Travel back in time
A self-proclaimed history nerd, my nine-year-old son loves places where he can experience the past in action. I like that it helps him learn about history, but he just enjoys spending time in "another world." Many living history destinations are only open in warm weather, so Labor Day weekend is one of your last chances to visit these spots this year. Nearby Tuxedo Park is home to the New York Renaissance Fair, an awesome Tudor-style kingdom where you can catch thrilling jousts, period entertainment and try retro activities. Getting into the mindset of the era is a big part of the fun so make sure you go in costume. Beach-loving families can head to Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May, NJ, where visitors can try their hand at blacksmithing, basket weaving, woodworking and other 18th- and 19th-century crafts. Afterward, tour the town's 26 historic buildings or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride. The country's largest living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg, makes for an incredible weekend getaway. See what life was like for settlers in the days leading up to the American Revolution. The family-friendly lodging includes all kinds of extras for kids, including a new Colonial-themed outdoor splash park. On Labor Day weekend, the resort hosts The Taste Tradition, a Colonial culinary adventure that sounds amazing. Up in Boston, you can walk the Freedom Trail, which runs by important Revolutionary War sites like Paul Revere's home, Old North Church and Boston Commons. You can even book a tour of the trail with a costumed guide.

Experience an adrenaline rush
Amusement parks are always a hit with kids of all ages—even the grown-up ones! I think they're pretty economical, too, since you pay one price to play all day from morning until night. With the exception of special holiday events, most theme parks close for the season on or around Labor Day, so don't miss out. Less than an hour by car from NYC (and also accessible via public transportation), Rye Playland is a perfect day trip. This summer, my son rode the Dragon, one of the oldest roller coasters in the country, and also enjoyed its boardwalk, beach and a pool. Also doable as a day trip is Diggerland, the brand-new construction-themed amusement park in West Berlin, New Jersey, right next door to Sahara Sam's Oasis Water Park. You can even get a combo ticket to both. For a thrilling weekend trip, try Pennsylvania's famous Hersheypark. My family visited for the first time this summer and had a blast. There are rides and amusements for all ages, entertainment and even a zoo, all included with the price of admission. Also in Pennsylvania, the charming Dutch Wonderland, which is particularly good for preschoolers thanks to its mild rides, water park and brand-new dinosaur-themed Exploration Island. Read about other cool theme parks in our Amusement Park Guide.

Get wet and wild outside
Over Coney? Then cool off at the Jersey Shore, on Connecticut's beaches or in the Hamptons (my family loves Montauk). Kids aren't strong swimmers? Consider nearby water parks, which always have both tame and terrifying rides so kids of all ages are happy. My son adores Splish Splash nearby on Long Island, plus there's Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark in the Poconos, Breakwater Beach and Waterpark in Seaside Heights, New Jersey and Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut, all about two hours away from Manhattan by car. Also, West Berlin, New Jersey's aforementioned Sahara Sam's indoor water park recently opened an outdoor area, and both are included with admission.

Go a little bit country
Enjoy good old-fashioned country-style fun this Labor Day weekend. There are a number of county fairs featuring farm animals, contests, fairway food, live music, rides and lots of Americana. The biggest one of the lot, the Great New York State Fair, boasts 375 acres of rural entertainment in Syracuse, but some of the others are a bit closer to NYC. Meanwhile, our Farm Guide is chock-full of pick-your-own spots where you can grab blueberries, peaches, blackberries and nectarines straight off the vines. For an entirely different farm experience, visit Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offering agritainment like a giant hay chute slide and a huge jumping pillow. While Cherry Crest is too far for a day trip, the surrounding Amish Country makes for an activity-packed weekend destination. Don't want to stay overnight? Westchester County's Phillipsburg Manor is hosting its annual CORNucopia fest or you can visit the farm animals at the awesome Stone Barn Center for Food and Agriculture.

Enjoy animal adventures
While we frequently visit NYC's zoos, my family and I often plan our travels around an animal we want to see in the wild. This year, we're visiting New Hampshire's White Mountain region hoping to spy a moose on the loose. Whale watching is another fun activity. Tours regularly leave from vacation friendly spots like Montauk, Long Island and the Jersey Shore, or book a weekend trip in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Too wild for you? Zoos and aquariums typically offer petting areas and touch tanks for kids. A favorite of ours is the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey, where you can get up close and personal with several species of small sharks. While Camden is totally doable as a day trip, Philadelphia is just across the Delaware River and packed with family attractions. A fun spot on Long Island to interact with nature is the Elizabeth A. Moron National Wildlife Refuge in Sag Harbor—birds fly right up to you and eat out of your hand!

Check out our NYC Day Trips Guide for additional getaway ideas for Labor Day weekend and beyond.