When it comes to fall activities, apple picking and corn mazes are just the beginning. Autumn is a perfect time to explore all nature has to offer in New York City. From learning about bird migrations to forest bathing, there are plenty of places—including some under-the-radar green spaces—for kids and families to fall in love with the outdoors. So, bundle up and check out these five fun nature activities before the fall foliage hits the ground.

Grab a cup of hot cocoa and put on your most comfortable walking shoes, because holiday markets are back in NYC. With their sparkly decorations, festive music, unique gifts, and delicious treats, there’s no better way to kick off the holiday shopping season than to stroll through one of these Christmas markets in New York City. Plus, you’ll be supporting local businesses and artisans. Not sure where to start? Read on for a list of the best holiday markets in New York City, and find all our picks for seasonal fun in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC.

Fans of Stranger Things take note: Just in time for the holiday season, the first official Stranger Things-themed pop-up store has opened in the heart of Times Square. If you're biding your time waiting for Season 4, head over to the store which offers a one-of-a-kind immersive retail experience with exclusive merchandise and interactive photo-ops. Read on for details on how to get your foot in the door.

Snuggle up by a warm fire, enjoy a serene walk along beautiful Lake George, or travel back in time to the 1800s. Sounds like an inviting weekend getaway, right? These are just a few of the adventures families can experience at these resorts, lodges, and bed and breakfasts near New York City.

These family-friendly B&Bs make for a perfect weekend trip. Escape the hustle and bustle of home for a weekend away at one of these charming inns. Find more spots for your next weekend trip in our Guide to Weekend Getaways.

Also known as pork buns, gua bao-style buns are a Taiwanese night market staple. Pillowy, yet compact and stuffed with mouth-watering ingredients, bao buns are a great light meal when you and your family are on the go or looking to try something new. A tasty finger food, these morsels are perfect for foodies-in-training. If you want to introduce your kids to this staple, here are five kid-tested—and approved!—restaurants serving bao buns in NYC. Even a picky eater will find a bao bun to love among these picks.

Find more kid-approved eats in our Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants in NYC.

New York City really knows how to light it up for the holidays. Aside from all the residential light displays and tree lightings, holiday lantern shows and seasonal Christmas lights sparkle across the city. From the Brooklyn Botanical Garden's new Lightscape display to the Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo, the city sure does shine during the Christmas season. This year, there's even a duo of outdoor holiday lantern shows in Queens and on Staten Island, offering the perfect festive destination for Christmas 2021.

So, read on for all the details you need to get your glow on this holiday season and bookmark our Christmas Fun Guide for more seasonal happenings.

Access to great, kid-friendly theater is one of the perks of raising kids in NYC. And while the industry has been slow to come back from the pandemic, I recently brought my 8-year-old to see the new Winnie the Pooh adaptation playing at Theatre Row, and it turned out to be just the right outing for our return to live entertainment.

Read on for our take on the show and four reasons it's a great first show, whether you're a long-time theater lover or introducing your kids to the stage for the first time.