East End

50 Fabulous and Totally Free Events This Month for LI Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Sun, 10/15/2017 - 11:05pm

Who said nothing in life is free? Not us! In fact, we’ve come up with a list of more than 50 fun, family-friendly events happening all over Long Island during the next few weeks that won’t cost you a thing.

Of course, since it’s the season of ghosts and goblins, many of the happenings are Halloween-themed, including c ostume parades and trick-or-treating events. We've also included the many fabulous f all festivals going on this month, as well as story time and craft events, mommy-and-me classes, and more. And for added fun this season, check out our Halloween Guide and October Go List.

Free Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Felissa Allard on Sun, 10/08/2017 - 12:50pm

When the weather is gray and chilly, it's easier to stay inside and hide. But for children that can be among the most boring things to do.

All across Long Island, there are play spaces and indoor playgrounds to keep your kids happily occupied. But how about some low-key kids spots hiding in plain sight? And better yet, how about FREE destinations? From malls to bookstores and libraries, there is plenty of FREE fun to be had for Long Island kids.

Enjoy these unique play destinations, but remember at most venues a parent/adult must be present to supervise children.

For more indoor fun, don't forget our guide to r ainy day activities on Long Island.

The Best Halloween Events for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 10/06/2017 - 12:30pm

From costume parades to unique trick-or-treating neighborhoods and not-so-scary haunted houses and walks, there are plenty of fun, "spooktacular" happenings on Long Island this Halloween season.

Read on for our picks for Long Island children this Halloween, including museum events, enchanted forest trails, and even a boat burning that has become a seasonal tradition in one Suffolk Count y community. And don't forget to check out our Halloween Guide for more seasonal fun.

Not-So-Scary Halloween Haunts on Long Island for Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Tue, 10/03/2017 - 3:30pm

Looking to get spooked this Halloween?

Long Island is home to many haunted houses up to the task, ranging from child-friendly to down-right creepy. We've rounded up places offering fairly child-friendly haunted houses for your consideration. But keep in mind even the tamest of these can sometimes be too much for an imaginative child, so come prepared with a backup plan (or adult) if one child needs to leave quickly.

If you're looking for something more low-key, there are plenty of Halloween-themed fun happenings on farms across the Island. And for more seasonal fun, check out our Long Island Halloween Guide, and don't forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.

10 Nature Walks on Long Island to View Fall Foliage

Submitted by Thien August on Mon, 10/02/2017 - 2:35pm

Even now, the leaves across Long Island are turning beautiful colors. Luckily, Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End have some of the best trails around, ideal for looking at that gorgeous fall foliage.

So, strap on your hiking shoes, pack a few snacks, and head out to one of these hiking destinations that offer fresh air and splendid fall oranges, reds and yellows. For more kid-friendly activities, be sure to check out our F all Fun Guide.

Dozens of Fall Day Trip Destinations for Long Island Families

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Thu, 09/28/2017 - 3:00pm

Autumn is the perfect time to take a day or weekend trip to one of the many family-friendly destinations on or off Long island. The weather is cooler, Mother Nature provides some beautiful scenery, and there are even get a couple of long, holiday weekends that give everyone an extra day to spend together.

To help get you on your way, we’ve put together a list of the top fall destinations for Long Island families this season. Some are close by, while others require a few hours in the car or a ride on a ferry. No matter where you go or how you get there, you’re sure to create some great memories.

For more travel ideas, check out our Fall Fun Guide.

Top Pumpkin Patches and Farms for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 09/22/2017 - 10:00am

The leaves soon will start turning colors, and you might have noticed there’s a crispness in the air, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to go pumpkin picking. Happily, no matter where you live on Long Island there are places to find the perfect family pumpkins this fall—whether you want to pick your own off the vine or have the picking already done for you.

All of these farms and pumpkin patches offer other family-friendly activities such as corn mazes, hayrides, and more, so make a day of it. Pick-your-own farms are fun, but can get messy, so make sure kids are dressed appropriately. Look at individual websites for hours and costs since some activities are free while other attractions have added fees.

If you’re heading to one of the farms on the East End, why not stop at a kid-friendly winery or a pick-your-own apple farm? And, for more seasonal fun, check out our list of the best fairs and festivals.

Happy autumn (and early Halloween)!

Spirit's Promise: A Horse Farm and Rescue on LI's East End

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Thu, 09/21/2017 - 2:10pm

It's My Little Pony turned real life at Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, a facility for abused, neglected or unwanted farm animals. It offers animals a renewed lease on life while providing a rewarding and educational destination for visitors.

Want to get up close and personal with other animals? Peruse our list of a nimal farms and petting zoos on Long Island. Looking for more East End fun? Check out our guide to the Hamptons and North Fork.

New LICM4All App Helps Families Enjoy The Long Island Children's Museum Even More

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 09/18/2017 - 11:00am

The Long Island Children's Museum gets it: under the best circumstances, it takes planning to pull off a great outing with kids; if your child has special needs, even more so. That's why we think their new smartphone app isn't just smart, it's brilliant.

Designed specifically to support children with neurodiversities and physical challenges, the free LICM4all app aims to take the guesswork out of planning a visit to the museum. Before the trip, families can download the app from either the App Store or Google Play and create a totally customized schedule based on their interests, as well as their needs. Short videos offer a sneak peek into current exhibitions, while also showing kids what to expect — like that they may get a little messy at the Bubbles exhibit, or that they might have to wait their turn at the TotSpot. Meanwhile, the color-coded, sensory-friendly museum map identifies galleries that are quieter or louder, and a list of tips provides parents with helpful details on accessible parking, restrooms, service animals, and more.

Things to Do in Southold Village With Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Thu, 09/14/2017 - 2:42pm

A trip to the North Fork offers vast opportunities. From nature explorers to foodie indulgers and self-proclaimed sommeliers, the village of Southold is hot, hip, and happening.

Located in the heart of Long Island wine country, the village of Southold is the seat of government for Southold Town. But there is much more to it than that. In Southold, you can enjoy beaches, museums, nature centers, family-friendly eateries, fall festivals, and then some.

Looking for more North Fork fun? Head east one village for must-try spots in Greenport. Staying over? Hop a ferry to Shelter Island and explore. And on the way home, check out the North Fork's gateway town, Riverhead.