As the weather’s getting cooler and the days are getting shorter, it’s a great time to take advantage of outdoor nature activities before the winter arrives. This week, there are plenty of nature exploration opportunities, including Awesome Animal Artists, Preschool Walk: Gobble Gobble and Tot Walk: Animal Homes. Plus, enjoy some free and fun library programs including Magic Workshop and Bouncy Booktime. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

The holiday season is in full swing, with kids able to make their own potted turkey at Hicks or autum wreaths at LICM. Families can also take in the holiday lights as the Jones Beach Spectacular kicks off on Friday.

For even more activities, check out our Long Island Events Calendar, which is updated daily. You can also get the best events of the week sent directly to your inbox each week if you sign up for our newsletter.

There's no denying it any longer. The holiday season has been starting up a little earlier each year, and this coming week boasts several events to get the whole family in the spirit already—yes, already! From a fun holiday musical to a ride on the Polar Express (pictured) to finding holiday craft fairs, you're covered. Even visits with Santa are ramping up, with Santa opening up shop at local malls this week. Keep your eye on the full Event Calendar for other exciting happenings as we march forward into the most festive weeks of the year.

For more options check out our jam-packed Event Calendar and our November Go List. Have a great week!

Mad Libs Live!, a zany family musical inspired by the popular fill-in-the-blank word game, opened in early November at Manhattan’s New World Stages.

When expecting my first child, I was told, "The days are long but the years are short." As my oldest son nears double digits, I realize how true that quote is. Thankfully, our Events Calendar can help make the days go quickly while savoring special moments with your kiddos.

This week offers many opportunities to create those memories. Visit a museum to foster a love for the arts. Munch on popcorn and watch a movie. Take a nature walk to discover the beauty of birds and trees. Or, cuddle up to read your favorite book from a local bookstore.

Keep reading for our top picks and be sure to sign up for our newsletters delivered straight to your inbox. Whether your days feel long or pass quickly, make them great ones!

Holiday festivities, academic enrichment and hands-on fun are all in store for Westchester families this week.

Stimulate your gray matter while fostering a love of reading at the Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School – Release Party or learn to optimize your college-admissions strategy at Amazing Extracurriculars. With Thanksgiving around the corner, it might seem a bit early for celebrations of the December holidays, but the Annual Tree Lighting Celebration—the first of the season—is packed with fun attractions (so just pretend it’s December).

Not ready to think Christmas? Not a problem: Our Event Calendar has plenty of alternatives to choose from and is loaded with options for every day of the week! Read on for our top weekday picks!

It's one of the most iconic symbols of our city, but have you ever hiked to the Hollywood sign? Sure, you can't get close enough to touch it, but you can hike to the top of Mt. Lee, reaching a vantage point above and behind it, and enjoy one of the most amazing views of the Griffith Observatory, Downtown LA, and Hollywood. The most kid-friendly route follows the wide, graded Hollyridge Trail to a paved road (closed to cars) up Mt. Lee. Roughly 3.5 miles round trip, it is not too much for most kids; there are generally plenty of preschoolers out on the trail. The entire hike follows fire roads and paved road, so even a stroller can make this trip—if you don't mind pushing it up about 800 feet of elevation gain, and controlling it on the way back down.