Long Island

Awesome Laser Tag Arenas on Long Island

Long Island Laser Tag brings laser tag to your home or a location of your choosing.

These days you can tell the kids to take their sibling rivalry into the arena at one of Long Island's thrilling laser tag venues. This competition-style activity engages players physically and mentally as they strategically attempt to tag the opposing team while not getting tagged themselves. But think fast … or tag, you're out.

There are some great spots to play laser tag in Nassau and Suffolk counties, so get ready to think on your feet and have fun. Many of these facilities offer other attractions like go-karts and arcades to get the whole family playing together. We've also included a couple of options where the laser tag comes to you, so you can plan the activity in a convenient location like your backyard or a nearby park. 

For more ways to have fun indoors, check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces on Long Island. There's always something great to do for families on Long Island and we've got the info you need at our events calendar.

Presidents Day Weekend 2024: Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

The Nassau Coliseum hosts larger-than-life animatronic dinosaurs at Jurassic Quest this weekend. Photo courtesy of Jurassic Quest

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Presidents Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Stomp back to prehistoric times at the Nassau Coliseum as it hosts this over-the-top dinosaur attraction, Jurassic Quest. Or, watch as the East End town of Southold is transformed into a winter wonderland at its annual, free WinterFest celebration. For a more interactive experience, Journey to Oz puts the audience front and center at the Long Island Children's Museum. Kids become cast members and sing, dance, and act onstage alongside the professional cast. 

And, because the weekend is just the jumping-off point to another school break, make sure to bookmark our list of the top winter break fun for kid-friendly things to do all week long.

Best Free and Affordable Summer Camps on Long Island

At Long Island's Y camps, campers build friendships. Photo courtesy of the YMCA

Looking for the best free and affordable summer camps on Long Island? Read on for our roundup of some great picks that won't break the bank. 

For kids on Long Island, summer is a fun-filled 10 weeks, but for moms and dads, those two months need to be filled with activity before the home becomes a whining zone of boredom.

Summer camps can be a significant investment, but some Long Island summer camps are actually quite affordable, and others offer scholarships and financial aid.

Here is our list of the most affordable summer camp programs on Long Island. Find more summer camp resources in our Guide to Summer Camps

Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island

Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author

Looking for the best indoor party places on Long Island? Check out our picks spanning Suffolk and Nassau counties. 

As the mom of a November baby, finding a great birthday party spot can be tricky because of the temps and forecast. We've found, though, that choosing indoor party places means you never have to worry about the weather ruining the special day. 

Read on below for our list of the top Long Island indoor party spots for kids of all ages–from babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to grade schoolers and even hard-to-please tweens and teens. 

For more birthday party ideas, check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids and our list of Long Island's Top Birthday Party Places.

28 Things To Do in Massapequa with Kids

Massapequa Preserve's bike trails connect to Long Island's Greenbelt Trail. Photo courtesy of the preserve

The community of Massapequa is massive. From its northernmost boundary at the Southern State Parkway to the waters of South Oyster Bay, this community within the Town of Oyster Bay extends through the village of Massapequa Park to the Suffolk County border. With bustling downtown areas along both Park Boulevard and Broadway, and a thriving beach community on the South Shore, Massapequa is a family-friendly jewel in Nassau County.

We've rounded up all our favorite Massapequa destinations for kids and families below. Of course, you'll find more fun local communities to explore in our Guide to Nassau County, plus more fun expeditions in our Guide to Day Trips on Long Island.

Best Outdoor Dining on Long Island: Igloos, Greenhouses, and More Winter Restaurants

Enjoy oceanside dining inside a heated igloo at Gurney's Resort in Montauk.

Outdoor dining on Long Island is still viable in the dead of winter, with family-friendly local eateries offering options like igloos, mini-greenhouses, and heaters. 

While these outdoor dining options come with perks like fairy lights, Bluetooth speakers, plush seating, and more, they also often come at a hefty price tag, and they might be best saved for a special occasion. Reservations are generally required and the spaces often sell out, so plan in advance.

Find more family-friendly eateries in our Family-Friendly Long Island Restaurant Guide, plus plenty of seasonal fun in our Winter Fun Guide.

The Best Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Suffolk County

Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.

The best indoor playgrounds and indoor play spaces in Suffolk County range from bounce houses to more low-key offerings centered on activities like art. There are fun zones loaded with action sports that are best for bigger kids, and plenty more just right for toddlers and preschoolers.

Many of these destinations also double as party spaces, so call ahead to make sure they're open for public play. And don’t forget your socks—many do not allow shoes or bare feet, even for adults. Then get ready to let your kids loose to play there instead of in your living room.

Check out our similar list of indoor playgrounds in Nassau County, and be sure to bookmark our Guide to Winter Activities on Long Island for more ideas. 

22 Best Free and Fun Things To Do on Long Island with Kids February 2024

Puppeteers make this prehistoric tale come to life on the Tilles Center stage. Photo courtesy of the The Tilles Center

From Valentine's Day to great events during the winter break week, a wintry mix of family fun is in the forecast this February on Long Island.

Stay busy this leap year month with all the fun things Long Island has to offer this month, including a Year of the Dragon celebration at the Vanderbilt Museum. Meanwhile, have a dino-mite time as Jurassic Quest roars into the Nassau Coliseum, while Dinosaur Zoo Live stomps into the Tilles Center. 

Read on for all the ways you can pack your calendar this month on Long Island. 

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