Fifth Street in Ronkonkoma is aglow with Christmas lights during the holidays.
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and 2025 Holiday Lights on Long Island
LuminoCity returns to Long Island with another stunning installation at Eisenhower Park. Photo courtesy of LuminoCity
20 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities on Long Island in 2025
See how the village of Port Jefferson magically turns back time to the Dicken's Era. Photo courtesy of the festival's Facebook page
25 Free Holiday and Christmas Events on Long Island for Kids in 2025
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Long Island Kids
LuminoCity returns to Long Island's Eisenhower Park this Christmas season. Photo courtesy LuminoCity
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows on Long Island 2025
From holiday tales to dreidel making, the Sands Point Preserve boasts an afternoon full of family fun. Photo courtesy of Sands Point Preserve
20 Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
Have brunch with Santa at the Long Island Aquarium this holiday season. Photo by Jennifer Voit
Breakfast with Santa on Long Island in 2025
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
Eglevsky Ballet’s
Long Island's Most Popular Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.
21 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Suffolk County
Xplore Family Fun Center's birthday parties include pizza, drinks, and arcade cards. Photo by the author
Top Birthday Party Places on Long Island for Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills
GUIDE
Long Island Summer Camp Guide
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit
15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro
Top Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors
The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day
Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids
Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author
Best Cute Towns on Long Island with Walkable Main Streets
A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon
Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author
Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.
17 Secret Long Island Spots Kids Love
Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Long Island Science Museums for Kids
Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the eastern seaboard. Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island
Ultimate Long Island Bucket List: 100 Things To Do on LI with Kids Before They Grow Up
Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels
Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals on Long Island
Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.
12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Museums for Kids on Long Island
Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids
Photo by Dora Somosi via Instagram
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island
Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Top Attractions in Long Island: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Festival of Games at the Cradle of Aviation is a holiday gaming and shopping event for the whole family. Photo courtesy of Festival of Games
Santa by Plane and Train and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend

14 Sleepaway Camps for Connecticut Kids

Check out all the fun at these Connecticut sleepaway camps, like race cars at Camp Awosting. Photo courtesy of Camp Awosting
Check out all the fun at these Connecticut sleepaway camps, like race cars at Camp Awosting. Photo courtesy of Camp Awosting
3/2/25 - By Jennifer Coe

Sleepaway camps for Connecticut kids give youngsters the opportunity to learn and grow. Summer is a time for kids to explore nature, make new friends, and expand their independence. These Connecticut sleepaway camps offer kids the opportunity to be among peers and try new things. And these overnight camps around Connecticut have a variety of programs, with something to offer everyone!

 Looking for more summer camp options? Check out the Best Sleepaway Summer Camps in the Northeast  or our list of Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Connecticut anduse our Camp Directory to find the right fit for your family. 

Frolicking on Mount Tom Pond is one of the many fun activities at Camp Chinqueka. Photo courtesy of Camp Chinqueka
Frolicking on Mount Tom Pond is one of the many fun activities at Camp Chinqueka. Photo courtesy of Camp Chinqueka

Sleepaway Camps in Litchfield County

Camp Awosting

Morris
Located on Bantam Lake, this boutique traditional overnight camp emphasizes individual attention for boys ages 6-16. Activities offered include sports, waterskiing, extreme adventure, arts and crafts, ceramics, laser tag, and outdoor camping. READ MORE

Camp Chinqueka

Bantam
Camp Chinqueka is a boutique traditional overnight camp for girls ages 6 to 16 on beautiful Mt. Tom Pond. Days feature both instructional and elective time for activities. Activities include sports, waterfront (including waterskiing), gymnastics, arts, nature, ropes, go-karts, and horseback riding, plus a trip program for senior campers. READ MORE

Camp Hazen YMCA

Chester
This long-running camp—90+ years—ensures that its counselors focus on teaching life-long skills in a fun, enriching environment. For kids entering second through eighth grades there is a one-week "sampler" camp during the third week of August, featuring all the activities of traditional two-week programs. READ MORE

Camp Sloane YMCA

Lakeville
Camp Sloane YMCA is everything that kids are looking for in a summer camp. It has a rich history of creating magical memories for campers, combining traditional camp activities with modern twists. The choice of activities - everything from sailing to horseback riding, to climbing and dance lessons – allow campers to embrace the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.   READ MORE

Camp KenMont and KenWood

Kent
KenMont (a boys camp) and KenWood (a girls camp) offer children 3.5 week sessions of camp in a beautiful, lakeside location. Campers will stay in modern cabins with electricity and plumbing and will choose from a diverse assortment of activities to filln in their daily routine such as rock climbing, sports, skateboarding, tennis, yoga, jewelry and ceramic making and much more. KenMont and KenWood accept campers in grades 2-10 and also offer a brother/sister week of camp. READ MORE

YMCA Camp Mohawk for Girls

Litchfield
Located at the base of Mohawk Mountain, Camp Mohawk provides a meaningful camping experience to girls ages 7-15 for the summer. Mohawk offers close to 40 activities weekly. From sports to knitting, Camp Mohawk covers it all in both overnight and day camp options. Girls can sign up for as little as one weekend as many as 8 weeks this summer.  READ MORE

Camp Washington

Washington
Children of all faith traditions are welcome at Camp Washington, the official camp and retreat center of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. Campers explore the 300-acre campus, relax, learn, have fun, and foster friendships that last a lifetime.  READ MORE

Buck's Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp

New Milford
Buck’s Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp is a unique program where campers have the freedom to choose their activities in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Campers work with qualified, professional artists and instructors who nurture and support their skills and interests in professionally equipped studios. READ MORE

Sleepaway Camps in Eastern Connecticut

Incarnation Camp

Ivoryton
Established in 1886, Incarnation Camp's historic roots and strong alumni support enable it to offer the best in summer camping at a fraction of the price of comparable sleep away programs. Campers choose the layout of their day from a roster of activities including field and court sports, fine arts and crafting, performance arts, nature & farm, outdoor cooking, and more.  READ MORE

Camp Claire

Lyme
Camp Claire offers residential camp for children ages 8 to 14. Campers will choose daily activities from a long list including: sailing, sports, camp craft, archery, ropes course, arts and crafts and so much more. Located in Hamburg Cove, the camp has traditional housing and lots of natural life all around. For six weeks, campers also get to enjoy all the amenities of the camp such as the gaga pit, sand volleyball court, sports fields, canoes and kayaks and low ropes course.  READ MORE

Camp Asto Wamah

Columbia
With limited enrollment, Camp Asto Wamah's yearly overnight camp seeks to help campers build positive qualities that will help them throughout life, an appreciation for the outdoors, and great relationships with one another. Campers can choose from 3 two-week sessions and a one-week coed session. Each camper will get to try their hands at arts and crafts, swimming, boating, sports and much more.  READ MORE
SJ Riding Camp offers options ranging from a one-day camp through a three-week overnight session. Photo courtesy of Farm Camp at SJ
SJ Riding Camp offers options ranging from a one-day camp through a three-week overnight session. Photo courtesy of Farm Camp at SJ

Sleepaway Camps in Connecticut

Camp Laurelwood

Madison
This coed Jewish summer camp provides an all-around summer experience for day and overnight campers including access to two pools, instructional swim, sports, dance, cooking, nature, woodworking, archery, high and low ropes courses, boating, robotics, martial arts, music, and arts and crafts. A one-week rookie camp explores Jewish identity and values, nature appreciation, and friendship.  READ MORE

SJ Riding Camp

Ellington
SJ Riding Camp, a summer horse back riding camp located in CT for girls ages 8-16, is an ideal place to improve riding skills, learn to ride, learn more about horses, take on the responsibilities of horse and animal care, and have fun. It’s also a great summer camp to make new friends, because everyone here shares your enthusiasm for horses and other animals.  READ MORE

YMCA Camp Woodstock

Woodstock Valley
Woodstock Summer Camp provides a safe environment to try a seemingly endless amount of new activities. With a culture driven by CHoRR (pronounced “core”) values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, it is easy to see why kids keep coming back to Woodstock year after year. With both day and sleepaway options, Camp Woodstock has a program that is just right for your family.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Jenny Coe
Jenny Coe is a longtime Mommy Poppins writer and contributor and full-time mom to three boys. Jenny has also been a contributor at Patch and The Reminder (Hartford Courant). Here at Mommy Poppins, Jenny writes about great things for kids to do in Connecticut and New England, affordable fun, and nature experiences (her favorite!).
Recent Articles By Jenny Coe:
Read more articles by Jennifer Coe.