Best Fall Fairs and Festivals for NJ Families in September

PlayDay South Orange turns the street into a  bouncy, fun-filled day! Photo courtesy of the Village Green

As the carefree days of summer draw to a close, NJ families can look forward to plenty of fun in the Garden State this fall. Explore nature at the NJ Wild Outdoor Expo, chow down on delicious seafood at the Atlantic City Seafood Festival, or listen to some exciting tales at the NJ Storytelling Festival.

Check out the 13 awesome festivals below, and visit our Events Calendar for more fabulous fall ideas! And sign up for our FREE newsletters to get the best local events and reviews delivered right to your inbox.

34 Free Places to Play in Houston This Fall

Fall is the perfect time of year to explore all of the amazing play areas that the Houston area has to offer. The weather is starting to cool off, so exploring outdoor playgrounds is at the top of our to-do list. But for those drizzly days, we do know of several amazing indoor gems to head to. Take a look at our favorite FREE places to play all around the Bayou City this fall. No matter what part of town you're in- we've got you covered!

Marine Nature Study Area: An Outdoor Lab for Family Adventure

"Earl" the Egret greets visitors during their walk around the nature area.

Explore the great outdoors at the Marine Nature Study Area in Oceanside, a South Shore seaside environment preserve ripe for a self-guided expedition.

The education and conservation of marine life have played such a large part in Long Island's past, and we are fortunate to have places such as the Long Island Aquarium, South Fork Natural History Museum, and Quogue Wildlife Preserve to help keep it alive in the present.

For more FREE fun, check out our list of playgrounds, boardwalks and fishing spots. After Labor Day, most beach fees on Long Island are not collected. Before heading out, peruse our calendar for a list of updated events.

Taste the Rainbow: Unicorn Themed Foods in Connecticut

For a small state, Connecticut has its fair share of over-the top foods. You can slurp freakshakes, chow down on an insane ice cream creation, or bite into an over-the top cupcake. But these treats truly are the unicorn of photo-worthy foods! From bagels, to smoothie bowls, and everything in between, unicorn themed foods are popping up just about everywhere in our magical state. 

Preschool Watchlist: 5 New NYC Preschools

The Brooklyn Preschool of Science inspires creativity and exploration.

Shopping around for a preschool program is a daunting task. At the top of your preschool criteria list are probably cost, location, and a good personality fit for your child, with class size and educational philosophy factored in as well. Fortunately New York City parents have a broad range of options when it comes to finding the right preschool fit. Interested in bilingual immersion, Montessori, Reggio-Emilia inspired, or a traditional preschool program? Are your goals for your child academic, social, learning through play, or all the above? Maybe your child has a love of nature you would like to see celebrated in an outdoor classroom

Our Preschool Guide is a resource that can help you find the perfect preschool for your child. Below we've highlighted a few preschools that are new to the MommyPoppins Preschool Directory to add to your watchlist.

Popular Brooklyn Preschool of Science Opens New Location

Where can you find an enormous fish-filled 300-gallon tank and greenery growing sideways from hydroponic plant systems? How about an animatronic stuffed dinosaur, a pixel peg LED light board, and terrariums full of Madagascar hissing cockroaches and crested geckos? Well, would you believe me if I said your child's preschool...?

After nearly two decades as a New York City public school teacher, Carmelo Piazza—known by fans of all ages as "Carmelo the Science Fellow"—opened the first Brooklyn Preschool of Science back in 2013. The Brooklyn native and father of four confesses that he didn't even like science growing up, as he recalls boring slideshows and lectures, but insists that a hands-on science methodology course in college changed all that. Shortly after graduating, he accepted a teaching position at PS 261 and quickly realized the effectiveness of science in motivating kids to embrace other key subjects too.

11 Preschools in Suffolk County for Long Island Kids

See art from a different perspective at Miss Midgie's Preschool.

You might get misty-eyed thinking about sending your little one off to preschool, but you know he or she is ready, and September is just around the corner. With so many options available in Suffolk County, choosing the right preschool can be overwhelming.

We’re here to help with our picks for preschools in Suffolk. While location might play a role in your choice, consider the school’s teaching philosophy and take some time to tour a few schools with your child.

Families in Nassau can check out our list of preschools to consider, and if you’re interested in Montessori preschools, we’ve got you covered there, too. Head over to our complete guide to Long Island preschools for even more helpful information.

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