fun to be outside again! Unfortunately, we're also settling into our school routines and with homework and swim practice, there are only so many hours in the day for fun. We've made a plan for the week ahead and hope to see you at some of the following activities, whether on a non-scary pumpkin adventure, at a provocative film about the educational system, or checking out a life-sized beaver lodge.

If you've got apple picking on your mind, the weekdays can be a great time to beat the crowds. Check our guide to find the perfect place for your next picking adventure (always double check the picking conditions/hours before heading out).

Be sure to click over to our frequently updated Event Calendar for even more suggestions, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to be sure you're never out of the loop.

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Days and Times for FREE Admission to Houston's Museums

Submitted by Frances Broussa... on Sun, 09/25/2016 - 8:42pm

For tourists and locals alike, Houston provides a culturally diverse selection of museums, art centers, and gardens. However, many individuals may not know that these locales are completely free or offer free admission on certain days and times. Keep this list nearby when planning your next visit.

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Houston

Inner Loop

Medical Center/Museum District

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Weekday Picks for Westchester Kids: Twister Competition, Fall Carnival

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 09/25/2016 - 4:00pm

As we say goodbye to September, we say hello to fall, embracing all the autumnal fun that comes with the chillier weather.

Though summer is over, that doesn’t mean that carnival fun has to be! Keep it going at Fall Carnival. Alternatively, get tangled in the Twister Competition. For a more pragmatic opportunity, both parents and their tweens can pick up some pointers on how to be Home Alone from a former emergency responder.

These are just a few of our top picks for the weekdays ahead. Read on for the rest and for additional details, and don’t forget to turn to our Event Calendar for many more options!

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Westchester

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Things to Do

19 Corn Mazes for Kids Near NYC

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Sun, 09/25/2016 - 2:00pm

Navigating the twists and turns of a giant corn maze is the perfect fall outing for adventurous NYC families. Yet, with dozens of mazes scattered throughout the rural parts of our tristate area, the real challenge is deciding which one to visit.

My family loves our annual corn maze romp to the local Queens County Farm Museum's Amazing Maize Maze. It's just the right size for kids, includes fun challenges and clues—and doesn't take all day to get to. However, if you're looking to get out of the city for that true country feel or headed upstate or elsewhere for a long weekend getaway, we've also compiled a list of almost two dozen of the area's best corn mazes—most within 90 minutes of NYC.

We've broken down our picks to let you know which are better for older kids vs. preschoolers, which are accessible by train and which has the best doughnuts. Most farms include extra seasonal things to do like pumpkin picking, pony rides, petting zoos and even a 100-foot monster slide in one case—all of which adds up to a perfect day trip this fall.

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Free Weekday Picks for Boston Kids: Monkeying With Robots and Zoo Animals, Sept 26-30

Submitted by Tara D on Sun, 09/25/2016 - 10:00am

Calling all fans of fall in New England: The apples are ready for picking, the corn mazes are ready for solving, and the pumpkins are ready to be turned into jack-o-lanterns. Local farms can get crowded during the weekends, so if you have little ones and can swing a weekday visit, we highly recommend it. Most apple orchards are open during the week, the Marini Farm and Connor Farm corn mazes are open daily, and low-key pumpkin picking, without all the bells and whistles, is available daily at a handful of farms. If you can sneak away for a day trip, we have five great ideas for combining a short getaway with an apple picking excursion. Get all the farm-tastic details in our Fall Fun Guide.

If you're already thinking about a family vacation to someplace warm this winter, we have a deal for you: tell us about your favorite, go-to family spots in Boston, and you'll be entered to win a swagalicious trip and other super-snazzy prizes.

Check out our top, FREE picks for kid-friendly fun in Boston this week. Our Event Calendar is always full of cool things to do, too. Have a great week!

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Boston

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Things to Do

Weekday Picks for Philly Kids: Nature, Free Fun, September 26-30

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Sun, 09/25/2016 - 10:00am

With cooler temperatures and low humidity settling into Philly and the Delaware Valley, many families seek outdoor fun to keep children engaged and occupied. Thankfully, this week's event calendar offers many opportunities to help children learn about the world around them.

Explore the grounds of Bucktoe Creek Preserve by participating in a Nature Playgroup. Visit Tyler Arboretum for its hour-long Toddlers in Nature program in which kids learn about fall leaves. Or, head to Briar Bush Nature Center for its Magic Morning where little ones listen to stories, take walks, and make crafts. Afterwards, check out one of the local museums, gardens, amusement parks, or zoos in the area. Many of them are free for young children, and if you live in the suburbs, you may be able to check out a membership pass from your local library.

Remember to plan out additional fall fun by browsing through our Fall Activity Guide which includes information on apple picking, harvest festivals, autumn train rides, and fall runs/races.

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Philadelphia

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Things to Do

Weekday Fun in NJ: Nature Walks, The Wiggles, Italian Fests

Submitted by Laurie R on Sun, 09/25/2016 - 10:00am

Early fall is the perfect time of year for nature exploration, and two great nature hikes are in the spotlight this first full week of the season. Put on the walking shoes, and bring the little ones outdoors for Great Swamp’s Toddler Trek: Going on a Seed Hunt and Tiny Tots Walks with Miss Allison. Find more easy fall hikes in our roundup of area trails just right for little legs.

If you’re hungry for Italian food and fun, check out the Wildwood’s Ole Time Italian Festival and St. Michael’s Festival at Palisades Park. Peruse our NJ Farm Guide for apple and pumpkin picking spots (yes, they're open!), corn mazes, and more fall fun. We're also getting a head start with Halloween: check out the costume parades and more at NJ amusement parks, cool jack-o-lantern displays and events, and these Halloween trains about to depart!

Read on for our best children's events the week of September 26-30, and don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar and these upcoming harvest festivals for early long weekend planning.

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New Jersey

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Things to Do