If Thomas, Percy, and James are a part of your daily conversations, take advantage of the many train and railroad attractions throughout New Jersey. From North Pole excursions to the world's largest model railroad, the Garden State has it all.

The holidays are an extra-special time for train-lovers, with Christmas train rides, model train shows, and rides through holiday lights. We've rounded up all these and more below, so read on for a list of places where you can ride the rails with your little one, check out amazing displays, and more. 

Before the Thanksgiving festivities begin (not to mention the eating frenzy), why not get the whole family up and moving with a good old-fashioned turkey trot. These runs and walks are held in Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End around the time of the holiday, and many are open to all ages, often featuring a "fun run" just for kids.

Many of these races start bright and early, so even if you're the one putting the turkey in the oven or have to hit the road by noon to get to grandma's, you still should be able to fit in a holiday trot. For more seasonal adventures, check out our Long Island Events Calendar and our November GoList.

The Museum of Modern Art, fresh off a years-long expansion and renovation, has officially re-opened, and even by NYC standards, it's a big deal. Really big: MoMA's new, flexible layout means a 30 percent increase in gallery space—that's about 165,000 square feet of art, sculpture, and exhibits. The 90 year-old New York institution has never felt more...well, modern.

While we're smitten with all the city's world-class cultural institutions, the MoMA has always been one of our favorite NYC museums to visit with kids. Read on for the scoop on what's changed, plus 10 reasons to love the new MoMA, then plan your next visit to this updated gem.

Believe it or not, I had never heard of Wegmans before it opened here in NYC last week. (As a native New Yorker growing up in the city in the 70s, I was raised thinking that the only chains you saw in NYC were gold and should be tucked under your coat on the subway.) So while I was excited to hear about Wegmans coming to the Vinegar Hll neighborhood of Brooklyn, I admit I had no idea why the Rochester-based chain was all that. Did Wegmans acquire its legion of fans by its unique products, the way Trader Joes does? Was it just the suburban size value, like Costco? Did it offer better-sourced produce and meats like Whole Foods?

What I discovered is that the secret of Wegmans is that they are going for all of the above. Wegmans is the store that wants to be everything to all people. And, they seem to be pulling it off. I recently went to find out what makes NYC’s newest grocery store and food hall different from other stores. Here are the top things that make Wegmans a win for New York City families.

Big news for little Boston bouncers: There's a new indoor play area on the block! Launch Entertainment and Action Park just opened in Metrowest Boston, and it's a bigger, better version of other local Launch trampoline parks (which are planning expansions of their own to follow suit). Covering over 21,000 square feet in Framingham, this new-look Launch features a ninja obstacle course, laser tag, a "battle beam" arena, an indoor zipline, and a real restaurant—all along with their signature wall-to-wall trampoline fun. We got the inside scoop on this foam-filled fun zone, which is taking reservation for indoor birthday parties, too.

If you live in the Fairfield or Litchfield areas and would rather relax than cook this Thanksgiving, you're in luck: Some of the tastiest Nutmeg-state restaurants are in this part of Connecticut, and are keeping their doors open on Thanksgiving. These family-friendly restaurants will be serving up pumpkin soup, butternut squash ravioli, pecan nut tarts, and eggnog creme brulees—not to mention a perfect slice of turkey. Live mid-state? Check out these Hartford County restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner. 

As a parent, it can be tough trying to please the kids without being completely bored out of your mind. Playspaces and story times are great for the little ones, but for adults, they can get old fast. And, let's be honest, the kids don't exactly love going to the mall or checking out the latest trendy restaurant or bar. So, what can you do to keep everyone happy and entertained? Luckily, there are some awesome spots around Philadelphia and the surrounding area that are perfect for the kids, but also not a snooze fest for parents. Red on for our cool family favorites.

The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to start making plans for festive, family-friendly outings. Of course, there’s a list as long as Santa’s of things to do this holiday and Christmas season with LI kids, but we’ve whittled it down to a baker's dozen of the very best for your family to enjoy.

From Thanksgiving runs to Christmas shows and holiday train rides, we’ve got what you need to get your family into the spirit of the season. For more ways to make seasonal memories this holiday season, check out our Holiday Fun Guide and our Event Calendar.