Patchogue is a vibrant seaside community offering loads of family-friendly things to do. The village is nestled halfway between Montauk and Manhattan, on the shore of Great South Bay. Patchogue boasts a walkable downtown area, a thriving arts and music scene, and a variety of yummy eats and treats.

Restored and revived areas have breathed new life into this village over the past several years, making it a haven for Long Island families. It's also a gateway to the bucolic barrier beach communities of Fire Island. Read on about sights to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences to be had in Patchogue.

Still got that day-trippin' itch? Explore our Visitors Guide to plan your next Long Island adventure close to home.

So much to do, so little time: That’s an often-heard summer refrain on Long Island’s East End, where vacationers and residents alike struggle to pack as many things to do as possible into the 80-odd days between school years. We're here to help with our list of the best family beaches, state and county parks, pools, mini-golf courses, and even indoor options to explore in the Hamptons and North Fork this summer.

So, whether you're visiting the East End for the first time or are part of a well-established local family, have a look at this kid-friendly list of great summer activities. While you’re at it, check out our Famly Guide to the Hamptons and North Fork, and find more seasonal must-dos in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

For all the wonderful things they do for their families, our Long Island dads and grandads deserve some extra special attention on Father’s Day. If you haven’t made plans yet, we’ve put together a list of activities to do with dear old dad or grandpa to let them know how much they're loved and appreciated.

So, whether he’s crazy for sports, loves to spend time outdoors, or enjoys creating things with his hands, we hope this roundup sparks some fun ideas for Sunday, June 18. Find more family-friendly options on our list of the best things to do with Long Island kids in June and our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

NOTE: Axe & Smash has closed. The Mattituck Cinemas are open.

To catch a movie, toss an axe, have an immersive art experience, and see a live wrestling match, you'd usually have to visit separate venues on different days. However, at Axe & Smash in Mattituck–a new smash painting and axe-throwing attraction nestled within Mattituck Cinemas building complex–you could conceivably do all those things during one visit. 

Whether it's a family outing, a birthday gathering, or a date night, Axe & Smash caters to all.

Find more fun places for the family to play together, including the best bowling alleys on Long Island, in our Guide to Sports Centers and Fun Zones for LI Families.

Nicknamed the "City by the Sea," the eclectic enclave of Long Beach, NY, offers visitors a rare combination of energy and relaxation.

One of only two cities in Nassau County, Long Beach has an ocean vibe generally reserved for vacation communities. And yet Long Beach is less than an hour from Manhattan and 15 minutes from Jones Beach State Park. It is accessible by car via the Meadowbrook State Parkway or the Long Island Rail Road, whose Long Beach station is in the heart of the city.

In summer, the population of Long Beach swells with beachgoers, surfers, sightseers, and fans of the city’s famous boardwalk. So pack up the kids, bring your beach gear, and work up a healthy appetite—there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants in the city—as you take in all this Nassau County gem has to offer.

After taking care of everyone else, a mom's night out is in order for Long Island moms who deserve some time to themselves.

Whether you're artsy, craving a delicious meal, or just want to relax, our list of top spots for mom's night out will help you and your friends have a much-deserved night without the kids in tow. 

Check out Mommy Poppins' other coverage of all things mom, including a post on 15 amazing mom hacks that make everything easier and our rundown of the best things to do on Long Island on Mother's Day. 

What could be nicer during Long Island's warm-weather months than outdoor dining with the whole family? There's something about a warm breeze that makes a tasty meal even more delectable.

We've rounded up some of our favorite restaurants with outdoor dining in Nassau and Suffolk counties, plus a handful of spots on the East End. Family-friendly menus, locations, and attractions make them ideal choices for parents with hungry kids.

Find more family-friendly eats in our Guide to Long Island Restaurants, and if you're craving some post-meal sweets, check out our list of deliciously retro ice cream parlors.

Looking for the best spots on Long Island for your baby or toddler's first haircut? Read on for terrific options in Suffolk and Nassau counties. 

You've probably conquered many of the firsts already: the first birthday and a visit to a spot or two on our baby bucket list. Now it's time for the first haircut, and choosing the right salon is important.

Hair stylists and barbers need to have patience and experience dealing with babies and toddlers. Our list below includes both salons that specialize in haircuts for kids as well as family salons. 

Don't forget to check out our Long Island Baby Guide for more stories like this.