The Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids

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The annual Halloween Parade in Oyster Bay welcomes all ghouls big and little. Photo courtesy of Raynham Hall Museum

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

It's time to start planning some Halloween shenanigans this weekend. We have so many ideas for those ready for a spook or scare as well as anyone looking for a milder thrill. 

Take a spooktacular walk through the Smithtown Historical Society's new haunted trail, where little ones will have a great time seeing the Halloween displays and farm animals. Or walk the immersive pumpkin trail on the grounds of a 19th-century village in Old Bethpage where thousands of hand-carved jack-o'lanterns light up the night for The Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze.

Meanwhile, Great Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular Sail returns to Belmont Lake State Park in North Babylon. Plus, the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead offers more than just fishy fun this weekend at its Bats, Barnacles, and Broomsticks event. Bonus: Kids get half off admission when they're dressed in a costume!

Read on for more great events across LI this weekend. 

Boo at the Zoo and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend

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On Saturday, Historic Smithville invites visitors to enjoy vendors and music at Monster Bash. Photo courtesy of Historic Smithville

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

This pre-Halloween weekend boasts a lineup of boo-tiful festivities all around, including candy, entertainment, and furry fun at Boo at the Zoo in Cape May. Plus, have indoor amusement fun at iPlay America's Trick or Treat Around the Park, and enjoy treats, games, and crafts at the New Jersey State Museum's Halloween Spooktacular.

Score more goodies this week at New Jersey's Best Trunk or Treats.

Holiday Train Shows, Sesame Street, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

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The New York Botanical Gardens' Holiday Train Show makes magical memories.

Looking for the best things to do in New York City this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

This weekend is a train lover's paradise, as Holiday Train Shows chug into Grand Central Station (free!) and the New York Botanical Garden. Take the tinies to see Flutter at the Ailey Studio or Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats at the Jewish Museum, and check out Sesame Street Learn and Play's grand opening in NJ.

11 Scenic Train Rides Through Florida for Families

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Visitors can actually ride the exhibits at the Florida Railroad Museum, which hosts a variety of experiences throughout the year. Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for a new way to tour Florida? Immerse yourself and your family in fun and adventure as you step aboard these Florida train rides. Whether you’re looking for a scenic day trip by train, a theme park train ride, or a special holiday train like The Polar Express, there are scenic train rides in Florida to please every age and interest. Train enthusiasts—both large and small—will love riding the rails on these Florida train rides.

And if you're looking for an easy, fast, and luxurious way to travel between West Palm Beach and Miami, check out our experience on the South Florida Brightline train!

All Aboard A Polar Express Train Ride, Plus More Christmas Trains Near DC

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Enjoy milk and cookies and meet Santa aboard the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad's North Pole Express. Photo by Kimberly Byard

Nothing adds magic to the holiday season quite like a Polar Express train ride or a festive Christmas train. To help your family experience that magic, we've rounded up a variety of Christmas trains near DC, including several options for Polar Express train rides in 2024.

From trains that transport you to Christmas tree farms to those that bring classic Christmas stories to life, these Polar Express and Christmas trains will make even your Grinchiest family member's heart grow three sizes. And all of them are within a three-hour drive from DC!

Check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids to help you plan more holiday fun this season, and get a jump on your holiday decorating by trying some of these 101 Christmas activities for kids. Santa will be here before you know it!

Trunk or Treat, Día de los Muertos, Manayunk Trolley, and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend

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Spend a gorgeous fall day at Peddler's Village for the annual display of more than 100 handmade scarecrows, a weekend festival, and scarecrow-making workshops. Photo by Chris Burrow

Looking for the best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your must-do list.

As autumn settles in, the Philly area comes alive with vibrant festivities perfect for families. From the whimsical Scarecrows in the Village at Peddler's Village to the spooktacular Trick-or-Treating at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, there's something to enchant every little ghost and goblin. This final weekend of October is packed with events like the Trunk or Treat Monster Bash in Media and the East Passyunk Fall Fest, ensuring plenty of opportunities for creative costumes and sweet treats. So, grab your pumpkins and get ready for a whirlwind of Halloween fun that your family won't want to miss!

Best Polar Express Train Rides & Christmas Trains in Los Angeles

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Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. Photo courtesy of the train

'Tis the season for Polar Express train rides or Christmas trains! Los Angeles has plenty of holiday magic waiting on the rails, from a staple in Griffith Park to a movie-like adventure on the SoCal Polar Express. So, put on those matching family PJs and get ready to sing some carols, hear a story, and chow down on Christmas cookies, while embracing the holiday spirit. Kiddos may even get the chance to hand over those wish lists to Santa Claus in person. 

There are seats available (so far!) on the Christmas train rides below that take place from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas. Reserve your spot ASAP because Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast.

Get in the holiday spirit with the best neighborhood holiday lights in Los Angeles, take your Christmas card to the next level with LA-only photo ops with Santa, and visit our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families for more holiday adventures. 

25 Things To Do in the Finger Lakes with Kids

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Letchworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East thanks to its impressive gorge.

If you are looking for your next family vacation destination, New York's Finger Lakes region is a great option. Mostly known for its namesake beautiful lakes, the Finger Lakes offer a variety of summer activities, including sailing, fishing, and swimming in the crystal clear waters. However, there are tons of family-friendly things to do and places to explore year-round in the Finger Lakes, from zip lining and leaf peeping in the fall to skiing and snow tubing in the winter.

The area around Ithaca is particularly famous for its many glacier-formed gorges that boast numerous waterfalls. Ithaca is also the home of Cornell University and Ithaca College, and offers many art and cultural attractions and museums, including the kid-friendly Sciencenter.

Read on for all our top picks for things to do in the Finger Lakes with kids and bookmark our Day Trips and Getaways Guide for more family-friendly vacation ideas.

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