It can be difficult to explain the events of September 11, 2001 to our children; they're still hard for us to fully grasp. As we near the 14^th anniversary of the day that changed our country forever, here are some helpful ways to commemorate with your family. Visit a memorial site or exhibit, volunteer together, read a book to younger kids to help them understand or visit the 9/11 Memorial in downtown NYC. There are many ways to mark the day together.

We know, we know (sigh). The arrival of Labor Day means the end of splashing in the Frog Pond Spray Pool and jamming with favorite local bands during free outdoor concerts. But it is not the end of the summer! Technically, we still have almost a month left of summer, and gosh darn it, we're going to soak in every last drop. Although we must wait until next year to enjoy many of summer's pleasures, there are plenty of ways to stretch summertime bliss into autumn: 

On the East End of Long Island, the fun never really does end. Vacationers and those new to the area might be surprised to hear that family time does indeed continue here after the calendar turns past Labor Day. The North Fork, in particular, comes alive as farm stands and wineries celebrate the autumn harvest, and fall festivities continue almost uninterrupted until Thanksgiving weekend. After that, it’s time for holiday cheer and the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree.

So take a moment to reflect on another well-spent summer, but consider also what memorable moments await in the autumn. Our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide includes information you can use all year-round and our Long Island Classes Guide will help you plan a visit around the school year.

This first full week of September kicks off with Labor Day! Spend this day off from work and school at festive events that include the Rutherford Labor Day Street Fair and the South Plainfield Labor Day Parade. Food-centric festivals are in the spotlight this week, with Union’s Greek Festival and the Asbury Park Oysterfest. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

This week we've collected some of our favorite activities from across the state, including the Goshen Fair, the Wapping Fair and Food Truck Festival, and Septemberfest. Be sure to check the full Event Calendar for more fun things to do!

Labor Day–the first three day weekend of the academic year or the end of summer, depending upon whether or not school has resumed in your household. Even if school has started, the weather still cries summer, so be sure to enjoy every last drop of sunshine. El Niño is coming, and we can hopefully look forward to many rainy days. Our drought dry state could use them.

In anticipation of next week’s Jewish New Year, Pretend City is abuzz with a honey factory. Learn where honey comes from, why it is kosher, and how it is used to sweeten desserts during this holiday. In Santa Monica, the cool kids (and anybody who watches The Big Bang Theory knows that computer nerds are the cool kids) will be hanging at Code Rev Kids’ open house, where coding classes are what it’s all about. And ahoy, mates! The Tall Ships are returning to Dana Point. Why not make it a weekend and head to San Diego?

Monday is Labor Day and Friday the anniversary of 9/11. Be sure to check our event calendar. It’s a busy week.

Summer officially ends this week, and while we're back to the grind of school, there is also a lot of fun to be had on Long Island. Take the kids and your furry friend for a vineyard walk or enjoy an outdoor festival. And remember, this is just the beginning since our Events Calendar is being updated daily.

School-age kids are off with their backpacks and bright smiles this week, but there's not a dull moment in Boston! September offers a slew of fun activities for smaller kids during the day as well as for older kids after school. My family really wants to catch the Strandbeests this week, but kids who prefer to make their own creatures can try their hands at puppet-making, and young art fans can check out Emerge at Boston City Hall Plaza.

This is a great time to check out after-school classes for your kids, too. The Boston Ballet School is hosting open houses at all three of its locations this week. Your child can also try a music class with Nabi Music Center for free and on your family's schedule, without even having to leave the house. 

Whatever you decide to do this week, don't forget to check the full Event Calendar for other fun happenings!