Get out of town and out on the water at a lakeside retreat, like Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort in Lake Placid, NY. Spend a fall weekend kayaking, paddle boating and canoeing. You’ll find fewer bugs, smaller crowds and more room to play on the lake than during the summer season. Grab your life vests and test your balance on a paddleboard or pedal out onto the lake with the kids (but don’t go too far since you’ll need to pedal back).

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a short hike around Mirror Lake in the town of Lake Placid. Or, aspire to become a Saranac Lake 6er, climbing the 6 peaks that surround neighboring Saranac Lake. Want to climb just 1? Start with Mount Baker, which is best-suited for families. This will give you plenty of time to get back on the lake before the school bell rings on Monday.