The (unofficial) final weekend of summer is just a few days away and with the kids going back to school, the three-day holiday is the perfect time for one last family getaway.

Over on our Travel site, we posted about a bunch of cool last-minute travel deals, most involving plane or car rides. But for those looking to vacation without having to hit an airport or rent a vehicle, we've rounded up some of our favorite family destinations that are less than three hours from New York City and accessible via public transportation. From gorgeous beaches to ride-filled amusement parks to out-of-town culture spots, here are eight great Labor Day weekend trips for NYC families.

I’m not sure why I had my daughter audition for the Boston Children’s Chorus. She was so shy, she could barely look at an adult during a conversation. She wasn’t a great singer, she knew very little about music, and she had absolutely no desire to perform.

But I insisted. I wanted her to be a part of a diverse community, to spend time with kids she wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to meet. I thought it was important for her to learn to read music and sing songs from different cultures. Most of all, I was hoping she would gain confidence – she was such a bright and capable kid, but she hadn’t yet found her voice.

What a difference two seasons in the Boston Children’s Chorus can make.

Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby for those who love to collect mementos and look forward to creating new memories. Moms often create scrapbooks for their little ones. Just as fun as a sticker book (remember those?!), scrapbooks made for babies are intended to be enjoyed years later when your babies have their own babies someday! Every item inside a scrapbook—whether it’s baby’s hospital ID bracelet, or a snippet of hair from baby’s first haircut—tells a special story. Here are some boutiques and store in the Garden State that carry a plethora of colorful scrapbook items. Be sure to also enroll in a scrapbook class to improve your craft! For more great classes throughout the state, check out the Enrichment Programs, Classes and Activities Guide for NJ Kids.

The power of touch strongly comes into play when it comes to babies. Gentle, soothing infant massages are a great way for mommy and baby to bond. Infant massage is delicate, loving, and tender—an action that truly speaks louder than any words. Some of New Jersey’s infant massage experts weigh in on the power of touch—and offer classes on infant massage for those moms who want to learn more.

Taking full advantage of Boston’s location - the Charles River to the west and Boston Harbor to the east - community boating programs provide numerous opportunities for kids and families to learn to sail in Boston. Look a little further to the north and south, and options multiply. From annual memberships to five-day passes to one-day rentals, the following sailing centers offer packages that will fit your budget and schedule. Note that many of the lesson and camp programs fill up fast, so be sure to plan ahead.

Does your child come home from a kindie concert completely star struck by the performer on the stage? Does he know - and sing - all the words to all of Josh and the Jamtones’ or the Jumpin' Monkeys' tunes? Does she want to dress up and perform just like Karen K or Marcie Joy? Would you like to get the award for Best Parent Ever by offering your little musician the opportunity to sing and dance with these stars?

Well, you’re in luck, because quite a few of our favorite local musicians are also amazing teachers, sharing their talents with kids lucky enough to live in the Boston area. (Please check out our other music classes post for more local options.) And for information about watching these musicians performing live, check out our Events Calendar.

Outdoor ice skating rinks are great for some fun, unstructured time, but if your budding skater dreams of forward skating, backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers, turns and Mohawks, some formal instruction may be just the thing. Lessons are offered at most of the outdoor rinks featured in our related post, and three skating schools also provide lessons at indoor rinks in the area. We’ve highlighted these skating schools and lesson options below; schedules, registration forms and pricing details can be found on the rink or school websites.