Fall marks the beginning of a lot of things, from Pumpkin Spice-flavored everything, (slightly) cooler weather, and race season for all of Houston's running enthusiasts. Interested in doing something active and fun with the whole family? Look no further than this list of family fun runs happening throughout the Houston area over the next few months. Whether you're a seasoned runner, weekend warrior, stroller strider, or someone who just wants to get outdoors and do something different with the family, there's a race on this list for you. 

Are you a cupcake fiend who lives in Bergen County? Your sweet tooth is in luck, because the area is packed with yummy cupcake spots. Whether it's a post-play snack, an after-dinner treat, or a birthday party, these shops offer bite-size cakes for any occasion.

The holiday season inspires many of us to take in a holiday show, shop for gifts and drink hot cocoa, and, of course, attend a tree lighting ceremony to kick off the season the right way. Rockefeller Center may only be a train ride away, but there are plenty of festive and spectacular tree lighting ceremonies right on Long Island. Here are 11 tree lighting events that are taking place across Nassau and Suffolk counties this season.

Albeit temporary, a brand new installation, Swale, has made its home at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and we are thoroughly impressed. Swale is both a sculpture by talented artist, Mary Mattingly, and a functioning farm located on a barge made from recycled materials. Beyond the beautiful setting is a hands-on learning opportunity showcasing the impact of food sustainability, as well as demonstrating value in reusing our planet's natural resources. Oh, and did we mention that this exhibit is FREE?

Wondering where you can sink your toes into a 40-mile stretch of sand featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in the world? Look no further than Cape Cod. Of course, as a New Englander, I may be biased, but only slightly. Without dispute, the waves, ponds, marshes, and dunes that comprise the Cape Cod National Seashore are magnificent. Add biking and hiking trails, historic landmarks, old lighthouses, wild cranberry bogs, miniature golf, and delicious ice cream parlors, and you have a recipe for coastal adventure and lifelong memories.

Given a child’s spongy mind, it’s no surprise to learn that kids who learn a second language at a young age may benefit from increased cognitive advantages. While some families may not wish to enroll in a full-on immersion or bilingual preschool, classes that teach Spanish may be more fitting for your child.

We’ve gathered up several places in Westchester where your preschooler can learn Spanish. While the choices are varied, the one thing they all have in common is an emphasis on fun.

Looking for more enrichment classes? Be sure to consult our Classes Guide and our directory, and don’t forget to visit our Preschool Guide. 

It seems maker spaces are popping up all over New York City this fall. We just profiled a new spot on the Upper East Side, and now there's a new STEM center the Upper West Side. The just opened Skill Mill NYC, though, expects to appeal to a slightly older demographic and more advanced set of makers—middle school kids, teens, and adults—in part because of its heavy-duty and very cool tools. Remember how Tim Allen on Home Improvement always asked for “More power?” At Skill Mill NYC, you're gonna get more power. A massive laser cutter will let students handle wood, leather, cardboard, and other significant materials for big projects, plus there's a 3D printer and other sophisticated design options and tools.

Read on for the scoop on NYC's latest state-of-the-art maker space, and for more high-tech fun, be sure to check out our STEM Guide.

Whether you're Jewish, half Jewish, or just trying to figure out why your kids have a random day off school, you may want some suggestions for celebrating the Jewish New Year next week. Most LA area schools have a day off for Rosh Hashanah and/or Yom Kippur the following week (known, apparently, in biblical times as "Admissions Day"). We have some suggestions for family activities to ring in the year 5777; or, if the High Holidays are throwing a wrench in your week, we can suggest some camps that have your back on school holidays.