8 Indoor Sports Programs for Long Island Kids

As the weather gets cooler and activities turn indoors, there's no reason kids have to stop playing the sports they've grown to love--or are expressing an interest in trying out. Luckily, there are a few places across Long Island that offers children the chance to stay active no matter what the weather is like outside. These complexes offer indoor sports facilities that cater to leagues for little ones, clinics, birthday parties and more. And for more extra-curricular activities, check out our Long Island Classes Guide.

Long Island Kids' Activities September 20-21: Garlic Festival, Maritime Festival, Bellmore Family Street Festival & More

From the East End to the Queens border, there's a fall festival for everyone this weekend. Set sail to Greenport for the Maritime Festival or head to the Bellmore Family Street Festival for one of the island's largest feasts of its kind. Enjoy blue ribbon contests and pie eating at the Queens County Fair

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Jewelry Making & Fashion Classes for Long Island Kids

If your creative kid has moved on from Rainbow Loom, perhaps an organized jewelry making or fashion design class might be the best next step. From bead stringing and soldering to sketching and color theories, there are a few courses/workshops on Long Island where they learn skills and make wearable art. Your local school district's continuing education program or library might offer courses as well.

For more after-school classes, activities and programs for kids in the area, check out our Long Island Classes Guide.

Long Island Kids' Activities September 12-13: Music & Fall Festivals, Kerry Wirth Concert, "Frozen" on the Beach & More

With two weeks of school underway and sunny skies ahead, September is ripe with family-friendly activities. Arts are also on tap this weekend with a kiddie concert in Huntington, Family Hour at Heckscher and outdoor film in Long Beach. Fall fairs, festivals and feasts are also kicking off this weekend across Nassau and Suffolk, so check out our guide for where to go and when.

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Long Island Kids' Activities September 6-7: The Butterfly House, Arts in the Plaza, Fiddle and Folk Festival & More

While the kiddies all went back to school this week and the calendar turned to September, summer weather is still lingering. Take advantage of the warm temps and sunny days by heading outdoors this weekend.

Fall fairs start this weekend, such as the East Northport Festival and the Fiddle & Folk Festival in East Setauket, as do several other weekly activities, such as the Explorer Family Backpacks at Hofstra University, The Butterfly House in Smithtown and the Seatuck Family Nature Club in Islip.

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Long Island Day Trip: 5 Things to Do at Orient Beach

There's plenty to do and see on this island of ours, and just because summer has come to an end, the weather is still nice enough for a little day trip to the end of Long Island. No, we're not talking about Montauk. Orient Beach State Park is located on the eastern tip of the North Fork of Long Island and boasts sweeping views of Gardiner's Bay. From beach to boats, this park offers up day-long adventures and fun for the entire family. If you already have an Empire Pass, entry is free, otherwise there's a vehicle use fee. The park opens at 8am for you early risers.

For more fun day trips, check out our Day Trip to Greenport post for a must-do list. In addition, peruse our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide for more ideas on how to enjoy life on the East End.

Long Island Kids' Activities August 23-24: Feasts, Marvel Universe Live, Turtle Hatching & More

With two weekends left in summer, Mommy Poppins has a family-friendly weekend round up that is sure to keep your brood in a good mood. Show off your ginormous homegrown tomatoes at Hicks in Westbury, yo-ho-ho along with some mateys at How I Became a Pirate or greet some turtles as they hatch at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery. And if you're looking to finish up some back to school shopping, check out our local guide.

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Kid-Friendly Comic Book Stores on Long Island

There's no denying it--comic book heroes are all the rage right now thanks to such hits as The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy. If your child doesn't want to just watch their favorite caped crusader on the big screen (or dress up like them for Halloween), you might want to take a trip down to your local comic book store. Not only are many stocked with comics about a variety of characters (hey, it's reading!), they they also sell toys, trading cards and other collectibles. While comics, on average, are $2.99-$3.99 (double or special issues can a bit more pricey), most comic books shops have knowledgeable employees to point you in the right direction or make recommendations.

Whether your kid is an avid fan or a casual reader, Long Island has several stores that can cater to this fantasy-laden past time. Let those in the know help lead your little one into a new realm of reading. Check out these top shops for items, events, etc. that might interest your lil' Iron Man or wee Wonder Woman. And for more kid-friendly things to do, check out our Long Island Calendar.

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