News: $20 Off-Broadway Tickets, How to Register for Nickelodeon's Worldwide Day of Play, Goodbye to Gus the Polar Bear

In honor of back-to-school season, our news post this week is organized like the big first day. So read on to see what's on the schedule, including how to register for Nickelodeon’s FREE Worldwide Day of Play in Prospect Park, details about a $20 Off-Broadway ticket deal, where to find school enrollment centers for kids still in need of placements, a thrilling Luna Park reward for good grades, a sad goodbye to one of the Central Park Zoo's most beloved residents, and other news that will give you something to chat about with your fellow parents before that first school bell rings.

Back To School Shopping: The Best Kids Clothing Stores In The Hamptons & North Fork

Back to school shopping is in full swing. There are outlet malls and big box stores, but nothing beats shopping at small, independent shops for unique clothing for kids. We searched for the top local stores that are filled with popular brands and off-beat options. These stores are perfect for little fashionistas who want to go back to school in style. Read on for our top ten picks for clothing stores for kids in the Hamptons and North Fork. Check out our Back to School Guide for more shopping ideas.

After School Enrichment in Avon and Farmington

It’s that time of year again…back to school! Many families have gotten prepped for the return of the school year with clothes shopping, school supplies and backpack shopping. For many families, the end of the school day signals a time to move onto after school enrichment like art, homework help and robotics. We've rounded up some great options in Hartford County, mainly in Avon and Farmington, here in this post.

This Week: Labor Day Weekend, Back-to-school Giveaway, Summer's Last Hurrah

The beauty of Labor Day is leaving the labor behind—which is exactly what our NYC editor, Raven, has done this week to celebrate the end of summer. Never fear, though: If you're counting on Mommy Poppins to guide you on your own labor-free way this holiday weekend, there are plenty of us left here to shine a light on all that is fun, festive and/or FREE this week, in easy reach of the city. Not only that, we're kicking off back-to-school season with one heck of a bang: $2,000 worth of fabulous prizes in our Back-to-School Swagapalooza! Awesome prizes include two Schwinn kids' bikes, $150 worth of personalized school supplies from My Chronicle Books, a Disney Junior package, a $50 Target gift card, $250 to spend at Sears Optical and oodles more. You enter for each prize separately, so start clicking!

Care to escape the city for, say, Elizabethan England? It's never too late (or at least not until late September); the New York Renaissance Faire is still going strong in Tuxedo Park, including the holiday Monday. Or spend a few corny hours in Sleepy Hollow for Philipsburg Manor's CORNucopia celebration in Westchester. (Speaking of Westchester, our Westchester site is looking to hire a new Events Editor, in case you know just the person.)

If you're headed for the Hamptons this weekend, there's a Pow Wow worth stopping in on, and our New Jersey team has several suggestions for day trips in the Garden State. If you've got a pooch you don't want to leave at home, bring him along for a special doggie day out at the Ocean Oasis Water Park. Connecticut has fairs and festivals popping up all over this holiday weekend, including a life-affirming Labor Day parade in Newtown.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

Best Back to School Books for Grades Preschool - 7

The smell of freshly-sharpened pencils and the crunch of a fresh apple -- it's time for school again! There are so many books out there to get your kid in the mood for everyday academia. Kids starting school for the first time may be experiencing excitement peppered with anxiety over separation from parents. First graders may be having trouble with the transition to longer days, new teachers and new friends. Starting a new school year can be tough on kids of any age. Try some books that use humorous storylines and positive ideas to help ease your child's transition into a new year. Check out our list of the best back to school books for your NJ kids preschool - 7 grade.

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