Halloween Trains near Los Angeles: Trainspookulars and Pumpkin Express Trains

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Hitch a ride to the El Dorado Frontier Pumpkin Market. Photo courtesy of theeldoradofrontier.com

Halloween trains are an excursion the whole family can agree on: While teens and tweens might love the terror of Halloween haunted hayrides and mazes, and younger kids need something a little kinder and gentler, a Halloween train is something that kids of all ages can hop aboard and enjoy. From the El Dorado Train to Orange County's Irvine Park Railroad, there are plenty of opportunities to ride the rails in spooky fashion this Halloween season. Read on for our scoop on the best Halloween trains in Los Angeles.

And if you're looking for more Halloween events in Los Angeles, including a monster list of free Halloween activities, check out our Los Angeles Halloween Events and Activities Guide.

6 Unique Halloween Costume Stores in NYC

Jody Mercier's picture Submitted by Jody Mercier on

These Halloween costume stores in NYC have everything you need to perfect your look for October 31 and all the festivities leading up to Halloween. Photo by Sara Marentette

For parents, the spookiest part of Halloween might just be searching for the perfect look for their kids, but these Halloween costume stores in NYC make the chore a little easier. If you're looking for unique-to-NYC Halloween costume stores, look no further. These dedicated, year-round costume shops have tons of accessories to pair with the perfect costume.

Once you've nailed the look at these Halloween costume stores in NYC, be sure to bookmark our New York City Halloween Guide to find all top Halloween events and FREE Halloween activities in NYC for kids. After all, a Halloween costume can cost a pretty penny, so you'll want to get as much mileage out of it this Halloween season as you can! Of course, we know all the best spots for trick-or-treating in NYC for the main event, too.

30 Best Kids' Halloween Movies with Not-so-Scary Thrills and Chills

Submitted by Ally Noel on

The witchy sisters from Hocus Pocus 2 are back! Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

These kids' Halloween movies bring all those witches, ghosts, and goblins to life in classic, not-too-scary movies that are perfect for a family-friendly Halloween movie night!

Whip up a seasonal batch of scarecrow snack mix (you'll find the recipe in our list of scary easy Halloween party snack ideas) while you settle in for a cozy night on the couch with one of these kids' Halloween movies. It's the perfect family-friendly nightcap to fall days spent apple and pumpkin picking or puzzling your way out of a corn maze. With so many spooky films available to rent or stream, it can be hard to choose the right one for your family. From preschool to preteen, our list of the best kids' Halloween movies has something to put everyone in the right spirit.

For more Halloween fun, from Halloween jokes for kids to 75 fun Halloween activities for kids—and more—check out our Halloween Activities Guide for Families.

And for Halloween activities near you, check out our Local Halloween Fun & Activities Guide!

Best New Jersey Arcades To Visit with Kids

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Play a game of pinball at the Silverball Museum Arcade. Photo by Lisa Warden

A good New Jersey arcade can offer family-friendly diversions for all ages. Mom and dad can wax nostalgic over their youth, while kids can school the old folks on newer technology. At these indoor fun spots, kids and their parents can enjoy vintage attractions like skeeball, Donkey Kong, Asteroids, Space Invaders, Ms. Pac-Man, air hockey, and pinball—plus check out new games, updates of old faves, and even virtual reality adventures.

We've rounded up a few of the best arcades in New Jersey, from Game Vault in Morristown to the Silverball Museum Arcade in Asbury Park, where you can have fun and lose track of time together.

Check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids for more great entertainment ideas. 

19 Special Needs Programs in NYC for Kids

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The Adaptive Climbing Group introduces kids of all ages to the adventure of rock climbing with its unique special needs program. Photo courtesy of the group

Finding the right special needs program for your child can be a challenge. Whether your child has a developmental challenge, disability, or disorder, it's important to find appropriate special needs programs that can accommodate their unique needs. Luckily, there are several special needs programs in NYC for children of every ability and interest.

We've rounded up 19 special needs programs in New York City. When reaching out to these venues, don't forget to ask about special needs summer camps and holiday mini camps. Many of these special needs programs offer them, too.

You can find more special needs programs for kids, and even book a class online, in our directory of classes and listings. Check our New York City Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests. Bookmark our Special Needs Guide for more special needs programs in NYC, including sensory gyms, support groups, and sensory activities.

Top Bat and Bar Mitzvah Venues in Chicago

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There are many popular bar and bat mitzvah venues in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Pinstripes

A bar or bat mitzvah is a special time and a special ceremony for Jewish teens ages 12 or 13, and there are lots of great venues and event spaces for bat and bar mitzvahs in Chicago. From hotels to city lofts and gaming spaces, these bar mitzvah venues in Chicago are sure to pack the fun for friends and family. For more great party resources, check out our Kids' Party Places in Chicago Guide and our Guide to Special Occasions. 

25 Awesome Things To Do with Kids in Northeast Philadelphia

Submitted by Michelle Lopez on

Kids can do the spider climb and so much more at the Memorial Park Playground.

When people think about having fun in Philadelphia, more times than not they picture Center City! As a former Northeast Philly kid and now Northeast Philly mom, I know first-hand that there's just as much fun to be had in Northeast Philly's awesome neighborhoods. Take a look at my family's favorite places to explore and things to do in Northeast Philly, from play spaces my boys love to spots where mom or dad can find some peace while the kids play.

70 Fun Things To Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on

Climb to the highest point in Tennessee at Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Looking for the perfect family vacation destination in the mountains? My Florida-based family loves the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN area, home to endless kid-friendly attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities. We've visited this beautiful southern vacation spot several times in the last few years and always find new activities for all ages to enjoy, from toddlers to grandparents.

It helps that both of these Tennessee towns are just moments away from two of the area's top attractions: Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Dollywood, a mega theme park. And with so many family-friendly Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge hotels, you won't have trouble finding a great place to stay while you're in town.

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