Nassau

Kids' Consignment Shops and Sales on Long Island

Submitted by Linda DiProperzio on Tue, 10/15/2019 - 4:31am

Whether you're stocking up for school clothes or dressing up a wee one that changes in size every couple of months, kid clothes can really add up. Luckily, there are kid-centric consignment shops and special sales across Long Island, where you can buy barely (or never) worn kids’ items at a discount. You can also sell your own gently used items to get some extra cash.

For more ways to your family can fun together without breaking the bank check out the affordable activities listed on the Long Island Events Calendar.

Best Neighborhoods to Trick-or-Treat for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Sun, 10/13/2019 - 6:35am

There's nothing like trick-or-treating on Long Island. With its many kid-friendly downtowns and villages full of local businesses in the Halloween spirit. Or your very own neighborhood, where kids know how to navigate which houses are handing out pennies and which are doling out full-sized candy bars. Halloween is also a great time to explore new parts of Long Island.

We’ve compiled a list of the best Long Island Neighborhoods for trick-or-treating. We prefer those that have houses close together, merchants who participate, are well lit, and have minimal traffic. Read on for our list of favorites.

Check out our Halloween Guide for more Long Island trick-or-treating fun, including these top events for kids and not-too-scary haunted houses and walks. For more seasonal fun, see our October GoList and Fall Fun Guide.

Drop-In Childcare and Babysitting Services for Parents on Long Island

Submitted by Molly England on Thu, 10/10/2019 - 12:07am

When parents need time to run errands, get work done, or even have a date night, it can be difficult to find impromptu childcare. We've created a list of drop-in childcare and babysitting services on Long Island to accommodate whatever your schedule throws at you. These services provide safe and fun childcare for your child to thrive, while you tick off items on your to-do list or even have some fun of your own! You’ll find mini-camps, drop-in childcare, parents’ night out, and babysitting services to meet all of your last-minute and sporadic childcare needs.

And for more family-friendly activities, be sure to check out our Long Island Events Calendar. You can also sign up for our FREE newsletters to get the best local events and reviews delivered right to your inbox.

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

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Sun, 10/06/2019 - 5:30am

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 child-friendly haunted houses and events for your consideration. But keep in mind that even the tamest of these can sometimes be too much for a more sensitive child, so come prepared with a backup plan (or adult) if your child needs to leave quickly.

If you're looking for something more low-key, there is plenty of Halloween-themed fun to be had 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.

Family-Friendly Beer Gardens and Breweries on Long Island

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Tue, 10/01/2019 - 8:00am

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.

The Best Halloween Events for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Sun, 09/29/2019 - 6:30am

We’ve rounded up the best of the best Halloween events for kids on Long Island. From free costume parades to unique trick-or-treating neighborhoods and not-so-scary haunted houses and walks, there are plenty of fun, "spooktacular" happenings this 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.

Nature Walks on Long Island to View Fall Foliage

Submitted by Thien August on Thu, 09/26/2019 - 5:35am

Long Island is at its peak beauty in the fall as the leaves change. And you're in luck, Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End have some of the best nature trails around, ideal for looking at that gorgeous fall foliage. 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.

Top Pumpkin Patches and Farms for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 09/20/2019 - 4:00am

The leaves soon will turn colors and 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 plenty of pumpkin patches and farms brimming with pumpkins perfect for picking this fall. All of these venues offer other family-friendly activities such as corn mazes and hayrides, so make a day of it. Pick-your-own farms 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)!

10 Full-Day Preschools on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Fogarty on Sun, 09/15/2019 - 6:18am

Finding a full-day preschool on Long Island can be stressful. Whether you need a preschool program that accommodates your work schedule or simply prefer a longer day to give your child a leg up on the skills he or she needs for kindergarten and beyond, finding the right preschool program for your family is important.

These 10 Long Island preschools give you the option of sending your child full-time and/or taking advantage of extended-hours programs. Check out our Guide to Long Island Summer Camps for Preschoolers and our full Preschool Guide and Directory of Schools for more ideas on keeping your preschooler active and engaged.

The Best Hayrides and Haunted Hayrides for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Rebekah Yahoves on Fri, 09/13/2019 - 6:38am

The best hayrides for Long Island kids feature more than just straw and wagon wheels. Characters, pumpkin-picking, and scrumptious treats like warm apple cider and warm cinnamon doughnuts will delight your senses as you roll through colorful autumn wonderlands with your toddlers and big kids. There are even haunted hayrides on Long Island for the tweens and teens!

For more fall festi-fall-ing, check out our Fall Fairs and Festivals and our Top Pumpkin Patches and Farms For Long Island Kids.