As summer winds down in New York, kids and parents school-year anticipation grows. This is the perfect occasion to take advantage of those dwindling summer days. Share quality time as a family before the hustle and bustle of studying and school activities begins. Family vacations are great, but if you don’t have the time or funds for a full-fledged trip then have fun with these perfect places for end-of-summer outings.

Long Beach
Long Beach, NY 11561
www.longbeachny.org

Price: free for children 12 and younger/$12 ages 13 and older

Nothing honors the end of summer in New York more than a day at the beach, and Long Beach is an easy trip from New York City. The Long Island Railroad stops in the center of this city by the Atlantic Ocean. Take a short stroll from the train to one of the many beach entrances, then jump the waves and watch the surfers fly by. Build a sand castle with the family and take a walk on the boardwalk, or rent bicycles and explore the city. Then finish the day with a relaxing evening of free music at a concert on the beach.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Corona and Flushing
Queens, New York
(718) 760-6565
www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fmcp

A fun outing in the park promises a perfect day before the studying begins. Flushing Meadows provides days of fun for the entire family. This park is accessible to all, easily reached by car, train, subway or bus. Host to two World’s Fairs, the park still has historic remnants on display as remembrance, covering two towns with ample places to relax and picnic. Enjoy a day at the Queens Zoo, or ride the carousel. Take in the beauty of the Botanical Garden, or help the kids get excited about this school year at the New York Hall of Science. The Queens Museum of Art provides a pleasant respite to enjoy art and local culture as well. The 124 of acres also provides homes for the Met’s Citi Field and the USTA National Tennis Center.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
Pier 83, West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 563-3200
www.circleline42.com

Once school begins there will be little time for a day of relaxation and enjoyment. Take a day to view New York City’s skyline from the water on a sightseeing cruise. Circle Line hosts cruises that provide views of New York landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Cloisters, perfect for a local history lesson that feels like everything but. Circle Line also offers fun kids’ cruises with magicians, jugglers and the Berenstain Bears.

Related: NYC’s 5 Best Summer Theater Activities For Kids

Rye Playland
1 Playland Parkway
Rye, NY 10580
(914) 813-7010
www.ryeplayland.org

Amusement parks provide a day of fun and excitement for every age. Rye is located right outside of the Bronx in Westchester County, an easy drive from the city. Take advantage of Metro North’s one-day getaway package price to Rye Playland’s family amusement park. One price includes round rail ticket, metro card and entrance to all of the rides. Enjoy a day of amusement before the seriousness of the school days begin.

Central Park Bike Rental
Central Park
40 W. 55th St.
New York, NY 10019
(347) 868-7692
www.bikerentalcentralpark.com/

Price: $15 for one hour/$20 for two hours/$25 for three hours/$40 all day/price includes helmet, basket, a lock and map

A day of bike riding in New York City’s largest and loveliest park burns a bit of energy before the days of school begin. Rent bicycles by the hour or for an entire day. Explore the park’s terrain while everyone sweats it out. Stop by the Central Park Zoo to say hello to the animals, then take a rest and enjoy a nice meal. Helmets are provided for safety, and a roomy basket will hold a picnic lunch.

Related: The Tri-State Area’s 7 Best Weekend Getaways