Nassau

Top Mommy-and-Me Baby Classes on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 02/15/2019 - 5:10pm

From Zumba to yoga, cooking and art, there are plenty of ways to nurture your baby’s mind, body, and creative spirit. Not to mention your own.

We’ve rounded up some of the best mommy-and-me classes on Long Island, ideal if you want to to stay fit or learn a new craft. You and your baby will have fun, meet other moms and tots, and, most importantly, spend precious time together.

Of course, classes are open to dads, grandparents, and other caregivers. Be sure to check class websites for times, costs, and registration details.

For more suggestions on inexpensive ways to entertain your kids, check out our guide to FREE activities on Long Island. Our classes and enrichment guide also offers a host of ideas to stimulate your child's learning.

Have fun.

Go-Kart and Slot Car Racing Destinations for LI Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 02/12/2019 - 10:45am

Want to go for a spin? Then check out one of Long Island’s go-kart or slot car tracks.

Parents of kids who love being in the driver’s seat will love what these high-speed destinations offer. Inexpensive and thrilling, they’re ideal for kids who refuse to take a back seat to anyone. Gentlemen (and ladies), start your engines.

For more indoor fun, see our guide to play spaces and fun zones. If your kids prefer to pedal, our guide to Long Island biking trails offers great rides in Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End.

New Summer Camps and Programs for Long Island Kids, 2019

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Sun, 02/10/2019 - 10:00am

While it might feel as if we are in the arctic these days, it's the time of year when Long Island summer camps begin to hold open houses and enrollment begins to fill up. There's no better time to start dreaming and planning for the warmer weather than now.

From athletes to performing artists and even preschoolers, there is a program premiering this summer for kids of just about every interest. Whether you've got a first-time camper or a seasoned pro looking for something new, we've rounded up the 2019 summer camp season's newest additions.

Looking for more on Long Island camps? Check our lists of the best camps in Nassau and Suffolk, or you can always find more camps for kids in our Camps Guide and full directory of listings.

Free Museum Passes and More Perks From Your LI Library Card

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 11:30am

Unlike the other cards in your wallet, a library card doesn't come with fees or payment due dates. It does, however, come with a list of very cool, very FREE perks for the whole family, and we’re not just talking books.

Access to free museum passes from your local library is a huge perk for families, and one not everyone knows about: We are here to spread the word. In addition, your Long Island library card gets you access to a variety of other freebies that can entertain the whole family, from toddlers to tweens and teens.

Take a look at our list of museums from which you can score free passes and our roundup of other cool perks available at libraries in Nassau and Suffolk counties. For more details, check individual library websites. And see our seasonal fun guide and events calendar for more ways to keep your family busy this winter.

Free Things to Do With Kids on Long Island in February

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 02/01/2019 - 4:50pm

February is a short month, but it's filled with long winter days and weekends—not to mention a weeklong school break—when your kids will be looking for something to do. Luckily, there's no shortage of family-friendly activities on Long Island this month, and many of them won't cost you a penny.

We're talking library crafts and storytimes, fun events that celebrate Valentine's Day (including a kissing booth photo-op) and the Super Bowl, a tennis expo, and much more. To help you plan, we've rounded up some of the best no-cost-to-you activities that will keep the whole family entertained.

For more things to do that are both fun and free, check out our guides to free attractions for toddlers and babies and restaurants where kids eat free, and our roundup of great spots for long winter walks. And don't forget our events calendar and February GoList.

Long Island Destinations for Delicious Hot Chocolate

Submitted by Thien August on Tue, 01/29/2019 - 10:00am

When the snow starts to fly during a Long Island winter, a tasty hot chocolate can help to take the chill away.

Adults and kids across Long Island enjoy hot chocolate, especially when it’s topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, or both. And while you can make it at home, isn't it nice to get out of the house with the kids? It squashes cabin fever, and there’s no cleanup for you. With that in mind. here are 18 places across Long Island that serve up delicious hot chocolate and other tasty treats.

If hot chocolate isn’t your thing, why not try one of these spots for afternoon tea with the kids? See our guide to family-friendly restaurants for even more dining ideas on Long Island. And for more seasonal possibilities, check out our Winter Fun Guide and Long Island events calendar.

Enjoy These Long Island Cafes With Kids' Play Spaces

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 01/18/2019 - 1:00pm

A place for children to play and parents to connect with other moms and dads.

That’s exactly what Long Island play cafes offer. Enjoy these fun, safe venues for your child’s next play date: They'll have fun and explore, and you'll relax with a snack, catch up with your peers, or just relish some me time. Of course, parents are required to keep an eye on their children at all times.

For more seasonal fun ideas, check out our guide to indoor play spaces and our roundup of sensory play spaces on Long Island. And don’t forget our Winter Fun Guide for a host of ideas sure to keep your kids happily occupied during the winter months.

Indoor Swimming Pools for Families on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 01/11/2019 - 10:25am

If you haven't had a chance to get away this season and spend time by the pool, there's still hope—and you don’t have to brave the crowds at the airport to get there.

Why not visit one of the many indoor swimming pools Long Island has to offer? We’ve rounded up some of Nassau and Suffolk County's most affordable and family-friendly indoor pools that are open to the public. Check out each location’s website for family swim schedules and rules, as well as information on lessons. And don't forget to take a look at your school district’s website under the “athletics” link or similar to determine if it offers a community swim program.

For swimming lessons around Long Island or other kid-friendly activities you can enjoy in winter, check out our guide to indoor play spaces and our Long Island classes and enrichment guide.

The Best Family Sledding Spots on Long Island

Submitted by Ian Stark on Tue, 01/08/2019 - 1:00pm

Say it ain't snow. But it is.

Parents with kids eager to brave the outdoors don't have to leave Long Island to find ideal sledding spots. We've rounded up a host of places where you can challenge the local powder for FREE. Safety first though, so be sure to check surroundings for sticks, rocks, and more; wear a helmet and proper snow gear to keep warm; and be extra careful after dark. Bring your own equipment to these snow-covered destinations and be ready for some fun.

Don't forget to check our Long Island winter fun guide for more seasonal entertainment ideas for your family, whether the weather outside is frightful, or delightful. There, you'll find information on skiing destinations, ice rinks, hot chocolate spots, i ndoor play centers, and more.

Long Island Restaurants Where Kids Can Eat Free

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Sun, 01/06/2019 - 10:25am

Who says nothing is for free anymore? Not these kid-friendly Long Island restaurants, where kids occasionally can eat FREE and you can relax. It's ideal for families with picky—or not-so-picky—eaters who want to enjoy a nice meal without the aggravation of paying for food that goes untouched.

From pizza to pasta, fast food to waitress service, and pub fare to ethnic dishes, check out these locations the next time your family is looking for a stress-free dinner. Promotions change, so be sure to check first before you go.

Bon appetit.