Suffolk

Kid-Friendly Marinas on Long Island's Waterfront

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 08/18/2017 - 4:20pm

Whether or not you own a boat, marinas are an attraction for their water views and laid-back atmosphere. Add a restaurant, fishing pier, and an amazing sunset and it becomes quite a destination for family fun. It’s no wonder Long Islanders ienjoy hanging out at the marina on a summer day. Here are our picks for marinas that offer plenty of fun extras.

Looking for more waterfront fun? Check out our list of family-friendly boat rides and the best beaches for Long Island families.

Top Mommy-and-Me Baby Classes on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Tue, 08/15/2017 - 6:12pm

From Zumba to yoga to 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, including 50 Free Things to Do with Long Island Kids. Our classes and enrichment guide also offers a host of ideas to stimulate your child's learning.

Have fun.

Blast Off at Port Jefferson's Redesigned Rocketship Park

Submitted by Thien August on Tue, 08/08/2017 - 3:45pm

Although not a new playground location, Clifton H. Lee Memorial Park, or Rocketship Park, in Port Jefferson is brand new. Opened to the public in late June, this playground has undergone a $900,000 renovation nearly two years in the making. It was worth the wait with many fun features for toddlers to big kids. So get ready to blast off to Rocketship Park with our playground review.

Long Island has so many playgrounds to enjoy. Check out our list of the beach playgrounds, and toddler playgrounds. And take advantage of what’s left of summer with our Summer Fun Guide.

For more fun things to do in Port Jefferson, check out our day trip guide to this kid-friendly North Shore community.

Bounce Houses and Trampoline Parks for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 08/04/2017 - 6:18pm

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

From inflatable slides to obstacle courses and high-flying trampolines, these play spaces are a great way 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.

And for more active fun indoors and outdoors around Long Island, check out our Summer Fun Guide and the Event Calendar.

Bridgehampton with Kids: Top Attractions for Families

Submitted by Thien August on Tue, 08/01/2017 - 1:30pm

Bridgehampton is just one of many happy Hamptons towns that offer magnificent beaches, yummy restaurants, shops, galleries, theaters, horse riding, and vineyards. We've come up with a list of can't-miss activities and places in and around Bridgehampton for families traveling to this South Fork town with kids, or just us locals taking a day trip to explore more of Long Island.

For more kid-friendly activities out east, check out 50 things to do with kids in the Hamptons and North Fork, or head over to our local Day Trips Guide to explore another town.

Fishing on Long Island: Where to Cast a Line with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 07/28/2017 - 3:30pm

Ready to teach your little one how to cast a line? Fishing is not only a fun outdoor family activity, but also one with deep roots on Long Island with its maritime history and culture.

Surrounded by water, kids can drop a line in myriad waterfront towns, beaches, local piers, boats, and parks. We've rounded up a few of our favorite family-friendly fishing venues around Long Island where you can test your skills for hooking the catch of the day.

Looking for more summer seaside enjoyment? Make sure to visit our list of stunning Long Island lighthouses.

6 Long Island Boardwalk Gems Kids Will Love

Submitted by Natalie Ferro A... on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 1:45pm

The best part of the beach isn't always the sand and water. Sometimes, it's a quaint stroll along the boardwalk. And Long Island has plenty of them.

Gone are the splinter fears and potential pitfalls of yesterday; most Long Island boardwalks have been refurbished with less flammable, sustainable woods. These boardwalk spots offer something special for kids and adults alike.

Here are a half-dozen of our favorite Long Island boardwalks, including a few you might not immediately associate with the ocean. From Nassau County to Suffolk and the East End, they are yours to explore. For more seasonal fun, be sure to see our Summer Fun Guide, our list of the best Long Island beaches for families, and perhaps even our guide to LI beach playgrounds.

Summer Day Trips for Long Island Families

Submitted by Natalie Ferro A... on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 12:00pm

While there are plenty of things to do on Long Island during the summer months, sometimes it's nice to change your routine and explore a different area. And how lucky are we that there are so many kid-friendly destinations just a ferry, train, or car ride away? So families can spend the day exploring these locations and all they have to offer.

Here are a few of our favorite easy getaways from Long Island, including nearby Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island, New York City, and New York State destinations.

And for what's happening back on Long Island, check out our Summer Fun Guide or our list of 50 FREE things to do with LI kids this summer.

Great Bike Trails for Long Island Families

Submitted by Thien August on Mon, 07/10/2017 - 2:00pm

If it’s been a few months since that bike saw the outside of your garage, why not tune it up and welcome the summer with a family bike ride?

Head outside to explore some of the many bike trails Long Island has to offer. If you’re not up for taking on a mountain bike trail, then pack a lunch, bring some water and head to one of the paved paths or boardwalks that offer an easy and enjoyable ride for even the youngest cyclist.

Here are our top picks for the most family-friendly trails on Long Island. Depending on which trail you choose, it may be a good idea to bring along a first aid kit, a tire patch kit or extra tubes, and bug and tick spray. For more outdoor adventures, check out these LI hiking trails and our Summer Fun Guide. While you're at it, why not look into our 50 FREE things to do with kids on LI this summer or our top 100 things to do with LI kids. A good bike ride just might be on both lists.

50 Things to Do with Kids in the Hamptons and North Fork This Summer

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 07/07/2017 - 10:00am

So much to do, so little time.

That’s a popular refrain on Long Island’s East End, where vacationers and residents alike struggle to pack as much adventure as possible into the 60-some days between school years. Which is where we come in, of course.

Our Mommy Poppins experts have updated their list of the best family entertainment opportunities on the North and South forks, ideally suited for July and August. We’ve researched family beaches, state and county parks, pools, and even indoor options just in case Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.

So have a look, and while you’re at it check out our guide to this unique region, home to farms, museums, wineries, and even the trendy celebrity or two. Who knows: While you’re here, you might even scratch an item or two off our list of 100 must-do things with LI kids. Hurry, time’s a-wasting.