Staten Island may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Tibet, but the only Himalayan temple-style building in the whole U.S. calls the borough home. 

The museum opened in 1947 and houses the private collection of Jacques Marchais, which is the largest collection of Tibetan art in the West. It is on a lovely little hillside, with meditation gardens all around.

In addition to the extensive permanent collection of religious statues and objects, bronze figures and other art and paintings, the Tibetan Portrait: The Power of Compassion exhibit just opened. Tibetan Portrait has portraits, interactive displays and other objects to show the tradition and beliefs of the Tibetan people, and emphasizes cultural understanding and religious tolerance. It also highlights photographic portraits of Tibetan people (from everyday people to the Dalai Lama) by renowned contemporary artist, Phil Borges.

It’s true that the Staten Island Zoo isn’t the most extravagant and is the Bronx Zoo’s smaller cousin, but its still has a whole lot to offer and is a great place for kids to really hang out with animals.

In 2007, a newly renovated Reptile Wing opened with an extensive collection of reptiles and amphibians, and a “Fear Zone” that teaches visitors the truth, and talks about the myths behind venomous creatures. It really is a lot of fun and teaches kids respect for these animals, instead of fear.

Staten Island, though perhaps infamously known for the dump (which is currently being turned into a mega-park), is actually the “greenest borough.” Since Central Park is a bit of trek for locals, they can be found riding bikes, feeding the ducks and rowing boats in one of many of the island’s green playgrounds. Here’s a look at some that are definitely worth the free ferry ride over.

This historic theater, once the most lively and gorgeous on Staten Island, was renovated and reopened within the last few years, and is bringing the theatrical heyday back to the island.

The vaudeville house first opened in 1929, with a Wurlizter organ, one of the largest cantilevered balconies ever built, velvet seats, gilded balconies and grand staircases. Today, the theater emits that same old movie house feeling and really has the power to take you back to Olde New York.

Recently, fellow Mommy and Long Island Native Jill DeMarco spent some time checking out some of the coolest ways to beat the heat - museums, and here she's rounded up some of the funnest and most unique ones to visit with kids. Thanks, Jill for sharing this with us!

Did you know that there are over 200 museums on Long Island...just the Island! Once you have checked out the basics on Museum Row, which other museums are really worth checking out with kids? Some of the unique museums we have out here are actually better to visit with kids because they are smaller and less intimidating; yet your kids still see and learn about cool new stuff they might otherwise have missed. We've rounded up a few of the best off the beaten path museums that you may not have heard of: