Family-Friendly Wineries and Cider Mills for a Fun Getaway Near NYC

Enjoy a family-friendly winery visit at Harbes Vineyard in Mattituck.

It’s that time of year—there’s a hint of fall in the air. The leaves are on the brink of changing, and pumpkin flavors are already wafting through the air and filling store shelves. While apple picking outings might already be on your calendar, don't overlook a seasonal fall trip to a local winery, cider mill, or vineyard.

Fall is the perfect time to check out this different kind of harvest, and we've found nine cider mills, wineries, and vineyards near New York City that are happy to welcome you and your kids. We’ve organized these wineries and cider mills by the approximate distance from NYC, beginning with the closest sites. For more options, visit these spots in Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island. Be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide for more autumnal entertainment.

An Alpine Adventure Awaits in Helen, Georgia

Step into a Bavarian village without ever having to leave the state when you visit Helen, Georgia.

Families, tired of the same scenery as travel plans remain in flux, should try something unique: a Bavarian-style village right here in Georgia! Head to the town of Helen, Georgia, tucked in the mountains and only 90 miles from Atlanta. 

Featuring high pitched roofs, half-timbered exteriors, and wooden balconies spilling over with flowers, Helen, Georgia reinvented itself from a dying lumber town to a major tourist destination. Today, it is home to the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in the country and welcomes over 1 million visitors annually. With numerous shops, restaurants, and activities, Helen can be a bit overwhelming. Let our guide below show you the best family-friendly activities for your visit.

Forest Schools and Nature Classes in NYC for Toddlers and Beyond

It's hands-on work and play in the garden in the Garden Buds program at the Queens Botanic Garden.

Nature provides the perfect classroom for kids. New York's little urbanites love to jump in puddles, make mud pies, climb trees, and dig for worms. Nature preschools and forest schools have gained in popularity recently. If you're looking for preschool classes in New York City that draw lessons from nature, we've rounded up the city's best nature preschools, forest schools, and toddler classes which allow little ones to spend a significant part of each session outdoors interacting with the natural world. As these nature classes are often held rain or shine, proper outdoor gear is a must, so get some sturdy boots and rain pants and let your kids explore with the help of these forest schools.

If you've got older kids, take note. Several of these forest schools offer classes for older kids, including after-school nature classes. Find more preschool classes for NYC kids and classes for all ages in our Guide Classes and Activities in New York City.

10 Great Birthday Party Entertainers Near Washington, DC

Elsa and Anna are just two of the many characters that can visit your birthday child through Princess Parties of DC. Photo courtesy of Princess Parties of DC

Planning a child's birthday party can be overwhelming—especially if you're hosting it at home. You've got to plan the activities, shop for supplies, set up before the festivities, and clean up once the party is over. But it doesn't have to be this hard. The Washington, DC area is full of birthday party entertainers who will come to your home and take care of it all—the setup, supplies, entertainment, and cleanup. That means all you'll have to do is take pictures and enjoy yourself.

Here is our list of 10 birthday party entertainers near Washington, DC that will suit kids with a wide range of interests, from gamers to glam girls to budding scientists. Party on!

Best Art Classes for Kids in Orlando to Unleash Creativity

Kids enjoy plein air classes at Crealdé School of Art, expressing creativity outside.

Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, and all genius artists share something in common—they were once children! Before they became masters in their field, they were just little Claude and Vincent fingerpainting and tiny Pablo doodling in the dirt. Further your own child's artistic talents by enrolling him or her in art classes for kids. Orlando art classes cover a variety of mediums -- pottery, drawing, painting, sculpture, and many more—and welcome all ages, from young children all the way to talented teens (and even adults).

Enriching children's lives with art provides a well-rounded education, promotes creativity, teaches independence and decision-making, unlocks an appreciation of the surrounding world, and helps develop fine motor skills. Oh, and keeps your child entertained, happy, and messy! We've put together some of our favorite Orlando art classes for kids for budding artists in need of unleashing their creative talents.

Theater and Drama Classes on Long Island for Kids

Kids can challenge themselves with improv classes at the Actors Garage.

Whether your child is a natural ham or a kid with a great imagination who feels a little shy, a theater class on Long Island is a fun way for children to build confidence. Experience in the performing arts improves verbal skills, which are especially valuable when kids present oral reports in school. Those with theater backgrounds find themselves drawing on skills they developed in all kinds of ways. When it's time for college entrance and job interviews later in life, kids with performing arts experience can have an edge. 

We are lucky to have many theaters and programs that host acting classes for children here on Long Island. Read on for our picks for budding thespians.

For additional class suggestions, see our Classes and Activities Guide for Long Island Kids.

Disneyland Tips: 12 Hacks You Need To Know

Say hi to Donald! Photo by Richard Harbaugh, courtesy of the Disneyland Resort

Whether you're a Disneyland passholder who can collect Lightning Lane passes in your sleep or a hanger back who hasn't visited the park since you were a tot yourself, there's always more you can learn about making the Happiest Place on Earth easier to navigate. And speaking of the good old days, Disneyland nostalgia buffs will definitely want to plan a visit in 2023 when Disney celebrates a century of smiles with special events, openings, and nighttime displays at Disney100 in Disneyland, part of Disney's celebration of its 100th anniversary.

It's a lot easier to smile, of course, when you have a game plan, so here are a dozen tips you might not know that can make a day in Disney a whole lot happier. And if you're looking to eat outside the park, check out these 8 restaurants near Disneyland, but not in it.

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