When nearly 1 million NYC public school students head back to class in September, they’ll be entering a no-phone zone.

A new state law in New York bans students from using cell phones and all personal internet-enabled devices during the school day. The law goes into effect at the start of the 2025-26 school year, which kicks off Thursday, September 4, for public school kids.

Read on to find out what the ban might look like at your school, and check out our list of 57 screen-free activities for all ages.

Find the best places for apple picking (and more) near Boston!

It's the season for apple picking (and more family fun) throughout Connecticut.

Your 3rd Spot (Y3S) in West Midtown has 100+ games and experiences plus yummy food and a fun outdoor play area. Why the name? Here is how they explain it: If home is your first spot and work is your second spot, then this colorful entertainment venue where families can connect is Your 3rd Spot! Y3S is part of the dining and retail district, The Works, and offers 27,000 square feet(!) of fun, including arcade games, corn hole, bowling, ping pong, curling...and that's just inside. Outside guests enjoy lawn games, porch swings, and firepits. Top it all off with a large dining room offering shareable bites, creative cocktails, and a kid-approved menu. 

Y3S is 21+  during the weekdays and after 6pm on weekends. On weekends before 6pm, it's all about family fun —kids and parents have the run of the place, enjoying games, food, and fun. Read on for more info on how to have an awesome family day at Y3S!

Apple picking near Los Angeles? Your Northwest/Midwest/East Coast friends might scoff, but absolutely! While it may not feel like fall in Los Angeles, where autumn temps can still tip into triple digits—there is a fabulous apple-picking day trip from Los Angeles.

Oak Glen is a little mile-high town that is spitting distance from the pools in Palm Springs, but where the mountains get snow in the winter and the crisp air produces incredible apples. It’s perfect for a Los Angeles apple-picking adventure. And when your bag runneth over, check out these tempting apple recipes! 

For more fall festivities, see where to find fall foliage near Los Angeles, get gourds at the best pumpkin patches near LA, and discover more seasonal adventures in our Fall Fun Guide for Los Angeles and OC Kids. 

If you think your baby's first year is going to be nothing but naps, diapers, and spit up, think again. There are tons of things to do with a baby in DFW, making it hard to know where to start, so we've put together what we call our "baby bucket list" for the metroplex, and it's got everything from splash pads to hands-on playtime. storytime, and even a Mommy & Me class. The best part? Almost every activity is free for your baby! The only thing stopping you from doing it all is getting all your gear in the car before nap time hits.

Apple picking season is here, and many Hudson Valley and Westchester farms celebrate with kid-friendly entertainment, including live music, corn mazes, and hayrides. 

I used to look forward to apple picking every year as a child, and now I have just as much fun watching my little ones run through the orchards—not to mention indulging in fresh-pressed apple cider.

For more fall fun, be sure to check out our rundown of the top spots for hot, delicious cider doughnuts in the area and our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Hudson Valley and Westchester farms.

Apple picking on Long Island is the perfect kid-friendly activity to kick off the fall season. From small farm stands to orchards filled with trees sized just right for little hands, we've rounded up the best places on LI to pick apples. Families can spend a few hours picking delicious apples ripe for eating and baking some delicious treats. 

Apple picking season begins as early as the end of August at some farms and continues through October. Some of the farms host special apple festivals with family fun for all ages. Check each farm’s website for hours and apple bounty updates. Farm activities are dependent on the weather, so always check out the farm's social media or website before your visit. 

For even more seasonal activities and family fun, check out our Long Island Farm Guide and our Fall Fun Guide for Long Island Kids.