Paterson Great Falls: History and Natural Beauty for NJ Families

Get a great view of the falls from Mary Ellen Kramer Park.

Waterfalls are one of those treasures in life that we don’t often come across—but when we do, we’re mesmerized.

While New Jersey has a handful of picturesque cascades, most are tucked away on hiking trails or in wooded areas, such as Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation in West Orange or Boonton Falls in Grace Lord Park in Boonton.

If you’re not much of a backpacker, however, or are just looking for a quick jaunt, check out Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in Paterson. It’s an easy day trip with a view to remember—and one you can drive right up to.

Museum of Pizza Opens in Williamsburg

Hop on the seesaw or play corn hole in the DiGiorno Pizza Playground.

NYC's long list of fun, immersive pop-up experiences is growing by the day—this year alone there have been Instagram-worthy pop-ups devoted to color, candy, tea, and dogs. The Museum of Pizza, which just opened in Williamsburg, may be the tastiest one yet: Every ticket holder gets a free slice. If there's anything more city-kid-friendly than a pizza inspired funhouse that comes with a slice of pizza, don't tell me what it is. Read on for a sneak peek inside NYC's latest pop-up, and tips for visiting the Museum of Pizza with kids.

When Pediatric Urgent Care Can Save a Visit to the ER

It's past bedtime, but a barking cough and noisy breathing are keeping your toddler wide awake. Weekend soccer practice ends abruptly with a slide tackle right to your middle schooler's ankle. Your otherwise healthy teen is suddenly covered with welts from head to toe. The pediatrician’s office is definitely closed and panic starts to set in as you weigh whether the circumstances warrant an emergency room visit.

Well, as it turns out, there may be a better option. A pediatric urgent care center—like those operated by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in Chalfont, Pa., Glen Mills, Pa., and King of Prussia, Pa.—can actually handle all of these problems and then some, including a number of illnesses and injuries you might think require an emergency department visit. And while many issues may feel ER-worthy to us worried parents, they might not meet the medical criteria that require a trip to the hospital. So, instead of booking it to the nearest emergency room or waiting for the pediatrician's office to open for your kiddo's next fever or fall, call your child’s doctor and ask if an urgent care for kids might be the best option. These facilities treat your child when you need it—on evenings and weekends—and how you need it—with special consideration for his or her needs.

Guide to Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead for NYC Kids

Join the Dia de los Muertos parade at El Museo del Barrio.

Halloween isn't the only spooky holiday to celebrate this fall. Day of the Dead—or Día de los Muertos as it's known in Spanish—is observed by many Latino cultures and is especially popular in Mexico.

Day of the Dead officially takes place on November 1 and 2 to coincide with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. However, NYC events are spread throughout October and early November and most of them are FREE. Revelers honor friends and family members who have died by building altars, or ofrendas, and adorning them with colorful paper flowers, beautifully decorated skeletons, and candles. It's a joyful way to remember the deceased—without freaking kids out. We've rounded up nine Day of the Dead events where NYC kids and families can celebrate the holiday.

You can find more fall activities in our Fall Fun Guide and check out the Halloween Guide for all the other spooky, kid-friendly happenings in NYC this month.

Postpartum Support Resources for New Moms in New York City

In those final sleepless nights before your baby is born, you might lie awake thinking about what to put in your hospital bag, who will watch the dog...or, heck, whether you really love the name you picked. But the arrival of that baby brings on a whole new onslaught of questions.

Is he getting enough milk? Why won’t she sleep more than 45 minutes at a time? He cries so much….is it an allergy? When will I get this under control? Where can I find a mellow mommy and me class? WTF is that stabbing pain in my pelvis? And once the wave of eager visitors subsides, and you and/or your partner heads back to work, the questions tend to stack up. Who to ask? Where to find help?

Lucky for you, we NYC Mommy Poppins moms have a few babies between the lot of us (we’re not going to say just how many). We've compiled a list of resources that have been helpful to us over the years, from postpartum therapy and lactation consultants to parent support groups. And don’t forget to peruse our Baby and Pregnancy Guide for more NYC resources. Hang in there: It does get easier. Especially if you know where to get a little help.

You've Gotta See This!

Sea monster tentacles erupt from an abandoned warehouse in the Navy Yard.

This fall, you and the kids can check out an 800-pound pumpkin, trick or treat in Philly’s best Halloween neighborhoods, get lost in a corn maze…and see a giant sea monster! Set right in the heart of Philadephia’s Navy Yard, a super cool and unique art installation is happening now, but you’ve gotta be quick! It will be gone in just a few weeks. Want to check this art installation out for yourself? Read on for details.

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