Make the Last 3 Months Better Than the First

Last year, I heard a lot of women talking about the #Last90Days Challenge that popular self-help author and speaker Rachel Hollis, who wrote the bestseller Girl, Wash Your Face, was promoting. On her website, she writes, “What if you committed to living your last 90 days of this year as hard as you are committing to living the first 30 days of the new year? What if instead of a downhill slide into 2019, you are ramping up!”

As intriguing as I found the idea, I was already behind having heard about well after the 90 days had begun. But this year, I am prepared and ready to prepare you, too! That’s because the last 90 days of the year is here – it runs from October 2nd – December 31st meaning you have time to figure out your #last90days goals and put a plan into action.

If you aren’t ready to commit to the challenge, here are a few of the reasons I think you should.

Because You’ve Already Dropped Your New Year’s Resolutions

I am not shaming you – I dropped some of my new year’s resolutions before January was over! The truth is keeping New Year’s resolutions is hard work, and we can beat ourselves up when we believe we have failed. This is the perfect time to pick it back up or reevaluate and go about achieving your goals in a more effective way. The last 90 days is the perfect time to start back!

Because 3 Month Goals are Better

While I am all about New Year’s resolutions, they are hard to keep, and many people have found that setting shorter goals is more achievable. For one thing, it feels like much less pressure to commit to something for 3 months instead of 12. Plus, setting 3-month goals is way more productive than setting 6 months goals or yearly goals.

Because You Want the Holiday Season to Be Less Stressful

The last 90 days of the year include the crazy holiday season, which we all know is one of the most stressful times of the year. It is the time of year when we tend to overindulge and feel overwhelmed. Imagine how different the season would be if we were more mindful about our goals and behaviors! As Rachel Hollis says, “The last three months of the year are typically when we make the worst decisions regarding our health. We eat more, drink more and move less. If you don't have a plan, you'll reach for bad coping mechanisms.”

Because You Want to End 2019 and Start 2020 on a High Note

Finally, you want to join the #Last90Days challenge because you want to end the year on a high note rather than dragging yourself over the finish line. Instead of waiting for January 1st to start making self-improvements, go ahead and start now! If you stick to your self-improvement goals the last 90 days of the year, then you will end the year and start the new one feeling positive.

Tips for Choosing Your Goals for The Last 90 Days Challenge

If you are up for the challenge, here are a few simple tips for choosing your goals for the last three months of the year:

• Only choose a few goals. If you choose several, you will fail.

• Choose goals that are realistic and attainable. For instance, if weight loss is a goal, don’t strive for a weight loss that is impossible for that short amount of time.

• Invest in a goal planner or journal to help keep yourself motivated.

Why Beaches Turks & Caicos is a Dream Family Vacation

Yes, summer is over. But, if you are already dreaming about your next family vacation, I have just the right place. Right before school, my family visited Beaches Turks and Caicos and IT. WAS. AMAZING. If you have never visited a Beaches resort, it needs to be put on your bucket list. For families, the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort is a dream family vacation. It is 100% worth every penny.

Before I move on to telling you why it is so dreamy, you need to know upfront that Beaches Turks & Caicos is an all-inclusive resort. This means all your room, your meals, your drinks, and your fun activities are all included in the booking price. To put it clearly, Beaches tells guests food is “Always Included. Always Unlimited. All the Time.”

If that is not enough to get you ready to book your tickets, here are a few more reasons why Beaches Turks & Caicos is so fabulous.

Absolutely Beautiful Scenery

Turks & Caicos is absolutely beautiful with crystal clear water and white sand. Beaches Turks & Caicos takes advantage of its location by making sure the resort offers beautiful views of the beaches and gardens from rooms and restaurants. Additionally, the scenery of the resort is stunning. The resort is composed of five villages, including themes like Italy, France, Caribbean, and Key West.

Delicious Food and Drinks

On vacation, I do not want to worry about cooking or doing the dishes. At Beaches Turks & Caicos, not only do I not have to do these two things, but I also get to enjoy delicious meals whenever I want since they are all included in the booking price. Think all-inclusive means you have just a few, limited options? Wrong! Beaches Turks & Caicos has 21 restaurants with high-end cuisine and kid-friendly dishes, as well as food trucks by the waterpark.

A 12 Mile Beach and 10 Pools

I’ve already mentioned the beautiful scenery at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Let me explain further. Beaches Turks & Caicos includes a 12-mile beach. That’s 12 miles of stunning crystal-clear beaches and white sand. Plus, guests get to enjoy included water sports like scuba diving! Additionally, Beaches Turks & Caicos has ten pools and a giant waterpark.

Over-the-Top Kid-Friendly

Best of all, Beaches Turks & Caicos is designed with families in mind. There are so many fun things for kids to do at the resort that they will be begging you not to leave! You can easily fill your days and keep your kids entertained for your entire vacation. Here are some of the amazing kid-friendly features of Beaches Turks & Caicos:

• Sesame Street Fun – The resort features popular Sesame Street characters and interactive events including kid’s favorite characters from the show, such as dance parties, stage shows, Storytime with Elmo and Baking with Cookie Monster.

• Pirate Island Waterpark – The resort is home to a 45,000 square foot waterpark with eight waterslides, a lazy river, splash pads, a surf simulator, and a kids-only swim-up bar.

• Supervised Kids Programming – Beaches Turks & Caicos also offers daily Kids Camp programming, offering supervised activities from morning to sunset. Plus, they offer a special needs program including heading to a sensory-friendly location.

• Live Family-Friendly Shows – The resort is home to Voila, a set of family-friendly live shows featuring shows like The Jungle Book Live, Alice in Wonderland, and Treasure Island.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos for the next school break!

Have Mom Brain? Here’s What I am Doing to Improve My Focus and Memory

I don’t have to tell you that being a working mom is challenging. But I may be able to tell you something to make you feel a little bit better. If you are feeling forgetful and distracted, you are not alone. And you are not going crazy. Moms everywhere forget to sign field trip forms, can’t seem to focus for long periods of time, and struggle to learn their child’s playmates names. If this sounds familiar, science has your back. There is a real reason why you feel this way. And, there is a way to feel better.

Yes, Mom Brain is Real

There is a long-held belief in something called “pregnancy brain.” This occurs when a typically smart woman suddenly has difficulty remembering things, like where she put her car keys, when she is pregnant. There is scientific evidence that proves momnesia is real! As one doctor explains to WebMD, “It’s 100% normal to have memory lapses or be forgetful when you’re busy, stressed, or short on sleep.” That describes every working mom I know!

The article continues, “Women accumulate up to 700 hours of sleep debt in the first year after having a baby, and that causes the brain not to be at its best for things other than caring for the baby.” See? You have a very good reason for being forgetful!

Tips for Improving Your Overall Brain Health

While it has been proven that mom brain does exist, that doesn’t mean women should just sit back and let their brainpower weaken. Instead, we need to take extra efforts to keep our brains sharp, so we can be the best moms, employees, and friends possible. Here are some proven ways to strengthen your brain:

• Exercise – Exercise has been proven to strengthen cognitive abilities, so make a point to exercise regularly.

• Sleep – It seems impossible with kids and a busy work schedule, but you must make sleep a priority. As Schiff Vitamins explains, “While you sleep, your brain is hard at work restoring information and memories and preparing you for another day.”

• Eat Healthy – The way you eat also affects your cognitive abilities. Therefore, it is important to eat healthily.

• Work Your Brain – There is a reason why senior citizens do crossword puzzles and play sudoku – it’s to work their brains and keep them sharp! Likewise, moms should find ways to exercise their games. For example, look for games and activities that will help you improve your focus, learning, memory, concentration, and accuracy.

I also like the tips from Dennis Kravetz on the HuffPost article 10 Ways to Boost Your Cognitive Fitness and Longevity because they include fun ways to boost your brain activity such as going to museums, which is easy for those of us calling NYC home to do.

What are you doing to help you deal with mom brain? Let me know in the comments!

Tooth Fairy Hacks Every Mom Needs to Know

We are at the age when the tooth fairy has started to visit. And, shortly after the first tooth was lost, the magic was over. I no longer want the tooth fairy to sprinkle glitter on the pillowcases to leave behind tooth fairy evidence. I’m over the tooth fairy leaving a note and more than a dollar bill. My kids are lucky if the tooth fairy even remembers! Since I have heard from other mom friends that their tooth fairy is as forgetful as mine, I have done some research to help moms everywhere.

Set an Alarm

My first tip is to set the alarm. Let’s face it. If you don’t set the alarm, the tooth fairy will miss her visit. Just make sure the alarm is set late enough for the kids to be asleep and you to still be awake.

“Under the Pillow” is Old News

One of the trickiest things a tooth fairy has to do is find the tooth hidden under the pillow. Not only is it difficult to find in the dark, but it is also a quick way to wake up a sleeping child. If your tooth fairy is still using this method, urge her to try something new ASAP. Purchase a tooth fairy pillow or stuffed animal that will make the tooth fairy’s job easier. Even better – hang a tooth fairy pillow on the outside of your child’s door.

Keep Petty Cash

No one ever seems to have cash when they need it, such as when a kid randomly loses a tooth. So, keep some petty cash in your home just for these special occasions.

Lies to Tell Your Kids if the Tooth Fairy Forgot to Visit

At some point, the tooth fairy is going to forget to visit, and your precious little one will be heartbroken, and you will be plagued with mom guilt. To help you move past this moment, here are some lies you can use:

It was raining…

Did you know tooth fairies cannot fly if it is raining because their wings cannot get wet? Or, if it is too windy, they have to wait until it is safe to fly.

The bedroom was too messy…

If a child’s bedroom is too messy, it is 1) too difficult for the tooth fairy to find the tooth or 2) too unsafe for a small tooth fairy.

You went to bed too late…

If a child does not go to sleep early enough, the tooth fairy may not visit because she was already fast asleep before the child was.

She was so busy at night…

If the tooth fairy misses her nighttime visit, that’s probably because she was too busy visiting other kids (or taking care of her own). But, if a tooth fairy is too busy at night, she CAN visit during the day while kids are in school.

Lies to Tell Your Kids If They Try Trick the Tooth Fairy

There may come a time when your child tries to trick the tooth fairy to see whether or not she is real, like this kid did to his poor parents by not telling that he lost a tooth and put it under his pillow. If your kid pulls something similar, here are two more lies you may find useful:

Parents Need to Contact Her

Parents need to contact the tooth fairy to let her know there is a child in the house in need of a visit.

Parents Have to Turn Off the Security System

The tooth fairy cannot visit your home safely if your parents don’t turn off the security system; therefore, kids must tell their parents so they can make sure she can get in the house unnoticed.

Is Your Family Prepared in Case of an Emergency?

The heartbreaking stories coming out of the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian has got me thinking about what my family would do if we were in a similar situation. While New Yorkers typically don’t deal with hurricanes, we do face plenty of other emergency situations. Therefore, it is wise to have a family emergency plan in place.

I know it feels scary to think about, and it feels overwhelming, but taking a little bit of time today to prepare for an emergency tomorrow can make all the difference. And, for those working moms who already don’t have enough time, I am attaching links for as many pre-made tools as possible.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

First, be sure to sign up for emergency alerts on your cell phone. These alerts are lifesavers. You will receive notifications for any potential emergency, including tornadoes and winter weather. You can do a quick Google search for your town and the word “alerts” to find the one for your area and opt-in for alerts.

Write Out Emergency Contacts

If you are like me, you don’t have very many phone numbers memorized. With cell phones, memorizing numbers is a thing of the past! However, in case of emergency, it is helpful to have your emergency contacts written out – and it is especially helpful if you have children. I like FEMA’s Family Emergency Communication Plan form, which also has space for email and social media handles. All you need to do is write out all your important phone numbers and save it.

Have an Evacuation Plan

Next, give thought to where your family would meet and go if there was an emergency. Then, communicate this plan clearly with your family and anyone else it involves (such as evacuating to a different family member’s home). The American Red Cross has an excellent Family Disaster Plan template. Likewise, it is important to have a fire escape plan for your family. For an example and checklist, see the National Fire Protection Association’s Home Fire Escape Plan.

Store Important Documents Safely

It is also important to store your family’s important documents safely. You want to place documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports in a fire safe and waterproof storage container. Use The Spruce’s guide to The 8 Best Fireproof Safes of 2019 to help you shop.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Last but not least, it is wise to prepare a family emergency kit. This kit should include the essentials for your family in case of an emergency. Ideally, the items should be stored in a duffle bag or storage container that is easy to grab and go in the event of an emergency. If you want to pack your own emergency kit, see FEMA’s Emergency Supply Checklist. If you don’t have time to put one together yourself, you can purchase a pre-made emergency kit from the American Red Cross, which includes first aid supplies, emergency food, and other essentials.

Remember – a little planning today can make a huge difference tomorrow. Here’s hoping your family never has any need to use your family emergency plans.

Is Fall the Best Season of All? Here are Some of My Favorite Things About Fall

While fall does not officially begin until September 23, 2019, it sure feels like we all start embracing all things fall right after Labor Day. Now, you all know, I love summer. So, to make myself feel better about saying goodbye to summer, I’ve been thinking about all the reasons fall may be the best season of all.

Fall Fashion

Naturally, one of the main reasons I look forward to fall is for the fashion! Fall is the time of year when we put away our summer clothes and embrace darker colors, boots, and sweaters.

Fall Temperatures

I wish we had fall temperatures all year in New York City. Unfortunately, we don’t. So, when the temperatures drop below burning hot and have not reached freezing, it is the perfect time of the year temperature-wise.

Fall Beverages

When fall rolls around, we all become pumpkin-spice crazy. However, that is not the only fall beverage I look forward to each year. Fall also means being able to drink hot chocolate more often and enjoy ciders on weekend afternoons.

Fall Food

Likewise, there are some foods that are more enjoyable in the fall. For example, I don’t typically like to eat soups when it is hot outside, but I crave soups in the fall. Plus, fall means apples, pumpkins, and spices.

Fall Holidays

I also love fall because it is the start of the holiday marathon. October has Halloween and November has Thanksgiving (followed by Black Friday – a personal favorite). I find it is so nice to have a holiday to look forward to each month.

Fall Adventures

Since fall brings outstanding temperatures, it is the perfect time to get outdoors. Fall is the ideal hiking season. Plus, there are some outdoor adventures that can only take place in fall, such as apple picking and pumpkin patch visits. And, the kids get out of school for fall break. Be sure to take a look at these 9 Fall Break Ideas for NYC Families I put together to start planning!

Fall Colors

I love to take a weekend each fall to go on a family adventure to see the leaves changing colors. I love all the autumnal colors – and they make a great background for family photos!

Fall Décor

Everyone likes fall décor, but what makes it extra special is that you can use it for more than one month. For example, for Christmas, you get about one month. But, for fall, you can have oranges and yellows in your home from September through November.

Fall Television

Another reason to look forward to the fall is brand new television. It means new seasons of my favorite shows and brand-new shows to test out. Click here for the Premiere Dates and Schedule for Every New and Returning Show for Fall 2019.

What do you think? Is fall your favorite season? Are you crazy for pumpkin-spice or are you totally over it? Are you still mourning summer like me?

This Evening Routine Could Change Your Family

My girls started back to school this week, which means it is time to prepare for busy, frantic, stressful evenings. Unless it’s not. Imagine if there was a way working moms could get home from work and actually enjoy their evenings with their little ones without feeling rushed and panicky. Recently, I stumbled upon some advice that I believe I can shape to fit my family that will make all the difference in the world.

Introducing Prime-Time Parenting for Working Moms

In the article, The Nightly Routine that Helps Working Moms Get All Their Parenting Done in Two Hours, the author writes, “It’s called Prime-Time Parenting. It starts around 6 p.m. and ends around 8 p.m. In between, parents put away cell phones and screens of all kinds. The kids put them away too (unless they’re needed for homework). During that two-hour window, parents focus exclusively on their children.”

It sounds so simple in theory, but those of us who work know that it is harder than it sounds. But, I think we can actually do it – if we plan and have solid routines in place for the following 30-minute chunks of time every weekday evening.

Homework Time

While I am cooking (or ordering takeout), the kids should be working on their homework. This will give me time to hop back and forth between the kids and the kitchen. And, hopefully, by the time dinner is ready (or has arrived), the girls will be finishing up homework. At this point, we will pause on school stuff for dinner.

Dinner Time

Since I have already meal planned for the week, I know in advance what we are going to be eating, so I can factor the time into our homework routine. When it is time to eat, we will eat together and catch up on the day.

Clean-Up Time

Instead of doing the dinner clean-up myself, the family will take part in a mini clean-up routine each night by clearing their dishes as soon as dinner is over and helping me straight up whatever mess we made cooking.

Quality Family Time

Finally, with the remaining time, I will keep my phone off and stay focused on my people. I will look over my girl’s homework to make sure they did it correctly. I will help them pack their bookbags and lunch boxes, so they are ready the next morning. Then, we will spend time together as a family watching a family-friendly show we all love or playing a game. Then, I will help them get ready for bed following our regular bedtime routine.

It may be wishful thinking, but I’m going to try. And, I realize that not every day will be the same – especially when dance classes start – but I believe I can make the necessary adjustments. By doing a little Prime-Time Parenting, I have a feeling this school year is going to be the best one ever!

What can you do to improve your evening hours and make life a little less frantic?

How to Get the Whole Family Clean After a Hot Day

This blog has been compensated by Dial®. #DialFamilyFavs #sponsored

Let’s talk about things we love. I love Target (as all moms everywhere shout out in agreement). I love that Target has everything I need and then some. I love that I can escape the busyness of the city by slipping through the doors of Target.

I love summer. I love that things slow down a bit and I get to spend more time with my girls. I love that it warms up and we get to stay outdoors for hours.

Here’s what I don’t love. I don’t love when the summer gets so hot that you turn sticky and sweaty and feel like you are always dirty — it kind of ruins the fun of playing outdoors when you end up feeling gross. But, the good people at Dial® brand have come to my rescue time and time again this summer.

For those moms who get what I am saying about the hot, sticky, dirty summer blues, I am here to tell you how you can revive your summer, still have fun, and get clean after a long, hot day.

Load Up on Fun and Supplies at Target

When summer is starting to become a chore, it’s time to head back to the glorious haven known as Target. Since you can count on Target to have everything you need, it is a one trip shopping excursion. Pick up some goodies for outdoor play, some cute summer outfits, some special summer food and drinks, and some summer scented cleaning supplies.

If you love Target as much as I do, then you have likely heard about Cartwheel. Cartwheel is Target’s genius money-saving feature on the Target app. If you haven’t started taking advantage of this super easy money-saving program, the time to start is yesterday! Here’s how it works:

1. Download the app at Cartwheel.com or Target.com.

2.       Create a new account or log into your already existing Target account.

3.       If you have a Target REDcard or Target gift cards, you should add them to your account.

4.       When shopping in Target, you can open the app to find nearby offers (Cartwheel coupons).

5.       In the stores, Target will place some signs advertising Cartwheel app discounts. However, there are TONS more offers on the app, so don’t just look for in-store signs on products.

6.       The app allows users to search for deals according to categories. Plus, the app creates a list of personalized offers based on your previous purchases.

7.       When you see an offer you want, simply click the + sign and it will be added to your Cartwheel.

8.       When it is time to check out, you scan the app’s “wallet” barcode, and your Cartwheel offers will be applied.

See how easy it is to save money at your favorite place on the items you love? 

Stock Up on Dial® Brand Products

Here’s even more exciting news: Cartwheel will have a 10% off deal on Dial® Brand products while supplies last.

For those who have been paying attention, I love Target, and I love summer. But, I do not love feeling gross at the end of a hot summer day. That’s where my love for Dial® Brand comes in. My family trusts Dial® Brand products because they have been in the business of helping people get clean since the 1940s. They are quality products at low prices – especially when you can find them on sale using Cartwheel. When my family comes in sticky and sweaty, I know I can trust Dial® Brand to help us all feel clean and fresh.

Give Your Kids a Good Scrub with Dial® Kids Body + Hair Wash

This summer, my girls tried out two different Dial® Kids Body + Hair Wash scents: watery-melon and peachy clean. They loved both scents equally – and I found the scents very refreshing as I hugged them close and sniffed their clean hair. Not only do they smell great, but they also are two-in-one products combining body wash and hair care. Ask any mom, and she’ll tell you – this is genius! It saves you time and tears at bath time. And, finally, Dial® Kids Body + Hair Wash was developed by pediatric dermatologists. Who better to trust with your precious little ones’ skin?

Dial® brand also offers outstanding products for mom and dad. After a long day of playing with kids outdoors and then handling bath time and bedtime, you deserve some me time. I love having time to myself to clean all the dirt and grime from playing outdoors and exercising. So, I was thrilled to discover Dial® Himalayan Salt Body Wash, which works so well to clean and exfoliate my skin. I leave the bath feeling clean and refreshed and ready to do summer all over again the next day.

Once again, you can find my favorite Dial® brand products at your local Target. Be sure to take advantage of the Cartwheel offer before supplies run out!

10 Back to School Clothes Shopping Tips

We are currently enjoying the last few days of summer vacation – I hope you are, too! As summer draws to a close, it means it is time to go back to school shopping. After having kids in school for a few years now, I have learned some key things to do to make back to school clothes shopping more successful. I hope these tips help you just as much as they helped me!

Review the School Dress Code

Before you do any back to school clothes shopping, you absolutely must review the school dress code – especially if your school does not have uniforms. This is so important. There is nothing worse than shopping for all the clothes just to find out they do not comply with the dress code.

Check Sizes in Advance

Another mistake you want to avoid is buying the wrong size clothes. Or buying new clothes when your kids really don’t need them. If your child is still wearing the same size, look over the clothes to see if they are still in good condition before you spend a bunch of money on clothes your child will outgrow sooner rather than later.

Clear the Closets

Next, go through your child’s closet and clear any clothes he or she has outgrown or clothes that are not in good condition. This is a great way to see what you really need to buy versus what you don’t. For example, your child may have plenty of jeans but not enough socks (since they somehow always disappear).

Donate the Excess

After you have cleared the closet, donate the items that no longer fit your child. If you are looking to make some money from your child’s outgrown clothing, then head to your favorite consignment shop. Or, donate the clothing to an organization with a mission you support.

Give Yourself Time

We are getting really close to the back to school shopping deadline. Give yourself plenty of time to shop so you avoid rushing. If you wait until the last minute, you will wind up spending more than you want and purchasing things you don’t need.

Do It Online or Go Kid-Free

When it comes to back to school clothes shopping, try to do it alone. It is much easier to shop for back to school clothing when your kids aren’t with you since they will want everything they don’t actually need (such as accessories) and having them with you will take so much longer. Better yet, take your list of sizes and clothing needs and shop online at your favorite retailer!

Set a Budget

Next, be sure to set a budget before you start to shop. We all spend quite a bit on back to school shopping, so budget accordingly. Having a budget will help you decide which items you should pass on and which ones are worth it.

Take Advantage of Sales, Discounts, and Coupons

You can find some excellent back to school shopping deals. Stock up on the coupons by signing up for emails from your favorite stores. You will get emails alerts about sales and coupons you can use when shopping.

Shop Overstock Stores

I love doing my back to school clothes shopping at overstock stores like T.J. Maxx. I can purchase my girls designer goods at great prices, ensuring they look fabulous and I have money left over for school supplies.

Off-Season Merchandise is Your Friend

Finally, go ahead and stock up on off-season merchandise. Guesstimate your child’s size next summer and purchase a few key pieces (such as swimsuits) while they are on clearance. If you shop wisely, you will either have clothes in the right clothes for next year or clothes you can consign and make your money back on.

Last Minute Getaway Ideas for This Upcoming Labor Day Weekend

What better way to say goodbye to summer than a quick Labor Day getaway? This summer has flown by, and I am looking for ways to send summer off with a bang with my little family. I’m thinking a trip is in the works. Labor Day weekend begins next Friday once you clock out of work, so you’ve only got a week to make your plans. I’m here to help with some road trip destinations near NYC and some good ideas for a last-minute international flight.

The Adirondacks and Lake Placid

Drive Time = 5 Hours

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure within driving distance of NYC, look no further than Lake Place in the Adirondacks. Your whole family will enjoy the scenic views, and you will find plenty of things to do outdoors, such as hiking, paddle boarding, or golfing.

Rhode Island Beaches

Drive Time = 3 Hours, 15 Minutes

If you want to enjoy some family beach time, head towards one of the Rhode Island beaches, such as Narragansett Beach, Salty Brine State Beach, or Roger Wheeler State Beach. These quaint seaside towns cater to beach-loving families. Families will love watching the fishermen, riding bikes, and eating their share of seafood.

Ocean City, New Jersey

Drive Time – 2 Hours, 15 Minutes

Did you know that nearby Ocean City has been named New Jersey’s favorite beach multiple years in a row and was even named Best Beach in America in 2016 by Coastal Living? When you visit, it is easy to see why. This is a super family-friendly beach destination complete with a boardwalk, an amusement park, and beautiful beaches.

The Great New York State Fair

Drive Time = 4 Hours

If your idea of saying bye to summer involves a wild and crazy time for your kids, then head to The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, which runs from August 21st – September 2nd. This is the oldest state fair in America, and they do it big! In addition to the typical fair rides and food, this state fair also has crazy good entertainment, such as concerts by famous musicians over Labor Day weekend.

Best Last-Minute International Spots

For those families looking for a last-minute jet-setting adventure, I found some great tips on Kayak. For example, Kayak suggests, “If you’re looking for an international bargain, head north or south — not east or west. Based on last year’s data, destinations in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean shine through as affordable escapes, with median airfares barely breaking $300 roundtrip for Labor Day. Noticeably absent from the list? Destinations in Europe, Africa or Asia.”

What are you planning to do with your family this Labor Day Weekend? Let me know in the comments!