When we were kids, it was nearly unthinkable to consider spending a Halloween night doing anything but trick-or-treating. We always went together in a group and our parents always checked our treat bags for “unsafe” candy, but we continued the tradition well into our tween years.

These days, however, concerns about safety, the dreaded flu and even nutrition have more and more parents requesting that their little ones spend the night at a neighborhood party, family get-together or other social event in lieu of trick-or-treating.

We’re curious—are your kids participating in this time-honored tradition, or have you made alternative plans? What’s your family plan for Halloween? Has trick-or-treating become passe? You tell us!

Labor day is fast approaching. Got any plans for the long weekend? Though traditionally Labor Day has been celebrated as a signal of the end of summer, today it is perceived as a day of rest. And don’t we all need a little bit of that? So what are your plans this year? (Find about more about Labor Day at Wikipedia.)

Here are some fun ideas for a memorable holiday:

1)

Have a barbecue! Take advantage of the warm weather while it’s still here and invite everyone over for another barbecue.

2) If you don’t feel like cooking burgers and hot dogs, how about baking them? FamilyFun has another great recipe for cupcakes this one topped with hamburgers and hot dogs.

3) Check out what’s going on in your neighborhood and places outside of where you live. In Burlington, N.C. for example, you can listen to music and go camping, try fishing and go on horse-drawn wagon rides at the The Bass Mountain Bluegrass Festival.

4) Hire someone to plan the best vacation for you. Children’s Concierge creates personalized vacations for families in various cities around the world that can include going to a museum, afternoon tea, concerts and even more.