As a native Florida gal, experiencing the changing seasons is still something that’s exciting for our family, even 3 years after our big move. Winter is full of snow (and more snow) of course, spring is beautiful with gorgeous flowers and summer is a great excuse to be outdoors with the kids, no matter what state you live in! But something about autumn is special – maybe it’s the multi-hued leaves that carpet our backyard, the cute little grins I capture on camera as our little ones romp through pumpkin patches or the fact that it’s just a good excuse to wear cozy sweaters and eat apple pie!

No matter the reason, my family likes to take in the fall season in a big way. Weekends in September through November are the perfect opportunity to take a break from the busy day to day and embrace the cooler temps before it gets frigid. New Jersey offers an array of autumn activities for every age and interest – take a look at our top ten favorites:

Who needs yogurt? This weekend, LA is full to the brim with its own live, active (and sometimes mummified) culture. We have culture of the museum variety, with a new exhibit opening at each of the Discovery Cube locations (Curious what they are? I'll race ya to find out!); the Natural History Museum proves everything ancient is new again, and the latest museum to open will have the whole town talking (mostly about how to pronounce its name).

Our culture reflects many cultures, with events celebrating the cultures of Thailand and Greece, Scandinavia and Scotland, indigenous California Coastal cultures, and Valley mall culture. 

And lest you fail to recognize the importance of pirate culture, consider this: learning to speak the lingo could earn you some serious booty: a dozen of LA's finest donuts. Take that, yogurt!

 Keep reading for our most cultured picks for this weekend....

Dropping temperatures and shorter days make it feel like fall is already here, but in fact, this is the last full weekend of summer. Whether you are savoring every drop of summer or are looking forward to autumn, Philly families can make the most of the weekend with the help of our Events Calendar.

Boat lovers, scarecrow makers, storytellers and future archeologists can all find a festival to enjoy this weekend.  In addition, there are cultural events like the Korean Festival and historical celebrations such as Evan-Mumbower Mill's Fall Mill Festival & Revolutionary Encampment. Truly, there is a festival for everyone.

On the other hand, perhaps you want to check out local consignment sales to buy your kids' fall wardrobe. The next few weekends are filled with sales. Our complete listing is constantly being updated with the latest consignment sale information.

Stay ahead of the fun by following us on Twitter and Pinterest. Be sure to like us on Facebook and sign up for our weekly newsletter to be delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday. And, whichever season you prefer, summer or fall, make it a great weekend!

After a great day at the Finding Fay Festival last weekend, my family is ready for a repeat. Top festivals this weekend include celebrations of local food and fun on the farm. Speaking of farms, it's also a great weekend for apple picking. My family can't wait to get out there to fill up our bags and start baking apple pies. 

Outdoor fun in town this weekend includes free concerts with members of the BSO and the Revels Chorus, as well as the final weekend of the Swan Boats (pictured).

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week: These local corn mazes look like the perfect way to have some family fun this fall.

Check out our full Event Calendar for more kid-friendly happenings in Boston, and enjoy your weekend!

Somehow, during all my years in LA County, I had never ventured out to Pomona for the Los Angeles County Fair until this past weekend. The fair always seemed so big that I didn't know where to begin, and generally so hot that I hesitated to try. Thrill ride fans probably already know the vast opportunities the fair offers for hurtling bodies through space in a variety of carnivalesque ways; but truth be told my own thrill ride needs can be satisfied in an hour or two at the Santa Monica Pier. I brought my family to the fair in search of a different experience, something more akin to a spider spinning "Some Pig" above a farmer's prize livestock. And while I didn't find Charlotte, I did find several unexpected ways to enjoy a September day–many of which turned out to be shady, breezy, or even air conditioned. And let's be honest, that pretty much always matters during LA County Fair season.

Our day at the fair was a triple-digit scorcher–the kind that makes my family question my sanity when I head the car east. Here are five unexpectedly fun ways we found to escape the heat while enjoying the LA Fair.

There are so many incredible things going on this weekend, you're going to wish you could clone yourself. Enjoy carnival rides and farm animals at the Queens County Fair, celebrate quality kid lit at the Brooklyn Book Festival's first-ever Children's Day or check out the grand opening of the new Staten Island Museum.

And that's just a taste of what's going on—kites, cannoli and an aquatic parade are also on the menu. Read on for all of our best bets for the weekend. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Fall Fun Guide.

Ever wonder what type of fish swim in the East River, or which species of trees dot the perimeter of the adjacent Brooklyn Bridge Park? The recently opened Environmental Education Center, which sits under the Manhattan Bridge along the Dumbo waterfront, will answer these questions and more for NYC kids and adults who can explore hands-on exhibits during FREE drop-in hours or sign up for a paid STEM-inspired class to learn all about the ecology and history of the surrounding waterfront habitat. And yep, this family spot is hosting both weekend and weekday drop-in hours!

There's still plenty to still see, do and taste outdoors on Long Island as we head into fall weather. Be sure to check out our complete roundup of Fall Fairs and Festivals.

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