Activities for a fun family Labor Day

1. Try a new cuisine

Explore a cuisine that the kids have never tried before, like Ethiopian, Korean BBQ, Brazilian, or Japanese. Before heading to the restaurant, spend some time researching the region, locate it on a map, and find out a few unique customs.

2. Make and fly kites

Using a traditional kite pattern, paint and decorate kites using glitter, markers, ribbon, and whatever else you have on hand. Using plenty of string and a good gust of wind, fly the kites outdoors. Make it a competition and split into teams, challenge one another to see which kite stays in the air the longest.

3. Freezer cooking

Perfect for a rainy Labor Day, organize your kitchen into workstations and have the family create meals to freeze for the months ahead. Casseroles, cookie dough, and pasta sauce work the best. You’ll enjoy the time together and the money savings!

4. Backyard camping

Get up early in the morning and head out camping -- in your backyard! Bring all of the supplies necessary for a day and night out and restrict going inside the house to emergencies only. Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories, and sleep under the starry skies. This is a perfect way to introduce kids to camping.

5. Talent show

Who knew Grandma was such a great dancer? At breakfast, introduce the idea for a family talent show night. Throughout the day, have someone make the program, while the performers have the day to prepare. Have your camera ready!

Great tips on how to get your car ready for its cross-country drive

1.) You'll want a tool kit when you're on the side of the highway on the middle of the night and you don't want to wait hours for a tow. Some older sports/luxury cars came with them, but always make sure you have at least a few basic tools with you.

2.) A cross-country drive is stressful in and of itself. If you take the time to make sure your car isn't an additional source of worry, we can guarantee you'll have a much better time.

3.) Tool kits, spare parts, and co-drivers who can wrench are great, but sometimes you simply won't be able to get your stalled car off the side of the road. Make sure you have AAA or some sort of roadside assistance offered by the manufacturer to keep you out of harm's way.

4.) If you drive something quirky or rare, carrying spare parts specific to your car is necessary for quick repairs.

5.) We cannot stress enough how important it is to check your cars fluids before you set off. Make sure you check your oil, lubricants, A/C, etc.