If the idea of an overnight stay in the woods doesn't sound much like a vacation, then this post is for you! Even if you've never gone camping before, a little planning and a can-do attitude will ensure a great time and lasting memories for the whole family. For starters, you might not realize that tent camping isn't the only option at campgrounds today. Some of the best campgrounds near Boston for families offer yurts or cabins to make a first-time stay more comfortable. 

And don't even worry about the kids. Mine love their favorite computer games and TV programs as much as the next, but once they're outdoors, they're too busy with trees, campfires, and critters around them to miss any of that indoor stuff. Read on to find out how to make the most of an overnight in the woods, and how to instill a love of the great outdoors in your children.

Fall is in the air, and judging by the number of outdoor fairs and festivities this weekend, it’s going to be a busy, fun-filled season. Come hungry to the Atlantic City Seafood Festival and Oasis Farm’s Apple Festival. Have old-fashioned fun at Belvidere Victorian Days and 1920s Country Fair & Harvest Festival. Even the family dog gets in on the action at the Fifth Annual Bark-a-Que. 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 .

It seems like it's never too early to start thinking about school in NYC, but for parents of toddlers, September means the start of the anxiety-provoking preschool admissions process. To help humanize and demystify the experience, Mommy Poppins is sponsoring two Preschool and Early Education Fairs for NYC families this month.

These FREE events offer one-stop shopping where parents can get the scoop on dozens of preschools, alternative programs and other enrichment options in a casual, stress-free environment. All you need to do is register for the Uptown or Downtown Fair and show up!

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!