Summer is winding down and the stores are replacing their outdoor displays with pencils, backpacks, and binders. The first day of school is just around the corner, and there is still so much to do: unique and must-have school supplies to be bought, back-to-school clothing to be tried on, and nerves to be soothed.

To make your family's transition into the new school year a whole lot easier, we've rounded up a list of first day of school activities and traditions. We've got you covered on what to buy, what books to read, where to get those cute first day of school photo boards, and more. For more great ideas for kids heading back to school, visit our Back-to-School Guide.

It's still hard to predict what the 2022-23 school year is going to look like right now, but all our fingers and toes are crossed for a full year of being face-to-face in the classrooms, with things as normal as possible! And one thing that normal means is that summer vacation comes to an end far too fast, as the majority of SoCal school districts currently opt for an August start date.

School calendars for the largest school districts in Los Angeles County for the 2022-2023 school year are below, and you'll want to bookmark the page now for reference—and to help with planning family vacations and booking summer camps. Follow the links for each district below for details on school holidays and semester breaks, and to stay up to date on any last-minute changes from your local district.

Kid-friendly places to go fishing abound in New Jersey, which boasts more than 400 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs available to residents and visitors. Fishing is a family activity that works for all ages. Even teens have been known to enjoy a fishing outing.

Not sure where to go fishing? We’ve scoped out a dozen places ideal for rod-and-reel time in New Jersey.

Looking for more great NJ places to explore this summer? Check out our Guide to Summer Fun in New Jersey for Kids and make the most of the dog days. And be sure to look at our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey for other outdoorsy things to do.

The term concrete jungle takes on a whole new life in NYC this month thanks to the debut of Concrete Jungle AR, a brand new augmented reality experience that's bringing a wild new look to Times Square. Debuting today, and running through August, visitors to the crossroads of the world can immerse themselves in a menagerie of wildlife roaming the city streets set against the backdrop of NYC's most iconic and brightly lit billboards and buildings.

Read on for more information on this urban safari and learn what you need to know before you visit Concrete Jungle AR. If your kids can't get enough of this new technology, be sure to explore one of these virtual reality experiences for kids in NYC.

The North Shore Rail Trail, a project 50 years in the making, opened to visitors recently, connecting Mt. Sinai to Wading River in a traffic-free environment. The abandoned railroad line now has a new life, providing walkers, runners, and bicyclists with a paved path to recreational fun. 

From stroller-friendly paths and beach walks to hiking trails, Long Island boasts many outdoor adventures for those seeking exercise and vitamin D. And be sure to check out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks on Long Island for other recreational destinations.  

The Presidio Tunnel Tops opened to the public on July 17, 2022,  after almost a decade of planning and building. Was it worth the wait? You'll find the long answer below, plus tips on how to have the best time and get the most out of your visit with kids. But the short answer is: Oh, yeah! We've broken down all the details from where to park to what to bring and everything in between, so you can have a great time with kids of all ages. All that's left to do is to find a day to enjoy this wonderful new gift to the Bay Area community.

Read on to discover how to get there, where to park, when to visit, and why you'll need to pack an extra set of clothes at this instant new favorite San Francisco tourist attraction.

On a stretch of beach along the “First Coast” of Florida sits Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach, two destinations not typically associated with kid-friendly fun. But amid all the retiree splendor, enterprising families will have no trouble entertaining little ones. Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island, Florida boast four seasons of fun, including award-winning beaches, destination-worthy state parks, plenty of mini golf, and a host of family-friendly dining options.

Here are 25 things to do in Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach with kids, including Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island restaurants kids will love and family-friendly Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island hotels and resorts. For more family vacation ideas in the Sunshine State, check out our Florida Family Travel Guide.

Farmington River Tubing is located in Satan's Kingdom State Recreation Area in New Hartford. Despite its rather unusual name, during the summer months, this park becomes a popular destination for river-tubing. Satan’s Kingdom is the launch spot of Farmington River Tubing - the only official vendor for a tubing journey down the river. 

After ten long years of swimming lessons, my family was finally old enough to plan a trip up to New Hartford and enjoy a day floating on the Farmington River.  This trip is fun–jaw-dropping, heart-racing, adrenaline-pumping fun! This is not your leisurely float down the river. Your family will never forget the trip down the Farmington River. It has enough rocks and rapids to keep everyone entertained.

For more fun on the water, see our list of the 10 Best Ponds and Swimming Lakes for Connecticut Kids. And check out our Connecticut Summer Fun Guide for all our favorite activities.