Although Pennsylvania Dutch Country is only 150 miles from New York City, once you arrive you feel like you're worlds (and centuries) away. There are bucolic fields full of corn, alfalfa and tobacco, and Amish farmers on horse-drawn buggies sharing the streets with cars. The area's home to big tourist attractions such as Dutch Wonderland and the Strasburg Railroad, which is why we started visiting a few years ago when my son was in his train phase. But there are also less well-known yet equally cool places to visit, like the Choo Choo Barn, the National Toy Train Museum and the Amish Village. 

Pennsylvania Dutch Country is a wonderful summer getaway, and although the season is drawing to a close there's always Labor Day weekend. It's beautiful in fall, too: My family and I visited last year over Columbus Day break and plan on going again this year.

Since we go annually, I could have written a book about the place, but don't worry, I resisted the temptation. Instead, here are our favorite things to do in Pennsylvania Dutch Country as a family, along with suggestions about where to stay.

My six-year-old daughter and I are huge circus fans. I love edgy, quirky troupes that are all about aerial and acrobatic feats, not animals, while my kid digs everything from over-the-top extravaganzas to more down-to-earth acts.

But when I saw images from Traces, a new Off Broadway show featuring a stripped-down set and a small cast clad in black pants and plain white tees, I wondered if it would hold her interest. With no gimmicks or colorful costumes, I knew the stunts would have to be pretty incredible to keep her entertained.

Well, they totally are. Unlike other circuses, in which each performer has a specialty, the seven stars of Traces are multitalented. They tumble, leap, climb, skateboard, dance, dribble basketballs, even sing and play the piano (some badly for comic effect). It's an exhilarating 90 minutes that also has bleak undertones. Although there's no plot per se, the performers burst with manic energy and seem to be working against the clock—at times literally when a timer appears in the background. There are also allusions to the end of the world and at one point they trace each other's limp bodies with chalk. But don't worry: These are all quick impressionistic bits that will go over most kids' heads. My daughter and the children around us didn't seem disturbed. In fact, all she kept saying was, "Whoa!"

When it dawned on me that my son thought all food came from grocery stores, I decided a trip to Johnson’s Corner Farm was in order. Not only would he get to pick fruit and vegetables, but he’d also be able to see how they grew. I didn’t anticipate being at the farm for One (whole) Great Day, but that is exactly what happened. Because when we got there, we found out about the Discovery Barnyard, the EVOS Pathfinder, the Splash Pad and the Space Net. Johnson’s is some corner farm!

Feel like spending some time in the country? Well, you don't have to leave the city limits. Just hop on the subway and head to the wooded wonderland of Van Cortlandt Park. Located in the northwest Bronx, the 1146-acre park includes several Forever Wild Preserves, miles of peaceful nature trails and lots of places to go cycling, hiking and horseback riding.

The southern part of the park is more landscaped, and is always bustling with local families. You can easily spend the whole day here: There's a swimming pool, a golf course, barbecue grills, a historic museum and, of course, lots of nature. And after romping in one of the four playgrounds, kids can learn about the park's plants, flowers and creatures at the Urban Park Rangers' Nature Center.

If you do plan an outing to Van Cortlandt Park, keep in mind, it's huge! There's no way to cover it all on foot in one day (trust me I tried... with my six-year-old in tow). All of the park’s main attractions are conveniently clustered around transit hubs or parking lots. So set out with a manageable itinerary. You can always come back and visit again next weekend!

Here are 12 fun (and mostly free) things to do with kids in Van Cortlandt Park.