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Top Long Island Playgrounds for Toddlers

Submitted by Kimberly Chacon on Tue, 05/14/2019 - 12:00pm

Toddlers seem to have endless energy and the power to play all day. They might want to do all that older kids can, but with wobbly legs and arms that can't quite reach, they require special playgrounds.

From Nassau to Suffolk counties and all the way to the East End, designers of Long Island's parks have been thoughtful in creating play spaces for our littlest residents. So as the weather gets warmer, why not take your toddlers to a spot designed with their needs in mind?

We have done the legwork and scouted out the top toddler playgrounds across Long Island. Be sure to check our full list of parks and playgrounds on Long Island, then get out there and enjoy these beautiful days.

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.

10 Great Stroller-Friendly Park Walks on Long Island

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Thu, 05/10/2018 - 1:15pm

They might be too young for the playground, but Long Island babies (and their caregivers) can still enjoy our great parks.

Of course, not all parks are created equal, especially when it comes to taking your baby out for fresh air. Some parks are aesthetically beautiful, but the trails are rocky and covered in sand, making pushing a stroller nearly impossible. Others are smoothly paved, but have nothing for you and your little one to look at. From Nassau to Suffolk, here are our picks for Long Island walks with the best terrain and intriguing scenery—perfect for a day out with baby.

Check out these FREE attractions across Long Island for even more fun activities to do with your baby, or find more ways to meet new parents who, like yourself, might be eager to socialize.

If you are looking to cool off after your walk, why not visit a nearby spray park?

15 Long Island State Parks Worth a Visit

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Thu, 09/07/2017 - 6:20pm

No matter what the season, and no matter where you live on Long Island, there’s a state park just waiting for you and your family.

From hiking in the fall to snow shoeing in the winter…from bird watching in the spring to camping in the summer, these gorgeous state parks have something special to offer Long Island families all year round.

To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of parks we believe are worth a visit. An Empire Pass gives you access to any New York state park for the year, but be sure to look at each park’s website for additional vehicle and/or entry fees and restrictions. Of course, Jones Beach and Robert Moses state parks are prime oceanside getaways in the summer; these parks offer year-round entertainment.

For more family fun, see our September GoList, explore our suggestions for a fun weekend getaway, or check out our Long Island Events Calendar.

Free Outdoor Movies for Long Island Kids This Summer

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Thu, 06/22/2017 - 12:30pm

This summer when the sun goes down, chances are a free, family-friendly movie will be playing outdoors somewhere on Long Island. It’s an ideal way to spend family time under the stars. So spread a blanket, bring a few lawn chairs, pack some snacks or perhaps a picnic dinner, and enjoy the show.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is best to arrive early. And be sure to check each venue’s website for up-to-date information on weather-related cancelations.

For more outdoor family activities, check out our roundups of the best places for a family picnic and the best beaches for families on Long Island. Plus, our Event Calendar and Summer Fun Guide are loaded with ideas for more seasonal fun for your family. Happy summer.

Long Island Kids' Activities September 27-28: Greek Festival, Festival by the Sea, Long Island Fair & More

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Thu, 09/25/2014 - 10:00am

Opa! Enjoy the taste and culture of Greece at the Greek Festival on the Harbor in Port Washington on the north shore of Long Island. Or head to Lido Beach on the south side for the Festival by the Sea. The Long Island Fair at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration will combine old-time country fairs and current day competitions. Puppets, mimes, jugglers and traditional dancing are just some of what on tap. Check out the Great River for the Fall Garden and Harvest Festival at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum for demonstrations, model trains, pumpkin painting and more.

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On the Farm Birthday Party Ideas on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 09/23/2014 - 10:00am

With bouncy houses parties taking over the birthday scene, why not opt for an out-of-the-box idea? Farms across Long Island host kiddie birthday parties, complete with hands-on animal encounters and farm-life experiences. Take a look at our list of family-friendly farms that will give your child a hee-haw happy birthday. For other great ideas, check out our Long Island Party Guide.

8 Indoor Sports Programs for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 09/19/2014 - 10:00am

As the weather gets cooler and activities turn indoors, there's no reason kids have to stop playing the sports they've grown to love--or are expressing an interest in trying out. Luckily, there are a few places across Long Island that offers children the chance to stay active no matter what the weather is like outside. These complexes offer indoor sports facilities that cater to leagues for little ones, clinics, birthday parties and more. And for more extra-curricular activities, check out our Long Island Classes Guide.

Long Island Kids' Activities September 20-21: Garlic Festival, Maritime Festival, Bellmore Family Street Festival & More

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Thu, 09/18/2014 - 10:00am

From the East End to the Queens border, there's a fall festival for everyone this weekend. Set sail to Greenport for the Maritime Festival or head to the Bellmore Family Street Festival for one of the island's largest feasts of its kind. Enjoy blue ribbon contests and pie eating at the Queens County Fair

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Kids of All Ages Can Get Creative While Learning at bubble

Submitted by Linda DiProperzio on Wed, 09/17/2014 - 10:30am

As a mom of two young boys, I’m always on the lookout for fun and interesting classes that will not only keep them occupied and entertained, but also help them learn something. And now that my older son is in kindergarten full-time, I need to find something to do with my younger boy, who is really missing his big brother during the day.

There’s certainly no shortage of places on Long Island offering different types of programs and workshops, so it takes something truly unique to catch my interest. Full disclosure here: I also wouldn’t mind if I could find the class fun, too. After all, these programs aren’t cheap, so I don’t want to spend the hour bored out of my mind. Luckily for me, just when I started my search, info about our sponsor bubble came across my desk. When I took a look at its selection of workshops and classes, I knew I had to check it out.