We all know the old trope—your kid gets an expensive present and ends up playing with the box, transforming it into a house, a race car, and maybe a rocket ship. STOMP, a wordless dance and percussion performance, has the same feeling of free-wheeling creativity as performers repurpose everyday objects into musical instruments. The high-energy numbers and the playful ingenuity with props appeals to all ages, which probably goes a long way in explaining the show’s longevity.

I used to live a block away from the Orpheum Theater in the East Village and would see happy, laughing people spilling out onto the sidewalks after seeing STOMP, but I somehow never made it to a performance myself, until recently. When I slid into a seat, two 9-year-old girls in tow, I realized I had missed out on a fun show for—oh, about 22 years. It’s a lively, interactive performance with lots of humor, energy, music, and of course, dancing—but not the kind you usually see in an Off-Broadway production. Children will appreciate the improv feel and exhilarating antics.

With an average wind speed of 12.2 mph, did you know that New York falls within the top 20% of windiest cities in America? With Long Island's expansive shoreline, the wind is even stronger in many parts of the 516/631/934.  Set your sights on the sky with these kite-flying hot spots on Long Island. You'll have the wind blowing through your hair as your family (and casual bystanders) admire colorful kites soaring through the air. Check out this map from Long Island State Park HQ and fly with others at the Long Island Maritime Museum's annual Kite Festival on Sept. 18.

New York City museums seem to always offer plenty of wonderful art collections, but this fall families in the five boroughs will find interesting exhibits on math, history, and more. Fittingly during this election season, a few museums have focused on past and current presidents.

While you might think kids would find exhibits about our country’s leaders and current events a bit boring, these museums have curated displays that ought to spark curiosity. Plus, if your child is at all like mine, this election has been a surprisingly hot topic among friends, which only proves New Yorkers of all ages love a good political debate.

Whatever your child’s interests, you’re sure to find something on this list that appeals and educates. After all, to quote a karaoke favorite, "the children are our future." (Sorry about the earworm.)

I don't know about you, but as soon as that first crisp autumn breeze arrives, my family is ready for a day of apple picking in New Jersey. In addition to hayrides, hot cider, and barnyard animals, we decided that this year, we wanted to pick juicy, ripe, organic apples. After doing a little research, we learned that the woodsy (and buggy) climate here in Jersey can make organic apple farming a challenge. But that doesn’t mean local farmers aren’t doing their best to reduce the use of pesticides, using low-spray methods, and low-impact family farming practices.

Spend a perfect fall day at one of these four New Jersey farms and bring home a bushel of local, responsibly-farmed fruit.

Fairfield County provides one of the most enriching and diverse independent educational experiences in the country.  There are so many opportunities available, it may be hard to choose the right match for your child. Although the school year may have just opened, it is the perfect time to start thinking about the 2017-18 academic year. Admissions season is just gearing up, so make sure to make note of open houses and admissions schedules.  

All of the schools on this list provide a thoughtful educational experience for the youngest of learners, and are sure to set the stage for a lifelong love of learning. Most of these programs run for the academic year, from the hours of 9-3. Many provide enriching before and after school programs for parents who need to extend the school day. 

Queens may be “the new Brooklyn,” but New York City’s largest borough is not newly discovered. Queens consistently ranks near the top of the list of the most diverse counties in the United States, and is a mecca of international cuisine. In the autumn, as in most seasons, there’s no shortage of interesting and unique things to do in Queens.

The borough is blessed with the space to host cool spots like the Queens Botanical Garden where you'll find a pumpkin patch and harvest fest this fall, fun children's theater like Squirrel Stole My Underpants, and global destinations like NYSCI, which will host one of our absolute favorite annual events in October, Maker Faire. The best part about the borough is that each neighborhood has its individual charm. For example, in Jackson Heights residents speak an estimated 167 languages, the most in the country. Sunnyside is the place to go for Irish dancing, and the Rockaways have gained a “cool factor” as surfers tote boards on the subway to get to the best waves in New York City.

So read on for our list of 25 fun fall activities to do with your kids and see what the buzz is about.

I'm so glad I finally made a trip to the Downtown Aquarium. I was hesitant at first, only because of my daughter's tenancy to go a little crazy when surrounded by souvenirs and snacks, but every time we would drive by the massive Ferris wheel near I-45 she would exclaim, "I go there!" After our first trip together I immediately regretted not coming sooner. From food to the numerous attractions, it was a hit. Read on for my tips and tricks for enjoying a morning or afternoon at Houston's Downtown Aquarium.

You can also save with the top attractions in Houston with Go City - Houston card. By purchasing this ticket, you receive admission to several Houston attractions at half the regular price: Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo or the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and the Kemah Boardwalk or the Children’s Museum Houston.

You might be questioning taking your little one to story time in a mansion filled with fine home furnishings and breakable European objets d'art. Trust me when I say to leave the doubts behind as you and the kids embark on a cultural journey through the Rienzi, which is an extension of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. The exhibit is housed in a 1950s mansion and features 17th- and 19th-century art, antiques, and decor.