These back-to-school school jokes are clean enough for the classroom
Back-to-school season means saying goodbye to summer and getting ready for the next adventure, which typically includes a lot of gear like cool kids’ backpacks and new playground-ready shoes. But don’t forget to pack some funny school jokes in your kids’ back pockets, too! Our collection is filled with hilarious but cute kids’ jokes about school that will bring on belly laughs. Looking for even more giggles? Check out these extra squeaky clean jokes, printable lunchbox jokes, and math jokes. Get ready to LOL.
School Jokes about School Supplies
1. What does your computer do for lunch?
Has a byte!
2. Why do math books always look so sad?
They are full of problems.
3.Where do pencils go on vacation?
Pencil-vania.
4. What does a book do in the winter?
Puts on a jacket.
5. What did the paper say to the pencil?
Write on!
6. What did one pencil say to the other on the first day of school?
Looking sharp!
7. Knock, knock!
Who’s there?
Pencil.
Pencil who?
Never mind, this is pointless.
8. Why do calculators make great friends?
You can always count on them!
9. Where did the pencil go for vacation?
To Pennsylvania.
10. What dinosaur had the best vocabulary?
The thesaurus.
11. Who is the leader of the school supplies?
The ruler.
12. Did you know all books in the school library are the same color?
Your wallet is getting a holiday, too, thanks to these Memorial Day sales
Memorial Day weekend. The unofficial start of summer, the time to break out the grill and cold drinks, and the perfect excuse to indulge in some serious shopping. Whether you’re in the market for a new swimsuit or just looking to upgrade your home decor, Memorial Day weekend steals are the perfect opportunity to score some serious deals. To help you navigate the sea of sales, we’ve compiled a list of the best Memorial Day sales out there.
All the products and Memorial Day sales listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
From donating goods to volunteering your time, these are the best places around DC to make a difference as a family
Play Santa this season by checking off the wish lists of these local non-profits (plus one neighborhood group). You’ll help bring holiday cheer to those in need while also modeling empathy, kindness and generosity to your kids. There are so many ways to empower the local community this December, from donating goods, volunteering services or even making a monetary contribution. Whether you choose to spend time with struggling students in Ward 5, support sick kids with holiday gifts, or empower homeless teens with gift cards, donating to these local organizations will help make the holiday season a little brighter for those in need (and might just boost your family’s joy!).
Dr. Bear's Closet at Children's National Hospital Bring holiday cheer to hospital-bound children this Dec. by donating gift cards and new toys, books and games. Shop the hospital registry here to choose a gift that will be shipped directly to Dr. Bear's Closet. The hospital is collecting holiday donations now through Dec. 23 (but donations are accepted year round, so don't worry if you miss the holiday window).
District of Columbia Public Schools DCPS (District of Columbia Public Schools) is currently seeking items to support in-classroom instruction, like computers, art supplies and white boards. You can direct your donation towards your local school, or contact DCPS to find the schools most in need. You can also make a monetary donation here.
DC Diaper Bank Helping babies is the number one mission of the DC Diaper Bank. Diapers, newborn necessities, nursing supplies, hygiene products and more are all collected to empower and change lives of babies living at or below the poverty line. DC Diaper Bank collects more than just diapers, you can also donate new carseats, strollers, diaper bags and other nursery needs. Stock the Bank's pantry by donating formula, wipes, diaper cream and more.
Beacon House Serving over 400 children in Ward 5, Beacon House aims to close the educational gap and help Edgewood students achieve their greatest potential. Like a "beacon" of light guiding students to graduate from high school and pursue secondary-education, this non-profit embodies the spirit of a "lighthouse" for neighborhood kids. Donate your time and talents to help Edgewood youth; this organization is always seeking volunteers to help with their many educational programs. You can also make a monetary contribution here. For material good donations, contact the organization to get a list of their current needs.
Partners for Kids in Care Partners for Kids in Care supports children and youth in foster care and at-risk families in DC’s welfare system. Donate new or gently used clothes, games, toiletries and linens to the Children's Donation Center where teens, youth and families can shop free for their personal needs.
Mobile Hope Mobile Hope has been empowering at-risk youth in Loudoun County since 2011. This organization supports teens and young adults (up to 24) with shelter, clothing, food, transportation and more. You can support Mobile Hope's annual toy drive by shopping their Amazon wish list here. Mobile Hope also accepts food, clothing, shoes, diapers and more year round.
Martha’s Table This group has worked for 35 years to support children, families and the community at large in the DC area. Volunteer your time and become one of the 16,000 volunteer who help with food, clothing and special events every year. This organization is currently accepting beans, canned vegetables, whole grain crackers, pasta and more (for a full list, go here). Martha's Table also accepts new and gently-used clothes for adults and children.
So Others Might Eat For over 50 years, So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.) has been serving the DC"s homeless community and those experiencing extreme poverty since 1970. This interfaith organization offers transitional housing, access to medical care, career training, and an open door policy to those that need a hot shower, a meal or food pantry items. S.O.M.E. is currently collecting food, clothing, hygiene items and household goods. You can view their Amazon wishlist here.
A Wider Circle A Wider Circle provides basic need items to families transitioning out of homelessness or leaving domestic abuse situations. Their goal is to help families get a fresh start with dignity and hope. A Wider Circle accepts gently used baby essentials, like strollers, highchairs, changing tables, Pack ‘n Plays, car seats, infant and toddler clothing and cribs as well as any household items you might need to start a new home (think pots and pans, desks and children's toys).
Shelter House This nonprofit serves two shelters for families and one for victims of domestic violence in Fairfax County, VA. Needs are greatest for toiletries, gift cards, diapers and wipes, baby bottles and more.
Carpenter’s Shelter Serving more than 600 homeless and formerly homeless children and adults each year, this shelter serves people in need in the city of Alexandria. They’re looking for in-kind donations of food, toiletries and miscellaneous items such as air mattresses, dish and bath towels, and SmarTrip cards.
Bethesda Cares This community outreach program for the homeless provides food, clothing and psychiatric services, and helps put a roof over the heads of people in the streets. Bethesda Cares accepts food, clothing or toiletries. During the winter, coats for adults are especially needed.
GreenDrop As the name implies, you can drop used goods at a number of freestanding donations boxes across the DMV, but this service will also come to you! Schedule a pick up and let GreenDrop haul away your bags (and bags!) of used clothes, toys, appliances, small furniture and more. GreenDrop sells your goods and you choose where they donate the profits (pick from organizations like the American Red Cross, Military Order of the Purple Heae or the National Federation of the Blind).
Various Drop-Off Locations around MD and VA or schedule a pick-up Online:gogreendrop.com
The Buy Nothing Project Post items on your local Buy Nothing group that no longer bring you joy and brighten up the day of one of your neighbors (they simply scoop up your goods from your doorstep). These groups aren't just limited to used goods; you can also share your time and talents. Whether you're a notary public or an online tutor, you can offer your services free-of-charge to help those that could not otherwise afford them. Want to be on the receiving end of your neighbors' generosity? You can also request things from your personal wish list with one simple rule: money never changes hands.
Bikes for the World Let's think about the tricycles and bikes that may be crowding your hallway or tiny garage. A great organization that can help you to get rid of some of those bikes is Bikes for the World. Bikes for the World is a nonprofit humanitarian organization and volunteer network that collects thousands of used bicycles, as well as bike parts and tools, and delivers them to community programs around the world. Recently, they worked with BikeMatch DC to deliver bikes to essential workers during COVID. They also distribute bikes to area youth through an earn-a-bike program. So get to pedaling over to the Bikes for the World Warehouse. You can donate at anytime to any participating bike shop or find out when the local warehouse (address below) is hosting a bike drive.
Want to give back this holiday season? We rounded up 25 organizations in Chicago where your entire family can volunteer—and make a difference
Let’s face it, most kids probably think of this time of year as the season of “getting”—getting candy, getting gifts, getting visitors. If you are looking for ways to change the narrative to a holiday season of “giving,” and to teach children lessons in gratitude and empathy, there’s no better opportunity than having them witness first-hand the needs of others. Chicago is full of people in need. From supporting kids in the hospital to helping provide food to local shelters to showing love to the city’s furry friends to doing their part to protect the environment, we’ve rounded up some organizations where your entire family can put in some volunteer hours and reap the spiritual rewards. It’s proof that there is no shortness of opportunities to lend a hand.
Common Pantry established a program called Common Kids in 2014 to address the desire of parents to get their kids involved in volunteer work. Common Kids is open to kids ages 5-12. Through special events and projects, kid volunteers are able to fund-raise in an effort to combat hunger and food insecurity.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository supports more than 700 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other programs throughout Cook County. One Saturday per month, the Depository holds a Kids Day, in which families with children between ages 5-11 can help repack donations for Chicago-wide distribution. Groups of up to 8 volunteers are welcome with one adult per every two children. Additional Kids Days are held during winter and summer breaks.
Nourishing Hope, (formerly known as The Lakeview Pantry), delivers the equivalent of four million meals annually to Chicago's food insecure and provides mental wellness counseling and other social services, such as job and housing assistance. They welcome kids ages 9-15 to volunteer with a parent guardian. Kids ages 9-12 may be tasked with online market packing, home delivery prep and packing, or Saturday hub restock and clean. Kids age 13-17 may be involved in food distribution.
The mission of CJE SeniorLife is to enhance the quality of life and facilitate independence of older adults. Kids can volunteer alongside their parents at any age. They may volunteer unaccompanied starting at age 12. In fact, CJE offers B’nai Mitzvah opportunities. The main objective is to spread joy to the CJE residents, whether that be by sharing a talent, bringing in a therapy animal, helping with arts and crafts, or just sitting by their side. There are CJR communities in Deerfield, Evanston, Skokie, and Chicago.
LBFE's main objective is to relieve isolation and loneliness among the eldery. Children are welcomed to volunteer alongside their parents/guardians in visiting senior citizens and giving the gift of companionship. The holidays are a particularly good time to get involved as LBFE needs help in throwing holiday celebrations for its community. You may help in prepping for parties, cooking, attending, transporting seniors to parties, or bringing a piece of a party to the home-bound.
Kids starting at age 12 can volunteer at Lutheran Home to simply spend time with residents. This could mean reading with them, playing games, making a craft, or going for a walk. It may also include transporting them in their wheelchair or helping them with their shopping needs at the General Store. After completing an application and an interview with the Volunteer Manager, volunteer interests are matched with campus needs.
Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals, safety checks, and human connection to home-bound seniors. Kids can accompany their parents while they drive around making food deliveries. Assigned routes are typically two hours long and include 8-10 stops. The Northern Illinois chapter also has families create greeting cards for seniors.
Cards for Hospitalized Kids delivers handmade cards to Children's Hospitals and Ronald McDonald houses all across the country. Kids of any age can create a card that will lift up the spirits of another child who has been hospitalized. General cards are delivered monthly, and of course, holiday cards are delivered for major holidays. This is the easiest way for a kid to show compassion for others. Chicago children in 7th grade and up can even volunteer to help with card-sorting and card-distribution operations in their Chicago office. These volunteer sessions occur twice a month on Saturday mornings.
Chicago Challenger League is a division of Little League for kids with physical or mental challenges. Volunteers act as "buddies" to the athletes (ages 4-18), helping them to run the bases or field the ball. It is a great way for kids to not only volunteer, but get outdoors, get some exercise, and make new friends too!
KEEN's mission is to "empower youth with disabilities and impact volunteer coaches through participation in free, non-competitive, one-on-one programs of physical activity and fun, supporting the overall health and well-being of all participants." High school students at least 15 years old can volunteer as a "Coach" at KEEN. Coaches are paired with one "athlete" with limited capabilities, and are responsible for assisting that athlete in whatever sport activity they choose. Coaches are given a detailed profile of their athlete's abilities with suggestions for how to best support them.
Volunteering in Chicago: Assist the Less Fortunate
American Red Cross
Your community doesn't have to have suffered a disaster for there to be opportunities to volunteer with the American Red Cross. High school students can get involved in service and educational projects that directly impact their school or community. It's a great way to develop skills in leadership and learn how to mobilize resources.
The aptly named Cradles to Crayons collects all sorts of items disadvantaged children desperately need. Donations are sorted and re-packaged for distribution at The Giving Factory®. This is where volunteering comes in. Kids age 5 and up can accompany their parents or guardians to The Giving Factory®and assist in the donation processing. The best part of volunteering for Cradles to Crayons is that you learn who the specific children you are helping are, and at the end of the day you get to know exactly how many local children and families you have impacted. What could be more rewarding than that? Teens in 9th-12th grade can join the Teen Leadership Corps., which is a structured leadership program where they may coordinate events and/or collection drives in additional to working in The Giving Factory®.
Habitat for Humanity exists in over 70 countries, with the goal of ensuring all citizens have access to safe and affordable housing through a number of different programs. There are volunteering opportunities for ages 5 to 40. Being able to impact lives in such a tangible and rewarding way can lead to a lifetime of community service.
1100 W. Cermak Rd., Ste. 404 Pilsen Online:habitat.org
Made By Mary
Made By Mary is a perfect example of how far-reaching and contagious small acts of kindness can be. Made By Mary was started by a woman and her two daughters to provide baked goods and handwritten messages to neighbors in need of comfort. Soon enough more volunteers joined in servicing the Mt. Prospect and Arlington Heights area by baking, and/or making cards, and helping with deliveries. It's work the whole family can do together.
A ministry project of Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child engages churches around the world to deliver shoe boxes filled with small gifts to children in need. Anyone, anywhere, can put together a shoe box that could include small toys, hygiene items, or school supplies. Instructions on how to pack a shoe box are listed on their website. A $10 donation is suggested to accompany each box to cover processing and shipping costs. Kids at least 13 years old can also assist at during National Collection Week (Nov 14-21) at the processing center in Aurora.
Share Our Spare was founded in 2011 by 10 local Chicago women determined to help families in need. They collect new and gently-used infant and toddler items from families with extra to “spare” and store them in their "Sharehouse." Volunteers, as young as 6 years old, help sort through the donations and assemble kits of items on Open Volunteer Days. Children can even add a personal note to the kits they assemble. Partner organizations visit the Sharehouse and select the kits they need for their communities and redistribute them.
Can you believe the United State Post Office has been responding to kids' letters to Santa since 1912? At first it was just employees, but in the 1940s the program opened up to the public and ever since thousands of kids each year have been receiving gifts from "Santa", many who may not have otherwise gotten any holiday gifts. Truly get into the holiday spirit by adopting letters to Santa. Together, the whole family can read through letters online, select the ones to adopt, and then shop for & ship an item (or items) on the letter writer's wish list. With younger kids, you can position it as "helping Santa".
The Anti-Cruelty Society is more than a pet adoption center. They also provide spay/neuter services, end of life services, micro-chipping, various low income services, and so many educational programs. The Kids Who Care program invites families, with kids ages 2 and up, to join on the first Saturday of the month from 10-11:30 am to help prepare snacks for the animals, create pet toys, or decorate adoption posters. The program teaches kids the basics of pet care and animal safety. The Youth Who Care program gives tweens (ages 10-12), the opportunity to work in the shelter with the animals. Kids of any age can be a Reading Buddy. The Reading Buddy program is a drop-in volunteer program where kids read aloud to the animals to help them relax in a busy shelter environment. The Anti-Cruelty Society also has a Teens Who Care program.
Teens ages 16 and older can bring in their own dogs to provide animal-assisted therapy to over 5,000 clients across Chicago, from hospital patients to veterans, and children with autism. If they do not have an eligible dog, they may volunteer on their own by helping with certification testing on Saturday mornings and weeknight evenings.
Equestrian Connection has helped thousands of special needs adults and children through equine-assisted and other therapies. Volunteers can begin at age 13 walking by the side of a horse and its rider providing added comfort and security. As volunteers become more acquainted with the facility and clients, they may grow their responsibilities.
PAWS Chicago is committed to providing any and all homeless animals with refuge. All the animals that come to PAWS Chicago are guaranteed life. Volunteers ages 12 and up may join with their parents in cleaning areas of the medical or adoption centers, assist with laundry and dishes, help socialize animals, and other special projects or administrative tasks.
The Treehouse Humane Society is a cageless shelter for homeless cats. While on-site volunteers must be 18 years old, children are encouraged to volunteer by crafting homemade toys and enrichment supplies.
Volunteers can learn some very useful skills while volunteering at The Recyclery Collective. Volunteers starting at age 11 can bring in their bikes and learn how to fix them. They can then help recycle donated bikes which are distributed to refugees, low income families, and the homeless. As volunteers become more experienced, they in turn teach newcomers bicycle mechanics.
Families can volunteer with The Forest Preserve District of Cook County by helping remove invasive plants or harvesting native seed on Ecological Stewardship Days, or by initiating a Litter Obliterators Group Cleanup. Tools, gloves, bags, onsite safety training, and supervision are provided where necessary. Families can even Adopt-A-Site. Have a favorite grove, river, or trail you visit often? You may adopt that site by committing to visiting the site eight times between April and November to clean litter. You can visit on your own schedule. What's really fun about it, is that once you have visited three time, you may have a sign installed recognizing your family as having adopted the site. The kids are sure to get a kick out of that!
Kids age 12 and up can become Centennial Volunteers with The Friends of the Chicago River. Spend time outdoors together while clearing the brush, and picking up litter alongside the Chicago and Calumet Rivers, ultimately leading to the improved ecological health of these two important river habitats.
Although volunteer hours are no longer a CPS high school graduation requirement, students should still keep track of their hours. Once verified by a school counselor, the hours will be added to their school records for use on college applications.
Fall is just around the corner and despite the fact that summer is still dishing out its last gasps of heat, chances are you’re already dreaming about wooly scarves, UGG boots, and pumpkin spice lattes. If anyone happens to question your passion for pumpkins in August, you can explain it away with the scientific reason people love fall.
“As children, we come to associate fall with going back to school, new school supplies, seeing friends. It’s exciting, for most. We still respond to this pattern that we experienced for 18 years,” Kathryn Lively, a sociology professor at Dartmouth University explained to the Huffington Post. It’s something ingrained in us from childhood.
Besides going back to school, fall is associated with a lot of special annual holidays, including Halloween and Thanksgiving. September is also the most popular month for births in the United States, which means plenty of people connect the start of fall with presents and birthday cake.
StudyFinds.org also discusses a OnePoll that found the changing of the leaf colors is one of the main reasons fall is a fave, followed by that telltale chill in the air. Other big reasons? Getting ready for the holidays, making homemade soup and wearing bit sweaters all factor in.
Lively explained that the sociological basis for loving fall has to do with the fact that we view it as a comforting time of year. Fans of the Scandinavian “hygge” movement, which associates happiness and well-being with a cozy lifestyle, might also argue this idea. After all, what’s more hygge than sipping a PSL while snuggling with your tots?
Look no further than your own family to find role models for your children. Grandparents can inspire the younger generation’s values and future
We all know that grandparents are our kids’ go-to source for bear hugs, commiseration (you are the common enemy), and yummy movie night snacks. But did you know that kids benefit from their grandparent’s advice, guidance, and endless love, too? Yup,research shows that it’s a win-win for both generations, and so, in honor of Grandparent’s Day on Sept. 11, here are 10 reasons why your kids need to get in that QT with Nana, Pop-Pop, Mimi, or Gramps.
Grandparents Provide Unconditional Love
Mira Temkin
Grandparents love your children and want to be around them, helping them mature and shaping them into smart, caring adults. Showering your children with unconditional love will go a long way toward instilling confidence in them and ensuring that they have a brighter future.
You'll Help Your Parents Live Longer
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Scientists now believe that grandparents who babysit live longer than those who don’t. A study showed babysitting grandparents had a whopping 37% lower mortality risk than adults of the same age who have no “caring responsibilities.” They believe time spent with grandchildren creates a sense of purpose and also helps keep grandparents physically and mentally active.
Hopefully, your mom and dad will want to explore the world with your kiddos and take them to visit historic and educational destinations. Your parents may have the financial means to go a little further and take the kids on a skip-gen trip by themselves. Count yourself very lucky if they can.
Let your mom and dad take your kids on educational, yet fun outings—to museums, art shows, and musical theatre performances. Let the grandparents serve as role models, showcasing their passion for culture. Kids who are exposed to the arts will be more likely to pursue these experiences on their own as they continue to grow.
You Can All Be Part of a Team
iStock
Raising children is like a team sport. You’ve heard the expression, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Encourage your parents to be a part of the team and let them take great pride in fostering your children to become confident, healthy adults. That’s something you can all be proud of accomplishing.
If you need more convincing, a study at the University of Oxford by Professor Ann Buchanan from the Department of Social Policy and Intervention showed that “a high level of grandparental involvement increased the well-being of children.” Their study of more than 1,500 children showed that those with a high level of grandparental involvement had fewer emotional and behavioral problems.
Grandparents Can Be Your Child’s Best Sounding Board and Source of Comfort
iStock
It’s a tough world out there. Your kids see how hard you work and may feel more comfortable sharing their issues and concerns with their grandparents, who might be less judgemental. If your child dreams of becoming an astronaut, grandparents have the power to encourage them. If a family is struggling, grandparents can just be there to listen and provide empathy for their fears.
Your Kids Can Learn about the Past
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There was a time in the not-so-distant past when our lives weren't ruled by technology. Grandparents can share stories about years when humans weren't living in a digital world; kids will love seeing pictures of their grandparents doing their favorite things and come to understand how different life was back then.
Grandparents Can Help Kids Do Good for Others
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The elder generation may also place a high value on volunteering at religious and social service organizations. They may ask to bring the kids along with them at events like sorting donations at a food bank, packing school supplies, and purchasing warm coats for needy children. Participating in these kinds of activities will teach your children about compassion.
Your Kids Can Learn about and Share Their Values
Mira Temkin
Grandparents have an opportunity to share their values, like the importance of getting a good education, staying close to family, and being kind to children at school who may be physically and mentally challenged, with your kids. The influence of positive role models is critical as children tend to model the behaviors they see; listening to their grandparents will serve as a guide for your kiddos.
No need to leave the New York City limits for some Labor Day weekend fun this year. Hit up one of these affordable activities with your family for the ultimate staycation before school starts
Is it really the end of August already? Soon enough, you’ll be saying goodbye to the summer season and sending your kids back to school. But with one last long weekend left, let’s make it count.
For those staying in town, we’ve rounded up enough mind-blowing Labor Day activities to keep your family busy! From live music to events with colorful costumes and cultural vibes to zoo animals galore, there’s plenty of staycation fun to be had without having to leave the New York City limits in order to send off summer properly.
Coney Island Beach Amusement Parks Don’t say goodbye to the ocean waves yet. Pack a sandwich and head over to the Coney Island boardwalk and beach. What makes Coney Island a top pick for kids? Want to play in the sand and ride your heart out on the thrilling Coney Island Cyclone? How about a spin around Deno’s Wonder Wheel? It’s all within walking distance in one epic location.
Luna Park in Coney Island
1000 Surf Ave.
Brooklyn, NY Online: lunaparknyc.com
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park
1025 Boardwalk Ave.
Brooklyn, NY Online: denoswonderwheel.com
Public School Holiday in Prospect Park Nature is calling. Get your family outside and enjoy family programming at Prospect Park on Mon., Sep. 5 from 12-5 p.m. Participate in nature-themed activities, learn about animals that live here, join a family bird walk, and ride the carousel. Visit the website for the full schedule of activities.
West Indian Parade Immerse your family in the spirit of the Caribbean culture and heritage by joining this annual event that attracts two million people. On Mon., Sep. 5 starting at 11 a.m., get completely mesmerized by the visually stunning and colorful ensembles and hear the sounds of steel-pan and calypso bands. Watch as participants in elaborate costumes walk down Eastern Parkway, and taste what the island cuisine has to offer at one of the many vendors along the parade path.
Insider tip: Early risers can join in the fun at pre-parade parties during J’ouvert (which means “daybreak” in French).
Schenectady Avenue, ending at Grand Army Plaza
Crown Heights, NY Online: carnifest.com
Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit Aspiring artists and art lovers must come out to Greenwich Village for this fall sidewalk show on Mon., Sep. 5 from 12-6 p.m. It’s the exhibit’s 92nd year and serves as a great opportunity to get your family to experience art while getting outside. Enjoy fine art, mixed media, metal work, jewelry, glass, wood, and so much more!
Just note: despite the name, the exhibit is not actually inside Washington Square Park. It begins at E. 13th St. and continues south along the east side of the park until W. 3rd St.
University Place
Greenwich Village, NY Online: wsoae.org
The Met’s 13th Summer HD Festival
Enjoy 10 thrilling performances at this 11-day event, which has featured free showings from Aug. 26 and runs through Labor Day weekend. The round up for Labor Day includes Massenet’s Cinderella, Puccini’s Turandot, and Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones. One of those 7:30 p.m. shows seem like a good fit for your fam? Grab one of the 2,500 seats set up at Lincoln Center.
Lincoln Center
Upper West Side, NY Online: metopera.org
Walkway Over the Hudson River As the summer air winds down, so do the temperatures. Enjoy an easy nature walk with your little urbanite. The Walkway over the Hudson is a great choice and is friendly to strollers, scooters, and bikes. Walk across the 3.6-mile loop, which offers unobstructed panoramic river views, historical points of interest, and the former railroad bridge. Be sure to look for the red caboose! Kids love climbing it.
64 Parker Ave.
Poughkeepsie, NY Online: walkway.org
Rockaway Bazaar Enjoy one final swim and hit the beach! The Rockaway Bazaar has been hosting live music all summer long. Take one final taste of the ocean salt water, build a stunning sand castle, and rock out to live music. It’s fun and free for all ages!
Sand Shark Bar
9701 Shore Front Blvd.
Rockaway Beach, NY Online: rockaway-bazaar.com
Queens County Farm
Visit the Queens County Farm that has served as one of New York’s longest farmed sites. Come see where your food comes from, straight from the source. Farm grounds are free to the public on Labor Day so come and visit the animals that live here, including sheep, goats, alpacas, pigs, and honeybees. Plus, school-aged children can pick up a Farmy Scavenger Hunt sheet at the farm store or take a reading break at the Con Edison Reading Room.
73-50 Little Neck Parkway
Queens, NY Online: queensfarm.org
Getting everything done in time for the start of the school year is no easy task, and one a new survey found often lands squarely on moms’ shoulders.
Evernote, a productivity app, surveyed 1,083 adults who identify as a mother to see just how much this season—and it does feel like an entire season—stressed them out. Surprising no one, the bulk of back-to-school responsibilities, including haircuts, shopping, school supplies, and appointment scheduling, are tackled by (exhausted) moms.
A Thread on #BackToSchool Burnout 🚌 We recently uncovered compelling data on the impact of back-to-school on mothers—from the frequency they are managing these tasks to the numerous roles they must partake in. https://t.co/mMoLdOEi6B (1/6) pic.twitter.com/iEfUvMWlCL
More than a third (34%) said they handle everything related to preparing for the upcoming school year. Just over one-fifth (21%) of moms said they handled it by themselves “most” of the time, and just over one out of ten get equal help from a partner, which is sobering.
Over half (58%) of moms said that budgeting was one of the biggest concerns about back-to-school, spurred by the pandemic and inflation, and 57% reported that COVID safety concerns were also weighing on them.
Additional stressors included organizing drop-off/pickup schedules (54%), managing extracurricular activities (52%) managing school apps (44%), and finding/arranging childcare (35%). But we’re not done with the to-dos yet! More than half (58%) said they are solely responsible for meal-prep, including school lunches, and 39% are the sole support for homework.
Education and getting ready for school, like many things in our kid’s lives, seem to be ‘mom’s domain,’ regardless of whether we also have work outside the home. That, in addition to the always-present invisible mental load, means we often feel overwhelmed and in it alone.
More than 50% of survey takers reported that they handle the majority of back-to-school related tasks without help (3/6) #BackToSchoolpic.twitter.com/GWwkLiFpE4
Unfortunately, this often comes at the cost of our well-being. A quarter of moms surveyed said don’t have the time in a day to decompress. For those that do, 62% use it to have much-needed alone time, 52% spend time with friends and family, and 34% use it to enjoy their own activities. Let’s all tap our partners to get in the mix more, yeah? We all deserve less on our plates.
Let the teachers know you appreciate all their hardwork with these thoughtful, easy teacher gifts you can snag on you next shopping list.
Teachers are pretty much our saving grace, but with the hecticness of the end of the school year (and multiple teachers to thank) it can get tricky to pull off DIY projects or not blow your budget. The secret? Pair up simple, affordable items from the grocery aisles to make extra-special teacher gifts. Just add a homemade card or note from the kids and you are good to go.
A beautiful box of tea is always a lovely gift, but you can one-up the package by adding a box of simple cookies in the English biscuit style: We love green tea and ginger snaps; black tea and lemon thins; chai and snickerdoodles, but there’s really no wrong pairing here!
Don't just give flowers and call it a day—the simple addition of sending them in a reusable tote makes the gift both beautiful and practical, long after the stem fades. Tote here!
A gift card is always a welcome item, but you can up the joy by pairing it with a few donuts. Who doesn't like donuts, right? Try and find a gift card for somewhere special—teachers always spend their own money on school supplies so skip the Target or Amazon cards and go for a local restaurant or coffee house where they can really treat themselves. Or give them a grocery gift card so they can spend the money on special supplies (or wine) for the holidays.
Let your kiddo's teacher know that you want them to really relax and unwind over the winter break by combining two of the world's greatest decompression tools: wine and novels. Most grocery stores have the latest paperback sensation and a bodice-ripper might not be as looked-down on as you'd think. It makes for an adorable gift pairing, that's for sure.
The whole cocoa and marshmallows thing is great, but why not up your game by adding either real, vanilla extract or the actual whole vanilla beans to the gift bag? Drop in a high-quality powdered chocolate to the gift bag, marshmallows and maybe some cinnamon sticks too.
Tip: If you slice open a vanilla bean and place in on a tray in your oven at a lower temp for 30-45 minutes, you'll get a house that smells like cookies without having to bake!
You can’t go wrong with a bottle of fancy bubble water: look for one in a glass jar to make it uber-special and then add a few fresh lemons to the mix. Paired together in a small basket, this simple gesture is cheerful and healthy at the same time.
Give the gift of celebration and recovery! Assuming your teacher partakes in a glass or two on the weekends, a nice bottle of wine or champagne is always a treat. Add box of effervescent relief of a different kind and you can make it a funny-but-practical gift, too. Warning: do not give this gift if you or your giftee do not have a sense of humor.
Whether it’s a box of chocolates or your favorite local artisan bar, give the gift of “treat yo’self” directly to your favorite teacher by pairing chocolate (or another candy) with fun magazines. Choose 3-4 of the latest issues on a couple different subjects: if you know your teacher’s hobbies you can tailor the stack or just go for general coolness (House Beautiful; Conde Naste Travel; National Geographic). Tie the magazine stack together with twine and tuck the chocolate bar inside.
Eating natural honey is said to be good for staving off illness and allergies, and the soothing properties for a teacher’s throat after a day in the classroom can’t be beat. Take this treat from sweet to indulgent by adding a nice round of goat cheese: bonus props if you can find the kind with edible wildflowers pressed in.
For a proper tea time, package a nice lemon curd or jam with traditional crumpets. If your grocery store doesn’t have crumpets, you can opt for nice basket of muffins and scones.
Help teach keep her blood sugar up in the afternoons with a sweet gift in a reusable jar! Also, gummy bears + blue Ball jar = the perfect gift. Any kind of Mason or Ball jar will do, of course. Just fill it up with colorful bulk candy such as gummies, individually wrapped caramels, Jelly Bellys, licorice, etc. You can buy a set of jars and make these gifts for all the teachers in your life.
A nice coarse sea salt is a handy kitchen item: some grocery stores sell them in bulk and include Hawaiian red clay; pink Himalayan salt and more. Choose your favorite and then snag a bottle of olive oil to go with: look for an extra-virgin and stick to a smaller bottle so you don’t break your bank.
For many teachers, coffee goes with everything (especially grading papers and report cards) but even if you didn’t have time to paint a mug in advance you can still pair a pound of coffee with something spectacular. Look in the sugar aisle for a nice raw sugar, cane sugar or turbinado sugar.
The traditional teacher gift of a shiny red apple gets an upgrade when you place a triple-cream brie in the mix. It’s a simple pairing that never goes wrong: we’re pretty sure if your teacher doesn’t like brie there’s someone in his house who does.
This one is only for a teacher you know well enough to know that they drink vodka! You don’t have to go top shelf, just make sure to steer clear of the bottom shelf. Grab some queen stuffed olives for their martini mixer and you may just become the most popular parent on campus.
You can grab this one the night before or even the morning-of gift giving because the fresher the bread the better. Choose a crusty, rich loaf and then pair with a spreadable olive tapenade. You can also look for a rich roasted red pepper version, or opt for artichokes. The point is, give them something delicious to spread on their bread that screams “special occasion” and not mayo.
Fight cold and flu season (which is year round for teachers!) with a big basket of fresh oranges. Add in a box of tissue (go for the kind with lotion infused in a fancy-patterned box) and you’ll not only give them a chuckle, you’ll actually give them something they will use. Like, right away.
There’s self-soothing, and then there is self-soothing. Put the bath salts in a beautiful jar (ahem, Mason jars to the rescue again!) with a label that says what the contents are (bath salts) for soothing weary muscles and then get a package of mini-cupcakes or bite-sized brownies. Tell your teacher to take a bath and eat a brownie, because they deserve it!
Did someone say free stuff for kids? Between school gear, new clothes and everything else your kiddo needs, you can stand to get some freebies now and then. Luckily, we’ve got the outdoor, indoor, entertainment, educational and dining deals you can score for free this fall. From free books to complimentary museum visits, we can help you shop, learn and have fun without breaking the bank.
Free Museum and Park Visits
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Get outdoors to appreciate the amazing national parks this country has to offer. On five days in 2022, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. And fourth graders get free access to national parks all year round when they sign up with Every Kid Outdoors.
If you're looking to enjoy the indoors, check your favorite local museums for special free admission days. Bank of America cardholders can take advantage of the Museums On Us program, receiving free general admission the first weekend of each month to more than 225 cultural spots across the United States.
Museums 4 All offers free or reduced admission to more than 900 museums throughout the country to people receiving food assistance when they present their EBT cards.
Also, don't miss Smithsonian Magazine's Museum Day each year in September when participating galleries provide a day of free admission.
Style, Stickers, Swag and Other Freebies
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Does your kiddo want to decorate their new school binders and book covers with stickers? Add style to school supplies with these freebies from PETA!
When it comes to shopping for school bargains, parents can score free rewards on gear, electronics and even everyday essentials from Shopkick.
Either the tots are begging for story time or your enthusiastic young reader wants new books. How about finding some for free? Believe it or not, Amazon offers free e-books for kids with a ton of titles to choose from. Also, check out Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for more free children's literature.
Do you know someone who is passionate about LEGOs? If your child is between the ages of 5 and 9, you can sign them up for a free subscription to LEGO Life Magazine, delivered to your home five times a year with free shipping.
And then there's Kohl's Cash. Visit the retailer's website for information on how and when to score $10 off (in Kohl's Cash) for every $50 you spend.
If you keep putting off the dreaded trek to Chuck E. Cheese, the More Cheese Rewards Program might convince you. You get a $10 reward if you visit three times in a 12-month period, your kids will receive birthday rewards and you'll get extra tickets for every friend you refer.
Treat your crew to cinnamony goodness when you sign up for Club Cinnabon®. You'll get a free four-count of Bon Bites just for becoming a member.
You can't always get everything for free. But, in some cases, you can try a service or subscription without paying—for a limited time that is. Where can you find free trials? Highlights' Hidden Pictures Digital Play, Reading Eggs, Mathseeds and ABC Mouse all offer free educational service/activity trials.
Some of your favorite retailers have freebie activities for your kiddo to enjoy. When the summer sun stops shining, your child can enjoy no-cost playtime at IKEA's Småland play area—while you shop, of course.
You can also take advantage of one of Target's many free in-store special events. Check the big red bullseye retailer's website for an updated calendar.
If your kids want to get hands-on, Lowe's Build and Grow events provide little learners with tons of project-focused fun and LEGO offers members-only gifts through their free VIP club! Home Depot also hosts free kids workshops the first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Now that school is in full swing, soccer has started and the days are shorter, you could use dinnertime help. And that's exactly what we have for you! Forget about scrambling to get something on the table after a busy day at school and work. These family-friendly eateries have mealtime freebies just for kids.
