6 Boston-Area Bars and Pubs That Are Fun for Family Dinner

In Britain and Ireland, finding a pub is like shooting fish in a barrel. Over here, these cozy, community-oriented bars that combine good food and drinks are fewer, and finding one where you can bring your kids is even trickier, still. And yet, Boston is the proud home of some truly great family-friendly pubs where you can take your kids to eat in a lively atmosphere, and everyone will go home happy. We've covered some Irish-inspired stalwarts that are the places to be on St. Patty's Day...here, we're running through some of our fave options for grabbing some kid-friendly food, a proper pint for the grown-ups, and some fun family bonding anytime—all in an atmosphere that's suitable for babies through teens.

Indulge at the Southington Apple Harvest Festival

If you’re looking for a small-town fair big on entertainment, mouth-watering foods, and scrumptious desserts, the Southington Apple Harvest Festival, celebrating its 49th year and mentioned in our 30 Fun Things to Do This Fall in Connecticut is sure to deliver. Nestled around the charming Southington Town Green, this family-oriented event attracts about 100,000 visitors annually. Add free admission and free parking to the fact that purchases benefit local community organizations and businesses, and you have an all-around feel good experience. 

Bring the Kids While You Workout: Gyms With Childcare in Fairfield County

Yes! You've decided to join the gym and you're pumped about getting pumped up. First priority: make sure you join a gym that makes working out convenient. That means: in-gym childcare!

Of course, there are some days when you want to include the kids in a workout. You can always move it with your posse on a favorite local hike or bike ridean outdoor ropes course or other great active trips found in our Fairfield County Guide. I have four kids, and can't always count on getting out of bed at 5:30 a.m. or on my hubs getting home in time for my favorite yoga class. For that reason, I narrowed my gym choices to those fitness facilities that offer childcare in Fairfield County.

Places to Throw an Indoor Play Gym Birthday Party in New Haven County

Is your child’s birthday right around the corner but you’ve put off planning his or her party? Are you concerned about having way too many rambunctious little feet running through your house and the mess that might accompany it? Or maybe you just don’t have enough time to set up and decorate? Then consider having your next party at an indoor play gym. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy your child’s special day without the worry of set up, clean up, or lack of space. There are several different play gym options in New Haven County. We've also rounded up some other indoor playspaces in New Haven County here. Check out a space near you and start planning today! For more party ideas check out our Connecticut Party Guide.

10 Fall Activities to Keep Toddlers Busy Around Boston

Fall is a lovely season in Boston, but can leave toddlers (and their parents) feeling a little bereft. With beach days behind us and big kids back in school, it can be tricky to find activities that keep little ones busy (and mama sane). Luckily, our city and 'burbs are full of autumnal treats that are especially suited to new walkers and talkers. There are lots of parent-child classes, yes, but sometimes we're all just looking for a fun outing that doesn't require much advanced planning. Here are a dozen of our favorite things to fill the time between naptime.

Best Family Theater in NYC this Fall: Paw Patrol to Shakespeare

Autumn marks the start of a new theater season, but you don't need to shell out big bucks on Broadway shows to give your kids a memorable live entertainment experience in NYC. In fact, this fall boasts more high-quality productions for young audiences than in recent years—so many in fact, we have a whopping 22 picks, and that's after whittling down the contenders!

Preschoolers will go gaga for return engagements of popular stage incarnations of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Pete the Cat, and Paw Patrol. Older kids can get schooled in the classics with creative, kid-centric adaptations of Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde. There's funky fare for tweens at Lincoln Center and BAM, plus everyone in your family can cheer the highly anticipated return of the Big Apple Circus. Best of all, most of our picks are $25 or less per ticket.

Applefest 2017: A Hudson Valley Fall Festival Extravaganza

Looking to get the most bang for you buck when it comes to celebrating fall? Consider Warwick's Applefest on Sunday, October 1, 2017—one of the Hudson Valley's biggest annual festivals. With arts and crafts, food, live music and a small carnival, you can truly "do fall" all in one day. 

Now in its 29th year, Applefest draws in around 35,000 people each year from all over the tri-state area and beyond. Warwick is located about an hour from central Westchester and is ideal for an autumn family day trip. Read on for everything you need to know about this Hudson Valley extravaganza, including what's new for 2017 and tips for navigating the crowds.

Looking for more fall fun? Check our Fall Activity Guide and follow us on Facebook

Things to Do in Southold Village With Kids

A trip to the North Fork offers vast opportunities. From nature explorers to foodie indulgers and self-proclaimed sommeliers, the village of Southold is hot, hip, and happening. 

Located in the heart of Long Island wine country, the village of Southold is the seat of government for Southold Town. But there is much more to it than that. In Southold, you can enjoy beaches, museums, nature centers, family-friendly eateries, fall festivals, and then some. 

Looking for more North Fork fun? Head east one village for must-try spots in Greenport. Staying over? Hop a ferry to Shelter Island and explore. And on the way home, check out the North Fork's gateway town, Riverhead.

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