It's a tough call which kids love more, Disneyland or Halloween—so giving them Halloween and Disneyland together is the ultimate parenting slam dunk. With anything Disney, of course, getting the most out of the experience takes some planning ahead. What's right for your family? Halloween Time in Disneyland, the super-popular Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure, or a combination of the two? Since the Oogie Boogie nighttime extravaganza sells out months in advance, if you're reading this in September your decision is partially made up—though it's never too early to start a plan for next year!

Read on to find out everything that is special about a trip to Disneyland Resort at Halloween time, and all the ways that Halloween makes the happiest place on Earth even happier.

The best ice cream in Connecticut is found all over the state, in fun ice cream parlors and adorable shops. Whatever the season, ice cream is a treat that kids adore. Here’s a list of the tastiest ice cream places in Connecticut, open year round to keep ice cream nights a tradition. Hard ice cream, soft serve, sundaes, shakes, floats–the options are endless for satisfying a sweet tooth. Read on for our picks of the best ice cream in Connecticut This ice cream tour will have kids asking to go back all the time!

The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium is one of Long Island’s top family-friendly attractions. With year-round appeal, the vast and welcoming Vanderbilt grounds and views, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and an expansive mansion and museum provide hours of fun and entertainment for children and families. This Suffolk county museum transports visitors back in time. As you walk the cobblestone drive, visions of the Astors and Vanderbilts will come to mind. Gilded Age watchers will love this place. 

Need more ideas for cultural activities or day trips on Long Island? Mommy Poppins has got you covered. Check out our Museums and Art Guide for Long Island Kids and find day-trip inspiration in our Day Trips Guide for Long Island families.

Day tripping to local farms is one of my family's favorite things to do, and Alstede Farms in Chester, New Jersey, is definitely worth the drive. Alstede Farms is jam-packed with family-friendly things to do—landing it on our list of the best farms in New Jersey for family-friendly entertainment. We planned our trip to include fruit picking, checking out the farm animals, and eating some delicious homemade food. Though there are plenty more farm activities to explore, our little one was too tuckered out to tackle them. That's left us planning a return trip; the hay pyramid awaits! Read on for the best things to do at Alstede Farms with kids and plan your own day on the farm.

Be sure to check our rundowns on apple picking in New Jersey and the state's top pick-your-own farms. And find everything else you need to know for autumn fun in our Fall Fun Guide.

Art of Problem Solving offers math and language arts enrichment for advanced learners from grades 2-12 in the Bay Area.

A generation ago, many occupations required people to repeatedly solve routine problems–but, now, most of those jobs are performed by computers! To set today’s students up for success, they need to learn critical problem-solving skills, and the earlier the better. Understanding how to tackle difficult problems–not just replicas of ones they've already seen–teaches kids how to learn, and prepares them for the challenges of top-tier colleges and competitive careers.

That’s the focus of Art of Problem Solving (AoPS). At AoPS Academy, an in-person after-school, weekend, and summer academic program geared toward advanced learners, students build a problem solving skill set to prepare them for many of life's challenges. The program combines a rigorous curriculum, expert instruction, and community to create a one-of-a-kind enrichment experience at 13 locations across the country, including 3 in the Bay Area: Pleasanton, Santa Clara, and a brand new campus in Fremont.

Here’s the thing about kids: They need a lot of stuff. From strollers and scooters to winter coats and summer dresses–not to mention the things they use only once or twice. (We’re looking at you, Halloween costumes!)

That’s where consignment shops can come in handy. Consignment shops typically sell "gently used," name-brand items at a fraction of their original prices. There are many consignment shops throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley, from stores that are open every day to pop-up sales. And, on the flip side, if you find yourself with lots of baby gear to unload, consigning–often by appointment, sometimes as walk-ins–can also be an option.

Looking for more ways to shop Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Check out our Stores and Sevices Guide. And for other thrifty activity ideas, be sure to bookmark our Free Fun Things to Do With Westchester Kids Guide. 

Let’s face it: planning a birthday party for the teen crowd can be tough. Gone are the days when a piñata and a cake were instant crowd pleasers. If your tween or teen is looking for a high-energy adventure or a thrill-seeking event to celebrate their birthday, look no further than these teen birthday party ideas in DC.

From well-themed escape rooms where costumes are encouraged to one-stop sport centers that pack in all the activities under one roof, we found 20 of the best teen birthday party ideas in DC for your next event. For more family fun that won't bring on the eye rolls, check our our list of 12 fun things to do with teens and tweens near DC.

"Wooder ice! Get your wooder ice!" Philadelphians certainly have their fair share of lingo and accents, but whether you (youse?) pronounce it “wooder” or go with the old faithful “water,” get yourself to one of these Philly-based water ice destinations while the warm weeks are still upon us. Many locations on our list had their start in humble beginnings, only now to be recognized as some of the area’s best. With classic and unique flavors, real fruit, and to-go bins, everyone is sure to find something yummy. More of an ice cream lover? Many of the spots listed carry ice cream and soft serve as well, plus check out our list of Philly's best ice cream spots!