Weekend Trips

Pumpkin Festivals and Jack-O-Lantern Displays for New England Families

Submitted by Tara D on Sun, 09/15/2019 - 8:00pm

New England is brimming with fall festivals, but kids are particularly enamored with events celebrating the humble pumpkin: the symbol of autumn and Halloween. Whether you stick close to home or make a day or weekend trip out of it, going to a pumpkin festival or visiting a glowing jack-o'-lantern display is a fun, family-friendly way to get into the spirit of the season. Here's a sampling of pumpkin fun in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine over the next month. Get inspired for a trip to the pumpkin patch for a jack-o'-lantern display on your own front porch!

30 Perfect Fall Family Day Trips from NYC

Submitted by Katia on Sun, 09/15/2019 - 2:00pm

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

Whether fall in your house means an afternoon harvesting nature's bounty at local farms, heading out for a hike, or something else, we've rounded up 30 spots worthy of a day trip. Some are even accessible by public transportation. Read on for our picks sure to inspire your love of the season, and find more getaways in our Day Trip and Travel Guide.

Hayrides and Fall Farm Fun for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Janine Annett on Sun, 09/15/2019 - 10:00am

Hayrides are our favorite mode of transportation when it comes to fall fun. We've gathered up some of our favorite family farms and orchards in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with hayrides and other awesome autumn activities, including apple picking and corn mazes.

Many of these hayrides are free, or at least included with the admission price.

For more ideas for kid-friendly fall fun, sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

25 Fun-Filled Fall Day Trips for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Wed, 09/11/2019 - 11:00am

Autumn in New Jersey is a perfect time for a family day trip. We've got the lowdown on the best corn mazes, foliage tours, harvest festivals, and pick-your-own farms in the state—so grab a sweater and a mug of hot cider, and head out with the family for an amazing fall day trip. And don't miss our Fall Fun Guide for even more family outings.

Mattituck with Kids: Fun Things to Do in this North Fork Town

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 09/10/2019 - 6:04am

From local museums and gorgeous beaches to kid-friendly restaurants and unique shops, Mattituck has much to offer Long Island families.

Spanning the Long Island Sound to the Peconic Bay, this North Fork hamlet is perfect for a day trip or a week’s vacation with plenty of fresh-from-the-vine wine and produce, farms and local food, hiking, fishing and beaching to do! We’ve put together a list of things to do and see while you’re there.

Need more suggestions for things to do this fall? Check out our Fall Fun Guide and Long Island Events Calendar. For more out-east fun, take a look at our guide to the Hamptons and North Fork.

Corn Mazes and Fall Farm Fun for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Thien August on Sun, 09/08/2019 - 5:13am

Fall on Long Island means cooler weather and shorter days, but it also means fun seasonal activities such as pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes.

Corn mazes are fun for the whole family and rest assured that they aren't always scary. Many mazes and hayrides are available during the day, so even the youngest family members can enjoy these seasonal outdoor activities.

Wear boots or comfortable shoes as fields can be uneven and potentially wet. Come out and support Long Island farmers and have fun doing it. And don't forget to stop by the farm stands for seasonal treats such as apple cider, warm apple cider doughnuts, and roasted corn. Corn mazes for Long Island kids have never been so much fun!

Call venues ahead of time to be sure they are open, especially if the weather is bad or if there has been a storm.

For more seasonal fun, check out our list of Long Island's best fall fairs and festivals and the area's best apple picking destinations.

Best Corn Mazes to Visit with Kids Near NYC

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Fri, 09/06/2019 - 1:30pm

Navigating the twists and turns of a giant corn maze is the perfect fall outing for adventurous NYC families. But 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 trip to the local Queens County Farm Museum's Amazing Maize Maze. It's just the right size for kids, includes fun 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 you're headed to 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 offers the best doughnuts! Most farms include extra seasonal things to do like apple picking, pumpkin picking, pony rides, petting zoos, and even, in one case, a 100-foot mountain slide. For more farm fun, check out our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Farms near New York City, and our guide to harvest festivals, hayrides, and pumpkin patches right in NYC.

9 Family-Friendly Hiking Trails on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 09/06/2019 - 5:00am

Whether you’re a family of expert outdoorsman or just looking for a relaxing nature walk with your little ones, Long Island is home to an abundance of family-friendly hiking trails.

Not only are the hiking trails of Nassau and Suffolk a chance for exercise and quality time with your kids, but they’re a great way to learn about Long Island’s diverse natural landscape. From toddler to teen, these hiking adventures have something for everyone in your family.

For more family-friendly activities this season, check our fall fun guide and September GoList.