Can you hear that ticking? That's summer break winding down. (Back-to-school ads are in full force, and I've even spied some Halloween merch already!) But you still have time for a few more summer flings both in NYC and beyond. If you're looking for a multi-day family getaway, our Travel site shared insider tips for visiting Hersheypark and Chocolate World with kids. Day trips more your thing? We've got the scoop on five fabulous New Jersey beaches less than an hour by car from Manhattan, the best things to do with kids at the New York Renaissance Faire in Westchester, and five family-friendly bike paths on Long Island's East End. Of course there's no shame in just enjoying a NYC staycation—that's my daughter and her friends in the photo enjoying treats at Coney Island last weekend. And we may go there again this Saturday for its big annual Sand Sculpting Contest.

Before you start planning the final weeks of summer, remember, this is your very last chance to enter our SUMMER OF PLAY CHALLENGE, which ends on Friday. All you need to do is share photos of your family having fun on social media with the hashtags #summerofplay and #playmatters, and you'll be automatically entered to win our grand prize: All the fixings to host the Ultimate Summer of Play Bash, including a $200 gift card for Imagine Toys, a $100 gift card for Big Dot of Happiness for custom party tableware, banners and favors, and delicious organic snacks from Kind, Ella's Kitchen and Earth's Best.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week: