It's official: October 22nd through the 26th is Massachusetts' first annual statewide STEM week, and we couldn't be more excited! Schools will be planning fun activities, events, and lessons focused on science, technology, engineering and math (a.k.a. STEM). But can your kiddos ever get too much STEM-ulation? We didn't think so. From robots to outer space, we've rounded up 10 extracurricular activities sure to get your kids psyched about science. 

If you thought vacations in ghost towns were only for sitcom families, think again! Just a short drive from LA is the Calico Ghost Town, an old mining town that boomed in the 1880s but was abandoned not long after. Walter Knott, of Knott's Berry Farm fame, restored the town in the 1950s into a Wild West locale perfect for a family vacation. And while Calico may or may not have actual haunted houses, it can be a wonderful Halloween month outing all the same.

Halloween seems to get bigger and better every year--and I'm not just talking about the size of the candy bars. Back in the day, we were happy just to trick or treat in our neighborhood, but these days, you can start celebrating at the beginning of October and continue celebrating all month long! Even if you don't live for Halloween, we've got a lot of great ideas for ways to get out there and enjoy (both spooky and non-spooky) in our Connecticut Halloween and Fall Fun Guide.

Here in Fairfield County we have a huge variety of activities and events from Halloween parades to hayrides to pumpkin patches and more. We've collected some of our favorite Halloween happenings here, but don't forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletters and keep tabs on our event calendar so that you won't miss any Halloween fun!

The Garden State's many wonderful farms are perfect spots for a family-friendly outing any time of year. But a few special farmsteads offer visitors the unique opportunity to experience farm life just as it existed many years ago. These living history farms give visitors the chance to try their hand at chores like bottle-feeding lambs, gathering honey, and harvesting ice. If you're looking for a fun, educational experience for the entire family, hands-on historical farms are a great choice.

For even more outdoor family fun, check out these New Jersey farms and historic villages. 

Celebrating a child's birthday can be an emotional one for parents. After all, each birthday celebrates one more step towards growing up. Before you know it, your kiddo is 18! Wait, didn't I just bring this baby home from the hospital?  With only 18 birthdays before being considered an adult, there are certain experiences in and around the Delaware Valley every Philly kid should have. This way, when they fly from the nest, they can say, "Yeah, I've done that. I'm from Philadelphia."

Our picks are listed in no particular order. However some clearly are geared toward a younger set while others have a broader appeal to kids of varying ages. Read on to see how many of our 18 must dos your child has visited.

Major cities throughout Texas boast well known and very well loved children's museums such as Austin's Thinkery, San Antonio's DoSeum, and of course our very own Children's Museum of Houston. But as "they" always say... everything is bigger in Texas! That means there are even more children's museums to get to know and love all over the lone star state. These hidden gems are nestled in small towns and suburbs, and they are bursting at the seams with fun and hands-on learning for kids of all ages. 

Whether you're driving down from Los Angeles or flying in from afar, a weekend in San Diego is the perfect getaway to find rest and relaxation all year long. The SoCal destination offers a wide array of family activities to keep everyone entertained, in between the requisite visits to Seaworld, Legoland, and the Safari Park. Here, we round up eight of our favorite spots to kick back and unwind in this picturesque beach town.

Eager to experience some Halloween night magic before October 31? This fall season, Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo is just the place to do it. Through November 4, the zoo is home to the Jack O’Lantern Journey, a spectacular jack-o’-lantern display filled with thousands of intricately carved pumpkins over a half-mile trail. I headed to the event with my two children to find out everything you need to know before visiting. Here are my insider tips to make sure your visit with children is a real treat (with no tricks).