Four Fantastic Fall Photo Spots on the South Shore of Long Island

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One of the biggest advantages to living on Long Island is having access to some of the best beaches on the entire East Coast. While those beaches are typically packed with sun-worshippers during the summer, they’re virtually empty in the fall—making them the perfect spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of the shore, as well as snap a few photos of the entire family.

Perhaps best of all, the above locations are free to visit (small fee at Bayard Cutting Arboretum) so there’s no strain on tight budgets and all are among the most relaxing places Long Island has to offer.

For more family-friendly events and activities, be sure to check out our Long Island Events Calendar.

Great Museums to Visit in Providence With Kids: Culinary Arts Museum

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When we first visited the Culinary Arts Museum in Providence, Rhode Island, we fell madly in love. During the 18 months the museum was closed for inventory, we pined for it to reopen. You may be thinking, “Really? What’s so great about a bunch of old stoves?” OK, there are a few old stoves (which are actually pretty cool), but the museum offers a surprisingly wide variety of exhibits and fun, hands-on activities for families.

When the Culinary Arts Museum reopened this fall, we fell in love all over again. The staff showed us around, pointing out the newest additions to the collections. Thankfully, all of our old favorites are still there too. Read on for highlights, what's new, and tips for getting the most out of your visit to this gem of a museum.

Villas by Linda Smith: Luxury Jamaican Vacation Rentals Perfect for Families

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We've reviewed plenty of hotels and resorts in the Caribbean, the go-to choice for most travelers to the region. But for some families, skipping the hotel and renting a private home might be preferable. A house provides many advantages for families, like more room and amenities that can make travel with children much easier. It's one reason we like home swapping so much. 

The one drawback to renting a vacation house can be missing out on some of the services and amenities that you get at a hotel or resort. The family who wants the advantages of a house rental and the luxury service of a resort can find it with a company like Villas by Linda Smith in Jamaica. 

The Best Music Schools for Westchester Families

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Living in such close proximity to New York City makes it easy for Westchester families to enjoy some of the best musical performances in the world. For all of the budding musicians inspired by the great artists of today and of days gone by, Westchester is home to many wonderful music schools and conservatories that help prepare children for a lifetime of music appreciation while teaching them to march to the beat of their own inner drummer (or violinist, or pianist...you get the idea).

We've rounded up premiere music academies and schools for Westchester kids. Whether your infant is just beginning to respond to sounds beyond the "pop" of a bottle warmer or your teen is preparing to apply to college, these music schools offer programs for all ages and musical interests. 

Looking for more class ideas? Check out our growing Westchester Classes Guide and Class Directory.

News: Free Broadway Tix for Kids, Kids' Performing Opportunities in Circus, Ballet & Theater, Micro Museum Closing, New Build-A-Bear in Times Square

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Got creative kids? Young dancers, actors, writers and even circus performers are all needed for a variety of upcoming performing opportunities. Plus, Build-A-Bear opens a new location in Times Square, Kids' Night on Broadway tickets go on sale soon, one of our favorite under-the-radar Brooklyn museums sets a closing date and other news of interests to NYC families.

Hotel Riu Palace Tropical Bay Jamaica All-Inclusive Family Resort

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The Hotel Riu Palace Tropical Bayis a 416-room all-inclusive resort in Negril, Jamaica. Accommodations, meals, sports, entertainment and drinks are all included. The pay-one-price option gives families the chance to engage in a variety of activities, without experiencing sticker shock when it comes time to pay the bill

Despite the large number of rooms, the resort feels manageable, thanks to its compact layout. The Hotel Riu Palace Tropical Bay stands out for personalized service and a staff that is genuinely friendly.  It takes just over an hour to get to the resort from the Montego Bay airport, so you’ll be on the beach soon after clearing customs.

'70s Nostalgia: Adorably Awkward Halloween Costumes from our Childhoods [Photos]

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As we prepare for Halloween with our kids this week—buying high-tech costumes that sometimes seem like they came from a studio wardrobe department, or getting crafty in the new age of Pinterest perfection—it's made us think back to our own childhood get-ups. For a bit of fun, we asked our writers to share pics from Halloweens way past, and we've created a gallery of low-tech costumes that we wore when we were kids. (Our trip down memory lane involved a lot of old Polaroid scanning.)

I had forgotten how often we used to dress as hobos, Raggedy Ann, and Native Americans in the '70s. Remember those funky Ben Cooper, Inc. boxed costumes we used to pick up at the drug store? I still recall the sensation of poking my tongue through that scratchy mouth hole in the mask all night long; I knew it was a bad idea, but I couldn't seem to stop myself. And trying to get through the night without ripping the accompanying thin plastic sheet printed with our favorite pop-culture icon— ever wonder why the face of the character had to be printed on the chest of the costume, too? Why? Why!

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