Queens may be “the new Brooklyn,” but New York City’s largest borough is not newly discovered. Queens consistently ranks near the top of the list of the most diverse counties in the United States, and is a mecca of international cuisine. In the autumn, as in most seasons, there’s no shortage of interesting and unique things to do in Queens.

The borough is blessed with the space to host cool spots like the Queens Botanical Garden where you'll find a pumpkin patch and harvest fest this fall, fun children's theater like Squirrel Stole My Underpants, and global destinations like NYSCI, which will host one of our absolute favorite annual events in October, Maker Faire. The best part about the borough is that each neighborhood has its individual charm. For example, in Jackson Heights residents speak an estimated 167 languages, the most in the country. Sunnyside is the place to go for Irish dancing, and the Rockaways have gained a “cool factor” as surfers tote boards on the subway to get to the best waves in New York City.

So read on for our list of 25 fun fall activities to do with your kids and see what the buzz is about.

I'm so glad I finally made a trip to the Downtown Aquarium. I was hesitant at first, only because of my daughter's tenancy to go a little crazy when surrounded by souvenirs and snacks, but every time we would drive by the massive Ferris wheel near I-45 she would exclaim, "I go there!" After our first trip together I immediately regretted not coming sooner. From food to the numerous attractions, it was a hit. Read on for my tips and tricks for enjoying a morning or afternoon at Houston's Downtown Aquarium.

You can also save with the top attractions in Houston with Go City - Houston card. By purchasing this ticket, you receive admission to several Houston attractions at half the regular price: Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo or the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and the Kemah Boardwalk or the Children’s Museum Houston.

You might be questioning taking your little one to story time in a mansion filled with fine home furnishings and breakable European objets d'art. Trust me when I say to leave the doubts behind as you and the kids embark on a cultural journey through the Rienzi, which is an extension of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. The exhibit is housed in a 1950s mansion and features 17th- and 19th-century art, antiques, and decor.

Pups! PAW Patrol is headed to the stage for a live national tour hitting 90 U.S. cities, including NYC, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, Connecticut, the Los Angeles area, and Texas. The hit Nickelodeon animated show featuring a pack of curious and adventure-loving dogs opens in October, but tickets are already on sale for many locations.

PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue, a Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group (the same folks behind Sesame Street Live) co-production, will rely on live actors in costumes, although producers tell us that it will also incorporate the popular Bunraku puppet styling. The “pups” will sing and dance on all four legs.

Read on for more details on this new brand-new children’s theater production.

The days may be getting shorter, but the cool, crisp, fresh air of fall is the perfect time to have a picnic.  If you are looking for a picturesque country setting, Fairfield County offers some wonderful locations to park your basket and unroll your blanket. Picnics are a perfect way to take advantage of a sunny day and get together with family and friends.

Some of Fairfield County’s best parks and beaches are also great places to have a picnic. Whether you are a history buff, want a little adventure, or just want to enjoy the bucolic setting of Connecticut estates and lakes, there is something on this list for you.

People accuse Angelenos of talking too much about traffic. They think we're obsessed with our cars. I wish I could say they were wrong. But the truth is that when a major connector road to Santa Monica Beach reopens after a 15 month closure, the reaction from locals does look like something out of SNL's The Californians. When the first cars drove honking and selfying through the police barricade Thursday evening, past rows of news cameras and cheering crowds, a voice behind me even drawled, "Wow, Dude. I'm so happy."

It seems like only yesterday I was anticipating summer with the same giddy excitement as my grade-schoolers. Once we hit Memorial Day, I was in full-on countdown mode. I couldn't wait for lazy summer mornings that fade into afternoons of romping in our favorite playgrounds, spoiling dinner with an extra scoop of our favorite ice cream, and all that weekend beach, water and amusement park fun.

We made our summer fun list and checked off one activity after another. Now I'm worn out. I'm sick of being sticky with the summer heat and sunblock, inhaling the noxious subway platform fumes, dripping popsicles — all of it. Gimme the cooler weather and all that comes with it, including back-to-school and all that cozy fall fun. I'm guessing I'm not the only one. Here are 21 reasons this summer-weary NYC momma is anticipating the change of seasons. Happy fall all!

Back to school means a return to classes, tests, homework, and book reports. It can be stressful when kids struggle with the curriculum, especially for full-time working parents. Students might be learning new concepts in math and language arts with which parents aren't familiar. If you are concerned about your kids falling behind academically, or just want to give them a leg up on the new school year, you are in luck. New Jersey is home to a bunch of great after-school academic programs. Check out some of our top picks below. 

For some great tutoring options, read our post on New Jersey Tutoring Centers, or find more great enrichment programs in our Classes Directory.