Long Island

Weekend Events: Music Fest, Apollo Tributes, Kids and Nature

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 07/17/2019 - 1:25pm

Sing, swing, and sway by the sea to family-friendly tunes at the Great South Bay Music Festival all weekend long. Kids will love the Kidzone.

Join the Cradle of Aviation Museum as it celebrates the superheroes of the Apollo program on the 50th anniversary of the moon landing— with special guests the New York Avengers cosplay group. Or enjoy Apollopalooza at the Long Island Children's Museum. These are just some of the exciting activities going on across Long Island this weekend.

7 Smart Summer Screen Time and Tech Tips for Families

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 07/15/2019 - 2:30pm

Summertime often means screen time, amirite? School's out, the days are long, and even moms and dads are feeling a little more laid back. With the relaxed phone, tablet, and TV rules, a media overdose starts to become inevitable without some thoughtful boundaries.

So, how do you make tech work for your family over the summer instead of against it? With a little help from our sponsor, Verizon, we've put together 7 smart tech tips to help your crew make the most of screen time for kids without going over the top.

Bonus tip: Get an extra $200 off a premium device when you sign up to Fios* — not to mention crazy fast internet speeds, custom TV plans for kids and teens, and reliable cell service to keep everyone safe and connected.

Top 33 Rainy Day Activities in the Hamptons and North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Sun, 07/14/2019 - 10:55am

Not every summer day is perfect on Long Island’s East End. In fact, there are those rainy 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, entertainment options for children have grown.

Nantucket with Kids: 35 Fun Things to Do as a Family

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sat, 07/13/2019 - 2:20pm

What's so special about Nantucket? This charming Massachusetts island 30 miles off of Cape Cod is more than just a prepster paradise: It's just about as family-friendly as can be. In fact, there are so many things for kids to do in Nantucket, the trick is packing it all into a single family vacation. Perhaps that's why we always come back! Luckily, with just 48 square miles to cover, it is possible to fit in a number of Nantucket highlights, including a surf lesson, aquarium trip, critter cruise, and lobster dinner.

So catch the Nantucket ferry over to the island (or fly in), and try these kid-friendly activities. We're sure you'll have a family getaway that's one for the photo books.

Boat Rides for Families and More Water Fun on Long Island

Submitted by Felissa Allard on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 11:23am

Set sail this summer for boating, sightseeing, whale watching, marine critter catching, or just a good time out on the water. These Long Island boat tours are ideal for families eager to create nautical adventures and lasting memories.

Here are the voyages we think are especially worthwhile.

Weekend Events: Long Island Festival, Greek Fest, Fireworks

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 07/10/2019 - 1:00pm

Take flight in a hot air balloon ride at the Long Island Summer Festival this Saturday. Check out the Long Island Children's Museum's latest exhibit, Mash Up Menagerie, which offers visitors the opportunity to collaborate with artist-in-residence Scott Larrabee.These are just some of the exciting goings-on across Long Island this weekend.

Elsewhere, join in a celebration of bubbles at the Whaling Museum and explore the many ways creatures use bubbles in their environments. Or head to Brookhaven to Long Island Live Steamers this Sunday and ride steam, diesel, and electric trains operating on eight acres of scale tracks.

Southampton With Kids: Fun Things to Do in This Hamptons Beach Community

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 07/09/2019 - 2:15pm

Southampton Village sits along a stretch of shoreline on the South Fork of Long Island's East End. Nestled between Hampton Bays and Water Mill, sandy beaches and celebrity sightings are where it's at, especially in the summer. It's an ideal destination for a family day trip, and visiting on weekdays or getting an early-morning weekend start will save you hours in Hamptons traffic.

Read on for our family-friendly guide to what to do and see, which beaches to visit, and where to eat and play.

25 Water Games for Kids To Play All Summer Long

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 07/08/2019 - 10:30am

Water games are an easy way to keep the kids entertained—and cool—this summer. From a simple water balloon toss to fancier DIY fun like sprinkler Twister, these outdoor games are sure to please all ages.

One year, I found myself home with both kids for a whole summer due to a shift in my career path, so we got pretty creative with the water games. There were 10 weeks to fill after all! Read on for our favorites—and you can also download this free printable with all 25 top water games for kids.

Need more free and cheap activities for the kids this summer break? Our family started a Boredom Busters jar: a painted Mason jar full of ideas to keep them busy (and tired out). Anyone complaining of boredom can open it and pick out an activity. Many of the ideas come from the Mommy Poppins' 100 Summer Play Activities List and Free Summer Fun Ideas. But their absolute favorites are the water games for splish-splashy, low-key summer fun.

Candy Shops on Long Island Where You Can Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Submitted by Kimberly Chacon on Sun, 07/07/2019 - 12:46pm

Nothing is quite like a visit to a local candy shop on Long Island. Whether you are preparing to fill Easter baskets with goodies or just looking for a fun place to satisfy your sweet tooth, feasting your eyes on the vibrant colors, smelling the familiar scent of sugar, and anticipating the first bite of a sweet treat brings out the child in everyone.

A visit to one of these 20-plus Long Island destinations gives yours kids a chance to sample treats, take tours, or even a attend candy-making class. These shops offer everything from hand-dipped truffles to old-fashioned penny candies.

For more tasty treats, see our guide to old-fashioned Long Island ice cream parlors, destinations for decadent desserts, and even Long Island restaurants where kids can eat FREE.

A Tiny House Hotel Vacation Means Big Fun for Families

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sat, 07/06/2019 - 1:01pm

For traveling families, a tiny house rental can make the perfect hotel solution. It often comes with multiple beds without the cost of a pricey multiroom suite, as well as family-friendly amenities, such as stocked kitchens. It doesn't hurt that they're so very cute and often set among pretty landscapes, from beaches to forests and mountains.

Tiny houses have grown in popularity in recent years as many of us try to reduce our footprint and that means a tiny house getaway is all the more accessible. There are now villages of tiny houses available for American vacationers. Tiny home resorts have cropped up, too, while some campgrounds and even urban areas have added a handful of rentable tiny homes to their grounds.

So pack light and check out these seven tiny house resorts that allow you and the kids to try on tiny living for size.