Fall is the perfect time of year to take a day trip from Houston — the weather is nicer and the holiday madness has yet to begin. These 11 fun day trips from Houston are the perfect changes of scenery for kids, so pack up the car and go look at 'gators, check out a castle, or see where Texas' favorite ice cream is made.

And for more kid-friendly things to do around Houston this fall, check out our Fall Fun and Harvest Guide for Houston Families.

American Girl dolls bring back fond memories, and the new American Girl Store in Westfield Century City resurfaces those memories even more. The difference was that I got to create new memories with my two-year-old daughter as we had the sweetest day getting dolled up at the American Girl store. 

As a millennial mom, I remember adjusting Molly's glasses on her face, and dressing her in her finest plaid outfit. I remember cozying up in our red living room chair with an American Girl book in one hand and Molly in the other. From manicures to books, keep reading below for what you can expect at the new two-level American Girl Store in Los Angeles. 

The American Girl Store is just the start of the fun at the Westfield Century Mall. Check out why the Westfield Century City is the best mall for kids in LA. 

As the world’s first children’s museum, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum has been a beloved NYC destination since 1899. This Crown Heights institution offers three floors of rotating and permanent interactive exhibits plus hands-on cultural and science programs for little ones, ages 6 months to 10 years. The Brooklyn Children's Museum aims to inspire children to ask questions and discover answers through exploration and play.

My children and I have spent countless hours in the Totally Tots exhibit and graduated to explore all the Brooklyn Children's Museum offers. Read on to learn why the Brooklyn Children's Museum is one of our top NYC museums for kids, and find all our top culture spots in our Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits in NYC for Kids.

Battery Park City is a favorite neighborhood for families because it provides an almost-suburban lifestyle where kids get to play in sprawling parks and playgrounds, participate in sports leagues, and attend high-quality local schools–all while being steps from Tribeca, the Financial District, and everything that Manhattan has to offer.

Within the beloved neighborhood, The Solaire stands out as a family-friendly luxury high-rise with eco-conscious features, three-bedroom homes, and a suite of amenities for all ages (think nature-themed playroom for kiddos and a state-of-the-art fitness center for busy parents).

If afternoons on the giant slide in Teardrop Park and fun family dinners at Brookfield Place’s enormous food court sound good to you, read on to learn more about living in this incredibly kid-friendly neighborhood and building.

There’s a bright new school fundraising idea blooming: Crayola Flowers has a new fundraising platform just in time for fundraisers for schools, sports teams, scout groups, and more.

With colors for every team, school, or occasion, you can order flowers for a friend, and a cut will go to the nonprofit of your choice, or use the platform for the next big fundraiser at school and the proceeds go directly to your organization. Crayola Flowers is putting a new spin on raising money that it promises makes sense, scents, and cents for its nonprofit partners.

Looking for more ideas that make this school year a little easier? We've got some easy school spirit week ideas, plus a list of school supplies that are truly unique and useful. They're all in our
Back-to-School Guide.

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is an all-inclusive Caribbean resort that definitely lives up to its “grand” billing. Every room on the beachfront property is a suite, and the service is charming and detail-oriented, with staff who learn your name.

On a recent three-day visit, we swam in the pool and ocean, took a day trip, attended a cooking class, and had a blissful massage at the on-site spa. We thought the resort was perfect for families who want luxurious touches and value elbow room.

Read on for all the reasons we think Grand Residences Riviera Cancun  is a splurge-worthy option for a sunny vacation. Then be sure to check out our Guide to Family Resorts and Hotels for other spectacular places to stay on your next getaway, including our list of the best all-inclusive resorts in the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for kids.