Weekend Trips

Corn Mazes and Fall Farm Fun for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Thien August on Tue, 09/19/2017 - 3:20pm

Fall on Long Island means cooler weather and shorter days, but it also means fun seasonal activities such as hayrides and corn mazes. Whether you make it a race or plan your route strategically, corn mazes are fun for the whole family and they don’t always have to be scary. Many mazes and hayrides are available during the day, so even the youngest family members can enjoy these seasonal outdoor activities.

Call venues ahead of time to be sure they are open, especially if the weather is bad or if there has been a storm. Wearing boots or comfortable shoes is a good idea as the fields can be uneven and potentially wet. For more seasonal fun, check out our list of fall fairs and festivals and the best farms for apple picking.

Top Pumpkin Picking Farms for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Laurie R on Fri, 09/15/2017 - 12:30pm

Nothing says fall (or Halloween) quite like a pumpkin. When these festive gourds start appearing on front stoops and in windows across New Jersey, you know autumn really has arrived. This year, skip the grocery store pumpkins and take a day trip to one of NJ's excellent pumpkin patches, where you're sure to run into more fall fun, including barnyard animals, hay and corn mazes, and even the season's other favorite fruit: apples.

Red on for more than a dozen spots where you'll be sure to find the perfect pumpkin.

Closer to the New York border? Check out these Westchester and Hudson Valley pumpkin patches. If you're in south Jersey or headed for a Bucks County getaway this fall, our Philadelphia site has the scoop on Pennsylvania pumpkin patches.

Things to Do in Southold Village With Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Thu, 09/14/2017 - 2:42pm

A trip to the North Fork offers vast opportunities. From nature explorers to foodie indulgers and self-proclaimed sommeliers, the village of Southold is hot, hip, and happening.

Located in the heart of Long Island wine country, the village of Southold is the seat of government for Southold Town. But there is much more to it than that. In Southold, you can enjoy beaches, museums, nature centers, family-friendly eateries, fall festivals, and then some.

Looking for more North Fork fun? Head east one village for must-try spots in Greenport. Staying over? Hop a ferry to Shelter Island and explore. And on the way home, check out the North Fork's gateway town, Riverhead.

Historic NJ Villages That Are Fun for Kids & Families

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Thu, 09/14/2017 - 10:30am

With all of our modern technology and conveniences, today's kids (and grown-ups!) have a hard time imagining what life was like in the U.S. in the 18th and 19th centuries. Luckily, NJ kids don't have to learn about this long-ago time only from books—they can experience it firsthand at one of the state's many historic villages.

From working farms to blacksmith shops, general stores to cottages, these villages offer plenty to see for day-tripping families. Whether you are looking for an authentic old-school outing or an afternoon of quaint shopping, we've got you covered. This fall, unplug the family and step back in time at one of these historic New Jersey villages that are fun for kids and adults alike.

For more historical day trip inspiration, check out our list of Revolutionary War Sites To Visit with Kids.

Top Corn Mazes and Fall Farm Fun Near NYC

Submitted by Stephanie Ogozalek on Tue, 09/12/2017 - 2:00pm

Navigating the twists and turns of a giant corn maze is the perfect fall outing for adventurous NYC families. Yet, with dozens of mazes scattered throughout the rural parts of our tristate area, the real challenge is deciding which one to visit.

My family loves our annual corn maze romp to the local Queens County Farm Museum's Amazing Maize Maze. It's just the right size for kids, includes fun challenges and clues, and doesn't take all day to get to. However, if you're looking to get out of the city for that true country feel, or headed upstate New York or elsewhere for a long weekend getaway, we've compiled a list of almost two dozen of the area's best corn mazes—most within 90 minutes of NYC.

We've broken down our picks to let you know which are better for older kids vs. preschoolers, which are accessible by train, and which has the best doughnuts! Most farms include extra seasonal things to do like apple picking, pumpkin picking, pony rides, petting zoos, and even a 100-foot mountain slide in one case. For more farm fun, check out our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Farms near New York City.

Get Outta Town: 30 Perfect Fall Family Day Trips from NYC

Submitted by Katia on Sun, 09/10/2017 - 2:00pm

With fall upon us, we're craving more than just a change of seasons. Sometimes, fresh scenery—even just for a day—can do wonders to reboot and re-energize weary New Yorkers who dodged tourists and packed subways all summer.

Whether fall in your house means an afternoon harvesting nature's bounty at local farms, heading out for a hike, or staying close to home to explore a new-to-you corner of the city, we've got daycations sure to satisfy any mood. Read on for 30 picks sure to inspire your love of the season, and find more getaways in our Day Trip and Travel Guide.

Kid-Friendly Wineries on the East End

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 09/08/2017 - 1:10pm

So many wineries on Long Island's East End welcome children and even pets, so it’s no wonder North Fork wine country has become a huge destination not just for couples and bachelorette parties, but for families as well.

From picnic areas to live music and annual events, we’ve rounded up a host of vineyards—many of which are family-owned and operated—that offer the most family-friendly experiences. In addition to wine, most tasting rooms offer light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, and some allow outside food and drink in designated picnic areas. Of course, kids must be supervised and pets must be on leashes. Be sure to check individual websites for specific rules and regulations. And be responsible if driving.

Autumn is an ideal time to visit East End vineyards as many celebrate the annual arrival of new vintages. As the weather gets cooler, it’s also a great time to check out other seasonal activities on Long Island, including apple picking and fall festivals. Happy autumn.

Amazing Corn Mazes at New Jersey Farms

Submitted by Laurie R on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 1:00pm

Get ready… get set… get lost in an amazing New Jersey corn maze! The Garden State is home to oodles of spectacular corn mazes, ranging from massive 10-acre labyrinths to simpler, child-friendly courses, including hay bale mazes just right for toddlers and preschoolers. Games, clues, and even techie bonuses enhance many of the more elaborate maze experiences. Got a tween or teen? Check out courses that are open after hours for a nighttime and sometimes spooky adventure.

Many of these 16 corn mazes we've rounded up are day trip–worthy on their own, but you'll also likely find apple and pumpkin picking options, hayrides, and even fall festivals, plus petting zoos in some instances. So get out your fall to-do list, and navigate your way through one of these great New Jersey corn mazes. Check out our Fall Fun Guide for NJ Kids to find even more ways to enjoy the crisp autumn days.