News: Luna Park Discount for Good Grades, Nature Opportunities for City Teens, Cool Water Tower Art, Autism-Friendly Theater

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The big news for many NYC families this week is, of course, the first day of school for more than 1 million public school students. But as you ease back into your old routine, we've got some fun news for you, like FREE rides at Coney Island's Luna Park, eye-popping art in unexpected places (you'll need to look up) and nature volunteering opportunities for teens. Plus, we've got the scoop on a handful of notable openings and closing on the NYC family scene, and a few other tidbits.

Easy After-school Snacks: Healthier Protein-Boosted Rice Crispies Treats

Submitted by Amelia Eigerman on

School is upon us. That means the Internet is drowning in after-school snack and breakfast recipes guaranteed to make most of us mere mortals feel inadequate. But my idea of the the perfect after-school snack recipe is one that I can whip up in under ten minutes and makes more than one day's worth (cause, let's face it, I'm not doing this every day, folks), not fruit skewers shaped like cute animals or pizzas on a stick. A wallop of protein is a plus to recharge their engines for after school activities. Oh yeah, and it's gotta be good on the go, since we always are.

Abandoning the Internet after becoming thoroughly discouraged by homemade owl crackers that probably teach your kids French, we headed to the kitchen and created this healthier rice crispies bar recipe. This protein boosted twist on the classic rice crispies treat are sure to be the perfect way to welcome a kid after a hard day at school. You could even serve them as a sweet breakfast bar on the go. And it's a great no-bake recipe that even little kids can help make.

DIY Halloween 101: Decorations and Costume Accessories to Make With Your Kids

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Halloween is a holiday that celebrates creativity. Decorations and costumes provide opportunities to let your imagination go wild and to see old things in a new way. The policy in our house is that costumes must be created primarily from things we already have. Last year, my Smurfs-obsessed child went as Gutsy Smurf – his kilt and sash were made from an old flannel shirt we had stashed in a “get rid of” bag in the basement. In that vein, I've found a few DIY costume pieces that could be the inspiration for (or cherry on top of) a great costume. I've also rounded up some Halloween decor to create with your kids. Why buy decorations when you can make fabulously spooky ones like these? (If this post inspires your inner crafter and you're looking for even more ideas, take a look at these cheap and easy Halloween crafts from our LA editor.)

Last Minute Halloween Costumes for Kids: DIY on a Dime in No Time

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Halloween is almost here, and my kids don’t have costumes. It’s not unusual for us to wait until a week before Halloween to put something together, but this is cutting it a little close, even for us. I searched the web for the best costumes that are easy to put together quickly and use things we probably already have around the house. I was also inspired to come up with a couple of ideas of my own. Here are 9 last-minute Halloween costumes for kids that can be made in no time and on a dime (OK, maybe a few dollars, max).

If you're also looking for quick and easy Halloween decor ideas or just need a fun mask, check out DIY Halloween 101. 

Pumpkins, and Carving, and Scarecrows- Oh My!

Submitted by Katie McKnight on

Because I have never been a big Halloween fan, our house has minimal Halloween decorations.  By minimal, I mean that we currently have 3 small, uncarved pumpkins adorning our front porch.  But this year, my kids have brought on the Halloween pressure.  In fact, they’ve started a “best decorated Halloween house” contest with the kids in the neighborhood.  We are losing.  By a lot.

So clearly I need to step up our décor game with the basics: scarecrows and jack-o-lanters!  Fairfield County offers plenty of design inspiration for those who are not skilled in the pumpkin and scarecrow arts. So roll up those sleeves, its time to get covered in pumpkin slime and scarecrow innards! 

Long Island Day Trip: 5 Things to Do at Orient Beach

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

There's plenty to do and see on this island of ours, and just because summer has come to an end, the weather is still nice enough for a little day trip to the end of Long Island. No, we're not talking about Montauk. Orient Beach State Park is located on the eastern tip of the North Fork of Long Island and boasts sweeping views of Gardiner's Bay. From beach to boats, this park offers up day-long adventures and fun for the entire family. If you already have an Empire Pass, entry is free, otherwise there's a vehicle use fee. The park opens at 8am for you early risers.

For more fun day trips, check out our Day Trip to Greenport post for a must-do list. In addition, peruse our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide for more ideas on how to enjoy life on the East End.

This Week's Picks: Labor, Lego and Surf's Up! September 1-5

Jacqueline Stansbury's picture Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on

What? The kids just got used to being back at school and then they got a three day weekend! For others, this will be the first week of school after a leisurely summer. Either way, the kids at home still need something to do, and Mommy Poppins has a few ideas. Reading about dinosaurs at the library is fun, but seeing life sized ones in action is super cool. And for budding master builders this is the week to get to the Lego store for a free mini model. Speaking of free, it’s the first week of the month, so be on the lookout for no charge opportunities.

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