With lakefront views, six sets of playground equipment, a splash pad, open-air pavilion, and a large fishing pier, Clear Lake Park has so much to offer. Of all of the amazing parks in the greater Houston area, this delightful spot just happens to be located near several major family-friendly attractions. On a clear day, you can look out over Clear Lake from the park and see the Kemah Boardwalk. It's also a less than five-minute drive from Space Center Houston. Whether you go for a few hours or stay for an entire day, Clear Lake Park gives the whole family so much to see and do.

The best things in life really are free, especially when it comes to family activities. In this new monthly feature, Mommy Poppins NJ presents the best FREE events happening in the upcoming weeks. This month, you can look forward to plenty of free storytimes and festivals, and, of course, a ton of Halloween fun. And speaking of that haunting holiday, check out our list of 30 Free Halloween Events and Parades for NJ Kids for even more ways to celebrate without cracking open your wallet.

Read on for this month's picks, and don't forget to check out our Event Calendar and October GoList for more free and low-cost fall fun.

Organizers broke ground last week on a big overhaul to one of the west side's favorite playgrounds, the Chelsea Waterside Play Area. The park, nestled between the West Side Highway and 11th Avenue on 23rd Street, is beloved for its expansive and colorful water park features in the summer, and multiple sections of year-round jungle gym equipment, swings, and sandbox.

We reviewed it not long after it opened seven years ago, but since then it's seen "enthusiastic wear and tear," and some sections had even been closed for repair, according to the local organizations that manage the park, the Hudson River Trust and Friends of Hudson River Park. After raising $3.4 million dollars for a "complete renovation and expansion," the groups, in partnership with NYC city officials, broke ground for the revamp on Wednesday, October 3. Scroll down to read all about the impressive new features.

There’s something about miniature things that draws the eye of both kids and grown-ups. Perhaps that’s why parents, toddlers and preteens alike are found peering into the windows of the 10 mini houses that make up the annual Dickens Village hosted in downtown Maplewood, New Jersey each holiday season for more than 50 years.

Each of the 10 houses, measuring over 6-feet tall, are decorated with holiday scenes from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and are lit with pretty candles and bedecked in wreaths and other seasonal décor.

You’ll find faux fireplaces, a nutcracker, Santa, of course, and an entire house filled with vintage children’s toys. The windows are low enough for even my 1-year-old to look into. I was surprised by how enthralled he and his preschool sister were with the whole thing. Several preteens zipped through the village with us, oohing and ahhing over the scene: “My favorite is the candy cane one! You can fit a bed in here!”

Finally. It’s what we’ve all been waiting for. We have on our booties and flannel. We have been sipping our PSLs for days (weeks.) We are ready. And now, the season’s main event has finally begun and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s leaf peeping season and us New Englanders, well, we live for this kind of stuff. It’s just part of our DNA. (That and Pumpkin Spice) We’ve rounded up some of our favorite routes throughout the state with optimal leaf peeping views for your enjoyment. And, be sure to check out our CT Halloween & Fall Fun Guide for Kids.

OK, you've found the perfect pumpkin - now what to wear? Most costume shoppers can sniff out the nearest Walgreens, Aahs, or even seasonal pop-up Halloween store without guidance. A mask and cape from one of these might well serve the needs of your household's trick-or-treaters, but if something a little extra special is required – or if you're just wanting to be inspired – try one of these year-round, long-time costume specialists.

Halloween is such an exciting time for Philly kids. Games of make-believe come to life when kids dress as their favorite superhero, princess, or storybook character. And, whether you spent weeks creating a Pinterest-worthy costume out of recycled materials or you purchased the perfect outfit from a local shop, Philly parents are glad to know there are many free events for their kids to wear their latest Halloween gear.

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up some free fun for everyone in the family. From parades to mall events to pumpkin patches, young ones and older kids alike can savor all the sweetness of this candy-filled season. Many of these activities distribute treats and most encourage kids to wear costumes which is sure to delight the little pirates, monsters, or fairies in your crew. Be sure to browse through our event calendar for a multitude of delightfully spooky activities. For now, continue reading to find free Halloween fun!

If you have never been inside a corn maze, imagine entering a twisting, winding dirt-paved series of paths cutting through a giant field of corn stalks. Should you go left, right, or straight ahead? Remember, only the right decision will get you out of the maze. Now, try navigating through the maze at night time amid sounds of rustling cornstalks and shadows along the path. Spooky, right? Check out our roundup of flashlight corn mazes throughout the state for some spooktacular fun. And, for more autumnal adventures, check out our Fall and Halloween guides.