<p>Backpacks ready by the front door. Lunches prepared and packed up. What's left to do before the bus arrives? Snap a first day of school picture, of course — <a href="https://www.newsday.com/photos/share-your-photos-and-videos-1.13088776">and share them with us</a>!</p> 
<p>Still need some gear and advice? Check out our <a href="http://projects.newsday.com/lifestyle/back-to-school-guide/">back-to-school guide</a> for trends, discounts, tips and more.</p>

Backpacks ready by the front door. Lunches prepared and packed up. What's left to do before the bus arrives? Snap a first day of school picture, of course — and share them with us! Still need some gear and advice? Check out our back-to-school guide for trends, discounts, tips and more.

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The Long Island affiliate reaches an average of 850 to 1,000 girls annually through after-school and summer programs.

After-school program aims to help young women become independent leaders

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More than 80 vendors will have booths informing participants about Long Island summer camps, after-school programs, birthday party venues and play places.

All Kids Fair comes to Westbury mall this weekend

"I couldn't believe it ... I stared at him for a half-hour, totally in awe."

Eaglets hatch in Massapequa after bald eagles attract thousands of fans

The beauty of the Silent Book Club, members say, is that they can read whatever they want.

This bar is so silent, you can hear a page turn — and that's entirely the point

Parents share their bills for sleepaway and day camp programs. "We have to save for camp."

2 kids, 6 weeks of summer camp, $26,900. How much parents really pay

How LI is celebrating Holi

Get ready for a bloomin' good time this spring. 

6 ways to kick off the season 

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The park reopens for the season this weekend. 

Adventureland adds 2 new rides, part of $10M redevelopment plan 

"It's where they get their haircut styles. It's where they get their new music. It's where they find out what shows to watch."

Possible TikTok ban is like removing 'center of teenage culture,' LIers say

Each age group is named with a sports term.

New kids play space combines fun sports and fitness

The sisters, who overcame homelessness, hope to open their own medical practice together.

6 sisters study nursing together at Adelphi

PS Burger in Mineola also staples the flyers on their takeout bags.

Pizzeria tops boxes with flyers to help rescue dogs find homes

A $1,695 bassinet. A $200 diaper bag. Expect to drop thousands to set up for your new baby, Long Island parents say.

Your new baby's nursery and gear may cost you at least $4,000

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Newsday food writer Scott Vogel tries omakase, the Japanese restaurant experience in which the diner leaves their meal entirely up to the chef.

Trying Sora Omakase in Stony Brook

Waterdrinker's annual Tulip Festival is now at two locations. Newsday's Rachel Weiss reports from Riverhead.

'We're almost at full bloom'

At Huntington's Project Prom, students got to pick out free dresses, suits, ties and shoes to help cut costs. Newsday family writer Beth Whitehouse reports. 

'There's so many to choose from'

Newsday food writer Andi Berlin visits Won KBBQ, a family-owned, all-you-can-eat Korean barbeque restaurant in Carle Place.

Inside Won KBBQ in Carle Place

The Friendly's on Hawkins Avenue in Ronkonkoma closed for good this week, joining a half-dozen other shuttered locations from Levittown to Middle Island.

Friendly's in Ronkonkoma serves its last sundae

One Trick Pony is a women-owned coffee cafe in Westhampton Beach.

Inside Westhampton Beach's One Trick Pony

Fans of Melissa Gorga were lined up along the street for the grand opening of Gorga's Huntington boutique. Newsday's Rachel Weiss reports.

'I always said I wanted a store on Long Island'

Sansone Market in Garden City Park is turning out some of Long Island's top pizza at the hands of Auggie Russo. Food writer Erica Marcus explores the offerings. 

'I don't just have to be awake to be thinking about pizza'

Adventureland in Farmingdale adds two new rides as part of its 2024 season. NewsdayTV's Steve Langford reports. 

'Really scary, but fun'

From guidance counselor to restaurant owner: Nelly Mourelle employs people with autism at her empanada shop in West Babylon. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Empanadas with a purpose

Newsday White House correspondent Laura Figueroa Hernandez looks at the House vote on a bill that would require TikTok to separate from its Chinese owner or be banned.

Potential ban on TikTok

Newsday family reporter Beth Whitehouse visits L.I. Salty Kids Cove in Patchogue and Rookies Kids Fitness and Athletics in Bellmore.

Go inside 2 new play places

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Kids can have their day at these annual spring festivals.

Spring festivals

The Beach Boys, Alanis Morissette and Third Eye Blind are among the performers coming to Wantagh this summer. 

Jones Beach concerts

Things to do this weekend

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Find parenting tips, family-friendly local events and more to plan a fun-filled day with kids on Long Island. 