Summer is winding down and many kids head back to school on Monday but the weather is gorgeous and there are great ways to squeeze in lots of outdoor fun while its still warm out. Friday Mamaroneck Shares hosts their final block party in the summer long series. Saturday there's the annual Yonkers Riverfest or Take Me to the River Music and Art Fest in Hastings-on-Hudson. Sunday the weekend long White Plains Jazz Fest comes to a close with the White Plains International Food & Jazz Festival and Greenburgh Nature Center is hosting their Harvest Party.

Read on for our top weekend picks for families in Westchester. If you see something that piques your interest, be sure to click through to the listing for full details. And be sure to check our Event Calendar for more events happening this weekend and beyond. 

This weekend, it's festivals galore on Long Island, many of which are featured on our September Go List. Check out the East Northport Annual Festival, the Grande Festa Italiana, and the Fiddle And Folk Fest. Theatre Three in Port Jefferson has a spellbinding evening on tap as The Amazing Kreskin hits the stage. In the mood for one last dose of summer fun? Then head out to the East End and check out the Shelter Island Beach Blast. As always, check our events calendar every day for fun activities for the family.

Our Back to School Swagapalooza Giveaway is in full swing. We have some amazing prizes up for grabs. Brand new bikes, a year's supply of school uniforms and vitamins, backpacks, books, gift cards, and school supplies. Pay attention though, as each giveaway ends on a different date. Good luck!

Now that school is back in full swing and kids are adjusting to their new schedules, homework, and teachers, it's also time to search for after school programs. From tutoring centers to educational classes, there are many options available for additional enrichment. Children sharpen their skills while engaging in fun and interactive activities. Read on for our picks for after school classes and activities. For additional suggestions, see our Classes and Activities Guide for Long Island Kids.

Even though school is in full swing for most of us, the weather is still balmy, so why not enjoy just a little more outdoor fun? Check out beautiful butterflies at Pyramid Mountain’s Monarch Festival or learn all about planes and helicopters at the Aviation Museum’s Open Cockpit Day. Or get into the autumn spirit with a day of apple picking and hay rides at Alstede Farms. And remember, you can find a full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.

When our children were born, my husband and I diligently opened college savings accounts on their behalf (if you haven’t done, so I recommend checking out the CHET college savings plans).  We realized that we would one day be faced with whopping education bills.  We did not realize, however, that those whopping bills would start coming in PRE-SCHOOL!!!!  Yes, as many of you know, pre-school these days ain’t cheap.  There are, however, options to consider as you debate the merits and expenses of pre-schools in Fairfield County.

In honor of back-to-school season, our news post this week is organized like the big first day. So read on to see what's on the schedule, including how to register for Nickelodeon’s FREE Worldwide Day of Play in Prospect Park, details about a $20 Off-Broadway ticket deal, where to find school enrollment centers for kids still in need of placements, a thrilling Luna Park reward for good grades, a sad goodbye to one of the Central Park Zoo's most beloved residents, and other news that will give you something to chat about with your fellow parents before that first school bell rings.

Back to school shopping is in full swing. There are outlet malls and big box stores, but nothing beats shopping at small, independent shops for unique clothing for kids. We searched for the top local stores that are filled with popular brands and off-beat options. These stores are perfect for little fashionistas who want to go back to school in style. Read on for our top ten picks for clothing stores for kids in the Hamptons and North Fork. Check out our Back to School Guide for more shopping ideas.