Why is it the final day of the month seems to garner all of the attention paid to October? If you didn't know better, on Long Island you might assume all of the month's activities swirled around Halloween.

To which we say, there's a whole month of family-friendly entertainment just waiting to be had. Think about it: The weather is comfortably cool, ideal for picking pumpkins and hayrides. The changing leaves color the Island in natural splendor and cultural and seasonal festivals dot the landscape from Long Beach to Montauk.

Yes, the main event is Halloween; we just don't want you to overlook all this wonderful month has to offer while you are searching for that perfect costume for your little prince or princess. In the 30 days before your community's grand costume parade, make sure you find time for a fall festival, a Columbus Day celebration, even some children's theater. Kids have some down time from school this month, so why not take advantage before things turn a bit chillier. 

In one month, American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ, just outside of NYC, will officially open its doors—well, two of them, at least. The Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and the Rink at American Dream will kick off the shopping and entertainment complex's grand opening on Friday, October 25.

Visitors will have to wait a bit longer for the DreamWorks Water Park, which is scheduled to open on Wednesday, November 27, and the Big SNOW indoor snow park, which debuts the following Thursday, December 5.

American Dream's stores, restaurants, and more attractions—including the Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Discovery Center, KidZania experiential learning center, luxury movie theater, and 300-foot observation wheel—are set to open in March 2020.

Gowanus may be sandwiched between the famously family-friendly enclaves of Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Park Slope, but the neighborhood holds its own in terms of cool hangouts and play spaces for kids.

With the promise of a $500 million Superfund cleanup of its odoriferous waterway, the Gowanus area is transforming from an industrial pass-through to a destination in its own right, complete with new condo development. Following in the footsteps of nearby Red Hook, warehouses have become art houses, and boutiques and restaurants are opening up left and right. It's no surprise that this Brooklyn neighborhood is attracting young families in droves.

Encouraging healthy hobbies is at the top of my priority list when it comes to my kids, and I've tried to make being active a part of their lives since day one. Both kids have accompanied me on many runs in the jogging stroller since they were babies, and they know that if it's a nice day we're doing something outside. Now that my oldest is riding his bike, we frequently head out to different trails together where I'll chase after him with my daughter strapped into the jogging stroller as he flies down trails (his biking has been excellent for improving my running speed) or we'll bike together as a family if my husband is able to come along for the ride. 

The Museum of the Moving Image is one of Astoria's hidden gems. Situated right next to Kaufman Studios—the home of Sesame Street and nearly a century of film and television history—the museum features an amazing permanent exhibit as well as an ever-changing roster of special exhibitions, series, and events, including family movie showings and film series. There's something for every age range, making it one of our top NYC museums to visit with kids, and a favorite go-to spot for my Queens family.

Read on for details on what to see at the Museum of the Moving Image, plus other useful tips for making the most of your visit with kids, including the best time to visit, and the scoop on family programming.