The Topsfield Fair is one of our favorite fall traditions in Massachusetts, and since it's celebrating its 200th birthday this year, expect it to be bigger and better than ever. Running from September 28th through October 8th, this agricultural fair—which bills itself as America's oldest—has hundreds of vendors, rides, animals, shows, and special entertainment to see. But don’t worry: We share our tips for hitting all the highlights—and saving some bucks on tickets, too.

When you are the parent of a toddler, you know there is only so much time you can spend in the house making crafts and enjoying at-home play. A little socialization and a change of environment can do wonders for a cranky preschooler (and mom or dad)!

Hitting your local library for storytimes, guest performances and craft days is always recommended. However, sometimes toddlers just need to run around like, well, kids, and not worry about using their inside voices. If it's too cold or rainy to head to the playground, our list of indoor drop-in play spaces in Delaware County is here to save the day.

Be sure to also check out our roundups of indoor play spots for little ones in Bucks County, Chester County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia.

Think you can handle the Creepy Morgue at Playland or survive the Haunt at Rocky Ledge? Whether you’re local or a daytripper, Westchester is a hot spot of exciting and fun (and terrifying!) Halloween happenings for children. We've collected some of the best frights, as well as a couple of ideas better suited for the younger ghouls.  

Keep in mind that the listed age minimums are suggested by the event producers. You know your kid best—what’s no big deal to one grade-schooler could cause nightmares for weeks to another.

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With STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) at the forefront of most school curriculums, it makes sense to get kids engaged and excited about these subjects from an early age. Fortunately, the Garden State is home to many museums and science centers where fun and learning collide. 

From mind-blowing minerals to awe-inspiring archeology and astronomy exhibits, with plenty of hands-on learning opportunities for all ages, these destinations are as entertaining as they are educational. Read on for a dozen of our favorite spots in and near NJ.

It has come to my attention that Connecticut sort of owns Halloween. You'd be hard-pressed to find yourself very far from an amazing haunted house, a fun-filled parade or celebration, or a quaint New England farm decked out for All Hallow's Eve. Halloween has been jostling Christmas for the top holiday spot for some time now, and while it isn't quite a foregone conclusion yet, it's safe to say that it's come a long way from the days of pillowcase trick or treating and glow sticks. Not that these steadfast traditions are going anywhere, don't you worry. Read on for your ultimate guide to the good, the even better, and the totally terrifying across the entire state this Halloween season. 

The beach is made for kids—the sand, the sun, the surf. That last thing can be a worry, though, when it comes to toddlers and smaller children. Parents are forced to play defense all day to prevent their little ones from being tossed, turned, and dragged by turbulent waves. Knowing some beach safety rules is a good start; but there are a few beach areas in Los Angeles and Orange counties that offer the best of all worlds: the sand and sun plus shallow, gentle expanses of water perfect for wading.

For the past 23 years, the award-winning New Victory Theater in the heart of Times Square has been the premier destination to catch entertaining and affordable productions for all ages. But the beloved New Vic is much more than just a place to "go catch a show." Through hands-on workshops, interactive pre- and post-show activities, and performances tailored for children with special needs, the nonprofit organization is raising the bar for what children's theater can be. As a parent who has been taking my daughter to the New Vic for over a decade, I'm pleased to share a preview of its 2018-2019 season, including the best shows for different ages and how to save on tickets.

The Fort Bend County Fair is underway in Rosenberg, and it's a good time for the whole family. This fair is designed to entertain your little ones and even up to your teenagers. It runs Sept. 28-Oct. 7, 2018, so there's still time to make a trip.