The holidays are coming up fast, and your kids are eager to get to work on their wish lists (of course). But before anyone decides which gifts make the final cut, consider a trip to Play Fair, where the whole family can get hands on with the gotta-have-'em toys and new-to-the-market goodies that'll make this season one for the books!

Play Fair, which returns to the Javits Center on November 4 and 5 after its fun-filled debut last year, offers toy lovers of all ages an action-packed day filled with memorable performances by kid-approved favorites, special movie screenings, character appearances (including Chase and Marshall of Paw Patrol fame), tons of interactive games, and most importantly a chance to play with and buy the toys of tomorrow today. And as if that wasn't reason enough to snag tickets for your family, we have a special discount for Mommy Poppins readers.

Here in Los Angeles, the skeletons of Halloween dance straight into the calacas of Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos. Traditional events featuring music, dancing, and ceremonial altars honoring loved ones spring up all over town. Whether the holiday is a familiar part of your culture or something you'd like to experience for the first time, free events welcome visitors of all ages with beautiful artwork and haunting imagery. Check out one of these dozen free events in LA and Orange County (including the haunting novenarios downtown).

Get your gaming faces on and your digits ready. The latest technology-focused space on Long Island, The Gaming Studio, in Syosset, teaches real-world tech skills in an entertaining and productive environment.

For more enrichment opportunities, peruse our camps and classes guide. Want more birthday party ideas? Pop over to our Party Place. Plus, our STEM page is a central spot for all things science, technology, engineering and math.

Looking to earn some cool-mom (or dad) cred with your teen or tween? Take them to VR World in Midtown Manhattan for an out-of-this world experience.

Whether you choose to fly like an eagle through the skies of Paris or hunt ghosts in an abandoned castle in the south of France, you've surely never experienced an afternoon like this in the shadow of the Empire State Building.

NOTE: Lil Chameleon closed as of December 2019.

Tuckahoe recently welcomed a new, different kind of business for families: Lil Chameleon.

Serving as a kind of one-stop-shop for all things kid-related, Lil Chameleon features a resale boutique, classes, birthday parties and a snack bar that actually has healthy offerings. Read on to learn more about this hot new spot!

Be sure to sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook to receive more news like this.

These recently opened destinations for kids and families in New Jersey deserve a place on your family’s bucket list.

Two Essex County playgrounds have recently undergone major transformations, with brand-spankin’-new play equipment just waiting for your kids to try out before the weather turns cold. If you're looking for a birthday gift, skip the big-box store on the highway and shop local at a cool toy store in Maplewood. Read the day away in a cozy children’s indie bookstore, like the one you’ll find in Bayonne, and when your family is ready for some action, head to Woodbridge for the grand opening of NJ's first Dave & Buster’s. Or get the kiddos out of the house on a rainy day and burn off some serious energy at a new indoor trampoline park in Milltown.

And here's one that's worth a trip into the city: American Girl's flagship Midtown store is relocating to a new location on November 11, just in time for the holidays.

Read on to learn more about these new NJ hot spots, and find even more things to do in our Fall Fun Guide.

Let’s be honest: Going to the museum can be an expensive proposition, especially with a whole family. Buying a membership might save you some money if you visit on a regular basis, but it has considerable up-front costs as well. When you’re thinking of making a commitment like that, it’s good to know which museums have special perks for their members. Some offer reciprocal memberships to other museums in the area and beyond, some provide entry to special events, and others give you a discount on food or items for sale in (or even outside) the museum. Whichever you choose, be sure to make the most of your membership (which, by the way, is 100% tax-deductible). Our city has some of the best museums for families in the U.S.!

A Thanksgiving feast is usually prepared and served in our homes. But sometimes it’s nice to take a break from tradition. Drop the daylong prep for Thanksgiving and head out to one of these Long Island restaurants serving up a traditional turkey dinner. Who knows, maybe you can enjoy a Thanksgiving run, volunteer, or (gasp!) relax a little.

For those who aren’t fans of turkey, many of these restaurants offer regular menu items. so everyone can have what they prefer. Just be sure to call ahead for reservations.

Have a happy Thanksgiving! And for more tips and activities this season, check out our Long Island Fall Fun Guide.