Long Island

Weekend Fun: Spring Festivals, Royal Brunch, Touch-a-Truck

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 04/25/2018 - 12:40pm

Dine like royalty at the Coral House's Prince & Princesses Brunch. Celebrate Mother Earth at Planting Fields Arboretum's annual Arbor Day Festival. Create a butterfly feeder at the Long Island Explorium and then explore the rest of Port Jefferson.

Hop over to our April GoList to find more options for the final weekend of the month, or pad your wallet with a list of FREE family activities.

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

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Butterflies and Birds: Where You Can Interact with Them on LI

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 04/24/2018 - 1:30pm

You know what they say: Birds of a feather flock together. Well, on Long Island they seem to flock to nature preserves, centers, sanctuaries, and farms. Flutter around our area and you can get up close with some beautiful butterflies, too. But don't just wing it — we have the skinny on hoo to see and where.

Need another animal fix? Visit our zoos and gardens guide. Many outdoor petting zoos operate on a seasonal schedule, opening in spring or summer, and closing in fall before the snow arrives.

Cirque Du Soleil's Volta Is an Artful Adrenaline Rush

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Mon, 04/23/2018 - 12:00pm

Cirque du Soleil's Volta show, which just landed in the greater NYC area, is a feast for the senses. From a stirring score to exhilarating acrobatics and heart-stopping thrills, the newest Cirque spectacle captivated audience members of all ages at the performance my 10-year-old son and I saw Sunday afternoon under the Big Top at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where it will run through May 6.

Volta also plays at the Nassau Colesium on Long Island, beginning May 17, and at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, starting in July.

12 Great County Parks in Suffolk for Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Sun, 04/22/2018 - 3:00pm

With so many family-friendly county parks dotting the landscape of Suffolk County, there’s no excuse not to visit at least one (or two or three) of these beautiful outdoor destinations. The problem is, which ones to choose?

To help you decide, we’ve rounded up some of the best parks for families. From hiking, biking, and horseback riding to swimming, picnicking, and camping, these have it all, and some have even more, including bird watching, boating, and other family-friendly activities. We could go on and on.

These parks are all worth the trip. But be advised, some require a Suffolk County Green Key for access during peak periods.

For more outdoor activities with the family, check out our spring fun and day trips guides, and don’t forget our events calendar.

Target's Car Seat Trade-in Returns: Get the Details

Submitted by Katie Nave Freeman on Sat, 04/21/2018 - 12:35pm

Is it time to toss or upgrade your child's car seat? Beginning on April 22, Target will recycle your goldfish-crusted and stained old one and help you to save on a new model through its popular car seat trade-in event. As if we needed another excuse to go to Target, right?

Whether you're expecting a new baby, or simply sizing up, read on for all the details on this year's trade-in program.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms and More Blooms on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 2:30pm

After what felt like an extra-long winter, spring arrives and colors burst all over Long Island. These are perfect days to explore some of the Island’s family-friendly gardens and state parks, where displays of vibrant, eye-popping cherry blossoms—along with a host of other springtime trees and flowers—are in full bloom.

From the the Arbor Day Family Festival (April 28) at Planting Fields Arboretum to the annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival (May 6) at Stony Brook University, your kids get to experience the natural beauty of the season, explore the outdoors, and even learn about different cultures.

30 Things To Do in Austin, TX with Kids

Submitted by Ashley Jones on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 9:00am

As a native Texan, I can quickly rattle off about 100 obscure things that make Austin an amazing place for a family getaway. But on a larger scale, Austin, Texas, is widely known for several major reasons. Hailed as the live music capital of the world, Austin is home to one of the nation's most notorious music festivals, SXSW (South by Southwest), as well as the Austin City Limits Festival, and many smaller permanent live music venues throughout the city. Austin is a college town, home to The University of Texas campus, the second largest university in the second largest state in the country. It's also the state's capital, which means it is rich with historical sites, museums, and iconic landmarks.

The city's popularity is booming thanks in part to the wide variety of culturally enriching activities available, especially for families. "Keep Austin Weird" is the city's unofficial mantra, and boy do they ever keep it weird...in the best way. This list of must-do family activities in the capital of the Lone Star State includes quirky toy shops, breathtaking outdoor sites, unique museums, and even a collection of old "junk" in one man's backyard. And don't forget, we also have awesome ideas for the best things to do with kids in other parts of Texas, including San Antonio and Houston.

Visiting Glen Cove: Nassau County's City on the North Shore

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Thu, 04/19/2018 - 12:30pm

Although some Long Islanders might think of Glen Cove as just another community on the North Shore of Nassau County, it is formally known as the City of Glen Cove. This year it celebrates the 350^thanniversary of its founding and the 100^th anniversary of its incorporation.

Once the home to famous wealthy residents including J.P. Morgan and F.W. Woolworth, you’ll still find many Gold Coast mansions and estates dotting the landscape. Today, Glen Cove remains a great place for families and offers the best of Long Island, from gorgeous beaches and well-equipped playgrounds to kid-friendly museums.

Weekend Fun for LI Kids: Earth Day, Spring Celebrations

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 04/18/2018 - 12:30pm

Celebrate Mother Nature this Earth Day weekend with a visit to one of Long Island's bountiful nature centers or take a stroll along one of these family-friendly hiking trails.

There's plenty to do, from eco-friendly carnivals to farm events, conservation programs and more. Enjoy a day of fee-free family fun at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site or celebrate spring and the outdoors in Stony Brook.

Hop over to our April GoList to find more seasonal entertainment, and pad your wallet with a list of FREE family activities this month.

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

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive articles like this in your inbox every week.

Exploring Sands Point Preserve: Dino Trail, Castles, and Hikes

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 04/17/2018 - 12:30pm

Dare to compare footprints with fantastic beasts who roamed the Earth long before us at the Dino Trail at Sands Point Preserve.

It's one of six trails ripe for strolling, hiking, jogging and exploring at this sprawling Gold Coast estate turned public sanctuary. And that's not all: There's so much more to explore, including 200 acres of trails, a pond, beachfront, woods and native habitats.

There are so many sweet spots to soak up nature on Long Island. Get out and get exploring. Looking for more North Shore shenanigans? Check out our Mommy Poppins visitors guide to nearby Port Washington, a family-friendly Long Island destination.