Ultimate Summer Staycation Planner for Long Island Kids: 50 Things to Do in Summer 2020

A trip to the beach can turn into a high-flying adventure at WildPlay at Jones Beach. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

It's been a long road, but summer vacation is upon us. It's no secret Long Island is jam-packed with family-friendly summer activities. After all, there's a reason our city-dwelling neighbors to fight traffic to flock to our shores. Summer 2020 is bound to look a little different for all of us. Most summer camps are going virtual, and though we've found a few affordable in-person options, it's more than likely you've got extra time to entertain the kids this summer.

We've pulled together this list of ultimate summer staycation ideas to entertain you and your brood, whether you're looking for a family-friendly beach day, want to explore a newly-reopened sprayground, or enjoy a creative only-in-2020 outing like a drive-in movie or drive-by animal tour, we've got options. So, read on for 50 summer activities for your Long Island summer staycation.

15 Coolest Spots for Kids on the Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is an excellent way to introduce kids to the rich history of our city, as well as a fun family outing. When we made our own family outing to this series of Boston landmarks, my seven-year-old twins were as excited as I was about the things we were about to see. We'd recently read a book about Paul Revere, and had gone out to Concord to see one of the Patriots' Day reenactments, so they were definitely primed for some juicy history.

Keep in mind that while the Freedom Trail encompasses 2.5 miles of 16-plus historical sites, many of them can be viewed from the sidewalk or entered briefly for a quick look around. You'll only want to plan extra time for the types of sites that spark kids' curiosity—otherwise, it's a long day. We think the following are must-see stops with kids:

Ultimate Philly Staycation Planner: 50 Summer Activities for Kids in 2020

Take a day trip to Valley Forge. Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Summer 2020 is unlike any other. Yet, despite the challenges that come with a pandemic, Philadelphia families can still look forward to one awesome staycation with our mega list of summer activities for kids around the area.

So don't let those trip cancellations and camp closures get you down. Head out on an epic road trip, enjoy a virtual summer camp, or stay local with backyard water games. No matter what you decide to do, this unusual summer can also be a summer of fun.

Read on for our top 50 summer activities for kids to plan out a summer the entire family will enjoy. And don't forget to check out our Stay-at-Home Guide for hundreds of more ideas.

Day Trips Near Washington DC for Summer 2020 Adventures

Shenandoah National Park has miles and miles of hikes––and social distance options. Photo courtesy NPS/Neal Lewis

Ready to get out and see a bit of the world again, or maybe just take a drive? We've rounded up 16 summer day trips near Washington, DC just right for area families ready for a break, all within easy driving distance from the city and surrounding towns.

Given that Virginia, Maryland, and DC are all in various stages of reopening, we've done our best to pick outdoor DC day trips where maintaining some social distance is possible. No matter where you travel, don't forget to bring your masks along, plus plenty of hand sanitizer.

Visit our FamilyTravel Guide for more day trips near DC or even some summer weekend getaways. 

8 Fun Popsicle Recipes to Make with Kids

This patriotic pop is bursting with watermelon, coconut, and raspberry flavors. Photo by Mommy Poppins

Popsicles might be the ultimate kid-friendly recipe: They are almost as fun to make as they are to eat. Recently, as a way to beat the heat and pass the time on a summer's day, my sons and I tried several popsicle recipes. They loved prepping the fruity ingredients, pouring the mixture into molds, and, eventually, working the frozen pops from their silicone molds for the "big reveal." Even the anticipation was delicious! Here are eight popsicle recipes we love—from red, white, and blue popsicles for Fourth of July to cake batter popsicles for an indulgent treat to frozen hot chocolate pops for any season.

Find more Easy Recipes for Kids at Mommy Poppins.

Orange County's Best Kept Secret Is a Water Park Right on the Beach

Newport Dunes Beach Resort

Apologies, but I am about to blow a well kept secret wide open: Newport Beach has a cove hidden in plain sight that may be the best family beach day in the Southland. Of course the definition of "best family beach day" may not be the same for everyone; only continue reading if your ideal beach day would include kayaks, SUP boards, paddle boats, and an inflatable water park in a warm surf-free lagoon surrounded by clean sand, fire rings for s'mores, easy parking, and clean bathrooms. Only head to Newport Dunes if you're prepared for that level of nirvana.

15 NYC Pools Set to Reopen by August 1 for Summer 2020 Swimming

Brooklyn's Sunset Park Pool is one of 15 public pools set to reopen for summer 2020. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks

On the day when beaches reopened for swimming and splashing, New Yorkers got some more welcome news: 15 of the city's 53 pools will reopen by August 1, providing another place for city families to seek some relief from summer's heat.

Though many of the reopening pools aren't on our list of the most family-friendly swimming pools, the 15 pools selected are among the city's largest. Spread across all five boroughs, their locations are concentrated in the neighborhood's hardest hit by the pandemic and those furthest away from the newly reopened beaches. Four pools are located in Manhattan, there are three each in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, and two in Staten Island. Three pools—Wagner in Manhattan, Mullaly in the Bronx, and Liberty Pool in Queens—have a reopening date of Friday, July 24; the rest are slated to open on Saturday, August 1. Pool season generally lasts through Labor Day, which falls on Monday, September 7, 2020. NYC's public pools are FREE.

Read on for more details on the 2020 pool season, which will have even more rules than usual, and be sure to see our roundup of the best spraygrounds in NYC to keep your kids cool until they can take a dip.

Registration for Apple Camp at Home, Apple's FREE Virtual Summer Camp, is Open Now!

Photo courtesy of Apple

Like most things this summer, Apple Camp will look a little different in 2020.

Apple Camp takes place entirely online this year, but with live orientation sessions to kick off each project, and drop-in Q & A sessions to get help. Like the in-store version, Apple Camp at Home will focus on a project from start to finish. These projects traditionally have taken two days at in-store sessions, with a third day to showcase campers' work. The virtual camp allows kids to create at their own pace, with support available during the week that the project is live.

If you've got an 8-12-year-old interested in STEM or movie-making, you'll want to act fast; Apple has just opened registration, and space is limited. These special annual camps are 100% free—and they traditionally fill up quickly!

For more camp information and ideas, check out our Camp Guide and Directory.

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