Weekend Fun: Hot Air Balloons, Cardboard Boats, and a Kids' Triathlon

Check out the cardboard boat racers at SoundWaters HarborFest. Photo by Michael Bagley

Fall is approaching, and amid the frenzied school supply mall runs, families can check out numerous fairs celebrating the annual harvest season. Just this weekend there are agricultural fairs in Brooklyn, Terryville, and Chester, If ox pulls, carnival midways, and fried fair food aren't your thing, check out the Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival, or escape an authentic native wigwam. For those who prefer indoor activities, head to Hartford to wish the Bushnell Carousel a happy 105th birthday.

For the latest and best family-friendly goings on around the state, keep checking our frequently updated events calendar and follow us on FacebookTwitterPinterest, and Instagram. Have a great weekend!

Essex County's New Accessible Playground Lets All Kids Play Together

The new accessible playground at Watsessing Park is a dream-come-true for children of all abilities.

All children can benefit from outdoor play in a park or playground, and lucky for us, there's a new accessible playground in Bloomfield, NJ, designed with the needs of kids with physical and developmental disabilities in mind. 

Watsessing Park's all-access playground opened at the end of July after a seven-month, $4 million renovation. This new addition to the 69-acre Essex County park, located at the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue and Conger Street, boasts inclusive features such as wheelchair-friendly surfacing and ramps, a seated merry-go-round, special swings, and much, much more—all in delicious, candy-colored hues.

Already fans of Watsessing Park's splash playground, my 6-year-old and I spent a perfect summer afternoon at this updated play space where all kids can play together and have fun. Read on for the scoop.

Ennis Playground Gives Gowanus a Freshly Updated Playspace

The new climbing structures at Ennis Playground in Gowanus, Brooklyn are a fun challenge for a wide range of ages.

We're suckers for a destination-worthy playground, but we also have big love for NYC's smaller neighborhood playgrounds. In a city like ours, a playground doesn't necessarily need an elaborate theme or deluxe play features to be a huge boon to the neighborhood. The newly renovated Ennis Playground in the heart of fast-changing Gowanus is one such gem. Ennis Playground reopened last month after an 11-month, $2.9 million renovation—here's a look at what's new.

Go Fish: Where to Go Fishing with NYC Kids for Free (Even If You Don't Have Gear)

Check out the no-cost fishing and nature clinics at the Lower East Side Ecology Center.

Fishing is a classic family activity, but it can only be done outside of NYC, right? Wrong. My husband and I have been fishing with our 9-year-old son in the five boroughs since he was a preschooler. It's relaxing and a great way to bond, plus it teaches patience (you definitely need it for this sport).

Not only does NYC offer different kinds of fishing experiences (freshwater, salt water, catch-and-release), there are organizations that even supply the rod, reel, tackle and bait so all you need to bring is a good attitude. Our rivers, lakes, ponds and beaches are truly teeming with fish, and we've got the scoop on where you and your kids can catch them.

Houston's Best Kid-Friendly Food Truck Parks: Why They Are Worth the Drive

It's no secret that the Houston food scene is one of the best in the nation. With a plethora of restaurants to choose from including ones with room for kids to play, some that have been featured on TV, and some of the best barbeque joints known to man, the choices can be overwhelming. Houston is also home to some stellar food truck parks which can be enjoyed at food truck parks around the city. We love these spots because they have room to play for the kids, delicious options and a fun atmosphere.

These Hotel Pools Will Wow the Kids on a Family Vacation

Take a vacation at Tahiti Village in Las Vegas where the sun reigns supreme.

When you have kids, finding a hotel with an awesome swimming pool is usually right at the top of the vacation-planning list. After a long day of activity, you can kick back and watch them splash around at the hotel pool. On a rainy day, hotels with indoor swimming pools will be a saving grace. While most kids will be satisfied with any hole that contains water, impress them with something unique to make that next family vacation one that they won't soon forget.

Here are some of our favorite U.S. hotels with pools sure to satisfy the whole family. We've included both outdoor hotel pools, indoor options, and even those hotels that let you swim in the pool without staying there overnight. The options run from a Las Vegas hotel pool to a Texas-shaped rooftop pool in Houston to a day-pass-friendly NYC hotel pool.

For more vacation ideas on where to stay, check out our Hotels & Resorts Guide.

Roosevelt Island: What to Do with Kids After Taking the Tram

Take in the stunning architecture at Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. Photo courtesy of Four Freedoms Park

New York is a city of islands. Many of them, like Governors Island, City Island, Randall's Island, and even the infamous Rikers Island, get lots of attention, while low-key Roosevelt Island manages to slip under the radar. It’s time to get cozy with this narrow, 2-mile long sliver of land in the East River nestled between Manhattan and Queens.

The Roosevelt Island Tram is a familiar sight for many New Yorkers, and the aerial ride alone is great fun for kids, but what about when you disembark on the isle? Over 11,000 people call this peaceful community home. The vibe is urban, but there are open spaces perfect for rambling. Self-contained Roosevelt Island has its own school, newspaper, and library. My family and I found plenty of cool things to keep us entertained and we've pulled together our top picks for things to do on the isle. 

Where to Enjoy Kayaks, Rowboats, Pedal Boats, and More With Kids on Long Island

Pedal ahead to a fun day at Belmont Lake State Park. Photo courtesy of the park

Row, row, row your boat—all across Long Island. Our ponds, preserves, and bays are prime spots for water sports. So get set to make a splash with your kids as you row, pedal, paddle, and more at these sporty Long Island locations.

Looking for more wet and wild fun? If you're on the East End, check out our guide to kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals in the Hamptons and North Fork. Or enjoy a spritz at a sprinkler park on Long Island. Use our outdoors guide to explore parks, playgrounds, and other fun destinations on the Island.

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