This is it. The opportunity for one more August weekend hurrah. With only a couple of days left before the onset of early bedtimes and hectic morning routines, it's important to make the most of the last days of summer. Maybe you're heading to the beach one more time, or looking to explore an outdoor museum. If you're seeking a sweet experience, consider touring Fascia's Chocolates or scouring the menu at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. 

This weekend is packed with family fun in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. Good things seem to come in pairs: Two large-scale fairs—the Dutchess County Fair and the New York Renaissance Faire; two military-themed events—Living History: Military Reenactment Day and New York Air Show; and two nature-themed highlights—Muscoot's 40th Birthday and Hands-On Nature Programs for Curious Kids.

But that’s not all! Read on for details about these events and others happening this weekend, then consult our Event Calendar for more extensive listings every day of the week. 

I’m on my third kid to be obsessed with all things pertaining to the Land of the Rising Sun. For some reason (it may well begin with Pokemon and Hello Kitty) the Japanese experience is a source of endless fascination for the youth of the 21st century. Teenagers, my son among them, can’t get enough of Nipponese culture. And there is a lot of culture: from anime to Gundam, from the exquisite animation of Studio Ghibli to the nutritionally questionable Popin Cookin candy craft kits. For my kids and their friends, Japan is an enchanting island filled with giant robots and animated dust bunnies.

And then, of course there is the food: ramen, tempura, sushi, and –our favorite snack from the Japanese market – a uniquely salty, crunchy cracker called “Soft Salad.” For those who indulge in Fro-Yo, mochi (a sweet Japanese rice dough) has become a staple topping.  

LA's Little Tokyo neighborhood is more than one hundred years old, dating back to the late 1880s. One of only three "Japantowns" in the United States, it continues to flourish today as a major cultural center for Japanese Americans. Geographically, it is bordered approximately by the Los Angeles River on the east, Downtown LA to the west, City Hall on the north, and the Arts District to the south. Though the heart of this unique neighborhood encompasses just a few blocks, it is packed with things to do and see, including an annual Nisei Week in August, museums, shops, bowling, and some pretty amazing restaurants. It is a place to enjoy with the whole family, including those pesky, difficult-to-please teenagers (who can now get themselves there on the metro). We've collected 25 kid-friendly ways to explore and enjoy Little Tokyo.

September may not seem like the obvious time for a family vacation, but there are excellent travel values this time of year and, with school holiday weekends, it can be a great time for a family getaway. It’s one of the least crowded times to visit Orlando’s theme parks, enjoy the still warm Ft Lauderdale beaches, or journey to Southern California for a Disneyland deal. Consider a staycation in trendy Brooklyn, or explore Chicago. Farther away, luxuriate in Mexico or discover Patagonia. If your plans include London or Paris, a new airline is offering business class fares for a fair price. Once you’re in Europe, score a discount on tours that will escort you to some fascinating sites.

Sure, sports birthdays are awesome, and your toddler is sure to have a hit at an indoor play space, but why not try something a little different this year and have a party at a museum? Perfect for preschool and older children, museum parties can tap in to a wide range of interests, whether it’s art or animals or outer space.

We’ve gathered a selection of kid-friendly museums that welcome birthday parties in Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley. Be sure to take a look at our Party Planner Guide for even more birthday ideas!

You can see stars all over Boston. No, we're not talking about spotting Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen at the playground with their kids. The stars we're seeking are in the sky over Boston every night – even if the city lights make them a little difficult to see. Stargazing in the city can be very rewarding if you know where to look and you have access to the right instruments, which is where local observatories and planetariums come in. Take your kids to these places to make the whole family feel closer to the stars. 

Take advantage of these balmy, glorious summer days while you still can, Jersey! The return of school and schedules will soon be upon us, so make some warm weather memories with the family this weekend: for big family fun check out the Honey Festival at Oasis Farm or the Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival. For a dose of nature in the great outdoors, round up the troops for a Family Photo Scavenger Hunt at the Haggerty Education Center, the Cape May Family Birding Cruise or Discovery Saturday at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy it with family and friends. For even more activity options, check out our Event Calendar and our Summer Fun Guide.

With Labor Day on the horizon, you might assume things would slow down a bit on the East End of Long Island this weekend. That assumption would be  wrong.

This weekend, parents and kids can experience the glamor of the Hampton Classic Horse show, take a railroad trip back in time, catch some fish together and even race a rubber duck or two at the East End’s most recognized landmark, the Big Duck.

So start to get your last licks of summer fun this weekend. Check out our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide for the best in local entertainment, and with back to school looming be sure to see our Long Island Classes Guide for the best in after-school programs Islandwide.