While the Hudson Valley is a great family getaway destination year-round, it's especially gorgeous for family weekend trips in the fall. With the colorful foliage on full display, the weather is perfect for going apple picking, navigating corn mazes, taking scenic drives, and attending fall festivals.

There's so much to do in the Hudson Valley in the fall, it's hard to know where to start if you've never been. I've created an ideal two-day itinerary for a fall family getaway that takes advantage of the best that the Hudson Valley has to offer. Read on for my top picks for things to do during a seasonal family weekend trip.

Looking for more ideas for family-friendly getaways? Consider one of these 30 fall day trips from NYC, and find more ideas for fall travel in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

If watching a TV show is exciting for your kids, imagine how much more exciting it would be to be on location while the show is being filmed. One of the perks of being in New York City is that many shows are filmed right here. This means there are plenty of opportunities to be part of a live studio audience.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, here's where you can watch a TV taping in NYC. Our picks range from daytime talk to teen-friendly late-night shows, all taping in New York. Find more behind-the-scenes action with a visit to the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens.

Wandering through the 14th Street and Eighth Avenue train station in Manhattan, you can't help but spot the whimsical bronze statues scattered throughout the underground station. These charming little round-headed creatures are the creations of artist Tom Otterness, and they never fail to delight families who stumble upon them during their commute. Many New Yorkers are already aware of the existence of these sculptures, but what you might not know is the NYC subway isn't the only place where you can find Tom Otterness sculptures in the city.

So, whether you love Otterness' work or are just on the hunt to uncover a fun hidden gem in NYC, here's where else you can find Otterness' art with kids in tow.

While tennis has always been a popular sport in NYC, pickleball has been gaining in popularity. Many people are discovering that pickleball is a family-friendly activity and relatively easy to "pick up." If you're ready to dive into the action, check out the best places to play pickleball in NYC this season, plus some top picks for playing indoor tennis and other paddle sports with kids in NYC. We've even got an entire list of the best tennis classes in NYC for kids to give you even more options to hit the courts with kids.

New Yorkers and tourists alike love a view, and when it comes to finding a NYC observation deck to take in the sights, there are five to choose from. Each offers breathtaking NYC views of the iconic skyline.

From Lower Manhattan's One World Observatory to the classic experience at Midtown's Empire State Building and the awesome inside-out immersion of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, how do you choose which observation deck in NYC to visit with kids for the best views?

We've done the legwork for you, visiting each of NYC's iconic observation decks and detailing the experiences so you can choose the best observation deck in NYC for you and your family. Take heart, though, no matter which NYC observation deck you choose, there's no bad view in sight.

For more insider tips, check out our local guide to NYC's top attractions and our comprehensive NYC Visitors Guide.

After a summer of expensive entertainment, we could all use this list of free and cheap after-school classes in NYC for kids!

The school year has arrived, and that means it's (past) time to start thinking about after-school classes in NYC, too. Families looking for reasonably priced, enriching, and even free after-school programs for kids in New York City have plenty to choose from. There are tons of after-school programs for sports, arts, academics, and other options to choose from. With offerings in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Harlem, and more, you're bound to find a great inexpensive or free after-school program for your kids, no matter their ages, interests, or address.

We've rounded up 18 local organizations offering free or cheap after-school classes in NYC for kids, tweens, and teens throughout the five boroughs. If you're looking for more options, see our New York City Kids' Guide to Classes, and use our directory to search for programs by age, interest, and neighborhood.

Longtime readers know we're always on the hunt for New York City's best playgrounds, but even our favorites get a revamp from time to time. When it's time for a refresh, some of NYC's beloved playground animals are put out to pasture—literally in the Home for Retired Playground Animals, an enchanting destination in the middle of the sprawling Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

A lovely spot to visit in any season—or a diversion from the action at the nearby Billie Jean King National Tennis Center—here's where to find this hidden gem for families in NYC. You can bookmark our NYC Kids' Guide to Parks and Playgrounds for all our favorite outdoor places to play.