When the weather is fine, there are few things New Yorkers like better than a day outside with the family. Although NYC has incredible parks and playgrounds to explore, sometimes it's worth taking a day trip outside the city limits.

So pack a cooler and a picnic blanket and find your new favorite kid-friendly hiking destination among this list that takes you to the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, Long Island, and even some memorable parks within the five boroughs. Each of these hikes has something special to offer, and best of all, they are kid-tested and kid-approved! 

Does your daughter dream of being a princess or pop star for a day? When planning birthday parties, Long Island parents have a variety of choices to make a little girl's dreams come true. So we've rounded up a list of birthday party venues that offer everything a little girl can imagine. 

We realize that from the cake, to the theme, to the decor, there are lots of decisions to make. Many times, it all begins with finding the right party package for the birthday child. So read on.

Anyone who's raised kids in New York City knows what a hustle it is to get them into a good school, and the process only gets more complicated as they grow.

The city is hoping a significant change to the middle and high school admissions process will make it a little easier. Gone are the Round 2 applications, instead replaced by a waitlist system DOE officials claim will make the process shorter, easier, and more transparent. Read on for the details, and how this may affect your child's middle school and high school application process.

While the transition from summer to fall has its share of sadness, we’re here to tell you not to pout just yet! With so much to do in fall and generally more comfortable temps, we encourage you to turn your weekend attention to the numerous destinations in our area that make for lovely fall day trips from Westchester.

Below we’ve listed more than a dozen worthy drives (or train rides) that will transport you to fall fun. Many of these follow along the Hudson River, as savoring the gorgeous fall foliage for which the area is well known creates a showcase backdrop. We’ve also paired these destinations with family events, like fall festivals, so you might time your visit to coincide. And stay tuned for all the Halloween fun that’s heading our way!

Stowe, Vermont is a haven for kids and families looking for outdoor adventures whether the mountains are blanketed with groomed snow for skiing, summer wildflowers for camping and hiking, or fall foliage. 

The mountainside village—arguably the prettiest in the Green Mountain State—is home to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, where much of the activity is centered. From hiking, biking, and zip-lining in the summer and fall to skiing, snowshoeing, and skating in winter and early spring, Stowe, Vermont is a year-round destination. You'll also find Stowe hotels eager to cater to families, such as the Stowe Mountain Resort, the Lodge at Spruce Peak (formerly Stowe Mountain Lodge), and the Trapp Family Lodge (of Sound of Music fame).

Read on for some of our favorite things to do with kids when we're lucky enough to find ourselves in "the Aspen of the East." 

September is bitter-sweet. The relief of having back all those hours in the day is tinged with the loss of long, balmy summer evenings without homework or lunches to prepare. And who among us is ready to hear the word "Halloween"? No, better to look to the September weekends as an opportunity to pretend that summer is still with us. Luckily the weather and the SoCal fun generally cooperate! Read on for the best of September in LA, Ventura, and OC. We'll keep adding to our calendar daily and sending our weekly newsletter in time for each weekend, but here's your chance to plan ahead for these September favorites.

September brings with it apple picking, fall festivals, hayrides, and many more excuses to get the kids outside to enjoy the gorgeous early fall weather in Connecticut. Our event calendar is a wonderful resource full of ideas for outings, many of which are free or inexpensive. Some September highlights include the Blues &Views Festival in Westport, and for seafood lovers, the Annual Oyster Festival in Norwalk. 

Here you'll find our very top picks of fun things to do with kids in Connecticut this September. Click through to the full listing so that you can add your favorites to your calendar. Be sure to sign up for our FREE newsletters so you can get all our CT picks delivered to your inbox. Have a fun September!

September: A month of transition. From summer to fall, from lazy summer days to hectic school schedules. It's the perfect time to spend more weekend hours at your favorite farmers' market. This is also the last month to experience Candytopia, an out-of-this-world candy museum, and the incredible Sonic Playground at Discovery Green.

For things to do every day of the week, check out our event calendar, and if you haven't already signed up for our free newsletter (where you'll receive our recent posts and things to do each weekend), subscribe now! Read on for the best events and activities going on this month around Houston.