Things to Do with Kids

Find calm in the middle of the fun at the New York Hall of Science! On select Fridays through September and October, they will be offering a Quiet Sensory Room.

This sensory-friendly room offers a quiet, soothing space for children who need a break from bright lights and loud sounds. Families are welcome to relax together in a cozy environment with soft lighting, gentle activities, and calming materials.

This space is designed to meet the needs of children with sensory sensitivities, but all children and families are welcome.

Remaining dates for 2025 include:

• September 26th
• October 3rd
• October 10th

Photo credit: nysci.org

NYSCI

47-01 111th St

Queens, NY 11368

Inspired by spooky New England history, join Wachusett Mountain to celebrate the first weekend of October at BooFest!

Wachusett Mountain Ski Area

499 Mountain Rd

Princeton MA 01541

Join the Exploratorium for Storytime Science and enjoy an engaging storybook read-aloud followed by a related activity geared toward young children (and their grown-ups). Come hear a story, get hands-on, and learn something new!

Recommended for ages 4-8. Free with museum admission.

Every Saturday (twice daily) through the month of October, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Get tickets here!

Exploratorium

Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street)

San Francisco, CA 94111

Bechtel Gallery 3, Classroom 1606

Join Good Pickin' Farm for their Oktoberfest celebration!

Events include:

• Hayrides, pony rides, and a petting zoo
• Pick your own pumpkins
• Evening bonfire
• Food and brewery vendors

Buy tickets here! (starting around $14)

Good Pickin' Farm

5 Gould Rd

Westford MA 01886

Join the Village for Homeschool Day on Friday, October 10. During this time, they will be exploring the fall harvest and preparations for one of the most important holidays in 1830s Massachusetts - Thanksgiving.

Sign up for a workshop or explore the Village on your own using one of their many self-guides and scavenger hunts, available at both Museum Education and the Visitor Center.  

Homeschoolers (ages 4-17) get in at the discounted rate $12 and one adult is admitted per homeschool youth at the discounted rate of $17. Additional adults above the 1-to-1-ratio are admitted at the full rate of $30. As always, members get into the Village for free. Get tickets here!

*Workshops are an additional fee.

Things to know:

• Unless otherwise noted, workshops will take place inside or outside the Museum Education building. You may park at Museum Education during the day; click here for directions.
• The Museum Education building closes to the public following workshops due to their after-school program.
• Homeschool Days are rain-or-shine programs.
• Pre-registration is required for all activities listed here, unless otherwise noted.
• All events are limited to 10 students, unless otherwise noted.
• Please respect the age requirements for the workshops.
• Students’ guardians must stay in close proximity of the program location for the entire duration of the activity for safety reasons.
• Workshop times are approximate. Please stay close by during your child’s workshop.
• Meeting locations for these workshops may change. Stay tuned to your email or signage at the Visitor Center on the day of the program for any potential location changes.
• Guests are welcome to eat at picnic tables around the campus but due to limited space, guests are not permitted to dine in the Bullard Café unless purchasing food.

Old Sturbridge Village

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Get ready for a magical time as the blockbuster Broadway musical Wicked lands at New York botanic Gardens this fall! Join them for a special WICKED celebration, featuring live performances by members of the Broadway cast, face painting, hands-on games, Wicked trivia, giveaways, and more.

From October 11 - November 2, also explore the Wicked inspired garden exhibit, featuring pinks, greens, and more!

Get tickets here!

NYBG

2900 Southern Blvd

Bronx, NY 10458-5126

‍How To Get There

No school on Monday, October 13? Sign up for a day camp at the Bay Area Discovery Museum!

Kids, get ready to lace up your explorer boots! Campers become naturalists as they investigate local ecosystems, learning how everything from tiny insects to towering trees shape our world.  

Perfect for the kid who loves digging, exploring and the outdoors, ages 5-7.

Enroll your camper here! (starting at $135, after care available)

Bay Area Discovery Museum

557 McReynolds Rd

Sausalito, CA 94965