News: Swine Flu Parties, Bake Sale Ban, Cheap Philharmonic Tickets, More

I can't believe it's October already. The first month of school went by so fast and we've been so busy. Meanwhile the DOE has been busy too: a new rule prohibits bake sales in schools. On the flip side, the junk food industry has launched a campaign to fight City Hall's attempts to fight the obesity epidemic. A study shows that Charter Schools perform better and Bloomberg asks to lift the cap on them. And Obama wants to keep kids in school longer while some kids may be missing school after going to swine flu parties. Lastly, we learn about the silver lining of recessions and how you can see the philharmonic for just $16.

Weekend Events for NJ Kids, October, 3-4: Four Fall Festivals and a Special Hindu Festival

Hello October! This weekend you can celebrate Autumn with a wide variety of Fall festivals. Hop on the Pumpkinliner Express for a trip through the pumpkin patch. Enjoy an Asian Harvest Festival at the Newark Museum or a historical Harvest celebration threshing and grinding wheat at Howell Historical Finally. Finally celebrate the Fall season with more traditional Fall festivals with pumpkin painting, hayrides, and crafts at the Essex County Environmental Center of the NJ Botanical Gardens.

Weekend Events for Kids on Long Island, October 2-4: Beach and Fall Festivals, Flashlight Maze, Fishing Clinics and More

There is so much to enjoy this time of year on Long Island, and this weekend's events really reflect that. Head to one of our great local farms, hit a family festival, enjoy one last blast of Summer beach life, or take advantage of the great cultural offerings available for families. You might also want to check out our recent posts about pumpkin picking or apple picking farms on the Island. I don't know about you, but now that school is back in session, I cherish these last long days (even thought they are getting shorter) and I'm looking forward to getting outside and enjoying some of this Fall air. Here are our suggestions for Long Island's best family activities this weekend:

New York City Kids Weekend Events for October 2-4: Free Parties, Festivals, Cultural Events, Harvests, and More

Colors are changing, and those warmer jackets are making their way out of the closets—true signs that Fall is in full swing. If you’re looking to bob for apples (or pick ‘em), play in pumpkin patches or feast on the harvest, you’ve got plenty of options. But there’s also a slew of cultural events happening this weekend, like the Tibetan, Norwegian, Korean, and Diwali festivals, and Halloween events are going on already, too. If you are looking for a little mini-adventure, the “outer boroughs” are also jam-packed with events from the traditional fall fare to soap box derbies. So whatever you wind up doing, get out there and enjoy the crisp air (and leaves)!

Culture Dem Kids: Celebrate Diwali in New York City

Sure, New York City is expensive, but think how much money you save by not having to travel all the way to India with your kids to experience the culture and customs of Diwali. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and New Year, is a time to celebrate good fortune, family and friendships. While October 17, 2009 is the official holiday date, there are events and activities for kids to celebrate Diwali in New York as early as this week. Enjoy performances of the story of Diwali, create traditional decorations to take home, eat yummy Indian foods at Diwali Mela street fairs...all you need is a Metrocard and a sense of curiosity.

Here are some fun Diwali activities and events for kids in New York City:

5 Theater Festivals in New York This Fall

As a child growing up in New York City with a mother involved in the arts, I was dragged to many adult art events and got to know the lobbies of all the top venues very well (as I retreated in boredom half-way through probably the some of the greatest performances I'll ever see in my life). We parent in reaction to our own childhoods so, while I do believe in the positives gained by exposing children to great art that stretches a their horizons, I think they'll get even more out of it if they're engaged enough to stay in the theater. This experience led me to do a little research to find five theater festivals in New York City this Fall that have performances specifically for kids.

From a Scottish Festival to a Hip Hop Theater Festival, BAM's avant garde Next Wave Festival to a Musical Theater Festival, there are shows for children with all tastes and all ages. Read on to learn about some of the highlights:

New York City Kids Weekend Events for September 25-27: Free Entry to NY Museums, Family Days, Fairs, Great Games and More

There’s plenty of events happening this weekend, but the big cheese is Smithsonian’s Museum Day. This Saturday, participating New York (and country-wide) museums will open their doors for you to enjoy them free of charge. Lots of your favorites are participating in every boro, like the Intrepid, Noguchi, CMOM and the Rubin, and a whole bunch of those I’ve-been-meaning-to-visit’s like the Skyscraper Museum, Museum of Tibetan Art and the New Museum. If you’re not willing to deal with the crowds (or if you find yourself in love with a particular one) check out our post on museum family memberships, and read on to see what else is cooking this weekend—from finding cheap goods, to free performances and off-the-beaten-path street fairs.

This weekend there are way to many great events to list here so make sure to check our events calendar for even more cool stuff.

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