| Page 30 | Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

Best Harvest and Pumpkin Festivals in New Jersey for Fall Fun

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 10/04/2024 - 12:05pm

Enjoy apple and pumpkin picking all month long at Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford. Photo by Lisa Warden

You know harvest festival season is upon us when New Jersey's farms are bursting with ripe apples ready to be plucked from the trees. We've rounded up several great fall fairs and harvest fests in New Jersey, all packed with signature seasonal fun like hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking, contests, scarecrow making, live animals, live music, and more. Some even incorporate a little early Halloween fun.

For more seasonal activities, be sure to check out our New Jersey Fall Fun Guide.

Best Family-Friendly Hikes to See Fall Leaves in the Adirondacks

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 10/04/2024 - 12:02pm

The view from the summit of Rooster Comb is magical when the leaves are changing colors. Photo by the author

One of my favorite places to see fall leaves on hikes with my family is in the Adirondacks region of New York. The Adirondacks region has one of the longest-lasting fall foliage seasons in the country, with peak foliage times from late September in the High Peaks region to mid-to-late October in the Lake George area.

I have been on numerous hikes with my family in the Adirondacks, and these are my favorite family-friendly hikes and viewing spots to appreciate this spectacular seasonal change. So, if you're planning a leaf-peeping trip this fall, add these hikes to your list.

Find more great things to do this autumn with your fam in our Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids Fall Guide.

Acres of Fun Await at Weed Orchards, a Kid-Pleasing Hudson Valley Farm

Submitted by Jennifer Rojas on Fri, 10/04/2024 - 12:00pm

Weed Orchards & Winery is a fifth-generation Hudson Valley farm that blossoms with seasonal activities for families.

Weed Orchards & Winery is a go-to spot for a memorable local adventure. Nestled at the base of the Marlboro Mountains, Weed Orchards & Winery is a picturesque fifth-generation family farm spread across 100 acres. It’s the perfect setting for a fun and relaxing family outing. You’ll love picking Hudson Valley produce like apples, peaches, pears, pumpkins, and grapes.

Read on for our favorite things to do at this Hudson Valley farm and find more local farms for apple picking or pumpkin picking in our Guide to Pick Your Own Farms.

Family-Friendly Fun for Oktoberfest in Atlanta

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Fri, 10/04/2024 - 10:58am

Helen, Georgia is the ultimate spot to celebrate Oktoberfest near Atlanta -- there are events throughout fall! Photo by Bill Leffler

It's Oktoberfest — bring out the polka bands and lederhosen because it's time to celebrate! Atlanta hosts great Oktoberfest-themed events and activities, including our own Bavarian town, Helen, Georgia! We've gathered some of our favorite Oktoberfest events in Atlanta that will get everyone singing, "oompah, oompah!"

For more awesome fall activities and festivals, check out our Atlanta Fall Guide. We've got up-to-date news and ideas about Halloween, pumpkin patches, and much more!

Oktoberfest in Chicago: The Best Oktoberfests for Families in Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 10/04/2024 - 10:30am

Dad and son at Oktoberfest. Photo courtesy of St. Benedict's Oktoberfest

Step aside, pumpkin spice latte. It's time to celebrate fall with the original autumn beverage: Oktoberfest beer! And luckily for us Chicagoans, the Bavarian tradition is strong and there are lots of Oktoberfests in Chicago to help you celebrate.

Like the original Oktoberfest, these local festivities have live music, carnival games, and other fun and family-friendly activities, and as a bonus, most are free (minus food and drinks) or super affordable to attend. Look out for Oktoberfests in traditional German neighborhoods and suburbs like Lincoln Square and Schaumburg, and feel free to don the traditional Bavarian garb—you won't be the only one! And of course, don't forget to snag a pretzel or two.

Family-Friendly Fun for Oktoberfest in Orlando

Submitted by Melanie Preis on Fri, 10/04/2024 - 9:17am

Autumn brings family-friendly Oktoberfest celebrations to Orlando.

Celebrate Oktoberfest with the whole fam at kid-friendly Orlando events! Don some lederhosen for the ultimate Oktoberfest fun with the kids. Whether you love Bavarian music, traditional outfits, delicious food, or fun dances, Oktoberfest is a wonderful time for everyone. And of course, mom and dad can enjoy a toppling beer stein during the day's festivities. Take a look at some fun Oktoberfest events in Orlando throughout the month!

NEW Sloomoo Institute Opens in Los Angeles for Kids to Enjoy Slime Fun

Submitted by Kylie Williams on Fri, 10/04/2024 - 9:08am

Embrace the mess! Sloomoo Institute photo by Kylie Williams

The Sloomoo Institute in Los Angeles recently opened for all the gooey, slimy fun. No matter how you feel about slime, your kids likely love it. Even the biggest anti-slimers might have to admit that they like slime, just a little bit, after checking out this new family-friendly attraction for kids in Los Angeles.

Sloomoo Institute is a welcome relief for parents who have watched their kitchens transform into slime laboratories. At the Sloomoo Institute, kids can squish, stretch, smash, shoot, stand under, stand on, and smell slime without making a mess at home.

For more interactive entertainment, bookmark these crafts for kids, visit the best children's museums in Los Angeles and Orange County, and discover more fun in our Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County.

60 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Submitted by Drew Kristofik on Thu, 10/03/2024 - 1:47pm

Put on your most creative costume, and head to Dumbo for a Halloween March to the Arch. Photo by Hassan Mokaddam

October is bubbling over with bushels of free things to do in NYC. In addition to our huge, spooky pile of free Halloween activities, we've found tons of cost-free fun happening in NYC this month, from St. John the Divine's heavenly Blessing of the Animals to Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, Diwali's big celebration in Times Square, Open House New York, and the return of Bryant Park's Winter Village. Then, Canstruction starts building anticipation for Thanksgiving!

Read on for 60 free things to do in New York City this October, including events in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx. Find more top events on our best-of-October list. Of course, our Guide to Fall Activities and New York City Kids Halloween Guide have all the seasonal must-do's.