Yes, Christmas Shopping Has Begun. Here are My 8 Best Tips.

Something wild happened over the weekend. Everything magically switched from orange and black to red and green at midnight on November 1st. Not only did the colors change, but the retail stores also started promoting Christmas sales and online stores dropping prices with Black Friday Early Deal Drops. And, people responded! The stores were packed this weekend – and it was only the first weekend of November. So, I am sharing my best Christmas shopping tips for those of you already getting busy tackling the list.

Get Your Kid’s Wish Lists Now.

If you haven’t realized it yet, the major retailers have already released their Christmas toys and sent out their Christmas wish books to households across America. In our home, we have already received a wish book from Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Go ahead and start talking to your kids about what they want for Christmas, so you aren’t running around at the last minute trying to find that sold-out toy.

Create a Budget.

Before you do any shopping, create a budget. I’m not telling you how much to spend – that is up to you! What I am telling you is that if you aren’t careful, you may wind up spending way too much on someone who won’t appreciate it or not having enough left over for that family member you forgot. It is just a good way to keep yourself in check.

Download Christmas List App.

Speaking of wish lists and budgets, download the free Christmas List app, and it will help you take care of both! It even allows you to keep track of which gifts need to be purchased, shipped, and wrapped. Plus, you can share your wish lists with family and friends who ask. It’s a huge Christmas-lifesaver!

Download Apps to Your Favorite Stores.

With mobile phones, you should never hit the checkout line before checking a store’s app for discounts and coupons. Stores like Target and Walmart have apps that offer special app-only discounts. And, apps like Amazon make it easy to do a little research in-store before you purchase (such as reading reviews and comparing prices).

Use ShopSavvy When You Shop.

Speaking of apps while shopping, you absolutely must take advantage of ShopSavvy if you aren’t already. There is no reason to spend more money on something than you have to in today’s competitive retail market. ShopSavvy is a price comparison app that allows you to scan a barcode and compare prices online and locally.

Watch for Price Drops with CamelCamelCamel.

Let’s say one of your kids has something on her wish list that is just a little over your budget. Sign up for camelcamelcamel to receive price drop notifications when that particular item drops to your requested price (or lower) on Amazon.

Avoid Shipping Costs.

Do your very best to avoid shipping. Many stores offer free shipping once you hit a certain amount, but you can also always get free shipping if you sign up to be an Amazon Prime Member (or just sign up for the trial when you are doing your Christmas shopping). Or, take advantage of Free Shipping Day on December 15, 2019, which is when thousands of online retailers offer free shipping just in time for Christmas.

Think Outside the (Present) Box.

Finally, don’t assume you have to give everyone a physical gift. I’ve found that gifts of experience are just as good – and often are better – than toys or gadgets. Order a magazine subscription for a loved one or get season passes to the aquarium for the whole family.

My Totally Attainable November Goals

And just like that, we are in November. The temperatures have dropped, and the leaves are gorgeous. School is in full swing. But it can be easy in this month in-between Halloween and Christmas to get too busy and feel overwhelmed. If your Novembers are anything like mine, they just fly by! That’s why I am trying to be more intentional about setting goals for myself in November. These are goals to keep my heart, mind, and body on track before the crazy holiday season begins. I hope you’ll join me!

Enjoy Some Quality Time with My Family.

We all know Christmas is going to be a giant whirlwind of activities that pull us in every direction. That’s why I love fall break. (If you don’t have an official fall break, I suggest you make one yourself.) In November, my little family is going on our first-ever Disney Cruise, and we could not be more excited! It’s an escape from the cold and work and school on an incredible ship where we are guaranteed to have a blast together.

Start Eating Healthy Now to Prepare for the Holiday Season.

I don’t want to miss out on a delicious Thanksgiving feast. And I certainly don’t want to miss out on all the holiday goodies that start to appear the day after Thanksgiving. That’s why I am going to do my best to eat healthy and drink tons of water in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. I need to have room to grow – ha!

Express My Thankfulness.

With Thanksgiving, November always calls for us to be thankful. I try to do this every year, but this year I want to express it clearly. For example, I want to write notes with the reasons why I am thankful for my daughters and put them in their lunchboxes each day. I want to write thank you notes to my husband on post-its and put them on our bathroom mirror.

Make Something Beautiful.

Something about the fall makes women everywhere feel the urge to craft and create. I’ve learned that this looks different for everyone. Some women love to craft their own wreaths; others like to knit. My creativity is more in line with digital media and photography. And fall calls to my camera!

Leave Work on Time.

With the time change, it gets dark so early. If I want to see my family while there is any remaining daylight, I have to leave work on time (and even then, that is often not soon enough!). It’s not just for that reason. I also think it is important to set clear work and home boundaries, and one way I believe I can do so is to have a clear time when I clock out of work.

Start Christmas Shopping.

As if I need an excuse to shop, right? But, seriously, I do want to be intentional with my shopping. With Black Friday occurring only two days before December (yikes!), I want to have most of my Christmas shopping done by the end of the month.

What do you think of my November goals? Do you have any of your own? Share them with me!

Are You Getting Enough Protein? Here’s Why It Matters (+ A Giveaway!)

As a busy working mom, I am not ashamed to admit I need all the extra help I can get. Fortunately, I have discovered that I can get a huge amount of help from boosting the amount of protein I get each day. If you need more proof, read on!

How Much Protein You Need Each Day?

According to Healthline, “The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. This amounts to:

• 56 grams per day for the average sedentary man.

• 46 grams per day for the average sedentary woman.

Though this meager amount may be enough to prevent downright deficiency, studies show that it’s far from sufficient to ensure optimal health and body composition.”

This is just one of the reasons I love Premier Protein! Just one 11.5 oz bottle packs 30 grams of protein, meaning I almost reach the required minimum with just one drink!

Protein Reduces Hunger Cravings

You can hear you need protein all day long, but if you don’t know why you won’t feel the need to add more protein to your diet. But DIET is the keyword here. Did you know by increasing your protein intake you decrease your hunger cravings? Protein is filling; therefore, it reduces your appetite. Healthline reports, “In one study, increasing protein intake from 15% to 30% of calories made overweight women eat 441 fewer calories each day without intentionally restricting anything.”

Protein is the Muscle’s Building Blocks

Plus, protein is excellent for post-workout recovery. In the same report, Healthline explains, “eating adequate amounts of protein helps you maintain your muscle mass and promotes muscle growth when you do strength training.” This is why I also have Premier Protein with me when I go for a hike or to the gym.

Protein Gives You Longer-Lasting Energy

But, as a busy working mom, what I really need is energy – another thing you can get from increasing your protein intake. CNN explains, “Not consuming enough protein during the day can be a primary reason for fatigue. Protein-based foods provide the body with fuel to repair and build tissues. Protein takes longer than carbohydrates to break down in the body, providing a longer-lasting energy source.”

Premier Protein Makes It Super Easy to Get What You Need

This is why I have come to rely on Premier Protein shakes and bars. Premier Protein makes it super easy and convenient to get enough protein in my diet. Their protein shakes come in 11.5 oz bottles with closed lids so you can toss them in your bag and take them with you anywhere you go. This makes it much easier than mixing your own protein shake at home and transporting it - and no cleaning! Plus, they offer delicious flavors like Pumpkin Spice and Cookies and Cream, so I enjoy drinking them.

GIVEAWAY – Win a 4-Pack of Café Latte

Mixing a Protein Shake with added caffeine is a wonderful idea, like a delicious coffee with protein, to get my day going! Premier Protein just released their new product with added caffeine (equivalent to 1 cup of coffee) with the same 30g protein, 160 calories, 1g sugar, and 24 Vitamins and Minerals that gives my daily routine that extra spark. We're also giving away one 4-pack of Café Latte for you to enjoy too!

Hop over to my Instagram to get all the giveaway details! Hurry – it ends October 31st.

10 Pro Mom Tips for Halloween (to make your evening more enjoyable)

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, but I know many moms find it stressful. That’s why I am taking time today to share my tips for making Halloween enjoyable for everyone. That means you too, Mom! If done the right way, you will have just as much fun as your kids – and maybe even more fun!

Expect Your Kids to Be Hyper

If your kids are anything like mine, they are already super excited for Halloween and counting done the days until they get to trick or treat. So, when October 31st arrives, expect your kids to be out of control. If you expect them to be wild, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised when they aren’t.

Decide Who Stays Home and Who Goes with the Kids

If you want to get treats, it’s a good idea to give out treats. But, how do you do that when you are expected to take your kids trick or treating? Decide ahead of time who is going with the kids and who is staying home or ask your neighbor to hand out your treats.

Buy Candy You Like

It’s wise to buy candy you like just in case there is any leftover. You’ll find ways to reward yourself and your kids with it in the days after. Or you can use the leftover candy for Halloween Candy Cookie Bars.

Dress Up

Dressing up is fun, but as adults, we can’t get away with it very often. Except on Halloween. So have fun with it and show your kids your playful side.

Keep Dinner Simple

Whatever you do, do not plan a fancy dinner before trick or treating. Keep it simple. Make sandwiches, soup in a crockpot, or order pizza.

Stock Up on Glow Sticks

Make sure your trick or treaters can be easily seen by stocking up on glowsticks. Glowsticks won’t take away from their costumes, and kids love them.

Charge Your Phone

You're going to want your phone to be fully charged before you head out for many reasons. It acts as a flashlight. It acts as a map. It acts as a phone. And, it acts as a camera.

Take Hand Sanitizer with You

It’s a shame that Halloween falls during flu season. But, since you know it does, go ahead and carry hand sanitizer with you and use it liberally.

Do a Wine and Candy Pairing

After you get back home and put your little monsters to bed, it’s time to have some grown-up fun. Use The Ultimate Guide To Pairing Halloween Candy With Wine and enjoy!

My #1 Tip – Save Some of the Candy for Christmas

I saved the best tip for last. Your kids are going to come home with way more candy than they should eat. So as soon as they go to bed, sneak out a handful (or two) of non-Halloween themed candy and put it away for their Christmas stockings.

What tips do you have to make Halloween fun for moms?

How to Teach Your Kids About Money

No parent wants to raise a child who grows up to be an entitled brat who thinks everything will just be handed to them. Likewise, no parent wants their child to grow up without having a clue how to manage money and winds up being broke or in massive debt.

It is hard to teach kids about money. Why? Well, first, it’s because kids typically don’t have any. We have the money. Next, it is hard for kids to grasp – especially since parents these days mostly use credit cards and pay bills online. Finally, it is uncomfortable to talk about money with kids.

However, just because it is hard to teach kids about money doesn’t mean we should avoid doing it. Instead, we should make efforts to teach our kids about money to prevent them from making serious money mistakes as college students and young adults.

Show Them the Value of a Dollar

One of the most difficult things to teach kids about money is the value of a dollar. This is because we generally don’t include kids in purchasing discussions. Instead, when it is age-appropriate (such as when they start learning about money in school), begin pointing out the costs of various items and comparing them to others. Explain that the big toy they want for Christmas costs much more than the winter jacket you are purchasing.

Make It Visual

Piggy banks are great for kids, but if you just leave the money in there without ever looking at it, kids will forget its worth. Instead, count the money inside the piggy bank every so often. Or, invest in a clear piggy bank or a bank that counts as money is inserted. Kids need to “see” money add up.

Give Them Opportunities to Earn Money

We are the ones who pay the bills and buy clothes and put food on the table. But, if we want our kids to have a good understanding of money, then we need to give them opportunities to earn money. For example, my girls ran a lemonade stand on a hot summer day.

Explain Why You Give

A key lesson involving money is teaching kids not to be greedy. A great way to help kids avoid being stingy is to start them giving to others when they are young. Make this a regular thing for them to do. For example, every time they get money on their birthday, teach them to give a portion of it to a charity they care about.

Teach Them to Save

Many adults do not have a savings account, which is pretty dangerous. Help your kids make wise decisions with their money by teaching them to save a bit early on. Like the giving section, make it common practice to take some of the money they’ve earned or received and put it straight into their piggy bank.

Check Out This Promotion!

Plus, be sure to check out my Instagram post to learn about Green Dot Bank’s “Calm Before the Storm” contest! They are giving away (4) $500 prizes to help with the frenzy of holiday expenses!

Embrace Your Strengths and Encourage Other Women to Do the Same

I am in the middle of my daughter’s elementary years, so I am seeing a whole new side of the mommy wars than I did when they were little tots. Yes, the mom comparisons start early – even when babies are in the womb! But I’ve found they ramp up in the elementary years.

Where you once worried about your choices about working or breastfeeding, now you deal with comparison syndrome. As your kids get older, they become more aware of how other families are different from yours. They see and hear about how different moms celebrate the holidays and birthdays.

And, if you aren’t careful, you can get caught up in the comparison game and become competitive, falling into the trap of believing your kid needs “just as much” or “more than” little Jenny.

But something wonderful also happens during the elementary years. Your kids are older, so you have more years of being a mom under your belt. You are not flailing quite as much. And, as the kids get older, so do you. You know yourself better, which means you have all you need to nip the comparisons in the bud.

Stop Comparing and Start Embracing

First things first, you need to stop comparing yourself to the other moms and start embracing your own strengths. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” If you get caught in the comparison trap, you will be miserable. Why? Well, there will always be someone who can do something a little bit better, has a little more money, looks a little younger, etc.

Every Mom is Good at Something

Instead, recognize your own strengths. Every mom is good at something. You may struggle with packing elaborate bento boxes, but you may tell amazing bedtime stories. Rather than waste time comparing yourself against another mom’s strengths, find what you do well, and embrace it. This will look different for every mom!

Her Thing May Not Be Your Thing

Now, you can recognize every mom has her own strength, but you can still struggle and feel like you need to do what she does, or you may think she is silly for being “extra.” Stop. Don’t begrudge her gifts, and don’t try to make her thing your thing. For example, some moms are birthday party moms. They love planning their kids' extravagant parties. You hate it. Don’t begrudge them for doing what they love (and doing it well), and don’t force yourself to do it. Instead, remember these words by Amy Poehler: “Good for her. Not for me.”

You Do You

Instead, you do you. Find what you do well as a mom and go all in. For instance, you may not be the mom who is the fashionista with kids always decked out in the latest and cutest styles, but you may be an excellent gift giver and know how to find the perfect gift for your child. The point is to recognize your strengths and go all in.

No One Mothers Like You

Lastly, remember that no two mothers parent the same way. We are all unique moms with different gifts. Only you know what works best for you and your kids. Your home functions according to your own rhythms, so don’t try to dance to someone else’s beats.

15 Fall Date Ideas That’ll Make You Feel Young Again

As a married working mom, I know how difficult it is to find time to go on a date with your spouse. But it is incredibly important. According to Dr. Dianne Grande, “[Date night] is not really a luxury after all. Consider it a necessity for a happy and life-affirming relationship.” It. Is. A. Necessity!

But, again, I know how hard it can be. That’s why I have come up with 15 different types of dates for NYC couples this fall. They cover a variety of budgets (which is important if you need to pay a babysitter) and lengths of time. Some couples will have to squeeze in time while others may be able to pull off a whole weekend away. The point isn’t to compare. It is to find time to do something fun with someone you love – no matter how much money or how much time you have.

Plus, these dates will remind you of what it is like to be young. And who doesn’t want to feel young and newly in love again? Fall is the ideal time for dates that take you back to your youth. Take a look.

1. Go Apple Picking.

Head to an apple orchard and pick some apples together. You’ll enjoy just being in each other’s presence, and you’ll leave with a bushel of apples.

2. Spend Time at a Tailgate.

If your youth involved tailgating, make plans to tailgate with your spouse. If you can’t tailgate at your school or for your favorite team, then choose the next best thing and cheer on the home team.

3. Carve a Pumpkin.

Be a little creative and carve a pumpkin. This date night works even if you can’t find a babysitter. Wait until the kids are in bed, turn on some music, pour your favorite drink, and get busy – carving a pumpkin, that is.

4. Visit a Brewery or Winery.

To me, fall screams beer and cider. Head to a local brewery and get a flight. If beer isn’t your thing, then head to a nearby winery and do a tasting.

5. Start Christmas Shopping.

If you have kids, then you know how chaotic the holiday season is. Beat the rush by going to the toy store now and get a jump start on your Christmas shopping.

6. Volunteer Together.

If you want to give back, find a local organization that you’d like to support and volunteer on the weekend. This is a great way to bond with your spouse.

7. Make S’mores by a Bonfire.

Enjoy a backyard fire pit or bonfire. Buy special goodies to make creative s’mores to enjoy together.

8. Put on a Brave Face in a Haunted House.

Before October ends, head to a haunted house together. You will find yourself clinging to your man like you use to.

9. Pack a Picnic for the Park.

A lowkey picnic is a perfect fit for the couple that is always busy. It is a great way to slow down, but it is easy to plan.

10. Go Camping (or Rent a Cabin).

For those lucky parents who have grandparents willing to babysit overnight, go camping. If camping isn’t for you, then rent a cabin. Fall is the best time of year to be outdoors with the one you love.

11. Cuddle and Watch a Scary Movie.

Take advantage of all the free horror movie marathons happening around Halloween and watch one late at night with your spouse. It is the perfect excuse to cuddle up close on the couch after the kids go to bed.

12. Hike Together.

For active couples, the cooler weather makes it a wonderful time to go hiking together. You will both work to overcome challenges and grow closer in the process.

13. Spend Some Time in the Kitchen.

Take all the apples you got when you went apple picking and make candy apples together. Or, bake an apple pie. Or make apple crisp. Here’s a list of 65+ easy apple recipes.

14. Take an Autumn Road Trip in New York.

Book a babysitter for the day and take a road trip through New York to look at the beautiful changing leaves. Remember, it’s about the journey, not the destination.

15. Try Not to Freak Out on a Ghost Tour.

NYC couples have their pick of spooky ghost tours. To find the one that sounds best for you and your husband, check out Time Out’s The Best Ghost Tours NYC has to offer.

What is your favorite fall date? Tell me in the comments!

How to Take Perfect Fall Photos for Your Holiday Cards

It’s that time of year again – family photo season. Whether you love or hate getting your family’s photo taken, it has become a yearly tradition for many. Why? Because Autumn offers brilliant color palettes for photos. And also, because it is the right before you need to start addressing and sending all those photo Christmas cards.

At this point, fall family photography has become an art form. It can be overwhelming and stressful – especially for moms who tend to do all the planning when it comes to family photos. To make your lives easier, I am highlighting some of my favorite fall photo session tips for families.

Start with the location.

Before you do anything else – I mean anything – pick your location. Everything else for your photo session depends on where your picture will be taken. It will determine the type of photographer to hire, what to wear, etc. But don’t worry! The reason fall is so popular for family photos is that the season offers numerous optimal locations. For example:

• Pumpkin Patch – By far, one of the most popular options is to head to a pumpkin patch.

• Autumn Woods – If you are over the pumpkin patch, consider a wooded area where the autumn leaves are bursting with color.

• Orchards or Fields – Apple orchards and harvest fields also make great photo session locations.

Book a professional photographer.

Yes, I know you’ve gotten pretty good at taking pictures of your kids with your phone’s camera. But, if you want a photo that is going to appear on holiday cards and various walls in different homes, then you want to put the phone down and hire a professional. Plus, professional photographers know what they are doing when it comes to fall family photos! They know the best time of day to shoot and how to capture your kid’s personalities on camera.

Choose Mom’s outfit first.

In your family, who is typically the hardest to dress for a special occasion? I’m guessing it is you, Mom. Since you are the queen of the home and the one planning this whole thing, choose your outfit first. The more comfortable and beautiful you feel, the more relaxed you will be. And, once you have chosen your outfit, you can easily find outfits for everyone else.

Pick clothes for the rest of the family.

After Mom’s outfit has been selected, it is time to choose outfits for the whole family. You do want to coordinate, but there are some dos and don’ts.

• Avoid trendy pieces. I’m all about fashion trends, but I recognize that what looks great today might not look so stylish years down the road. Since family photos are meant to last, go with more timeless and classic looks.

• Do not go matchy-matchy. You want your family’s outfits to coordinate with one another – not to match. Matching colors and matching outfits are a thing of the past. Plus, it doesn’t look as good in photos as coordinated ensembles.

• Use subtle patterns only. You absolutely do not need to stick with just solids and avoid patterns. Embrace the patterns – just make sure they are subtle and not big or flashy.  

• Choose a color scheme. Decide on a color scheme before shopping. However, this does not mean you say everyone wears blue. Again, that is too matchy-matchy. Instead, select a palette of coordinating colors for different family members to wear.

Have picture ideas before the day of the shoot.

Finally, have ideas for some of the types of photos you’d like to take before the photoshoot. Spend time on Pinterest and send your photographer some examples of things you’d like to try at the shoot. Don’t try to remember the day of the shoot – trust me, you’ll forget.

Real Ways to Observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (also dubbed Pinktober). Breast Cancer Awareness Month is “an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.”

The older I get and the older my followers become, the more likely it is that we will know someone who will be affected by breast cancer. That’s why I feel it is important to talk about breast cancer. Some of you reading this may have had a friend or family member diagnosed with breast cancer, or you may have been yourself.

Understand the Risks

According to CNN, “The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 271,270 new cases of breast cancer in 2019, 99% of which will be diagnosed in women.” Outside of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. The CDC reports that “more than 40,000 women die from the disease.”

Additionally, “most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women. About 10% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age.”

While it is impossible to predict your risk by 100%, you may find it worthwhile to use a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool.

Know the Signs and Symptoms

It is also wise for women to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. According to CNN Health, “Many women are taught to look for new lumps or masses in their breast tissue but it's important to be aware of other abnormalities. Skin swelling or redness, change in breast shape, nipple discharge (other than breast milk), pain in or on the breast, and skin flaking or dimpling can be other possible warning signs of breast cancer.”

Donate Money

One of the best ways to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to donate to a reputable organization, such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc, where your donations go towards raising awareness of the disease and providing mammograms for women who can not afford them.

Wear a Pink Ribbon

Obviously, wearing a pink ribbon or a pink t-shirt will not cure the disease, but it will inspire hope for those battling the disease and their loved ones fighting alongside them.

Share Your Breast Cancer Story

If you or one of your loved ones has had breast cancer, tell your story on your social media outlets. Often, people fall into the trap of believing breast cancer will never happen to them because it hasn’t happened to anyone they know. By bringing awareness, you may inspire another woman to look for symptoms or schedule a mammogram.

Purchase Products That Give Back

Again, buying a pink breast cancer awareness product will not cure the disease, but many of the products being sold during October do give a significant portion of the sales directly to breast cancer organizations, which are providing funds for research. I love People’s Breast Cancer Awareness Products That Are Giving Back in a Major Way article.

Schedule a Mammogram

Last but certainly not least, if you are 40 or older, you need to schedule a mammogram. Here are the age recommendations from the American Cancer Society:

• Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.

• Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.

According to Susan G. Komen, “Mammography is the most effective breast cancer screening tool today for most women.”

Family-Friendly Things to Do in This Season of Spooky Fun

With October’s arrival, the spooky fun can begin! If your family loves Halloween, you will be happy to find there are tons of Halloween events that are not-too-scary for even the youngest kiddos happening all around New York City all month long. Today, I am highlighting the many different ways New York City families can celebrate Halloween during October.

Trick or Treat

The first (and most obvious) way NYC families can celebrate Halloween is to get dressed up in costumes and go trick or treating. If your neighborhood or apartment building isn’t Halloween-friendly, take your kids to a trick or treat event such as Trick or Treat at the Terminal at Grand Central Station.

Halloween Parties

Throughout the month of October, there are several Halloween parties for kids, including the Hip Hop Halloween Celebration (October 12th, Rockaway Queens) and the Halloween Boo Bash (October 31st, Randall’s Island).

Halloween Parades

New Yorkers love parades, so we take any excuse to throw one – including Halloween! There are numerous Halloween-themed parades beginning this weekend and continuing until October 31st. Families can enjoy the 34th Annual Bronx Halloween Parade or the Coney Island Children’s Halloween Parade.

Harvest Festivals

With the cooler temperatures, the autumnal colors, and the pumpkins, the month of October is the ideal time to celebrate fall. And what better way than a traditional fall festival? NYC families will have their pick of harvest festivals in their communities. Typically, these festivals include food, entertainment, and kid-friendly activities.

Pet-Friendly Halloween Events

If you have a dog, then you definitely should take advantage of the dog-friendly Halloween events happening around NYC, such as the Halloween Howl & Healthy Hound Fair and the 21st Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest. Even if you do not have a dog, these events are fun to attend because you get to see all these adorable dogs in costumes.

Events All About Pumpkins

If your favorite thing about Halloween is all the jack o’ lanterns, then take your kids to check out the intricately carved and decorated pumpkins at the Spooky Pumpkin Garden at the New York Botanic Gardens taking place all month long. PS. This is the perfect place for Insta-worthy pics! If you are a pumpkin carving pro, then consider entering your carved pumpkin in the 5th Annual Carved Pumpkin Contest in Tribeca.

Boo at the Zoo

An annual family favorite is Boo at the Zoo happening at Bronx Zoo weekends all month long through November 3rd. This fun event includes a little of everything – trick or treating, pumpkin carving, entertainment, storytime, and more.

Host Your Own Kid-Friendly Halloween Party

Last but not least, consider hosting your own kid-friendly Halloween party. I think these are one of the easiest parties to host because the kids are happy just to be dressed up in costumes, so you don’t have to do too much entertaining! Plus, the rules about healthy eating are forgotten for one night only.

For more specific NYC events for families, check out Mommy Poppins Halloween Event and Activities Guide.