Nola Family October 2026

October 2026

nola family OCTOBER 2026 Dyslexia- Friendly Homework Hacks Parent Fearlessly

Local Resources for Every Need

Your Family’s Guide to Fall Fun

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CONT ENT S October 2026

in each issue

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THE MAMA FILES

FROM THE BOOKSHELF

10 12 30 36 38

SPOTLIGHT

DAD ABOUT TOWN THINGS TO DO THINGS WE LOVE

SNAPSHOTS

features

THE SCIENCE OF COZY Why does fall make us want to curl up, slow down, and get cozy? Here’s the science behind our seasonal craving for comfort. 16 FAMILY FUN FALL-ABRATION Celebrate the season with festive fall activities, family-friendly fun, and plenty of ways to make the most of autumn together. 18 HOMEWORK HACKS FOR KIDS WITH DYSLEXIA: RESEARCHED-BASED TIPS Make homework a little easier with practical strategies and simple tips designed to help kids with dyslexia learn, focus, and feel confident. 24 EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS LISTING A helpful guide to local resources, services, programs, and support for children and families with exceptional needs. 22

Photos by magnific.com

what’s on the web

5 Non-Candy Treats Kids Actually Love Who says the best Halloween treats have to be edible?

Louisiana Authors Every Kid Should Read Celebrate National Book Month with stories written by native authors. Meet the Adoptable Pets Looking for Their Forever Families Find your next furry family member at one of these local shelters. 10 Spooky Science Experiments to Try at Home Get in the Halloween spirit with easy experiments that fizz, bubble, glow, and surprise.

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Mama THE FILES

nola family MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher

They Still Need Me... Right? T here is something about fall that makes me want to change things around the house. The pumpkins come out, the fall decorations make their annual appearance, and even the throw pillows get their seasonal wardrobe change. Over the weekend, my daughter walked into the house and immediately noticed I had changed the pillow covers for fall. Of all the things in the house, she noticed the pillows. Such a little thing, but I loved that she noticed. She is in her first semester of college, although technically it’s her second thanks to dual enrollment in high school. She still lives at home, but some days I feel like we just happen to share the same address. Between classes, sorority life, friends, and picking up as many work shifts as possible to support this new lifestyle she is thoroughly enjoying, she is busy. She comes through the door with a story, changes clothes, grabs something, and is usually back out again. I love watching her enjoy this stage of life, even if I occasionally feel like I need to make an appointment just to see her. The boys are 13 now, and school starting back means the morning shuffle is back too. I’ve started doing carpool again, so there went my extra sleep. Thankfully, the school start times changed this year and bought me a little more time in the mornings. At this point in motherhood, I’ll take every extra minute of sleep I can get. They’re almost taller than me, their voices are starting to change, and sometimes I look at them and think, when exactly did this happen? They can do so much for themselves now that I’m pretty sure they humor me occasionally just so I can still feel useful. Of course, all that independence disappears the second they need a ride, can’t find something sitting directly in front

EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor

AMANDA CIANI REBECCA FAST MADELINE PISTORIUS AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors KAILEY GREMILLION Editorial Assistant

ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN Production Manager

of them, or are hungry. Then Mom suddenly becomes very important again. At night, though, they’re still my boys. We have our shows we watch together, they still ask for back rubs, and every night I tuck them into bed. Yes, I still tuck in my almost- taller-than-me 13-year-old boys, and I have zero plans to stop until they make me. I know those bedtime routines won’t last forever, so for now, I’m soaking them up for as long as they’ll let me. Maybe that’s why the fall pillows stuck with me. Every year I pull out the same decorations, but the kids around them are a little different. The little girl who once needed me for everything is running between college classes, sorority events, work, and friends. The little boys aren’t so little anymore, even if they still want Mom to rub their backs before bed. And I’m somewhere in the middle, trying to figure out what being a Mom looks like at this stage. These days, my job seems to be a combination of chauffeur, listener, pantry stocker, back scratcher, and keeper of home. Honestly, I’m good with that. I’ll keep putting out the pumpkins, driving carpool, watching our shows, and tucking those growing boys into bed. And when my daughter flies through the front door on her way to the next thing but stops long enough to notice I changed the pillows, I’ll take that too. They may not need me the way they used to, and I’m learning to be okay with that. I just want them to always know I’m here when they do.

KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers MAIH MANUSO Content Multiplication Specialist TRINITY GRAYSON MERCEDES MITCHELL Client Success Representatives ADVERTISING/MARKETING CRYSTAL BARRETT KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN THOMAS DRYBURGH JENNIFER HOFFMANN

JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives SARAH MILLER Account Manager

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships

ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach

ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Finance ALEXIS ALEXANDER Associate Chief of Staff KELSEY TAYLOR Administrative Assistant

CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC CORPORATE OFFICE (225) 292-0032 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816

Amy L. Foreman Publisher

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Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues.

NOLA FAMILY MAGAZINE is published monthly by FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in FAMILY RESOURCE GROUP INC. (FRG) publications, including print and other digital formats. FRG does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. Some content in this magazine was created with assistance from AI tools and has been reviewed and edited by our human editorial team. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. NOLA FAMILY MAGAZINE Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.

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S ummer is over and fall is finally here, which means it’s time to take full advantage of these fleeting days of cooler weather. The New Orleans Public Library has tons of great ways to make the most of the season (especially Halloween,) including these festive fall reads:

from the bookshelf

CHILDREN As the leaves change colors and the air starts to crisp, the natural world begins to shift, and so do we. In Fall Day, All Day by Kari Percival, vibrant digital woodcut illustrations and lyrical text capture the magic of fall, encouraging children to appreciate nature, play, and the simple beauty of a fall day. Boooo Fantasma: A Spooky Bilingual Halloween Book by Ricardo Guerrero is a fantastic way to get excited for Halloween. Fall in love with a charming little fantasma (ghost) as he floats through a festive world filled with pumpkins, calaveras, and sweet surprises. Along the way, practice gratitude, share treats, and embrace both English and Spanish traditions. MIDDLE GRADE Tweens looking for a scare this Halloween are sure to love Beware the Jacks by Laura Lavoie. This chapter book follows 12-year-old Dahlia Reid as she prepares for her town’s Harvest Festival – the big, scary event held every

Autumn Equinox. When a new family arrives and grows a massive pumpkin patch, some people in town think it’s bad news, even saying the pumpkin farm is cursed. More frights are to be found in Terrifying True Tales: Haunting Histories, Creepy Cryptids, and Scary Stories from Around the World by Paige Towler. This bone-chilling, globe- trotting adventure is filled with gripping photography and mind-boggling facts that reveal the history and science behind the curiosities of our world. Finally, Halloween-loving kids should check out The Monster Manual: The Ultimate Guide to Werewolves, Goblins, and Other Wicked Creatures by Sarah Glenn Marsh & Justine Wollman. Collected by vanished monster-hunters and forbidden to be printed until now, this field guide contains the truth grown-ups won’t admit: monsters are real. TEENS For older fright-seeking fiends, They Call Her Regret by Channelle Desamours is a perfectly

spooky read, following horror-loving Simone as she prepares for her annual Halloween bash. Things take a dark turn when her best friend dies under questionable circumstances, ushering in a witch that offers her a deal: if Simone can figure out how to release Regret from the curse trapping her at the lake within 14 days, all of Simone’s regrets will be erased and Kira’s life will be restored. But, there’s always a catch... Your Boyfriend Needs an Exorcist by Justine Pucella Winans perfectly blends horror with comedy and just enough romance. Just because Schuyler is a bloodthirsty evil spirit doesn’t mean she can’t fall in love. She’s crushing hard on Wren Castillo, who lives in the house she haunts. When Schuyler accidentally possesses Wren’s awful boyfriend, she tries to play it cool. But, it turns out maintaining a possession is harder than she thought. Visit nolalibrary.org for more reading recommendations, along with seasonal crafts, spooky programs, and more.

Kacy Helwick is the youth collection development librarian for the New Orleans Public Library’s collections and acquisitions department. Marie Simoneaux is the media and communications coordinator for the New Orleans Public Library.

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spotlight

Y our tween might be asking for more independence, or maybe they’ve started taking interest in babysitting. But knowing when a child is truly ready can be difficult for parents to determine. Babysitting is more than snacks and cartoons. Junior League of New Orleans’ (JLNO) Safe Sitter program gives kids the real-world skills to safely care for themselves and others, from child care and emergency response to what to do when things don’t go according to plan. More Than Just Babysitting Safe Sitter has been around since 1980, with this year marking 46 years. JLNO offers the program locally, geared toward students in grades 6–8, generally ages 11–13. It’s a full day of learning, with classes kicking off in the morning and wrapping up in the late afternoon. Each session can welcome up to 32 students, with one trainer for every eight students. Rather than students simply sitting through a lecture, the training is hands-on. “They’re learning real-life situations and potentially things that they might face, and they’re being trained on how to deal with those situations and work through them in a really smart way,” explains Shelby Wynne, current president of the Junior League of New Orleans. From CPR to Communication Students learn how to prevent emergencies before they happen, practice CPR on a mannequin, learn what to do when a child is choking, and understand how and when it is appropriate to call 911. They also learn basic child care skills, like interacting with toddlers versus school- aged children, as well as communication skills. “One of the aspects of the program is role-playing,” explains Shelby. “Our certified trainers will teach our students how to accept a job opportunity or a babysitting opportunity…helping them understand those negotiation skills and what questions to ask.” JLNO’s Safe Sitter Program Has the Answer Is Your Kid Ready to Babysit? BY MADELINE PISTORIUS

“They’re just so proud that they’ve done this.

They have these new skill sets that they can demonstrate, not only for us but for their family. To see that arc throughout the day is really beautiful,” says Shelby.

By the end of the day, kids gain confidence from learning and practicing real skills, and they leave with a certificate of completion to show for it. Parents gain confidence knowing their child has received hands-on training and is better prepared to handle responsibility. “It really just allows their families, the families that their children have the opportunity to work with and babysit for, and the community as a whole to be safer,” says Shelby. The Lasting Impact This past league year, JLNO trained 190 students. Shelby explained that Safe Sitter Gold Status is awarded when an organization trains 126 students in a year, meaning JLNO exceeded that benchmark and hopes to train more than 200 students during the current league year. “It’s a full-circle moment,” explains Shelby. “It recognizes the hard work that the committees put in. It recognizes all the students and the kids that come through the class and that they took their time to learn and want to learn these skills.”

While Safe Sitter doesn’t necessarily declare that every 11-year-old is ready to stay home or babysit, it gives them an opportunity to build and demonstrate the skills that can help families make that decision. And for JLNO, the goal is to continue

making a positive impact on the community and helping

future generations. To learn more or register for an upcoming class, visit jlno.org.

Building Confidence for Kids and Parents Students might arrive sleepy, shy, or unsure—

especially if they don’t know anyone—but as the day goes on, Shelby sees those “aha” moments as they begin connecting the lessons to things their parents or grandparents might’ve already taught them.

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mom about town

MEET CATHERINE

KOPPEL BY MADELINE PISTORIUS

C atherine Koppel is a New Orleans mom whose life has taken her around the world. As a journalist, she reported from Moscow, Washington, D.C., New York, and beyond, covering everything from global politics to the World Cup and the Bolshoi Ballet. Today, she balances her work as vice president of Media & Strategy at TEG with her love of family, travel, culture, art, cuisine, and exploring the Gulf South. Here, Catherine shares a look at the people, places, and passions that make her life full and home in New Orleans special. YOU’VE HAD AN INCREDIBLE CAREER AROUND THE WORLD. WHAT EXPERIENCE HAS IMPACTED YOU THE MOST? CATHERINE: Living in Russia specifically was extremely exciting. When I was a correspondent there, it seemed like every single story in the entire world had to make its way through Russia. So if there was a story about the war in Syria, there were peace talks in Russia that I was covering. Or, if we were talking about major international conferences, they were happening in Russia. The Olympics and the World Cup was in Russia. Russia also has the most phenomenal ballet scene you can even imagine, so I loved covering that. There was almost no international story that Russia didn’t have an opinion on and that I wasn’t covering.

Husband: Scott Balling Child: Flora, 11 Occupation: Vice President of Media Strategy for the Arhardt Group Hobbies: Rowing for the Survivor Rowing Club New Orleans WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU DO IN YOUR APPROACH TO PARENTING? CATHERINE: We try to expose her to as much as possible. I introduce books that maybe aren’t age appropriate. We watch plenty of shows, movies, or plays that might be a little bit too mature, but I just want her to be exposed to things so she has the ability to ask me about it and I can put it in the correct context for her. That’s kind of what my parents did for me, because it could turn into a conversation that they put [the subject] in context for me. I read Catcher in the Rye when I was in fifth grade, and I was able to contextualize that this is a more adult situation. So, nothing was forbidden fruit. But the process is that I can talk a little bit about it now and if she has any questions, I can answer.

daughter is doing. She’s also been traveling since she was a little teeny tiny baby, and she’s a fantastic traveler. International travel, learning about different cultures, and being interested in things outside of the United States as well as things inside of the United States is important to pass on. WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR DAUGHTER TAKES AWAY FROM WATCHING YOU BUILD YOUR CAREER? CATHERINE: Particularly, seeing women work. She loves coming to the office with me; I think she thinks it’s really exciting. She’s interested in what I do now and what I did as a journalist. I think that it’s important for kids to see what their parents do and to understand a little bit about the work world. I don’t expect that she’ll want to do the exact same thing as me, but I’m glad that she’s not completely offended by the idea of coming to the office with me. She loves the people that I work with and she sees the camaraderie and the hard work that they do. She reads the news and understands when we have clients who are having great successes and it’s being reported on—she gets that we had something to do with that. HOW DO YOU SHARE YOUR PASSIONS WITH YOUR DAUGHTER? CATHERINE: We recently went to the World Cup, and while that could have been completely boring to her, we wanted her to have that experience so maybe later on in life she’ll think that was something fun—and I think she will. But she actually loves going to the opera. That’s one of our favorite things to do as a family. She loves ballet. We like to see films together. In a couple weeks from now, I am bringing her to hear a Holocaust survivor talk about her life. Really, I just want things to be on the table and for her to see everything—plays, operas, films, concerts. Soccer games, rugby matches, and lectures, too, because even if she might find them completely boring at the time, there might be some conversation that comes from it.

EARLIEST TRAVEL MEMORY WITH YOUR DAUGHTER?

CATHERINE: My husband really loves soccer, and when we lived in Russia, he became a true expert on Eastern European soccer. He discovered an Estonian Premier League team called FC Flora. So, when she was just a little baby, we reached out to them and we were like, “Hey, listen. We’re coming to Estonia and we have a daughter named Flora. We’d love to come and just see the pitch.” And so we went there, and they actually took pictures with us for their social media. It was like a really fun thing. That was our first international trip with her.

HAVE YOUR TRAVELS SHAPED YOU AS A MOM?

CATHERINE: I have three siblings, and my father took all of us on international trips when we were very young children— to places like Russia, India, England, and Denmark. He absolutely felt like we should understand how the world works and understand history, literature, where people are coming from, and what makes them tick. I’m a huge believer that Americans should travel abroad very often and I try to do it as often as I can myself. I think learning another language to some level of fluency gives you so much insight into the culture that you’re learning about. One thing I really love about New Orleans is that we have so many French immersion schools here—that’s what my

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE FAMILY TRADITION?

CATHERINE: My husband and I, and my mom, too, love to take day trips. We don’t overschedule, but we love to just explore, whether it’s driving down to the bayou, exploring the French Quarter for a couple

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of hours, going to Marigny, or checking out a new park. We also love Louisiana foods, specifically New Orleans dishes. WHAT IS IT ABOUT NEW ORLEANS THAT KEEPS YOU HERE, NOW? CATHERINE: So much of our culture in the United States comes from Louisiana and the Gulf South. You wouldn’t have the rest of the United States if you didn’t have Louisiana. Think about all of the famous musicians, cooks, artists, and just culture bearers in the United States—Louisiana punches farther above its weight. Even in thinkers and academics—so much of the best literature is centered around Louisiana. I’m from New Orleans, and my mother, all of my siblings, and my daughter’s cousins all live here. So it just made sense to move back here from New York City, which is where we lived at the time, during COVID-19. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO MOMS BALANCING CAREER AND FAMILY? CATHERINE: I think that moms who balance a career and a family are better at scheduling their time and prioritizing than they were maybe before they had a family. That’s certainly the case with myself, and it’s what I observe of the people I know who have kids. I also think it’s very important for women to actualize themselves professionally and to continue on with the interests they personally have outside of work. Their kids notice it, their nieces and nephews notice it, and their kids’ friends notice it. It’s an inspiration to children to see an adult who’s doing something that she really enjoys, that brings her satisfaction, and also is a way that she supports her family. For anyone who’s balancing kids and family, it’s just important that she keeps carrying on, because I do think it’s worth it. Working really hard and then having extracurriculars that are really important to me, I think my daughter sees that those are things that are important and it doesn’t take away from my parenting to have them. Quick Q’s Go-to way to unwind… Watching Law and Order reruns My favorite local tradition… Black eyed peas and cabbage on New Year’s Day My favorite book… The Great Gatsby My favorite travel destination… Budapest A surprising fact about me… I was an internationally-touring folk dancer as a teen Guilty pleasure snack… Albanese Gummy Bears One word to describe my famil y... Compact

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BY AMANDA CIANI The Science of Cozy

A season that bids adieu to long days of sweltering heat is a season worthy of adoration. With the temps dropping, and the fall fun popping, it is a unanimous decision: Autumn is amazing. So much more than just one of the four seasons, fall is an annual source of joy for many people, and for a multitude of reasons.

Yesteryear Nostalgia Sensory experiences and memories certainly go hand in hand. Little ones are in the thick of creating their lasting core memories with harvest time happenings, and many adults may find themselves relating through their “When I was your age…” tales. Because while many things in life have changed over the years, some of life’s simple joys have stayed the same, being passed down generation after generation with new little twists introduced here and there. Traditions of visiting pumpkin patches, baking fall treats, carving pumpkins on the porch, trick-or-treating with neighborhood friends, and more. Wu elaborates: “Rituals become vehicles for connecting the past and present: they allow parents to recreate beloved experiences, create new positive

a crooked-toothed Jack-o’-lantern, and, oh, the flavors! Those pervasive warm hints of cinnamon, the earthy flavors of pumpkin, and that first fragrant pot of gumbo. Yes, fall flavors are peak—they’re picked during harvest time, after all. And even merely imagining fall brings out all of the good feelings! Kathy Wu, PhD, Licensed Psychology, Author of The Self Regulation Handbook and Private Practice Owner of WuPsychology, notes that, “Most people ordering a pumpkin spice latte are, presumably, having a decent day, which sets the stage for lots of positive nostalgia points,” and it goes even deeper than that! She continues, “A pumpkin spice latte is like a shortcut to a feeling: a little sensory reminder that fall is here, and all the memories and rituals that come with it are here, too.”

Autumn’s Aura The warm, rich, golden glow of fall

encompasses all of the senses with the burning ferocity of a Louisiana sunset. Just saying the word “fall” brings up a mental vision board of all of the ways fall finds its way into our cores, taking root and leaving its mark on us. Close your eyes. Imagine leaves crunching underfoot, the smell of crisp apples, eek! the feel of stringy, gooey pumpkin guts while cleaning out and carving

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memories with their children, and establish traditions that may one day become nostalgic memories for future generations.” As adults repeat their treasured traditions with their own children, an emotional layer of the season is revealed. The wholesome, pure joy of multiple generations of kids enjoying childhood for the fun of it is something to be reveled in. New Season, Fresh Starts And kids deserve fun! Part of summer’s appeal is its go-with-the-flow fun. Yet, Karen Wu explains that humans also crave routine that fall provides, remarking: “During the fall we experience that first return of structure and predictability through schools starting, sports beginning, work schedules settling, holidays approaching, bedtimes and mealtimes becoming more consistent, and daily or weekly rituals returning.” Summer can bring fun-but-chaotic unpredictability, whereas fall provides relief by giving children a sense of what comes next. Wu continues by explaining that the predictability can “feel calming by nature and a welcomed relief from all the extra running around we tend to do during the longer and warmer days of summer.” Yes, there is more routine come fall, but there is definitely still room for lots of leisure, too. Kids can find comfort in the routine

of being students again, settling into their schedules like a nice warm bath. During fall, many children are able to see their friends with more consistency, now as their classmates or teammates. So where summer may be spontaneous, fall feels like getting the train back on the tracks, which for many, is desirable. A Season of Simplicity On nice weekends, when the weather is not too hot and not too cold, families flock to farms for fall fun. These just-right days off provide a mood boost as bountiful as a harvest itself! Sunshine on the face, getting your hands dirty to find the perfect pumpkin, bodies in motion. It’s simple, but it is also everything. And as it starts to get a little cooler, and the dark emerges earlier each evening, warmth and light become their own little treats. Inside, we have thick knit blankets, big mugs filled with hot cider, and maybe an ever-so-slightly spooky movie that results in the kids needing to cuddle close to their parents even though they claim they definitely aren’t scared! Inside itineraries include meaningful time together through game and movie nights, craft time, cooking, baking, storytimes, and overall, sweet little moments. “The fall represents a slowing down and a refocus on

the smaller joys that come from togetherness and connection,”Wu agrees.

The Clock is Ticking For big-time fall fans, the worst part of the season is that it has to end. Yet, the temporary-ness of autumn may also be a part of its allure. “The fleetingness is part of the appeal, making us ultimately more appreciative of what we get to experience each season, and making us look forward to repeating these experiences all over again in the future,” says Wu. On those final dog days of summer, crisp, cool nights are the subject of sincere yearning. During the fall season, most pumpkin patches are only open on weekends, making them feel like a scarcely available attraction! Then, ultimately, come mid-October, it doesn’t take much effort to find peppermint flavors and snowman decor. Because life is cyclical, and winter family fun is around the corner. Fall is temporary, fall is limited, and so, fall is to be savored. If you are one of the many people who love fall, you are in good company, because there certainly is plenty to love. And no matter what your reasons are for loving fall, we hope you have the loveliest fall ever in 2026. Happy fall memory-making, families!

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BY MADELINE PISTORIUS Bring on the pumpkins, hayrides, festivals, spooky fun, and everything in between! From thrilling daytime adventures to spirited nights out, find plenty of ways to celebrate the fall season together. Fall-Abration Family Fun

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch 1031 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans (504) 866-0123 standrewsnola.com

2055 2nd St., Slidell camelliacitymarket5@gmail.com facebook.com/ CamelliaCityMarket Covington Farmers Market 609 N. Columbia St., Covington (985) 966-1786 covingtonfarmersmarket.net Crescent City Farmers Market City Park: 33 Dreyfous Dr., New Orleans Mid-City: 500 N. Norman C. Francis Pkwy., New Orleans Uptown: 25 Walnut St., New Orleans (504) 861-4485 crescentcityfarmersmarket.org

(985) 277-5686 downtownhammondla.com/ farmers-market Harahan Farmers Market 10th St., Harahan (504) 300-1021 visitjeffersonparish.com/events/ harahan-farmers-market Lafreniere Park Farmers Arts Market 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie

Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Adventures

CM Farms 252 CM Farms Rd., Dry Creek

(337) 328-8916 cmfarmsllc.com

St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church 3412 Haring Rd., Metairie (504) 887-4801 staugustinesmet.com/ pumpkin-patch.html

Cajun Country Corn Maze 14162 Peairs Rd., Zachary (877) 843-9421 cajuncountrycorn.com Fall Garden Festival October 3 5 Victory Ave., New Orleans (504) 483-9402 neworleanscitypark.org First Presbyterian Church Pumpkin Patch 5401 S. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans (504) 866-7409 fpcno.org

(281) 236-0073 facebook.com

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch 3245 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey (504) 366-0123 stmarksharvey.com St. Paul’s Episcopal School Pumpkin Patch 6249 Canal Blvd., New Orleans (504) 488-1319 stpauls-lakeview.org Sugar Roots Farm Pumpkin Patch Festival 10701 Willow Dr., New Orleans (504) 239-8695 sugarrootsfarm.org

Mandeville Trailhead Market 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville (985) 624-3147 cityofmandeville.com/ experiencemandeville/page/ trailhead-market

French Market 700–1010 Decatur St., New Orleans (504) 636-6400 frenchmarket.org Gretna Farmers Market 739 Third St., Gretna (504) 363-1500 gretnala.com/visitors/ farmers-market

Fall Events & Festivals

Abita Fall Fest October 2 Abita Springs Trailhead, Abita Springs info@abitafallfest.com abitafallfest.com

Magnolia Wilds Pumpkin Patch 11342 LA-955, Ethel (225) 286-3003 magnoliawilds.com

18 OCTOBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch 11215 Lee’s Ln., Hammond (225) 567-3493 thfarms.com/pumpkin-patch

Boo at the Zoo October 16-18 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans (504) 861-2537

Farmers Markets

Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market 213 SW Railroad Ave., Hammond

Camellia City Farmers Market

Labyrinth Halloween Masquerade Ball October 23

New Orleans Zombie Run October 24 701 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans (504) 669-7655 neworleanszombierun.com Spirits of Louisiana October 29 100 North Blvd., Baton Rouge (225) 342-0500 louisianaoldstatecapitol.org

audubonnatureinstitute.org/boo

October 31 11129 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge (504) 467-1792 koa.com/campgrounds/ new-orleans/events Krewe of BOO! Parade October 24 Rolls from Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans (504) 233-2831 kreweofboo.com Livingston Parish Fair October 6-11 13325 Florida Blvd., Livingston livingstonparishfair.com Louisiana Renaissance Festival Weekends, from November 7-December 13 46468 River Rd., Hammond (985) 429-9992 renfest.net

Boo Carré Halloween Haunt October 24 1101 N. Peters St., New Orleans (504) 636-6400 frenchmarket.org Boo Fest October 31 Lakeview Hospital, Covington qbmd@yahoo.com accesslouisiana.org/boofest Brews and Boos October 23 Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, City Park (504) 482-4888 neworleanscitypark.org/event

Elms Mansion, New Orleans info@thequeenslabyrinth.com thequeenslabyrinth.com Trunk or Treat at Lafreniere Park October 17 Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie (504) 867-8400 visitjeffersonparish.com/events

Concerts, Plays, & Fall Entertainment

Witches’ Brunch October 23, 30, and 31 Muriel’s, 801 Chartres St., New Orleans (504) 568-1885 muriels.com/portfolio/ witches-brunch-2026

All Hallows Eve Spooktacular! With The Soul Rebels October 3 Tipitina’s, New Orleans (504) 895-8477 tipitinas.com

Cheramie Farms: Fun at the Farm October 17 14646 W. Main St., Cut Off (985) 696-0172

WYES Presents Morgus Madness October 16 WYES, New Orleans info@wyes.org wyes.org/events

Clue Live on Stage! October 24 240 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge (225) 389-3030 raisingcanesrivercenter.com Dine & Dance: The Haunted Canteen October 31 BB’s Stage Door Canteen, New Orleans (504) 528-1944 nationalww2museum.org/ events-programs/events/dine- dance-haunted-canteen Dracula October 29-31 Orpheum Theater, New Orleans (504) 826-0646 neworleansballettheatre.com Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular October 17 Roussel Hall, Loyola University

Olde Towne Pumpkin Festival October 3 First United Methodist

Fall Fest at Parc des Familles October 24 Parc des Familles, 6101 Leo Kerner, Marrero visitjeffersonparish.com/events

Haunted Houses & Halloween Frights

Church, Slidell (504) 638-1890 rainbowccc.org/ olde-towne-pumpkin-festival Olde Towne Slidell Zombie Crawl October 23 Olde Towne Slidell, Slidell

The 13th Gate September 25-November 7 832 St. Philip St., Baton Rouge

Full Moon Fete October 24 7500 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge (225) 272-9200 brec.org

(225) 389-1313 13thgate.com

Field of Screams Halloween Trail October 23 4001 De Porres Rd., Covington (985) 892-1873 covla.com Frightmare on Main Street Weekends in October 924 E. Main St., New Iberia (337) 967-2072 frightmareonmainstreet.com

OldeTowneZombie Crawl@gmail.com facebook.com

Greater Baton Rouge State Fair October 22-November 1 16072 Airline Hwy., Baton Rouge (225) 755-3247 gbrsf.com Ghosts in the Oaks October 15-18 Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, New Orleans (504) 482-4888 neworleanscitypark.org

Oktoberfest October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 1700 Moss St., New Orleans (504) 522-8014 deutscheshaus.org/oktoberfest

Rougarou Fest October 23-25 86 Valhi Blvd., Houma (985) 580-7289 rougaroufest.org

(504) 523-6530 lpomusic.com

Mortuary Haunted Mansion, The

NOLAFAMILY.COM | OCTOBER 2026 19 The Rocky Horror Show October 23-31 Rivertown Theaters, Kenner (504) 383-0123 rivertowntheaters.com/event/ the-rocky-horror-show The Rocky Horror Picture Show October 19 1419 Basin St., New Orleans (504) 525-1052 mahaliajacksontheater.com

September 19-November 13 4800 Canal St., New Orleans (504) 483-2350 themortuary.net New Orleans Nightmare September 19-November 1 319 Butterworth St., New Orleans help@neworleansnightmare.com neworleansnightmare.com

Haints, Haunts, and Halloween October 25 LSU Rural Life Museum, Baton Rouge

Monster Mash Presented by Metairie Bank Northshore October 17 Bogue Falaya Park, Covington (985) 898-4435 sthfoundation.org/ MonsterMash

(225) 765-2437 lsu.edu/rurallife

Halloween Potluck & Movies on the Lawn

The Queen’s

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4. Let your child make mistakes. Don’t do their homework for them. It is so hard to watch a child struggle, making it especially tempting to step in and “help”—aka do the work for them. While well-meaning, that’s actually one of the worst things you can do. “Parents who do the homework and the planning and the things the student should be doing are just keeping the frontal lobe small for the student,” Dr. Linzey explains. “Let your child fail. Mistakes are a huge part of success.”That’s not to say you can’t help them, though. “Parents can be a study buddy as long as they are asking the questions and letting the student write or talk through the answers,” Dr. Linzey adds.

Homework Hacks for Kids With Dyslexia: Researched - Based Tips BY JULIANNA STEEN

A 20-minute homework assignment doesn’t always take 20 minutes— especially for a child with a specific learning disability (SLD) like dyslexia. For many kids with dyslexia, the school day doesn’t really end when they come home. Reading, writing, and organizing assignments can turn homework into a second round of the hardest parts of their day. As a parent, you want to help—but knowing how to help isn’t always obvious. Why does homework take so long? How much should you step in? When does your child need a break? And do tools like audiobooks and text-to-speech actually help? We asked Dr. Caroline G. Richter, assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and director of STARS (Science of Child DevelopmenT And NeuRodiverSity), for 10 research-backed ways parents can make homework less stressful and more manageable for kids with dyslexia. 1. Don’t rush—make home a safe, low- stigma space where they can learn at their own pace. “Many students with dyslexia have slow visual processing speed, so their ability to take in visual information is limited,” states educational psychologist Dr. Tere Linzey. “It can feel like breathing through a straw all day: You can do it, but how exhausted would you be?” While there are some options out there, like brain training classes or Brain Cardz, that may help speed up their visual processing and attention, on a regular Tuesday night, you’re just going to have to practice patience. Reframe dyslexia and teach them to give grace to themselves for the different way their brain processes language. You may be surprised at just how important it is for home to be a safe place for your child to struggle, mess up, and try again. Dr. Richter explains, “[K]ids with specific learning disabilities (SLD) [like] dyslexia experience

chronic stigma and stereotype pressure at school (being labeled ‘lazy’ or ‘slow’), which raises stress and worsens anxiety and depression over time.” Don’t be afraid to ask your child how they feel and remind them their learning struggles do not define them. 2. Prioritize your child’s emotional and cognitive well-being over “perfect” homework. Don’t just focus on their academic performance—consider your child’s mental health as well. The study “Stress, resilience, and emotional well-being in children and adolescents with specific learning disabilities” by Brianna Stein, Fumiko Hoeft, and Caroline G. Richter highlights how your family can really foster your child’s level of resilience: “[E]motional and cognitive support provided in the home environment is particularly important for psychological resilience.” In essence, the more you speak life into your kid, the more they will believe it, fortifying their mental health. Don’t let them spiral down into a negative self-fulfilling prophecy: Help them build their self-esteem, self- concept, grit, and self-efficacy, all important factors found by the study!

5. Connect them with someone who understands. Another great option is considering

peer mentoring. “Our team’s 2026 study on the Superpower Mentors program found that caregivers reported significant improvements across anxiety, depression, self-esteem, executive function, and even sleep difficulties after kids with learning differences were paired with a young-adult mentor who shared the same learning difference,” Dr. Richter says. “At home, this could translate to connecting your child with an older sibling, cousin, or family friend who has navigated dyslexia successfully, someone who can model routines like breaking down assignments or organizing a homework schedule.” Sometimes, all it takes is talking to someone who has also navigated the same hurdles and overcome them to encourage your child to keep fighting!

6. Don’t take your stress out on your kid.

There are few things more frustrating than not being able to fix your child’s “problem,” especially when you’ve explained something 12 times already. (Why are 4th grade math problems so hard?!) It’s easy for that frustration to build and build until it reaches a tipping point. Whether it leaks out as anger or stress, your child can sense and be negatively affected by your emotions. “Findings from our review show that when mothers develop positive coping strategies and lower their own stress, their children with SLD show fewer internalizing and externalizing behavior problems,” Dr. Richter says. She recommends easing homework- time tension by using a calm tone, taking breaks, and practicing patience. 7. Take homework breaks. While it may feel like it’s more effective for your child to sit down and knock all of their homework out at once, that is not necessarily true. “Studies our team reviewed found that longer homework time is associated with more perceived stress, anxiety, and

3. Use technology to your advantage.

According to Dr. Linzey, audiobooks, text-to-speech, or speech-to-text are always appropriate when the student feels they are useful. It’s not “cheating”— it’s using the resources available to your child to help their brains process the information. Research has also shown that using artificial intelligence-assisted tools to support learning can prove beneficial to those with SLDs. Bonus: For younger children, Dr. Richter encourages parents to integrate fun into learning in unique ways, like playing board games, counting items at the grocery store, and pretending to budget.

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depressive symptoms in kids with dyslexia, while shorter homework sessions and regular breaks acted as protective factors,” Dr. Richter shares. “Chunking homework into shorter, timed segments with breaks can reduce this stress response.” 8. Don’t slack on sleep! Sleep is really important for everyone, but especially for brains working hard to process the day’s information. You wouldn’t expect a cookie baked for 50 percent of the recommended time to taste the same as one fully baked, so don’t expect your child’s brain to function at 100 percent when they’re not recharging it fully each night. “The mentoring study specifically found reductions in sleep difficulties among mentees, and separate research on stress physiology in SLD shows disrupted cortisol and melatonin patterns in these children, tying poor sleep to the broader stress response,” Dr. Richter reveals. She recommends working on homework before bedtime, giving kids’ brains time to relax and unwind. “A calm, consistent bedtime routine free of late-night homework pressure can support both sleep and next-day learning.” She also suggests creating scaffolding around homework time like checklists, visual schedules, and consistent routines so your child’s brain can know what to expect. Cheer on your child’s strengths! Take the wins where you can get them. Sometimes it may look like your child spelling a whole sentence correctly, or completing one problem without help. “One of the best ways to support your child is to focus on what they did right and encourage those behaviors,” says Dr. Richter. “For example, if your child gets three out of five questions right, the parent should focus on the correct questions and ask what they can do to get better next time.” Intentionally encourage your child on the hard days by pointing out what they are good at. Don’t dismiss their struggle with offhand comments like “It’ll get better” or “One day this will be easy.”“Framing schoolwork around what your child does well (creativity, verbal reasoning, problem-solving) while scaffolding the academic challenge can reduce the shame that often derails at-home learning,” Dr. Richter assures parents. Give yourself (and your child) grace. You’re not going to be perfect, and neither is your child. It’s okay! And while homework may not be a fun experience, you can both grow together.

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F or families with children who have exceptional needs, knowing where to turn for support can make all the difference. Our guide highlights local schools, services, programs, and organizations to help families find the support they need, all in one place. Take a look and find resources that can help your family thrive. Exceptional Needs Listing

ChatterNola (504) 354-8078, Metairie chatternola.com

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Center of New Orleans (504) 383-3815, New Orleans cbtnola.com Michael R. Boh Center for Child Development at Ochsner Health

ABA RESOURCES Arches ABA Therapy (504) 444-3647, Covington archesaba.com

Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST) Multiple locations autismtherapies.com/locations/new-orleans

Crescent Bloom Consulting info@crescentbloomconsulting.com, New Orleans crescentbloomconsulting.com Gulfsouth Autism Center Multiple locations gulfsouthautismcenter.com Pathway Therapeutic Partners (504) 289-0380, Kenner

Multiple locations ochsner.org/boh

Behavior Bee Autism Center

Rebecca Graham, Ph.D. (985) 778‑3654, Belle Chasse drrebeccagraham.wixsite.com/website Southern Psychological Specialists (504) 233‑9006, New Orleans southernpsy.com The Autism Center at Manning Family Children’s Hospital (504) 896-7272, New Orleans manningchildrens.org/services/behavioral- health/the-autism-center Tulane Doctors – Center for Autism & Related Disorders (TCARD) (504) 988-3533, New Orleans

24 OCTOBER 2026 | NOLAFAMILY.COM (504) 766-6553, New Orleans behaviorbeeautismcenter.com Brennan Behavior Group (504) 833-6730, Metairie brennanbehavior.com Butterfly Effects (888) 880-9270, Metairie butterflyeffects.com Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD) (504) 544-0740, Metairie centerforautism.com

Within Reach (504) 885-4327, Metairie withinreachnola.com DIAGNOSIS Autism Spectrum Disorders Interdisciplinary Diagnostic Clinic (504) 556-7500, New Orleans hdc.lsuhsc.edu/asd

Arc of Greater New Orleans (504) 837-5105, Metairie arcgno.org

Crane Rehab Center Pediatrics (504) 593-6900, Multiple locations cranerehabpediatrics.com

medicine.tulane.edu/tulane-doctors/tcard/ aba-therapy

EDUCATION & SCHOOLS Chartwell Center, The (504) 899-2478, New Orleans easterseals.com Guild at Raphael Village, The (504) 524-5955, New Orleans raphaelvillage.org/the-guild

Children’s Special Health Services (225) 342-9500, Multiple locations ldh.la.gov/page/740 Magnolia Community Services (504) 733-2874, Jefferson mcs-nola.org Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Louisiana (504) 486-6668, New Orleans rmhcsla.org Strive Incorporated (504) 895-2557, New Orleans striveincorporated.org PLAY & RECREATIONS Culinary Kids (985) 727-5553, Mandeville culinarykidsns.com GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans (504) 321-6770, Metairie gigisplayhouse.org Love Swimming (504) 891-4662, New Orleans loveswimming.com Love’s Music Therapy (504) 281-8968, New Orleans lovesmusictherapy.com Ree Alario Special Needs Center (504) 736-6999, Metairie jprd.com RESPITE & CHILDCARE Arc of Greater New Orleans (504) 837-5105, Metairie arcgno.org Loving Hearts of LA (504) 821-5220, Multiple locations lovingheartsofla.com Magnolia Community Services (504) 733-2874, Jefferson mcs-nola.org RESOURCES Autism Center at Manning Family Children’s, The (504) 896-7272, New Orleans manningchildrens.org Autism Society of Greater New Orleans (504) 603-6548, New Orleans asgno.org

Doctors Hearing Center (504) 840-5014, Metairie doctorshearingla.com

Down Syndrome Association of Greater New Orleans (504) 435-3457 dsagno.org Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans (504) 888-9111, Harahan fhfofgno.org GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans (504) 321-6770, Metairie gigisplayhouse.org/neworleans Harch Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (504) 309-4948, Metairie hbot.com Hearing Health Care of Louisiana Multiple locations hearinghealthcarelouisiana.com LEARN Behavioral (504) 434-4310, Multiple locations learnbehavioral.com

Jefferson Parish Public School System Special Education Department (504) 349-7900, Harvey jpschools.org

KIPP New Orleans Schools Diverse Learners Program (504) 373-6269, New Orleans kippneworleans.org Louisiana Key Academy – Jefferson Campus (504) 300-1884, Harahan lakeyacademy.com Louisiana School for the Deaf (225) 757-3273, Baton Rouge ssdofla.org/o/lsd Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired (225) 757-3481, Baton Rouge ssdofla.org/o/lsvi

LSUHSC Child & Family Counseling Clinic Services (504) 556-3451 alliedhealth.lsuhsc.edu

NOLA Public Schools Special Education Department (504) 304-3512, New Orleans nolapublicschools.com/families/parents- resources/special-education

Manning Family Children’s Hospital (504) 899-9511, New Orleans manningchildrens.org New Orleans Speech and Hearing Center (504) 897-2606, New Orleans noshc.org Northshore Families Helping Families (985) 875-0511, Covington fhfnorthshore.org Ochsner Health Speech & Language Pathology (877) 889-2976, Multiple locations ochsner.org/services/speech-language- pathology

Opportunities Academy (504) 503-1421, New Orleans oa.collegiateacademies.org

St. Bernard Parish Public Schools Special Education Department (504) 301-2000, Chalmette sbpsb.org/departments/special-education

St. Michael Special School (504) 524-7285, New Orleans stmichaelspecialschool.com

St. Tammany Parish Public School Special Education Office – Harrison Curriculum Center (985) 898-3311, Covington stpsb.org

Gulfsouth Autism Center Multiple locations gulfsouthautismcenter.com

St. Thérèse Academy (504) 513-4400, Metairie sttheresenola.org

Tulane Center for Autism & Related Disorders (T-CARD) (504) 988-3533, New Orleans medicine.tulane.edu/tulane-doctors/tcard

HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS

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