Spoiled as we are by world-class museums in Boston, it can be easy to overlook smaller, suburban spots like the EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature in Worcester, MA. But a recent visit to the EcoTarium proved that this unique science museum belongs on every Massachusetts parent's must-visit list. Just a short drive from Boston, the museum offers both indoor and outdoor activities, including interactive exhibits, live animal habitats, nature trails, and more. It's ideal for a day trip, but if you have limited time, we'd recommend hitting these 10 exhibits—plus one bonus seasonal activity (think: bubbles!)

Got super curious kids? Check out our guides to the Museum of Science, Boston Children's Museum, Discovery Museums of Acton, and more in our Boston Museums Guide.

Whether you're stocking up for school clothes or dressing up a wee one that changes in size every couple of months, kid clothes can really add up. Luckily, there are kid-centric consignment shops and special sales across Long Island, where you can buy barely (or never) worn kids’ items at a discount. You can also sell your own gently used items to get some extra cash.

For more ways to your family can fun together without breaking the bank check out the affordable activities listed on the Long Island Events Calendar.

Looking for a fun way to enjoy dinner and a movie as a family? Knock both items out in one fell swoop when you visit a dine-in movie theater around Houston with your kids. While watching a movie at home might offer you and your kids the chance to enjoy a meal with your show, dinner just tastes better when you don't have to cook it. At these local theaters, you can enjoy more than just the standard popcorn, candy, and soda from the movie theater snack bar. From bite-sized appetizers and tapas-style small bite plates to full-blown dinner menus (with kid's menus, too!), you and your kids can enjoy an elevated food experience served right to your seat all while catching the latest flick. 

If you've never been to a dine-in movie before, here's a run down of what you can expect. With only a couple of slight exceptions noted below, most dine-in theaters work the same way. You'll want to make a reservation online or by phone ahead of time to secure your seat as most dine-in theaters offer quite a bit fewer seats than traditional theaters. When you arrive, a server will take your order right from your seat and deliver it to you. They'll generally come back around another time during the movie to take dessert orders or refill drinks. You'll receive a check to pay for your meal when your movie is finished, just like you would at a traditional restaurant. It's a pretty fun way to see a movie and enjoy a great meal. 

Candy bars aren't the only Halloween treats to hand out this October 31. School kids across the country are getting ready to celebrate with Halloween parades and classroom parties, meaning you might be on the hook for homemade Halloween treats.

But there's no need to fear the sign-up email headed your way. I've planned more than a few Halloween parties and have put together a list of easy Halloween treats to help parents skip the last-minute scramble. These tried-and-true spooky snacks transform pretzel sticks into ghouls, mandarins into pumpkins, and make enough Monster Mash Brownies that will turn the entire class into sugar monsters.

For more Halloween fun, from Halloween jokes for kids to 75 fun Halloween activities for kids—and more—check out our Halloween Activities Guide for Families.

And for Halloween activities near you, check out our Local Halloween Fun & Activities Guide!

Where is the best spot to trick-or-treat in Connecticut? That's a tricky one! But we can certainly point you in some fun directions full of treats! To pair with our county-by-county list of great trick-or-treating neighborhoods where lots of costumed kids flock on October 31st, we've assembled a list of community-sponsored trick-or-treating events where kids will be assured plenty of candy and camaraderie.

For more seasonal fun, check out our jam-packed Halloween Guide. Many stores in local towns and villages will likely will be handing out candy in the afternoon on October 31, but as a general rule, trick-or-treating starts at dusk. 

Whether your kids are leaving the nest in one year or in ten years, there are at least 100 things to do in California worthy of any family's bucket list. From San Diego to Crescent City and every town in between, there are amusement parks, great hikes, drives to the mountains, adventure activities, and so much more!

Did you know that California has 58 counties? Okay, maybe your bucket list doesn't need to cover all 58, but we have awesome family excursions covering over 30 counties across California's 163,696 square miles. How many have your kids experienced?

What is it about trains and Christmas? The two have become inextricably linked—especially since The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg's glorious picture book about the magic of Christmas, captured kids' hearts and imaginations. During the holiday season, train rides complete with hot chocolate and visits from Santa bring Christmas stories like The Polar Express to life..for all who believe, of course.

Lucky for us, we have plenty of delightful train ride options in driving distance from Boston, from cozy, seaside New England journeys to 4-D movie experiences that feel like a real locomotive ride, right down to the sounds, sights, and even smells. Like other hot holiday shows, teas, and events that tend to sell out, seats on most of these trains fill up fast, so we recommend getting your golden tickets now. 

The highly-anticipated Hunters Point Library in Long Island City is now open to the public, with a lovely waterfront location, a sunny children's section, a packed calendar of family programming, and that delicious "new library smell." (Just kidding. Sort of...)  

An estimated 15 years in the making, the $41.5 million Queens architectural marvel is now welcoming visitors of all ages. So if you’re looking for an indoor adventure and the allure of your local library has worn off, here's a peek inside NYC's newest literary jewel box.