Halloween is around the corner now. While you field the ever-changing costume ideas over the next few weeks, we've rounded up some family fun in the Hartford area. Whether you're looking for a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating or you who simply can’t get enough Halloween fun, here are some day and nighttime trick-or-treat options on and around Halloween. If this still isn't enough to satisfy your holiday appetite, check out our Halloween and Fall Fun Guide for more great ideas.

The taco has overtaken the burger as the cheap-and-cheerful, kid-friendly meal choice of so many Los Angeles families, and the best tacos don’t just come from trendy food trucks or hole-in-the-wall stands. In fact, Glendale sports some of the most kid-friendly, parent-friendly taco spots in the city.

From chicken tacos to cheese quesadillas, these five taco treasures satisfy both big and little foodies in a casual, tot-friendly environment.

Looking for a place to host your child's next birthday party? There are tons of local sites dedicated to making the day special, whether the birthday kid is a daredevil or a chocoholic or a princess-in-training. We've put together a brand-new list of spots to give you ideas about where to throw your next bash.

Halloween may technically be one fleeting day at the end of October, but its such a fun time of year, many of us celebrate all month long. And let's face it, we spend so much time and money putting together the perfect costume, stockpiling candy and other treats, and often doing fun crafts, that Halloween really does take more than just a day to celebrate.

We've already mentioned the fun ragamuffin parades coming up as well as Halloween-themed events in Historic Hudson Valley and throughout Westchester. Now we're turning our attention to the many nature centers in Westchester and the rest of the Hudson Valley. Set against beautiful backdrops, these events provide a perfect run-up to the Big Night. Read on for more details about these events, which include both daytime and evening options and range from sweet to (not too) spooky.

Looking for even more Halloween activities? Check out our Halloween Fun Guide and follow us on Facebook. 

Confession: I might be a bit of a Target addict. I've spent my fair share of rainy days wandering the aisles looking for nothing in particular and the Our Generation Dolls section has caught my eye on more than one occasion. All those pink and orange boxes, displaying a tempting array of dolls and tons of accessories to make a child’s imagination go wild, have had me itching for when my kid would be old enough dive into this world.

So I was intrigued to partner with Our Generation Dolls at the recent in-store event at Target in Mt Laurel, NJ. It was a great opportunity to spend some time in that oh-so-tempting doll area and explore the universe of OG Dolls a little more closely. Plus, Mommy Poppins gave away a $100 Target gift certificate. If you missed the event, don’t worry, because I have lots to report back and we’re giving away another $100 Target gift card here!

Houston may not have frozen ponds, even in the winter, but there are plenty of options in and around the city to practice ice skating. No matter if you stay in the city or stretch out to the suburbs, there are plenty of opportunities to expose your kiddos to ice skating and harness their inner-Nancy Kerrigan or Wayne Gretzky.

Whether you enjoy a good fright or you prefer your Halloween haunt-free, we've got you covered. There are plenty of night-time haunts to please the older kids, some creepy walking tours of (possibly) haunted towns, a scaredy-cat amusement park, and even a few scare-free zones where younger kids can just trick-or-treat. Several places have options for both older and younger kids. For even more choices, check out our NJ Halloween Guide. And you'll find plenty for the little ones in the Best Halloween Events for NJ Preschoolers.

See specific websites for hours and prices.

If your kids want to get up close and personal with some wild animals—but you’re a bit tired of the zoo—consider bringing them to the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem. This non-profit environmental education group, which was founded in Westchester in 1999, is helping some 21 endangered wolves on over 20 acres and holds educational programs year-round. 

We recently visited the WCC for its Pack Chat with Kids program and have what you need to know about attending with children. Looking for more outdoor activities? Sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook!