I admit it, as soon as I learned there was a 115 foot Viking ship resting in Connecticut waters, I couldn't get the kids packed into the car fast enough. Not only does this speak to our family's Scandinavian heritage and a long standing interest in all things Viking, but also hello?! There's a 115 foot Viking ship resting in Connecticut waters! This sort of thing does not happen every day. But it's happening right now at Mystic Seaport and if you have time during these dog days of summer or over Labor Day Weekend, make a point to invite yourself aboard the Draken Harald Halfagre before the ship closes to visitors for the winter and sails away next spring. 

Located at the end of Galveston's historic Strand district, the Galveston Railroad Museum is a true treasure for kids and adults alike. Larger-than-life trains give kids the opportunity to get up close and personal with the same machines they may play with models of at home. While there are many Houston-area museums to choose from, seeing little eyes light up when they board real rail cars and get hands-on with these historical locomotives is well worth a trip to Galveston. 

Labor Day weekend ushers in the return of one of our favorite fall festivals, CORNucopia. The annual festival at Philipsburg Manor in the picturesque Sleepy Hollow is filled with all manner of old-fashioned fun set in the 18th century. Not sure about the fun factor at an event devoted to corn? You’ll be a-maize-d!

This year's festival will be held Saturday, September 2,  through Monday, September 4, 2017. My family and I attended last year and can't wait to return. Expect corny—and quality—fun, from music to corn-shucking contests.

Read on to learn from my family's visit and the inside scoop! Be sure to check our our Event Calendar for more ideas, and follow us on Facebook.

Children love superheroes, those powerful people whose good deeds defeat evil, and leave the world a better place. Once kids start hearing about the amazing life of Harriet Beecher Stowe, they'll realize she totally qualifies as one. A tour of Hartford County's Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, which features her home and a museum, offers the opportunity to learn about this beloved author, and how she helped change history.

Sprawled on 120 acres in Bloomfield, Auerfarm is a pastoral oasis in the Hartford area. From the moment you turn on the dirt road, you feel the freedom and peace of farm life. Children will be more than happy to explore for a couple of hours, romping in meadows, spotting dragonflies, and greeting farm animals. 

When you have young children, the beach can seem like more trouble than it's worth—the swim diapers, the water wings, the picnic lunch, the blankets, the towels, the sand everywhere. But throw in a beachside playground, and suddenly you're more willing to make a go of it. There are several spots in Connecticut, be it Fairfield County, New Haven County or out East, where kids can enjoy the best of land and sea together, with a playground plunked down near the water's edge. For more info on CT Beaches check out our CT Beach and Water Fun Guide.

School has begun (or is about to begin) for little Houstonians, but that doesn't mean the vacations have to end. Labor Day has excellent timing in that it gives you a chance to squeeze in one more trip before the back-to-school craziness takes over. From beaches to unique campgrounds, there are plenty of great options surrounding Houston for a quick weekend getaway. Here are six options for every family, from fishing hotspots to ice cream factory tours.

Whether or not you own a boat, marinas are an attraction for their water views and laid-back atmosphere. Add a restaurant, fishing pier, and an amazing sunset and it becomes quite a destination for family fun. It’s no wonder Long Islanders ienjoy hanging out at the marina on a summer day. Here are our picks for marinas that offer plenty of fun extras.

Looking for more waterfront fun? Check out our list of family-friendly boat rides and the best beaches for Long Island families.