Port Jefferson

Long Island Explorium: Port Jefferson's Rebranded Learning Center

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 08/19/2018 - 7:16pm

Take your tiny tinkerer on a hands-on adventure to the newly rebranded Long Island Explorium.

Located in the historic and charming Chandlery Building at Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson, the previously named Maritime Explorium offers kids the chance to discover how much fun learning can be. Its STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) programs, classes, and exhibits aim to spark creativity and ignite imaginations. Don't worry about telling wee ones to keep their hands to themselves here: Touching is encouraged.

Check out more STEM programs on Long Island here. Likewise, many schools, camps, and museums across Long Island offer classes and workshops with a focus on STEAM education. While in quaint Port Jefferson, check out our visitor's guide to see what else is a must-do, see, or eat.

8 Kid-Friendly LIRR Stops for a Fun Day Trip

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Mon, 07/09/2018 - 3:53pm

Let’s face it. Traffic on Long Island is no picnic. In fact, sometimes the thought of taking a day trip to another part of this beautiful island makes us cringe when we think of the hours on the road and the challenge of keeping the kids in the backseat entertained.

But there is a another way to get from here to there…the LIRR! Taking the train is a convenient, fun way for families to get around the Island without the hassle of driving. From beach communities to charming downtowns to family-friendly museums, there are plenty of LIRR stops where families can hop off and explore the area for the day.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite family day trips reachable via the LIRR, highlighting the best attractions and sights in the area. All aboard!

Xplore Family Fun Center Opens in Port Jefferson Station

Submitted by Thien August on Mon, 03/26/2018 - 2:00pm

Many families in the Port Jefferson Station area were sad to see the indoor play spot Fun 4 All close at the end of 2017. But good news: The space has been rebranded by the folks behind Safari Adventure in Riverhead, who have transformed it into one of the top indoor play destinations in Suffolk's North Shore.

Welcome Xplore Family Fun Center.

Best of Port Jefferson for Kids: Playgrounds, Eats, Toy Stores

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 09/01/2017 - 3:20pm

With its playgrounds and parks with harbor views, a walkable Main Street lined with kid-friendly restaurants and unique shops, and plenty of things to do year round for the whole family, Port Jefferson would seem to have it all.

Located on Long Island’s North Shore, Port Jefferson is about 50 miles east of Manhattan and its port welcomes daily ferries to and from Connecticut. Whether spending the day or planning a fun night on the town, this picturesque harborside village offers something for everyone. To help you get the most out of your visit, we’ve rounded up the best of Port Jeff for you and your family.

And for more family-friendly fun on Long Island, check out our list of great family day trips and our guides to Nassau and Suffolk counties, and the East End. Or why not hop the ferry at Port Jefferson and visit Connecticut for a day?

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.

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.

Preview: Get Hands On at Eastern LI's Mini Maker Faire

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Thu, 05/11/2017 - 12:40pm

Calling all makers, tinkerers, scientists and families: The third annual Eastern Long Island Mini Maker Faire is scheduled for June 10, 2017, once again in Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson.

The ELIMMF is part of a larger series of maker fairs held around the world. As with the other festivals, the event is a hands-on celebration of all things STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math), and an exciting and creative way to spend a Saturday. We have what you need to know about this year’s fair, including the best part: Prices have been cut in half.

Looking for more ways to have fun in Suffolk County? Consult our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters. And see our Spring Guide for the best in family fun in Nassau and Suffolk counties.