Nassau

The Best Animal Farms and Petting Zoos on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 04/19/2019 - 7:11pm

Whether you are looking for a low-key petting zoo or an exotic experience with wild animals, there's no shortage of places on Long Island where children can interact with nature's noble creatures. If they want to, Long Island kids can do everything from feed a giraffe to visit with an alpaca, and even ride a safari train.

Be sure to check our directory of zoos and gardens on Long Island, and peruse our pick-your-own guide for more local farm fun. And, for more seasonal fun, be sure to check our event calendar

The Best Children's Playgrounds on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 04/05/2019 - 10:32am

An abundance of parks and playgrounds makes Long Island a wonderful place to raise a family. These destinations are, of course, great places for little ones to get valuable exercise and to have fun. They are also ideal places for parents to chat while kids play. Feel free to get in on the action because kids love it when parents get silly and have fun, too.

We’ve scouted the best playgrounds across the Island—in Nassau and Suffolk, and on the East End—where you’ll find plenty of space for you and your little ones. For more playground inspiration, check our guide to day trips to Long Island's top parks and playgrounds, including our top playgrounds for toddlers.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms and More Blooms on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Sun, 03/31/2019 - 11:30am

After a long winter, spring arrives and colors burst all over Long Island. These are perfect days to explore some of the Island’s family-friendly gardens and state parks, where displays of vibrant, eye-popping cherry blossoms—along with a host of other springtime trees and flowers—are in full bloom.

From the Arbor Day Family Festival (April 27-28) at Planting Fields Arboretum to the annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival (May 5) at Stony Brook University, your kids get to experience the natural beauty of the season, explore the outdoors, and even learn about different cultures.

25 Spring Break Activities for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Sun, 03/24/2019 - 11:30am

If your family is planning a stay-cation here on Long Island during spring break and you’re searching for things to do, you’ve come to the right place.

For most public school students on Long Island, spring break runs from Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 28. We’ve rounded up 25 fun activities that will keep your kids busy and happily entertained. Between day and weeklong camps, indoor events for rainy days and nature excursions that get your family outside, there’s something for everyone.Try one or more of these activities, and we're confident you’ll never again hear those dreaded words: "I’m bored " (Well, at least not during spring break, anyway).

SMASH Ping-Pong House Serves Up Big Fun for LI Families

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 03/08/2019 - 1:45pm

SMASH, a new ping-pong house, kitchen, and bar, is serving up a unique indoor activity for Long Island families or couples seeking some out-of-the-box date-night fun. Head over to the Levittown hot spot for a smashing good time.

For more active fun, check out our guide to kids sports centers and fun zones on Long Island.

8 Summer Day Camps Long Island Kids Will Love

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Sun, 03/03/2019 - 3:00pm

Lucky for Long Island families, the area is practically a summer camp mecca. You don't need to go very far to find sprawling green campuses, on-site water parks, air-conditioned state-of-the-art athletic facilities, and Ninja Warrior-style obstacle courses. There are fun and enriching programs for kids of all ages, and plenty of flexible schedule options—like partial weeks and extended care—to keep busy parents happy, too.

With so many options, the search isn't easy. So, if you're seeking out a day camp for your LI kiddo this summer, take a look at some of these top picks from our camp partners below. You can also head to our Long Island Camp Guide or browse our Directory for even more options.

St. Patrick's Day Events and Free Parades for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 03/01/2019 - 12:30pm

Few regions celebrate their Irish heritage better than Long Island.

From Rockville Centre to Montauk, from the first weekend of March till the last, Main Streets across the Island come alive with pipers, parade marchers, traditional food, music, dance, and more. Huntington itself swells with visitors on the second Sunday of March when one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day gatherings in New York State kicks off in the village downtown. That Huntington parade is dwarfed perhaps only by New York’s City’s celebration, which this year is Saturday, March 16.

We here at Mommy Poppins have all you need to get into the spirit of the season, beginning with the Kings Park parade on Saturday, March 2 and climaxing with Jamesport’s on Saturday March 30. Most of these events are low cost or FREE, ideal for families, and appropriate for first-generation Irish-Americans or those who are just Irish for a day.

Read on for our favorites from among the 20-plus parades that will take place in Patrick’s honor this month on the Island. Click through for details, including parade routes, dates, times, and more. As always see our Long Island Events Calendar and March GoList for the best in family entertainment all month long.

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.