Whether you’ll be celebrating Halloween at home with the family this year or you’re planning to have a few friends over, there’s no shortage of easy ways to make the holiday extra special.

Light on the fright and heavy on the fun, here are five Halloween activities inspired by Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories by Jeff Kinney, #1 international bestselling author of the beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Packed with comically terrifying zombies, vampires, and ghosts, the book’s scary-but-silly tales will leave your whole crew laughing—much like these Halloween games!

We’ve said it before but it bears repeating: There are plenty of wonderful playgrounds in Westchester County for kids.

And it looks as if the variety is getting even better: We’ve noticed an uptick in renovated playgrounds in the area lately, including one of the newest: the playground at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.

We visited recently and came away impressed. Read on, and for even more outdoor fun check out our guide to playgrounds and parks in Westchester, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters.

If you're looking for a casual adventure for your family but don’t want to drive a long way, head to the nearby town of Clifton, Virginia. This historic town, which has been around since the 1700s, is charming, picturesque, and small, with a population of less than 300. And there are plenty of things to do in CIifton, Virginia with kids, from delicious food to scenic hikes. 

Read on for our list of nine things to do in Clifton, Virginia with kids. And if you're looking for more fall family outings, check out our list of fall day trips near Washington, DC, our fall fun guide, and our Halloween events and activities guide. Enjoy!

Best known for Baylor University and home-reno duo Chip and Joanna Gaines, Waco offers top-notch family fun just three hours northwest of Houston, Texas. From quirky museums and a mammoth dig site to inland surfing and a zoo, we’ve hand-picked the 12 top things to do in Waco with kids the next time you're in Central Texas. 

For more Lone Star State adventures and activities, see our handy list of the top things to do in Houston this fall or check out our Weekend Getaway Guide.

Navigating the logistics of an Orlando theme park trip is daunting for any parent. But for parents of children on the autism spectrum, like my son, or with another learning challenge or disability, the task may even seem impossible. I wondered how I could make sure he enjoys himself and gets to see what wants? How would he endure long waits for rides, the inevitable crowds, and noise—none of which he handles very well?

Thankfully, the big theme parks in Orlando offer a service for families like mine that helps minimize stress and maximize the kids' fun: the guest assistance pass.

Observation decks seem to be multiplying in NYC, and soon New Yorkers and visitors alike will have a brand new, sky-high observation deck to take in the city views. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt officially opens to visitors on Thursday, October 21, but we got a sneak peek at this four-floor, art-and-entertainment space that aims to transform the observation deck experience.

Read on for our review of this kaleidoscope in the sky, which offers stunning views inside and out, including a unique perspective on its Midtown competitors at the Empire State Building, Edge, and Top of the Rock.

When planning a family day trip this fall, vineyards and wineries may not be the first destinations that come to mind. Believe it or not, New Jersey is home to relaxing and scenic vineyards that welcome kids and even pets. These vineyards offer outdoor fun that includes food truck events, music, farm activities, spacious fields, and of course, the Garden State’s homegrown wines.

Not all local vineyards and wineries permit children on the premises, but raise your glass to those that do! Be sure to check the policies on children in the tasting areas before you visit.