Lucky for us that we live in a world with Octobers, particularly in Connecticut. Columbus Day falls during one of the loveliest times of the year bringing crisp autumn days filled with all things us New Englanders love best: pumpkin everything, cider donuts and some pretty stellar leaf peeping.  Columbus Day offers a great excuse for the playground or event digging in the sand and looking for seashells at the beach. Whether you're in the mood for aviation history, sharks or jellyfish, tigers or sloths, Renaissance masterpieces, testing your agility or your taste buds, or a scenic drive, you will likely find something for everyone on our list of recommendations. Here, in no particular order, are plenty of ways to spend a Monday off from school. 

Thanks so much to all who participated in the first-ever Houston Bestie Awards.  This contest closed on November 26th, 2017.  For a full list of winners visit the Houston Bestie Guide.

When fall arrives in the tristate area, serious leaf-peepers tend to head upstate. But when you have little kids, the idea of packing them into the car, with all the snacks, for a long drive through traffic, to try to point out clusters of colors in the distance, is often less than appealing. What if we told you that you don't even have to leave Brooklyn to see some genuinely beautiful fall foliage? The reds, oranges, yellows, and purples of maple trees, oak trees, and more are right here. You just have to know where to look.

A safe bet to find those stunning fall colors will always be your local park or garden, such as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (the Japanese garden is typically gorgeous at this time of year). But for a FREE neighborhood walk, consider these blocks in Brooklyn for family walk. We've even pointed out top spots to stop for a break along the way.

Columbus Day is an official state holiday, which means kids are blissfully free from school for the day—and we parents are forced to put our thinking caps on. What to do on a Monday in October? Luckily, our city isn't content to let this annual occasion for remembrance pass by without fanfare, and there are some great fall activities to occupy families or—if you're working or busy on Monday, just the kids—for the day. From fairs that celebrate the explorer himself to day-long science and art camps there's sure to be something that will inspire you to make the most out of the holiday.

When you live in New England, you tend to get really excited about all of the fall things. From country fairs to cider donuts, pumpkin patches to corn mazes—fall is our very favorite. Which brings me to the season’s main event: leaf peeping. This fall, why not try riding as a passenger a New England’s vintage railroad, and really wrap yourself up in autumn’s patchwork quilt of colors. For the ultimate leaf-peeping experience (with heaping slice of nostalgia) climb aboard a railcar at the Railroad Museum of New England tucked in the upper Naugatuck Valley. For more seasonal fun, check out our guide to Fall activities and subscribe to our newsletter for even more ideas delivered straight to your inbox.

The New Victory Theater enters its 22nd season with a full lineup of awe-inspiring and affordable performances for all ages. In addition to its incredible shows, the award-winning theater helps foster a lifelong love of the stage by offering a range of educational programming from hands-on workshops, to performances tailored for audiences with special needs, and interactive pre- and post-show activities.

Mommy Poppins is partnering with the New Victory for the fifth straight year, starting with a preview of the 2017-2018 season, which includes recommendations for every age and the best way to save on tickets.

The Please Touch Museum has opened a brand new Grr-ific exhibit for fans of the PBS Kids show Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. This adorable exhibit features life lessons straight from the show as well as all the hands-on fun that's typical of Please Touch.

There’s something magical about stepping onto a wooded trail with your kids, with a soundtrack of chattering birds and the sunlight peeking through the canopy. While New Jersey has no shortage of parks, reservations, or nature centers, one of my family’s go-to spots for this type of get-back-to-nature excursion is the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

It spans several towns in Morris County and nearly 8,000 acres. Formed by melting glaciers 25,000 years ago and protected as a registered National Natural Landmark in 1966, the area is now managed and maintained by national, state, and local groups.

There are myriad hiking trails with boardwalks above the swamp, drop-in family programs, nature centers, and plenty of chances for fall foliage and wildlife sightings. Read on for our favorite exploration spots for NJ kids at this beautiful nature refuge.