Long Island

6 Long Island Boardwalk Gems Kids Will Love

Submitted by Natalie Ferro A... on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 1:45pm

The best part of the beach isn't always the sand and water. Sometimes, it's a quaint stroll along the boardwalk. And Long Island has plenty of them.

Gone are the splinter fears and potential pitfalls of yesterday; most Long Island boardwalks have been refurbished with less flammable, sustainable woods. These boardwalk spots offer something special for kids and adults alike.

Here are a half-dozen of our favorite Long Island boardwalks, including a few you might not immediately associate with the ocean. From Nassau County to Suffolk and the East End, they are yours to explore. For more seasonal fun, be sure to see our Summer Fun Guide, our list of the best Long Island beaches for families, and perhaps even our guide to LI beach playgrounds.

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlors Long Island Kids Will Love

Submitted by Thien August on Thu, 07/20/2017 - 12:30pm

Is there ever a bad time to enjoy ice cream? Of course, with summer upon us, it’s the perfect time to take the family out for a scoop, a sundae, or a shake—and all of these definitely will taste better when made with homemade ice cream.

So we’ve rounded up some of Long Island’s best ice cream parlors that everyone is sure to love. These destinations create their yummy flavors from scratch and have a nostalgic feel that make the experience extra special.

For more dining inspiration, check out our roundup of LI restaurants where kids can eat free. And for more family fun, see our Event Calendar, our guide to summer fun and even our list of 100 must-do things with LI kids.

Weekend Fun: A Magic Show & a Movie Under the Stars

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 07/19/2017 - 12:30pm

Channel your inner yogi this weekend with a family yoga workshop in Hicksville. Or catch a flick under the stars at Nickerson Beach. Get schooled in science at Old Westbury Gardens.

Check out our July Go List for the best family events for the rest of the month. For more seasonal activities, pop over to our Summer Fun Guide or our d ay trips guide. Check out our guides to Long Island playgrounds or amusement parks and water parks for the best in family adventures.

Of course, our Event Calendar is loaded with fun, daily happenings for Long Island kids. Don't see a great event here? Add it to our calendar yourself.

Top 25 Rainy-Day Activities in the Hamptons & North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Tue, 07/18/2017 - 12:55pm

Not every summer day is perfect on Long Island’s East End. In fact, there are those days in July and August when Mother Nature just refuses to cooperate.

When those moments occur, parents have to get more creative in minding the little ones. The good news is that as the Hamptons and North Fork have become more year-round destinations, the entertainment options for children have grown.

It’s true: Even in the summer, the East End isn’t just about beaches and playgrounds. We have museums, art galleries, indoor play spaces, and more. So with that in mind, here are 25 ways to stave off rainy-day fever on the East End. And here’s hoping the clouds don’t linger too long.

By the way, paring this list down is no easy task. For more inspiration, see our comprehensive guide to the East End and our list of 50 things to do with kids on the East End this summer. If you need accommodations, see our list of the top kid-friendly hotels in the region.

Weekday Fun: Crafts, Outdoor Movies, and Street Festivals

Submitted by Felissa Allard on Sun, 07/16/2017 - 12:15pm

Some kids might be in camp, but that doesn't mean the fun slows down here on Long Island.

From movies under the stars to foot-stomping musicals, there is plenty of kid- and adult-friendly fun happening all over the Island. For a more complete look at what's gong on this month, check out our July GoList or read through our list of 50 free things to do with kids this summer and our Summer Fun Guide.

Family-Friendly Boat Rides on Long Island

Submitted by Felissa Allard on Fri, 07/14/2017 - 4:23pm

All aboard! Set sail this summer for sightseeing, whale watching, marine critter catching, or just a good time out on the water. Up and down the shores of Long Island, you can catch a variety of boat tours to take you on fabulous nautical adventures sure to create lasting memories.

Here are voyages we think are especially worthwhile. Prices are as of July 2017.

For more Long Island adventures, check out our guide to summer fun, our list of 100 things do with kids here, and even our guide to seasonal day trips from Long Island.

Pocono Mountains with Kids: 61 Best Things To Do as a Family

Submitted by Anna Fader on Fri, 07/14/2017 - 1:00pm

Just two hours from New York City or Philadelphia, the Pocono Mountains offer pristine natural beauty mixed with enough family-friendly activities to fill a long weekend getaway or an entire summer vacation. Truly a four-season resort area, during the winter people flock to the region for skiing and other winter sports, and the cool lake-dotted mountains draw families for swimming, hiking, boating, horseback riding, and more in the summer. It's also loaded with great water parks, both indoor and outdoor.

We've rounded up dozens of the top family attractions in the Poconos into one mega list. Given that it's a fairly large region, we've separated the list by area or town to make it easier to find what's closest to where you and your family plan to visit. Staying longer? Hit all the regions!

Great Outdoor Dining Spots for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Felissa Allard on Thu, 07/13/2017 - 3:50pm

Feeding kids isn’t always a breeze. With such picky eaters, you just never know what’s going to happen.

So why not make life a bit easier by dining out? And why not choose a kid-friendly restaurant with outdoor seating, which just might entertain your little darlings.

Here are more than a dozen Long Island spots that serve up fabulous views along with great, kid-friendly meals. And if going out to a restaurant isn't your thing, check out these great places to picnic on Long Island.

If after dinner, your kids crave some sweets why not check out our list of old-time ice cream parlors on Long Island or traditional candy shops. Our guide to summer fun on Long Island offers great seasonal destinations and more. Enjoy.

Weekend Fun: Live Theater, Summer Concerts, Candy Making

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 07/12/2017 - 1:00pm

Boogie down this weekend with some nature sounds as the Jungle Bungles animal show comes to the Tackapausha Museum and Preserve. Skip the trip to Broadway and enjoy family theater in Smithtown, Ronkonkoma or Port Jefferson.

Check out our July Go List for the best family events all month. For more seasonal activities, pop over to our Summer Fun Guide or our d ay trips guide. Check out our guides to Long Island playgrounds or amusement parks and water parks for the best in family adventures.

Of course, our Event Calendar is loaded with fun, daily happenings for Long Island kids. Don't see a great event here? Add it to our calendar yourself.

Summer Day Trips for Long Island Families

Submitted by Natalie Ferro A... on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 12:00pm

While there are plenty of things to do on Long Island during the summer months, sometimes it's nice to change your routine and explore a different area. And how lucky are we that there are so many kid-friendly destinations just a ferry, train, or car ride away? So families can spend the day exploring these locations and all they have to offer.

Here are a few of our favorite easy getaways from Long Island, including nearby Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island, New York City, and New York State destinations.

And for what's happening back on Long Island, check out our Summer Fun Guide or our list of 50 FREE things to do with LI kids this summer.