Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tours Bring Haunted History to Back from the Dead in Brooklyn

Enter the Victorian-era trolley of Madame Morbid for a spooky history lesson you won't soon forget. Photo courtesy of Madame Morbid

New York City kids (and parents) who love spooky vibes with a side of history have a new experience to add to their must-do list: Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tours. Think of it as the city’s most stylish ghost tour—where Gothic charm meets Brooklyn grit—all aboard a custom-designed Victorian trolley that looks like it rolled straight out of a Tim Burton film.

Part history lesson, part ghost story, and part quirky field trip, Madame Morbid takes families and friend groups on a haunted ride through Brooklyn’s past. From tales of forgotten cemeteries to urban legends that refuse to die, it’s a delightfully eerie way to see the city from a new angle.

Find more fun for the spooky season in our NYC Kids' Guide to Halloween Fun, which includes all our top picks for the best things to do in NYC this Halloween

Halloween, Fluffernutter Day, and More Holidays & Activities for October 2025

Get gaudy! Wear your craziest clothes for Wear Something Gaudy Day on October 17!

October means HALLOWEEN! But that’s just one day, there are 30 more days to fill with awesomely spooky, costume-filled, pumpkin-spiced October fun.

In addition to Halloween, you can also celebrate Fluffernutter Day, Yom Kippur, Wear Something Gaudy Day, International Sloth Day, and more — all in October. Oh, and don’t worry, we’ve also rounded up all the Halloween fun with days set aside for Halloween parties, Halloween movies, and pumpkin carving (we've got easy templates so your pumpkins will impress even if you have limited art skills, promise!).

Check this list, and you’ll find the perfect thing to do with your kids each and every day. For more ideas for Halloween activities, check out our Halloween Activities Guide for Families.

Free in October 2025: 51 Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

The Ridgefield Park Music Fest Street Fair has lots to see and do, including music, food, games, and rides. Photo courtesy of  JC Promotions

The month of October is chock full of goodies, with more than 50 fun and FREE events for NJ kids and families. Save your money for candy and costumes, and take advantage of dozens of no-cost events every day of the month. Food, crafts, and fall fun are on tap at harvest festivals, including the Dunellen HarvestFest and Palmer Square's Fall Fest. Swing by local street community celebrations in Matawan and Maplewood.

October comes to a close with the main event of the season: Halloween. Throw on those costumes and head over to FREE celebrations, including trunk-or-treats in Union and Dover and annual favorites like the Ocean City Halloween Parade

For more FREE and low-cost fun, check out Free Halloween Events in New Jersey and our Family Activity Calendar, as well as our Fall Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids and Halloween Events and Guide for NJ Kids.

Step Into Halloween Town with NYBG’s Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail

Jack Skellington and friends are back at the New York Botanical Garden for another seasonal run after dark. Photo by author

A delightfully spooky Halloween trail is back at the New York Botanical Garden. The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail features characters from Disney’s 1993 Tim Burton movie of the same name, set against the backdrop of a dark, wooded trail.

Read on for everything you need to know about this creepily fun nighttime experience. And find more hair-raising activities across all five boroughs on our list of NYC’s best Halloween events of 2025.

Town and Country Resort in San Diego: A Family-Friendly Stay Parents Will Love

Discover if Town and Country Resort San Diego is worth it for your next family vacation. (TL:DR: it is!) Photo by Meghan Rose

As a parent who has stayed in more San Diego hotels with kids than I can count. It feels like we’re always heading to San Diego for visits to Legoland California, the San Diego Zoo, La Jolla getaways, seeing shows at the Old Globe, and even to watch the Dodgers beat the Padres (sorry locals!).

I travel a lot with my family, and I know the difference between a resort that claims to be family-friendly and one that actually delivers. And I can say that now that I’ve stayed there, Town and Country Resort in San Diego has made it to my list of best San Diego hotels for families. After our recent stay, I can share the insider scoop—including the retro vibe, activities, pool, central location, everyone-approved dining options and more. If you’re planning a San Diego family vacation, here’s my honest parent-tested review of Town and Country Resort.

Boom in Play Spaces Hits Long Island: Here are Seven New Places to Play with Little Ones

Race through the obstacles at Jetetter Kids Club in Lindenhurst without getting caught. Photo by Gina Massaro.

Need a change of scenery from your usual play spot? Long Island is bursting with brand-new indoor play spaces and baby-friendly hangouts that make it easier than ever to entertain your little ones.

Whether you’ve got a crawling cutie or an energetic preschooler, these recently opened spots offer fresh ways to burn energy, spark creativity, and make new friends—without wrecking your living room.

Be sure to peruse our guide to Kids' Sports Center and Fun Zones for even more spots where Long Island kids can run off some steam.

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