Nassau

Free Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Tue, 10/16/2018 - 12:50pm

There’s no reason to stay home just because the fall season and the colder weather is upon us.

All across Long Island, there are play spaces and indoor playgrounds to keep your kids happily occupied. In fact, some of them are hiding in plain sight. And better yet, many of these kid-friendly spots are FREE. 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.

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

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Sun, 10/07/2018 - 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 downright creepy. We've rounded up places offering fairly child-friendly haunted houses and events 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. For more seasonal fun, check out our Long Island Halloween Guide and October GoList, and don't forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Nature Walks on Long Island to View Fall Foliage

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 10/05/2018 - 10:35am

The leaves across Long Island are starting to turn beautiful colors. Luckily, Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End have some of the best trails around, ideal for looking at that gorgeous fall foliage. And these lovely backdrops lend themselves to great family photos that will put you ahead of the game for upcoming holiday cards. Strike a pose and take some candid shots of the kids: Fall on Long Island is perfect for memory-making.

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

The Best Halloween Events for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Sun, 09/30/2018 - 7:30am

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 October GoList and Halloween Guide for more seasonal fun.

New Adventure Park Planned for Jones Beach

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Thu, 09/27/2018 - 1:00pm

An adventure course at J ones Beach State Park is scheduled to open at the beachfront attraction in 2019. WildPlay Element Parks will install the gravity-defying East Mall Adventure Course, facing the Atlantic Ocean.

There are plenty more thrill-seeking destinations on Long Island. Check out these spots for little (and big) adrenaline junkies in your house. Or visit another state park on Long Island and embark on an adventure of your own.

Family-Friendly Beer Gardens and Breweries on Long Island

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Sun, 09/23/2018 - 8:10pm

Sometimes, even the most dedicated parents need a break. Craft beer has become increasingly popular in the past decade, prompting a surge in the opening of local breweries, gastropubs and restaurants. These family-friendly breweries and restaurants are a great compromise. Parents can wind down without having to find a babysitter, and kids can have fun in an exciting, new atmosphere.

At these charming establishments, parents can enjoy a regular beer offering or a seasonal specialty. If wine is your drink of choice, however, don't miss our guide to kid-friendly wineries on the East End.

Top Pumpkin Patches and Farms for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 09/21/2018 - 10:00am

The leaves soon will turn 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 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 fall fairs and festivals.

Happy autumn (and early Halloween)!

Nature Centers Sure to Delight Long Island Kids

Submitted by Thien August on Thu, 09/20/2018 - 12:15pm

Long Island has an abundance of natural parklands and beautiful waterways to explore. We are spoiled by the many beaches to enjoy in the summer and hiking trails bursting with fall colors. These experiences are enhanced by museums and nature centers that help us learn and appreciate what we have here. Many of these destinations offer indoor and outdoor nature-based activities for children and caregivers.

When it's time to unplug and spend some quality time together, there's nothing like taking in some fresh air and connecting with nature and each other. So we've compiled this directory of nature centers with all the information you'll need for a fun family outing celebrating the great outdoors in Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End.

Looking for more ways to experience nature? Take a look at our list of family-friendly hiking trails and great bike trails for Long Island families. If you have a budding naturalist, check out the different ways Long Island kids can have fun and learn in outdoor classrooms.

A Dozen Amazing Birthday Cake Bakeries for LI Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Thu, 09/13/2018 - 12:00pm

When it comes to your kids' birthdays, we here at Mommy Poppins have you covered.

Whether it's your child's first birthday or 10th, the steps are always the same: Find a theme, a venue, guest list, and of course, a cake. No party is complete without the perfect dessert ending, and extravagant themed cakes are becoming more popular than ever. We've scoured the Island to find the best custom cake bakeries.

Bon apetit.

Corn Mazes and Fall Farm Fun for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Thien August on Sun, 09/09/2018 - 5:20am

Fall on Long Island means cooler weather and shorter days, but it also means fun seasonal activities such as hayrides and corn mazes.

Whether you make it a race or plan your route strategically, corn mazes are fun for the whole family and they are not always scary. Many mazes and hayrides are available during the day, so even the youngest family members can enjoy these seasonal outdoor activities.

Call venues ahead of time to be sure they are open, especially if the weather is bad or if there has been a storm. Wearing boots or comfortable shoes is a good idea as fields can be uneven and potentially wet. Come out and support Long Island farmers and have fun doing it. And don't forget to stop by the farm stands for seasonal treats such as apple cider, warm apple cider doughnuts, and roasted corn.

For more seasonal fun, check out our list of Long Island's best fall fairs and festivals and the area's best apple picking destinations.