Suffolk

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.

Dozens of Fall Day Trip Destinations for Long Island Families

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 09/07/2018 - 11:00am

Autumn is a 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 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 seasonal travel ideas, check out our Fall Fun Guide.

Patchogue with Kids: Fun Things to Do as a Family

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Thu, 09/06/2018 - 1:00pm

Lying on the shore of Great South Bay, halfway between Montauk and Manhattan, Patchogue is a vibrant seaside community that boasts a walkable downtown area, a thriving arts and music scene, and a variety of good eats and treats. Restored and renewed areas have breathed new life into this village over the past few years, making it a haven for Long Island families.

Still got that day-trippin' itch? Explore our Visitors Guide to plan your next adventure.

Pick Your Own Apple Farms for Families on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Sun, 08/26/2018 - 11:22am

With summer winding down, it’s time to plan some fun fall activities you and your kids can do together. How about heading to the East End for a day of apple picking?

From small farm stands to orchards with dwarf trees sized just right for little hands, to other family-friendly venues, there are plenty of places to choose from, and we've rounded them up for you.

Apple-picking season can begin as early as the end of August and continue through October. Be sure to check out each farm’s website for hours and bounty updates. Happy picking this fall.

Find more pick-your-own fun in our Long Island Farm Guide, including where to pick peaches or pumpkins, or feed the goats and sheep at area petting zoos and barnyards.

11 Preschools in Suffolk County for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Thien August on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 2:30pm

You might get misty-eyed thinking about sending your little one off to preschool, but you know he or she is ready, and September is just around the corner. With so many options available in Suffolk County, choosing the right preschool can be overwhelming.

We’re here to help with our picks for preschools in Suffolk. While location might play a role in your choice, consider the school’s teaching philosophy and take some time to tour a few schools with your child.

Families in Nassau can check out our list of preschools to consider, and if you’re interested in Montessori preschools, we’ve got you covered there, too. Head over to our complete guide to Long Island preschools for even more helpful information.

Bounce Houses and Trampoline Parks for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Thu, 08/16/2018 - 12:18pm

If you find your high-energy kids are bouncing off the walls, it might be time to head to one of the many bounce houses and trampoline parks on Long Island.

From inflatable slides to obstacle courses and high-flying trampolines, these play spaces are great ways for kids to work off their energy and have some indoor fun when it’s too hot, cold, or wet to play outdoors. Whether you’re looking for an impromptu bouncing session or want to schedule a birthday party, most of these venues offer a variety of play options. Just be sure to check out their websites for all the specifics.

The sky might be the limit at these venues, but be advised that most of them require socks and some require completed parental waivers before participating.

Centerport With Kids: Fun Things to Do in This Harborfront Community

Submitted by Rebekah Yahoves on Tue, 08/14/2018 - 1:40pm

If you, like many Long Islanders, are a fan of colorful drives through the region's tranquil roads, you have likely seen glimmers of blue-green beaches clapboard farm stands, and more between Huntington Village’s shops and Northport’s waterfront.

You might even have rambled through a community called Centerport, a mini-peninsula carving into the county and back out into Long Island Sound. While you might not have considered it as a day-trip destination, Centerport’s winsome waterfront, cultural attractions, and enticing eateries make it a wonderful place to visit with your family. It is also a great stop on your way to touring Port Jefferson or even the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead with your tiny travelers.