The Charles is a magnet for many Boston families, whether it's for a paddle down the river or a perfect fall day hanging out on the Esplanade. And this time of year, when the leaves are turning and the riverfront is at its most beautiful, countless families flock to the Head of the Charles Regatta, one of the world’s most competitive rowing races, when more than ten thousand rowers compete for nearly half a million spectators. Watching the rowers from the riverbank is an annual tradition for many Bostonians—but with the crowds and uncertain seating arrangements, it can be tricky to navigate with kids. After several years of attending the Head of the Charles, I have some helpful hints to keep you and your family warm and happy while you watch the race.

When beautiful fall days turn into gray, wintry ones that get dark at 4pm, you need ideas of things to do indoors, including sneaky exercise games for the kids. Or, why not build an obstacle course for your kids? They'll love the challenge of having to complete each task, and you'll love the energy it can burn off and time it will keep them occupied. The best part? You can build this one with things you already have around the house. So read on for our guide to building your own in seven easy steps.

One of our annual Autumn trips, since my boys were young, has been a trip to the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor. From an early age, my boys, like many boys, loved trains; and this local museum has been able to meet their needs many times over. We attended this year during their annual Pumpkin Train Ride but they offer a variety of events throughout the year. The museum has a small staff, and relies on their many, many volunteers to drive the trolleys on the fun but short jaunt from the museum.

Having a new baby is a blessing. An exhausting, isolating blessing. To remember what a gift it can be, new moms and dads need to get out of the darn house every once and awhile. If you live on the Eastside of Los Angeles, whether it’s Boyle Heights or Echo Park, you’ve got some cool options to catch your breath with baby in tow. Here are a few of the best spots to get some hang time in with your mini-me.

Pumpkins are the harbinger of the harvest season, appearing every year as the first sign of autumn from pumpkin patches, to pumpkin trains, to Trader Joe's. So, in honor of National Pumpkin Day on October 26th we have rounded up 20 ways to get your pumpkin on in Connecticut.

New York City has always been called a melting pot, drawing immigrants from diverse backgrounds. But beyond the name, few people are aware that the most diverse part of the world lives in one particular borough: Queens! More languages are spoken in Queens than ANYWHERE else. People from around the world are attracted to Queens and have been growing their families here for generations. And everyone knows—with culture and language, comes food.

I asked my fellow Astoria moms to name their favorite eats and I received over 50 responses! With their help, I compiled this list of tried-and-true establishments that have friendly service, approachable menus for picky eaters and kid-friendly atmospheres.  

Welcome to “Eat Around the World in Astoria,” one of Queens’ most unique hodgepodge neighborhoods, with an extraordinary range of restaurants to please everyone.

It's the season for the Texas Renaissance Festival, and even though it's a bit of a drive, don't be intimidated by the idea of going with the kids. Not only is there a ton of games and activities, but there is a whole line-up of kid-friendly shows and entertainers your little ones will love. 

Use the festival map to find each of the stages listed below and map out how you want to spend your day. The festival and its themed weekends run through the end of November, so what are you waiting for - get on that costume and get in the car!

It might be difficult for your wee one to imagine of a world outside of his or her Matchbox or Shopkins collections. However, teaching kids early on about different cultures can help them appreciate differences in people and traditions. These museums and historical sites offer educational information about the diverse cultures that make up Long Island.

For more Long Island spots brimming with information, visit our museum guide. From outer space to trains, there's an educational opportunity waiting to engage your family.