Port Jefferson

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.

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.

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.

Best Festivals for Long Island Families This June

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Tue, 05/30/2017 - 12:30pm

The month of June on Long Island is the unofficial kickoff to summer street fairs, festivals, and fun for the entire family. From food-focused events to arts and crafts and pirate-themed festivals, there is plenty of fun to be found on the streets and in the parks of Nassau and Suffolk counties in June. And, the best part: Admission to many of these events is FREE.

So check out our picks for the top June street fairs and festivals and be sure to mark them on your calendar. Click through the listings for locations, times, specific costs, potential weather postponements, and other information. As always, you’ll find more family-friendly things to do this summer in our June GoList and our Long Island Events Calendar.

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.

Top Fall Destinations for Long Island Families

Submitted by Linda DiProperzio on Mon, 10/05/2015 - 6:00am

The fall season is the perfect time to take a day or weekend trip to one of the many family-friendly destinations on—and off—Long island. The weather is cooler, mother nature provides some beautiful scenery, and there are even get a couple of long, holiday weekends that give everyone an extra day to spend together.