I don't know about you, but as soon as that first crisp autumn breeze arrives, my family is ready for a day of apple picking in New Jersey. In addition to hayrides, hot cider, and barnyard animals, we decided that this year, we wanted to pick juicy, ripe, organic apples. After doing a little research, we learned that the woodsy (and buggy) climate here in Jersey can make organic apple farming a challenge. But that doesn’t mean local farmers aren’t doing their best to reduce the use of pesticides, using low-spray methods, and low-impact family farming practices.

Spend a perfect fall day at one of these four New Jersey farms and bring home a bushel of local, responsibly-farmed fruit.

Fairfield County provides one of the most enriching and diverse independent educational experiences in the country.  There are so many opportunities available, it may be hard to choose the right match for your child. Although the school year may have just opened, it is the perfect time to start thinking about the 2017-18 academic year. Admissions season is just gearing up, so make sure to make note of open houses and admissions schedules.  

All of the schools on this list provide a thoughtful educational experience for the youngest of learners, and are sure to set the stage for a lifelong love of learning. Most of these programs run for the academic year, from the hours of 9-3. Many provide enriching before and after school programs for parents who need to extend the school day. 

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."