Top 10 Musts For Fall 2014

The dawn of the fall season means a whole new host of things to do, places to go, and experiences to enjoy…here are a few on our must-list this year!

Plus, click HERE for our guide to local leaf-peeping options and click HERE for our top apple- and pumpkin-picking spots!

1) What says back to school like composition books? Pick up a composition book tote bag from the Strand to carry your books and papers around in. Roomy enough for folders, some books, and the necessities, this is a great back-to-school buy. You can even write your name on the front of it! $14.99, in store and at strandbooks.com

2) Autumn and pumpkin go hand in hand, and One Girl Cookies bakery, with locations in Cobble Hill and Dumbo, has just the thing to satisfy your cravings. Pumpkin whoopie pies filled with cream cheese, pumpkin cupcakes, ginger oatmeal cookies, and more. onegirlcookies.com

3) Fall means cooler weather, which makes for a great time at the park. Washington Square Park’s renovations are complete, and the park boasts a new playground, a cable play structure for kids, a new chess plaza, restored fountain, and an enhanced dog run. historicrichmondtown.org

4) What could be better than a free, 3-day event full of art exhibitions, dancers, poets, performers, and visiting artists? The Dumbo Arts Festival kicks off on September 26 from 6pm – 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday, the 27th and 28th starting at noon. dumboartsfestival.com

5) What better way for your kids to show off their favorite books than wearing them? Out of Print Clothing has a host of tees for kids (and adults!) with books like “In the Night Kitchen,” “Babar Comes to America,” and for the more literary, “Moby Dick” and “Pride and Prejudice.” Babies can also join in the fun with “The Hungry Caterpillar” and “Goodnight Moon” onesies. They’ll be the best dressed kids in the classroom. $16-22, outofprintclothing.com

6) Come to the 92Y’s Annual Street Festival on October 14, from 12 -5. Starting at Lexington Ave and 92nd St, enjoy an entire city block full of wellness events, kid-approved activities, live performances, international foods, sports, raffles, and more! 92y.org

7) How does a day of pumpkin picking on 10 acres of land sound? On October 19, Decker Farm on Staten Island will be hosting a day of hayrides, farm animals, face painting, family activities, and of course, pumpkin picking, for just $5 per person. 11am-4pm. historicrichmondtown.org

8) Celebrate Rosh Hashanah. This Jewish holiday falls between September 24-26…and comes with the tradition of apple and honey treats. Many local retailers (like Treat House on the UWS) are offering up super-yummy treats just for the occasion. Shop HERE!

9) Pick you own! The harvest season means that apples and pumpkins are in abundance! Check out our definitive list of great spots to pick your own bounty in and around NYC. Click Here!

10) The leaves they are a’changin’! Take in the splendor of New York state in fall with any number of fall foliage viewing options. Our round up of leaf-peeping musts includes tours by land and by water! Click HERE!

Brooklyn Robot Foundry - Virtual Classes

Brooklyn Robot Foundry offers super fun online robot-building classes for children 2-13 years old!&nbsp;&nbsp;Each week, students are introduced to new engineering concepts and components while building that day&rsquo;s robot in their own &ldquo;workshop&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;All classes maintain a very low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for plenty of individualized instruction and socializing. The supplies are shipped in advance and classes are led by amazing instructors, taking all the pressure off parents.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Foundry&rsquo;s main focus however, is that kids have fun, get creative, and enjoy being part of this STEAM-loving community!&nbsp;

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

Joe's Music & Dance Academy

Private and group music lessons &amp; dance classes for Guitar, Bass, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Drums, Piano, all woodwind &amp; brass instruments, Choir, Preschool Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Step, African and Modern Dance and more. Helping thousands of students begin and continue on their musical journey since 1998!