It might not feel like it now, but winter is on its way – and that means that you and the kids will soon be spending lots of time inside. The good news? You don't necessarily need to stay home. Battle boredom and fight off cabin fever with a visit to one of these 11 indoor hot spots in Essex County. To find even more indoor fun throughout New Jersey, check out our comprehensive guide to indoor playgrounds, kid gyms, sports centers, and fun zones.

Trick-or-treating is an annual custom that many families enjoy every Halloween. However, not every child or grown-up is all about roaming the streets for the sole purpose of getting candy from their neighbors (or strangers)! When October 31 rolls around, be sure to check out all the great trick-or-treat alternatives in the Philadelphia area—whether they take a hayride, play in a pumpkin patch, or pick up some tasty tidbits from the local mall, little ones will still get to dress up and have fun on Halloween, without the traditional door-to-door candy gathering. Plus, don’t forget to check our Event Calendar regularly—new activities are added daily.

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia would love to see some cute costumes! Follow us on Instagram, post a photo or two, and tag us @MommyPoppinsPHL so we can marvel at the adorable kiddos in and around the area.  

Brooklyn kids have a new place to climb, crawl, and create, but parents will also like Tot Town for the features geared toward them. With touches like cozy couches, free Wi-Fi, and outlets for laptops and phones, parents can relax while toddlers and preschoolers play games, make music, create art, and more. We've got the scoop on Crown Heights' newest play space. 

Nestled within the Cradle of Aviation is one of my favorite interactive open play areas: The Junior Jet Club.

At only $2.50 per child (free with museum admission), it is one of the most inexpensive (and fun!) ways to spend a few hours with children under 6 years old.

The Junior Jet Club is located within an expansive facility that also houses a planetarium and museum. Upon entrance, children will be in awe of the U.S. Navy Fighter Jet that hangs from the rafters. They will also want to run circles around the lobby exhibit.

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.