Fall Bucket List for Kids: 20 Top Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Run wild in the forest obstacle course at Greenburgh Nature Center this fall. Photo courtesy of the center

It's hard to pull together a fall bucket list because we love all fall activities: the leaf-peeping, the pumpkin picking, and the fun to be had around Halloween. Sleepy Hollow is the center of the Halloween universe, after all, and Westchester and the Hudson Valley abound with fall activities. 

Here, we’ve rounded up 20 of our favorite fall activities near Westchester that are sure to please everyone from little ones to teens. Many of them are even FREE.

If this fall bucket list isn't enough entertainment for your family, be sure to bookmark our list of family-friendly fall festivals near Westchester and the Hudson Valley and our seasonal Guide to Fall Fun for more great things to do.

Best Gymnastics Classes in NYC for Kids

Chelsea Piers offers gymnastics classes for kids from toddlers to teens.

Gymnastics classes for kids provide a great introduction to physical fitness. Often called the "mother of all sports" for its conditioning qualities and focus on strength, balance, and flexibility, gymnastics gives kids an early athletic foundation.

Read on for 16 gymnastics classes in NYC for kids—whether you just want somewhere for little ones to get their wiggles out, or they're eyeing a future Olympic appearance. Take note: Fall is the prime time for registration. For more great classes for kids, including everything from tennis classes to karate classes and more, check out our NYC Classes for Kids Guide and Classes Directory.

Barbie Birthday Party Guide: Fabulous Barbie Party Ideas, Kenergy Included

There are so many fun ways to throw an epic Barbie party. Photo by Mattel courtesy of Barbie Facebook Page

"Come on, Barbie, let's go party!" It's time to plan the ultimate Barbie birthday party.

We all know Barbie is an icon, but this year she's even more of a smash hit thanks to the release of The Barbie Movie. That's why a Barbie party is the perfect bash for any kid who loves Barbie, the color pink, or just being fabulous in general.

We've gathered some awesome ideas for throwing the perfect Barbie birthday party, from Barbie party supplies, games, and activities to Barbie party decorations, food, and birthday cake.

Looking for more great birthday party ideas? Check out our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties, which includes our list of 100 kids' birthday party themes for every age and interest.

27 Best Things To Do in New Paltz with Kids

Nab a day pass to see Monhonk Mountain House's beautiful gardens in the spring. Photo courtesy of the resort

New Paltz is a laid-back college town in the shadow of the Shawangunk Mountains that offers plenty of things to do—including indoor and outdoor attractions for all ages, especially in the warmer months. Families can swim in a mountain lake, enjoy a hike, pick produce at local farms, and explore a historic 17th-century community—plus, New Paltz restaurants are top-notch and many are kid-friendly.

While the town is just 90 minutes from NYC, and even closer to Westchester, the scenery suggests a faraway land. And with some great New Paltz hotels—catering to a variety of budgets—you won’t need much convincing to stay for more than a day.

Read on for our top picks for things to do in New Paltz with kids and find more family-friendly destinations in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

The Ultimate List of Cute and Unique Grandparent Names

Pick out a grandparent name befitting their special relationship with the grandkids. Photo by André Sala

Grandparent names can be as unique and special as the bond they share with their grandkids! What grandparent names does your family use?

Grandparents can have a special bond with their grandkids—and that unique relationship calls for an extra special name. Many grandparent names have cultural or family significance while others are made up by the first grandchild...possibly whatever they can pronounce at that age! From grandpa to pawpaw, and all the adorable names in between, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of grandparent names, including both traditional and unique options.

For more fun with grandparents, check out this list of 50 Fun Activities for Grandparents To Do with Kids. To get to know grandparents better as people, we've rounded up 101 Questions To Ask Grandparents About Their Lives.

Things to Do with South Florida & Miami Babies Before They Turn 1

The Little Farm provides unforgettable, hands-on experiences for children of all ages. Photo courtesy of The Little Farm

Miami babies have access to some amazing activities and fun spots in South Florida, all geared for that specific age group. Parents may wonder what to do with their babies in Miami and South Florida, but don't worry! Our guide of things to do with babies in Miami and South Florida before they turn one has it all! We've rounded up great Miami museums, zoos, playgrounds, and other attractions for babies to explore and learn.

Check out these great places to visit in South Florida and Miami before your baby turns one!

39 Things To Do with San Francisco Babies Before They Turn 1

Take baby to the beach to admire San Francisco's most iconic landmark. Crissy Beach photo by Nicole Findlay for Mommy Poppins

San Francisco babies grow up amid culture, world-class cuisine, and some of the most iconic sights in the country. That first year for San Francisco babies is full of exciting discoveries, lots of photo ops, and new emotions as they immerse themselves in the world around them. 

It can be tough to figure out what to do with San Francisco babies who are still learning how to walk, but before you know it, restaurant outings, family hikes in San Francisco, and day trips from the Bay Area with a little one in tow will be a no-brainer. Keep reading below for the best things for San Francisco babies to do before they turn one. 

They might be babies now, but they do grow up so fast, so take it all in at a pace, and enjoy these 100 things to do in San Francisco with kids before they grow up and find more resources in our San Francisco Baby Guide for Parents

Jackson, MS with Kids: 25 Best Things to Do in Jackson, Mississippi

The touch tank at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science delights kids. Photo courtesy of the museum

Jackson, MS is a great city to visit in the southern US. This "City with Soul" serves as the capital of Mississippi and offers families a chance to explore the central region of the state, discovering the history and fun of the area. And what kid wouldn't want to visit a state with such an awesomely spelled name?

Every summer I drive my kids from Atlanta to central Mississippi for sleepaway camp, and sometimes we get to nearby Jackson a day early to do some fun sightseeing. (Note: The humidity of a southern summer can be jarring for out-of-towners, so tourists may want to visit Jackson in the cooler months.)

Regardless of when you visit, take a look at our favorite things to do in Jackson with kids, including some great museums, restaurants, and hotels in Jackson, MS. Our Southern States Vacation Guide covers more fun places to visit in the South, including fun cities like New Orleans and Charleston, SC.

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