I have a child on the Autism Spectrum, or, as I like to call it, the Anxiety Spectrum. Every quirk and disability on the Spectrum—from OCD to sensory issues to ADD to dyslexia—goes hand in hand with lots of anxiety. So if you're like me, you can't simply throw your little one into any ol' extracurricular activity and assume it will go well. Noise levels, group-think, verbal directions, physical coordination... these can be overwhelming challenges for some children.  

Over the last few crazy years with my family, I've discovered many classes and sports around town for special kiddos. And while I'm no PhD-degreed expert, parent-to-parent I would like to share some ideas with the Mommy Poppins community as we immerse ourselves in another school year.

A trip to the museum doesn’t need to be a “boring” excursion for your kiddos, or strictly refer to your family popping into an indoor space for some play time. Whether it's artwork featuring everyone's favorite honey loving bear or interactive challenges like dodging hanging pendulums, at least one of these half-dozen exhibits on display across greater Boston is sure to delight your kids this fall. They might even learn something (but you don't have to tell them that).

The air is crisp, the apples are ripe, and fall fair and harvest festival season is about to get underway! We've rounded up 26 great harvest fests in New Jersey, all packed with signature autumn activities like hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin decorating (and picking), pie contests, scarecrow making, live animals, live music, and more. Some even incorporate a little early Halloween fun.

Read on to find an event near you, including the Great Pumpkin Festival, the Blackwood Pumpkin Festival, and more.

For more seasonal activities around the Garden State, be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide and our list of 40 Things We Can't Wait To Do with NJ Kids This Fall. 

Parents of babies and toddlers all know that getting out of the house to burn off energy can be essential to surviving the winter months. Fortunately, Bucks County has plenty of drop-in play spaces where little ones can jump, climb and get creative without making a mess in your home!

We have a few free indoor play areas on our list, but don't forget one of the best no-cost options: Your local library. Many libraries go beyond your basic story times for kids and have large children's areas filled with blocks, puzzles and other toys to keep little ones occupied.

Read on for our list of Bucks County indoor play and be sure to check out our lists of indoor play options in Philadelphia, Chester County, Delaware County and Montgomery County as well.

With Labor Day behind us, it's time to welcome in fall. What better way to embrace autumn than to get the family together for a weekend camping trip? Within a few hours' drive of Philadelphia, you'll find great spots where you can pitch a tent, rent a cabin, or park an RV and enjoy the changing foliage and cooler weather. Unwind and get your kids out in nature--hiking, fishing, and bicycling. If you're able to get cell reception, try a geocaching app for a twist on the traditional scavenger hunt. And don't forget the s'mores!

Are your kids already preparing for Halloween, with visions of candy, costumes, and pumpkins dancing in their heads? Kick off the festive fall season at one of the many wonderful pumpkin-themed events happening around NJ, from elaborate pumpkin exhibits and carving competitions to good old-fashioned pumpkin picking and decorating fun.

Read on for our top picks, plus a bonus event that’s worth a drive across the state line. You can find even more even seasonal events in our Fall Fun Guide. 

There is a little something for everyone in Fairfield County this October.  From trick-o-treating on a farm, to getting up-close and personal with real life creepy crawlies, these family friendly activities will leave you with a little more treats than tricks. My three year old daughter loves almost everything about Halloween except that she is absolutely terrified of things that go bump in the night.  Now that the haunting season is upon us, check out the following activities around Fairfield County that are best suited for a younger crowd.

Neighborhood story hours for preschoolers and babies abound in Brooklyn, providing a fun, no-fuss outing, especially on cold or rainy days. Most storytimes are free (or cheap), and many venues offer additional kid activities before or after the reading, including plenty of book-browsing, so the fun can continue even when storytime ends.

Read on for our top picks for read-along sessions in Brooklyn at libraries, bookstores, and other tot spots, and find more story hours at these Manhattan spots.