10 Family-Friendly Vineyards and Hard Cider Houses in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Adults can enjoy a drink from Hardscrabble Cidery at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard while kids devour the donut pancakes.

Looking for the best family-friendly vineyards in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Read on for 10 picks worth a day trip. 

While apple picking season is winding down, the rich orchards of Westchester and the Hudson Valley are more than one-trick ponies. Many of the orchards we flock to for farm fun also feature vineyards and hard cider houses. Some are particularly appealing to families, making a visit a fun outing for all ages.

Below we've rounded up 10 destinations for hard apple cider and wine that are suitable for kids. If, however, you are more of a beer connoisseur, there are plenty of Hudson Valley breweries for you to visit as well. Once you've sampled your way through Westchester and the Hudson Valley, be sure to check out our roundup of family-friendly wineries on Long Island. We've also got plenty more seasonal picks in our Fall Fun Guide.

Top Montessori Preschools Near DC

There are many great options for Montessori preschools near DC. Photo courtesy of Fiore Montessori School

Few decisions can cause parents more agony than picking out a preschool. That decision can be even harder for DC-area parents because there are so many great preschools near DC to choose from, from dual-language and immersion programs to play- and nature-based preschools. And if you've got your heart set on a Montessori program, there is no shortage of Montessori preschools near DC.

Montessori is an educational philosophy developed over a century ago that encourages independence and self-directed learning. Classrooms are typically mixed-age, with younger students learning from older ones, and outfitted with specific learning materials. Specially trained teachers observe and facilitate the learning.

Here are some of the top Montessori preschools near DC, including programs in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District itself. For more solid preschool options, check out our list of 15 popular preschools near DC. If you want to extend your child's learning beyond preschool, visit our Guide to Classes for Kids Near DC.

Orlando with Teens: Top 20 Things to Do at the Theme Parks & Beyond

Even teens get swept up in the Disney magic!

Think Orlando is a destination just for kids? Visiting Orlando with teens is even better! Orlando theme parks are great when you can go on all the rides and don’t have to worry about the dreaded "theme park meltdowns." My big kids were also able to pack in lots of other adventures and hipster shopping areas as we explored all the Fun Things to do in Orlando Other than the Theme Parks.

Navigating Orlando with teens allows parents to spend more time together, perhaps even at places of shared interests (for example, you're never too old to be a Potterhead)! For more ideas about the best of Orlando theme parks, visit our Orlando Theme Parks & Water Parks Guide. You'll learn about out-of-the-box theme parks, like GatorlandCrayola Experience Orlando, and much more. 

Visiting the Philadelphia Zoo with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Visit some of the cutest residents, the red pandas, at the Philadelphia Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo

Here's everything you need to know about visiting the Philadelphia Zoo with your own rowdy cubs!

Lions and tigers and bears (and E-A-G-L-E-S obviously)...oh my! The animals at the Philadelphia Zoo have that same Philly spirit as their human counterparts--lively and passionate, with just the right amount of grit. At America’s very first zoo, located in Fairmount Park, you'll find more than 1,700 rare and endangered animals and will be transported to Africa, South America, and even farm country. From barnyard animals to exotic creatures, grown-ups and children alike are amazed and engaged by the sights and animal sounds the Philadelphia Zoo has to offer. 

One thing to note before your trip is that the Philly Zoo is BIG with lots of ground to cover, but don’t let that intimidate you from visiting with little ones. Prioritize your visit and consider a membership so that you’ll never miss an event or exhibit. Don't forget Philly has tons of places perfect for animal and nature lovers, so check out our Guide to Philly's Zoos and Gardens, where you'll find roundups of the best petting zoos and more.  

15 Things To Do on Long Island Before Your Baby's First Birthday

Spend a day at a Long Island beach with your baby in their first year. Photo by Gina Massaro

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island with your baby before they turn 1? Read on for 15 suggestions. 

Those long nine months finally are over, and it's time to enjoy all the moments you dreamed about. Your baby is here, which means there are many memorable firsts ahead, and there is always something new to experience with your little one on Long Island. Get your camera or phone ready, because this list is full of Kodak moments.

Be sure to check out the 20 things all new parents on Long Island should know and other great tips in our Baby Guide for New and Expecting Long Island Parents

Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway

Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum

With its historic seaport district, renowned aquarium, and easy beach access, Mystic, Connecticut is bursting with New England charm and a ton of family fun. Tourists tend to flock to this coastal village in the summer, but Mystic truly shines all year round with rich traditions like the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade along the Mystic River, Northern Lights animal display at the Mystic Aquarium, and the annual "Pirate invasion" come fall.

Whether you are heading into town for a day trip or a long weekend, we have loads of recommendations for interactive museums, unique attractions, and delicious food (including, of course, pizza!) for grown-ups and kids to enjoy together. For more family getaway ideas, explore our Mommy Poppins U.S. Travel Guide.

35 Things To Do in the Hudson Valley with Kids

Enjoy glorious views on the Walkway Over the Hudson. Photo by Fred Schaeffer/courtesy of the Walkway.

The Hudson Valley is a year-round destination for families all over the tri-state area, and it's no surprise as there are tons of things to do in the Hudson Valley with kids. It boasts natural beauty, delicious food, and wonderful museums, historic sites, theaters, and play spaces. With events timed for nearly every holiday, and enough attractions to suit any family's interest, the Hudson Valley beckons visitors searching for a family getaway or day trip.

We’ve found 35 things to do in the Hudson Valley with kids, ranging from the obvious (hello Legoland New York) to the under-the-radar. If you're looking to spend more than a day here, be sure to peruse our top picks for family-friendly hotels in the Hudson Valley, and find more family-friendly destinations nearby in our Adirondacks, Catskills, and Hudson Valley Guide.

41 Best Bedtime Stories for Kids, Including Free Bedtime Stories Online

Snuggle up with one of these beloved bedtime stories for kids. Photo courtesy of Bigstock

Sometimes all you need are a few really great bedtime stories for kids...

The homework is finished, the baths are complete, the children are snuggled in their beds... and they're still awake! A truly tantalizing tale is the final piece of the bedtime puzzle. Whether you read these books to your kids, read them together as a family, or play the audio versions, these beloved bedtime stories for kids will help them drift off to dreamland in no time. There are even some free bedtime stories you can easily access online, for those nights when you need something new.

Dim the lights, get cozy, and crack open one of these 30 great bedtime stories for kids. For even more great books, check out our list of 100 kids' books every child should read before they grow up, plus more beloved book recommendations in our Guide to the Best Kids' Books.

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