Long Island

16 Best Things to Do in Stony Brook with Kids

Submitted by Thien August on Mon, 06/24/2024 - 6:05am

Take a hike through Avalon Park and Preserve, which has outdoor artwork on display, when you visit Stony Brook.

Stony Brook is well known as the home of Stony Brook University, but it's definitely far more than just a college town: The walkable village is perfect for a day trip, with historic sites, museums, shopping, great restaurants, and fun recreation opportunities.

Read on for things to do with kids on a visit to Stony Brook. For more day trip ideas, check out our Long Island Neighborhood Guides.

Best Sweet 16 Venues to Celebrate on Long Island

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on Sun, 06/23/2024 - 6:07am

Celebrate your Sweet 16 at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. Photo by ADA Studio for the club

Finding the ideal Sweet 16 venue on Long Island is a fun but challenging assignment for any parent. Long Island has many beautiful spots and banquet halls to choose from to celebrate the milestone birthday. Party budget, style, and guest number help determine the perfect venue to make lasting memories with family and friends.

We’ve put together a list of the best Sweet 16 venues Long Island has to offer to give you a jump start on the planning. From traditional to modern spots and everything in between we have you covered for a small party or a big extravaganza.

Check out our Tweens & Teens Guide to Long Island for more adventures, fun, and ideas.

Best Outdoor Swimming Pools on Long Island Summer 2024

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 06/21/2024 - 10:19am

The complex at Centereach Pool offers lane swimming and a splash pad area for younger kids. Photo courtesy of Centereach Pool

The best Long Island swimming pools include spots in Nassau, Suffolk, and East End where everyone in the family can cool off and splash around.

We've rounded up this list of swimming pools across Long Island that are ready to welcome swimmers this summer 2024. Looking for more things to do this summer? Don't forget to bookmark our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, which is packed with fun that's sure to keep you cool all season long.

Free Outdoor Summer Movies on Long Island for Families

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 06/14/2024 - 10:17am

Take in "Toy Story 4" at Valley Stream Poolside Movie Nights. Photo courtesy Pixar Animation Studios/Disney

Many Long Island municipalities host FREE outdoor summer movie series where you can spread a blanket or prop up lawn chairs while enjoying a family-friendly film.

At these outdoor community events, you can enjoy a beloved film for a second time or catch a recent blockbuster without spending a dime on a movie ticket. Seating is first come, first served, so arrive early.

Outdoor movies are just part of the summer experience on Long Island. You'll find more fun things to do with kids in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, including FREE outdoor summer concerts.

Father's Day Weekend Things To Do on Long Island: Plus, Honoring Juneteenth and More

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 06/14/2024 - 9:59am

Take dad out to Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck this Father’s Day weekend for adventures to remember. Photo courtesy of the farm

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

There are tons of things to do this Father's Day on Long Island from a North Fork Juneteenth celebration to sweet fun at strawberry festivals in Mattituck and Massapequa.

Best Surf Schools for Surfing Lessons on Long Island

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on Mon, 06/10/2024 - 10:18am

Learn to ride the waves with Skudin Surf in Long Beach. Photo by Jay Belsky

Surfing lessons are about embracing what summer on Long Island is all about–sun, sand, and catching waves at the beach. Surf schools from Nassau County to the East End offer epic experiences that ocean-loving kids will love. Aspiring young surfers can conquer the waves with surf lessons and learn invaluable water safety skills. So get ready for your little ones to hang ten like the pros.

We rounded up a list of the best surf schools and surf camps Long Island has to offer for kids. For other kid-friendly, seasonal fun check out our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Where To See 4th of July Fireworks on Long Island 2024

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 06/09/2024 - 5:48am

Enjoy an amazing fireworks display over the ocean at Jones Beach. Photo courtesy of NYS Parks and Historic Sites

Summertime is here, and the big Independence Day holiday weekend is almost upon us, bringing with it a stunning array of 4th of July fireworks shows across Long Island.

We've found plenty of sparklers worth seeing this 4th of July on Long Island, both over the holiday weekend and other summer evenings.

So don your red, white, and blue and head to one of these displays. You'll find more ways to celebrate the season in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide and our constantly-updated Activity Calendar.

Our Epic Summer Bucket List of Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 06/07/2024 - 8:10am

Cool down with the family this summer at Calverton's Splish Splash Water Park. Photo courtesy of the park

There's no shortage of incredible things to do all summer on Long Island.

From swimming at beautiful beaches to taking a family-friendly road trip to the East End or exploring Long Island's many excellent parks and playgrounds, you shouldn't have to hear the words “I’m bored!” from your kids this epic summer. To help your family get the most out of this season, we’ve put together this list of 35 summer activities we can’t wait to do on Long Island.

Be sure to bookmark our Ultimate Long Island Summer Vacation Guide for plenty of other things to do.