Long Island

Best Art Summer Camps for Long Island Kids

Drop into a summer art lab at the Nassau County Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum

For kids who want to explore and expand their creativity, art summer camps on Long Island go beyond cutting and pasting. Whether your child is an experienced artist or a true beginner, you're sure to find a summer day camp program that fits your needs.

For the artistically inclined, you can also check out our rundown on summer music camps on Long Island, as well as our post on art classes on Long Island

For more camp options, be sure to check out our Long Island Summer & Vacation Camps Guide.

Top Birthday Party Places for Toddlers and Preschoolers on Long Island

Toddlers love the bright lights of the arcade at Planet Play in Bellmore. Photo by Gina Massaro

Long Island has tons of awesome birthday party places on offer, which is good news when you consider that there is nothing more exciting for a toddler or a pre-schooler than a birthday party. Still, planning the special day can be exceedingly stressful, especially when young children aren't quite ready for the more standard birthday party venues.

The good news? We've compiled a list of some of Long Island's best venues for your littlest birthday boy or girl. Whether you're looking for an engaging indoor play space, an outdoor environment, or even a home party with entertainment, there are plenty of toddler-friendly options across Long Island.

As always, check out our Long Island Party Guide for more on planning the ideal party for a child of any age, which includes our list of the best parks and playgrounds for hosting bdays on LI.

Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids

A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon

An abundance of parks and playgrounds makes Long Island a wonderful place to raise a family. We’ve scoured the island to find the best playgrounds, all of which offer plenty of space and entertainment for you and your little ones.

These destination-worthy playgrounds are all a cut above your local jungle gym, and many have fun features like epic splash pads, mini-golf courses, skating rinks, and more.

For more playground inspiration, check our Guide to Long Island's Top Parks and Playgrounds, plus our list of the top playgrounds for toddlers.

Free in April: 22 Things To Do with Kids on Long Island

Follow the Easter Bunny for a fun-filled parade through the streets of Port Jefferson. Photo by Mac Timus/Port Jefferson

Looking for FREE things to do on Long Island in April? Read on for dozens of great options. 

To keep your kids and your wallet happy, we’ve come up with a long list of FREE things to do with kids in April. Spring takes center stage this month with egg hunts and other festivals on tap.

Find more great seasonal activities in our Spring Fun Guide for Long Island Kids. We’re also adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals on Long Island

Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels

There are tons of great birthday party rooms on Long Island that let you keep costs down without sacrificing fun.

Whether you're a DIY Diva, looking to fulfill your child's dream theme, or simply trying to keep your budget in check, we’ve rounded up several locations throughout Long Island where you can host your own bday event at a variety of rates. So go ahead and customize every last detail of the special day as you like!

Be sure to check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids for even more tips on planning a party for your child. It has ideas for first birthdays, toddlers, active kids, and more!

Best Nature Centers on Long Island for Families to Explore

 Visit with the piggies at Suffolk County Farm and Education Center. Photo courtesy of the center

Long Island has an abundance of nature centers to explore that help us learn about and appreciate the region's natural wonders, like its world-class beaches and woodlands. Many of these destinations offer indoor and outdoor nature-based activities for children and caregivers.

When it's time to unplug and spend some quality time together, there's nothing like taking in some fresh air and connecting with nature and each other. So, next time you need a change of scenery, consider visiting one of these 13 nature centers on Long Island.

If you're looking for other alfresco activities on Long Island, like a roundup of the best hiking trails, be sure to check out our Guide to Outdoor Activities.  

Indoor Playground La La Land Opens in Babylon

The indoor playground has plenty of play space. Photo courtesy of the venue

La La Land is Long Island's newest indoor playground for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. La La Land is warm and inviting, and little ones can explore, pretend, climb, slide and so much more in a safe environment built just for them. 

Check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids for other activity ideas, and find more great things to do with little ones in our Long Island Baby Guide and Preschooler Guide.

Best Zoo and Museum Summer Camps on Long Island

Budding marine biologists will learn about local ecology at the Long Island Maritime Museum's summer camps. Photo courtesy of the museum

There's no shortage of summer camps on Long Island for families. There are art summer camps, sports summer camps, and yes, even museum and zoo summer camps. Many of Long Island's science and nature museums offer summer camps and workshops, while a few farms also offer summer camps that allow children to get hands-on with animals. We've rounded up the best museum, zoo, and animal summer camps. These cool summer camp experiences cater to kids from ages 3 years to high school.

Looking for more on Long Island summer camps? Check out our Long Island Summer Camp Guide and Camp Directory, where you'll find our list of the best day summer camps in Nassau and Suffolk County, and can search by town or interest to find the right summer camp for your kid. 

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