10 Best Spots for Bar Mitzvahs on Long Island
Submitted by Kristen Markel on
Celebrating a bat mitzvah or bar mitzvah on Long Island is a fantastic opportunity to gather friends and family and commemorate your teen’s accomplishment, but It isn’t just the child doing the hard work. Parents have the enormous task of planning the event, and since Long Island is home to numerous banquet halls and venues, picking a location can be tough. We’ve narrowed the field to 10 of the best spots for a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah on Long Island.
Our list includes traditional and non-traditional venues that can accommodate a small group or a large crowd. Find the best celebration spot, and check one massive task off your to-do list. Mazel tov!
For more fun ideas, check out our Tweens and Teens Guide to Long Island, and be sure to bookmark our updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar.
Visiting Long Island's White Post Farms: 15 Things to See and Do
Submitted by Gina Massaro on
Visiting Melville's White Post Farms with kids means an animal-packed outing featuring more than just your usual farm friends. You'll find giraffes, zebras, camels, lorikeets, marmosets, and plenty more, all of which can be fed. Spring and summer are perfect for animal fun, while autumn brings a fall festival. White Post Farms is a must for animal-loving parents and their kids.
For more fun family outings, check out our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds on Long Island, and be sure to bookmark our updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar.
Top Swimming Lessons for Long Island Kids
Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on
Indoor swimming lessons are a great way to ensure kids are safe and can enjoy year-round fun at Long Island’s world-class beaches and pools. From private swimming lessons to classes in community pools, there are plenty of destinations for indoor lessons. The great thing about these pools is that when summer is gone, kids can continue lessons, adding to their skills.
Find more classes and enrichment opportunities in our directory.
Food Trucks Festivals Long Island Families Will Love
Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on
Food truck festivals across Long Island are real crowd-pleasers since they let everyone in the family order their preferred cuisine, from savory crepes to crunchy tacos to juicy burgers. And don't forget to save room for dessert, because there are even trucks for that!
If you're hungry for more ideas on where to chow down with the kids, check out our rundown of outdoor dining options on Long Island. For more ideas on how to make the most of what's left of summer, peruse our Summer Fun Guide.
Pregnancy and Parenting Classes on Long Island
Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on
Pregnancy and parenting classes are a milestone for new and expectant parents. Pregnancy brings on a roller coaster of emotions, but these local pregnancy and parenting classes on Long Island remind new parents they're not alone and help ease them into the challenges of parenthood.
Whether you're looking for labor breathing techniques, breastfeeding tips, or just want to connect with an educator who can answer your questions, we've found a handful of pregnancy and parenting classes on Long Island. Once your baby has arrived, you can find more great classes for babies, including everything from mommy-and-me classes to baby swimming lessons, in our Long Island Classes for Kids Guide and Classes Directory.
15 Toddler-Friendly Hiking Trails on Long Island
Submitted by Gina Massaro on
Toddler-friendly hiking trails and nature walks are ideal after your baby officially graduates from a stroller and starts to assert independence, and Long Island is home to many amazing parks and preserves.
Read on for our roundup of 15 trails across Long Island that aren't too taxing for little legs. All are sure to exercise your little one's muscles and stimulate their brain.
For other outdoorsy-activity ideas, be sure to check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks on Long Island.
North Shore Rail Trail: Hike, Bike, and Explore
Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on
The North Shore Rail Trail, a project 50 years in the making, opened to visitors recently, connecting Mt. Sinai to Wading River in a traffic-free environment. The abandoned railroad line now has a new life, providing walkers, runners, and bicyclists with a paved path to recreational fun.
From stroller-friendly paths and beach walks to hiking trails, Long Island boasts many outdoor adventures for those seeking exercise and vitamin D. And be sure to check out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks on Long Island for other recreational destinations.
Fishing Lakes Near Long Island and More Kid-Friendly Places to Go Fishing
Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on
Fishing destinations on Long Island offer a fun outdoor family activity with deep roots in Long Island's maritime history and culture. Surrounded by the sea, kids on Long Island can drop a line at several beaches, local piers, from the deck of a boat, and parks. We've rounded up a few of our favorite family-friendly fishing venues where kids can test their skills and perhaps hook the catch of the day.
Looking for more seaside enjoyment? Make sure to visit these stunning Long Island lighthouses or Long Island boardwalks that are ideal for a family stroll.