Long Island

Weekend Fun: Cradle Con, Fun Fest, Summer Music and Movies

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 1:35pm

Get your motor running and roar into big fun at the Long Island Children's Museum's latest traveling exhibit, Hands-On Harley-Davidson.

Swing and sway under the stars this weekend at the Jones Beach Bandshell. The Bob Marley cover band, Roots Foundation will make you Get Up, Stand Up as they kick off a season of FREE outdoor concerts this Saturday night. Or watch Grease under the night sky as Long Beach Movie Nights starts up again for the summer. On Sunday, get your groove on again at Eisenhower Park, as Nassau County starts its free Summer Concert Series. Laurie Berkner, Solo! "The Greatest Hits Tour" comes to Hofstra University on Sunday.

The Cradle of Aviation hosts Cradle Con, a comic, collectible and pop culture event all weekend long. Kids can bone up on their light saber skills and master the art of cosplay.

Hop over to our June GoList to find even more options for this weekend, including fairs and festivals, boardwalks, beaches, mini golf, pools and theme park and water park fun.

Visit our Summer Family Fun Guide for the best in seasonal entertainment, including day trip ideas and even biking and hiking trails. Of course, our Event Calendar is loaded with fun, daily happenings for Long Island kids.

Summer Day Trips for Long Island Families

Submitted by Natalie Ferro A... on Tue, 06/19/2018 - 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, 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.

Great Outdoor Dining Spots for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Kailyn Champlin on Mon, 06/18/2018 - 3:50pm

What could be nicer during the warm-weather months than taking the kids to a family restaurant with an open-air atmosphere? There's just something about a warm breeze that makes a tasty meal even more delectable.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to eat with kids in Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End. These family-friendly menus, locations, and attractions make them ideal choices for parents with hungry kids. It's just part of our comprehensive guide to Long Island family-friendly restaurants.

If, after dinner, your kids crave some sweets, why not check out our list of old-time ice cream parlors, or for more outdoor inspiration, see our guide to summer fun on Long Island.

The Best July 4th Fireworks Shows on Long Island, 2018

Submitted by Felissa Allard on Sun, 06/17/2018 - 11:30am

Red, white and blue: check. Daytime BBQ: check. Evening fireworks: Hmm ...

On Fourth of July weekend, and before and after, families across Long Island gather for picnics, barbecues and, of course, fireworks. With that in mind, we've rounded up Independence Day fireworks happenings up and down Long Island, from Nassau to Suffolk counties and all the way to the East End. July 4 is a Wednesday this year, so fireworks celebrations begin as early as June 20 and continue past the weekend of July 7-8.

Our list of Long Island fireworks shows will make you want to go fourth beginning from almost the time school lets out. Some Long Island municipalities have not finalized fireworks plans as of mid-June. So check back often for more shows in your neighborhood. And for more kid-friendly activities, be sure to check out our Summer Fun Guide and our Event Calendar.

Cabo with Kids! All Inclusive Decadence at Mexico's Grand Velas Resort Los Cabos

Submitted by Roberta B on Sat, 06/16/2018 - 1:24pm

Sometimes as parents we're happy to plan the family vacation around theme parks and cartoon characters; other times we want to be pampered like a real princess, not a Disney princess. A vacation that provides grown-up decadence and luxury with fun and entertainment for kids (including time supervised by someone else)—that is the ultimate family getaway. And that is what we found in Los Cabos at Grand Velas' new seaside resort.

Free Outdoor Movies for Long Island Kids This Summer

Submitted by Kailyn Champlin on Fri, 06/15/2018 - 4:00pm

With the price of movie tickets for the family these days, there’s nothing better than FREE entertainment for the kids. Did you know that several Long Island municipalities host outdoor summer movie series, where you can spread a blanket on the lawn or prop up some lawn chairs and have a picnic while enjoying a family-friendly film?

At these outdoor community events you can enjoy a beloved film for a second time or catch up on a recent blockbuster without having to spend a dime on a movie ticket. Seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early. Also, be sure to double-check the venue or organization's website or social media feeds for any potential weather-related cancellations.

Outdoor movies are just part of the summer experience on Long Island. You'll find more fun things to do with kids in our Summer Fun Guide, including FREE outdoor summer concerts. It's also a great time to hit a Long Island amusement park, water park, or one of our great family-friendly beaches.

Until then, lights, camera, action!

Top Long Island Playgrounds for Toddlers

Submitted by Kimberly Chacon on Thu, 06/14/2018 - 1:00pm

Toddlers seem to have endless energy and the power to play all day. They might want to do all that older kids can, but with wobbly legs and arms that can't quite reach, they require special playgrounds.

From Nassau to Suffolk counties and all the way to the East End, designers of Long Island's parks have been thoughtful in creating play spaces for our littlest residents. So as the weather gets warmer, why not take your toddlers to a spot designed with their needs in mind?

We have done the legwork and scouted out the top toddler playgrounds across Long Island. Be sure to check our full list of parks and playgrounds on Long Island, then get out there and enjoy these beautiful days.

Father's Day Weekend on LI: Comic Con, Strawberry Fests, Rockets

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 06/13/2018 - 2:33pm

Want to show daddio how much you dig him? Geek out at the Long Island Comic Con this Father's Day weekend. Get the whole family juiced up for Mattituck's annual Strawberry Festival and then pop by one of these East End beach playgrounds. Or enjoy a day outdoors at the South Shore Blueway Festival with a paddle or kayak ride. Pack a picnic and head to one of these lush Long Island outdoor spots.

Looking for more ways to celebrate dad this weekend? Try some of these 20 Father's Day activities for Long Island dads.

Hop over to our June GoList to find even more options for this weekend, including fairs and fesivals, boardwalks, beaches, mini golf, pools and theme park and water park fun.

Free Outdoor Summer Concerts for Long Island Families

Submitted by Natalie Ferro A... on Tue, 06/12/2018 - 10:00am

Not all summer entertainment on Long Island comes with a hefty price tag. In fact, some shows don't come with a price tag at all.

We've rounded up a host of FREE local outdoor concerts—all parents need to do is grab a lawn chair or picnic blanket and get ready to shimmy, shake, and smile with the little ones.

For more seasonal fun, be sure to check out our ideas for outdoor summer games and our picks for the best beaches for Long Island families. Our summer fun guide offers more ideas for getting the best out of the summer months. Enjoy.

Beach Clubs In or Near New York City with Kid-Friendly Vibes

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 06/11/2018 - 10:00am

One sure way to add more family-friendly fun to your summer staycation with the kids: Join a beach club. Beach clubs in and around New York all offer members similar amenities: massive swimming pools; organized kids' activities like sports and arts and crafts (and sometimes even a day camp); spas, restaurants, and lounges; and, of course, access to pristine private beaches, so you have plenty of space to spread out.

Beach clubs sell seasonal memberships from Memorial Day to Labor Day, which give you access to their facilities. Most also offer optional rental accommodations like bath cabins or cabanas. Many are on Long Island’s South Shore and easily accessible by car, but we also managed to find one in Brooklyn that NYC families can reach by subway.