Times—and the food industry—have changed from when I was a kid. In the 1980s, everything we ate came from the freezer section, cans, and boxes. Microwaves were hot kitchen appliances. I didn't even know what an unpicked strawberry looked like or what type of plant blueberries grew on. Trees, maybe? Now, knowing where your food comes from, understanding sustainability, and eating local are all hot topics that parents are passionate about. New York City offers plenty of farmers' markets, gardens, and parks to get close to nature. But did you know there are plenty of farms, too?

We've compiled a list of open-to-the-public farms within NYC that all deserve a visit. Each one has a special and interesting hook. Make sure to check seasonal hours/days-of-operation before you travel. 

If you really want that full country vibe, you can always head out to the nearby farms of Long Island, New Jersey, and Westchester for pick-your-own apples, tractor rides, and petting zoos.

A year without the Jurassic Park ride was like... a year without being splashed by dinosaurs. This summer's relaunch of the favorite Universal Studios ride was eagerly anticipated, though truth be told some of us who were big fans of the old ride were also just a little bit wary. Would Jurassic World: The Ride live up to its Jurassic predecessor? Or would it become just another virtual reality replacement of a classic analog adventure? It's a relief to be able to report that Jurassic World remains one of the best reasons to visit Universal Studios—and that Universal really did find ways to make our favorite ride even better.

Montessori learning is a great way to foster independence and teach kids a love of learning. Montessori schooling encourages your child's sense of curiousity and adventure. If you're interested in starting your child on the Montessori path, check out one of these great preschools. If you're looking for something a little bit different, be sure to visit our Preschool Guide and our Directory to find more awesome preschools in your area. Whether your kid loves nature, wants to learn a new language, or just loves to play, Mommy Poppins has all the info you need to choose the right preschool.

Finding a preschool that fits your family is a huge undertaking: From Montessori programs to bilingual preschools, there are many nursery school and pre-K options in the Boston and greater Boston area. For many families, a key feature of a preschool is a full-day schedule. So we've rounded up some popular, parent-approved schools in the Boston area, from the city to Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville, that have full-day programs or widely-used extended-day options. More time in a super school can mean peace of mind for busy parents, not to mention extra learning and social time for your budding student.

Fairfield County, why not spend the day taking your family to the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield? Tucked away on Main Street, the Aldrich is Connecticut’s only museum dedicated to contemporary art. It's on our list of 120 Things to do With Your Kids in Connecticut Before They Grow Up and for good reason. The Aldrich is in a beautiful setting, offering exhibitions, artist talks, family programming, and classes. I recently took my kids to the Aldrich for the day and we loved walking through the exhibitions, making crafts together and checking out the town of Ridgefield when we were done.

The museum is located just 2 blocks from Ridgefield's wonderful shops and restaurants, so I've also got some great suggestions for family-friendly restaurants, sweet treats and even a historic tavern museum for you to explore. With all of these things within walking distance of each other, you can bet the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum makes a great destination for a day trip.

Iceland has become the place everyone talks about. It's dramatic. It's beautiful. It's rugged, unspoiled, totally different, and the perfect stop between North America and Europe. In fact, it's where the two continents actually meet (cue photo op)! But without amusement parks, warm weather, or any kind of branded entertainment, will it hold your kids' attention? The answer is heck yeah. There are endless fun things to do in Iceland with kids, especially somewhat exotic outdoor adventures.

Tell the kids you're bringing them to the Land of the Midnight Sun, and check out as many as you can of the 10 extra-special Icelandic attractions below.

Located on the banks of Boston Harbor, historic Charlestown has become an increasingly popular neighborhood for young families due to its proximity to the city and neighborhood feel.  Made famous by several touristy landmarks like the Bunker Hill Monument and Old Ironsides, Charlestown offers plenty to do for kids in all seasons. It's hard to believe this 'hood is only one square mile! 

You could spend a whole day exploring Charlestown, but if you want to branch out to the nearby neighborhoods, check out our picks for family-friendly activities in Boston's North End and Seaport/Fort Channel areas, too.

Entertaining visitors can be a daunting task because, if you're like me, you want to show them the best time EVER and impress with your insider knowledge of your home city. And if you are also like me, this quickly becomes overwhelming because Houston is just. so. big. No fear, we've put together a list with 18 of the best things to do.

However, if you just want some ideas for activities, you can always spend a few hours at a trampoline park, ice skating rink, or test your family's skills at an escape room. And if the weather is appropriate, check out an area splash pad.