Best Trunk or Treats in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Kids

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Enjoy an evening at Blue Arrow Farm with trunk-or-treating for kids and live music and entertainment for parents. Photo courtesy of the farm

Trunk or treats are the newest Halloween craze for families, and Westchester and the Hudson Valley have plenty of opportunities for your family to check one out.

Trunk or treats provide a safer alternative to knocking on random doors, as kids can go around a specified area and collect treats from decorated car trunks. As a bonus, many trunk-or-treat events offer additional activities, like parades, bounce houses, and even movies. 

We've rounded up the best trunk or treats in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, most of which are absolutely free. 

You can find more festive happenings for all age groups in our Westchester Halloween Guide. 

Best Mommy-and-Me Classes on Long Island for Families

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Stroller Strides is all about self-care in a supportive and encouraging environment. Photo courtesy of FIT4MOM/Stroller Strides.

When it comes to mommy-and-me classes on Long Island, families have plenty of choices. Whether you want to stay fit, learn a new craft, take a splash in the pool, or do something else entirely, we've rounded up the best parent-and-me classes on Long Island.

These Long Island classes let you and your baby get out, have fun, meet other moms and tots, and spend precious time together. Of course, these cool classes are open to dads, grandparents, and other caregivers, too.

For more class suggestions to keep you busy as your baby grows, be sure to bookmark our Guide to Classes and Activities on Long Island.

Amazing Jack-o'-Lantern Displays and Pumpkin Festivals in New Jersey for Families

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The Jack O’ Lantern Experience at Skylands Stadium features more than 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Photo courtesy of Skylands Stadium

Kick off the festive fall season at one of the many wonderful pumpkin-themed events and festivals happening around New Jersey, from elaborate jack-o'-lantern displays and carving competitions to good old-fashioned pumpkin picking at local farms. There's also plenty of fun to be had at pumpkin decorating events. 

Read on for our top picks, plus a couple of bonus events worth a drive across state lines. You can find our guide to pumpkin picking in New Jersey and even more seasonal events in our Guide to Halloween Events in New Jersey.

Gift Guide to the Best Toys & Gifts for Kids, 5-Year-Olds to 9-Year-Olds

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Suspend Family is a game the whole family can play. Photo courtesy of the Melissa & Doug Toy Company

If you're looking for the perfect birthday or holiday gifts for kids from 5-year-olds to 9-year-olds, you've found the right place!

When it comes to choosing gifts for kids, particularly this marvelous, coming-into-their-own age range of 5 to 9-year-olds, the temptation is to start veering towards digital. While we’re not into screen-shaming at Mommy Poppins, this list is free of screens and leans heavily on hands-on toys, physical books, and wonderfully messy art supplies. These creative and tactile toys keep kids' brains as active as their hands and bodies.

The lack of screen inclusion among these toy recommendations isn't a case of virtue signaling; we've seen that these are the toys that get treasured and played with for years to come.

Looking for awesome gifts for other ages? Find our faves for first birthday gifts, the most beloved toddler gifts, and more in our Mommy Poppins Gift Guide for Birthdays and Holidays.

Best Halloween Events and Activities for Toddlers in Atlanta

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Monster Mash is back at the Center for Puppetry Arts this Halloween! Photo courtesy of the center

Toddler Halloween activities are tried and true ways for young kids to exercise their creativity by dressing up as anything they can imagine. And these Atlanta toddlers get to score lots of candy in October! We’ve rounded up a list of not-too-scary, toddler Halloween activities in Atlanta perfect for younger kids. 

To introduce toddlers to Halloween in Atlanta, visit Pumpkin Patches Near Atlanta or check out the Atlanta Halloween Guide for Kids for more toddler Halloween inspiration, craft activities, costume ideas, and much more. And get into the season with our helpful Atlanta Fall Fun Guide! 

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