All of a sudden it seems like Summer is starting to wind down-but wait! This weekend, Long Island offers some of the best ways to get out and enjoy Summer Days, celebrations, and, of course, our beaches! Check out some of our recommendations for things to do with your kids this weekend on the Island-

National Lighthouse Day - Did you know that Friday is National Lighthouse Day? Well, no where can one celebrate lighthouses like we can on Long Island. And at the Fire Island Lighthouse at Robert Moses Beach, there is a special celebration planned. Actress and storyteller Vivian Farrell will present her book  "Robert's Tall Friend: A Story of the Fire Island Lighthouse" to an audience of children an their families at the lighthouse, and afterwards you can enjoy a tour of the famous lighthouse for a reduced rate of just $5. It isn't everyday that you can take your kids to the place they can read about in a book, right? And, depending on what show you catch, there should be plenty of time to play on the beach afterward. 

Fire Island Lighthouse

11am and 3pm

Friday, August 7

East of Field 5 

Robert Moses State Park

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York - Another boat race? Not quite-this weekend long festival is a celebration of culture and ethnic tradition. A regatta of sorts, the festival includes traditional Chinese boat races, but also has plenty of other exciting activities, like Lion dancers, dragon dancing, and king fu performances. And, brought especially for kids, a balloon twister and face painter will be on hand as well. Originated in a cool historical tale, dragon boat races are fun and exciting to watch, and the events surrounding the race make the festival a perfect family outing. Check out the website for an event schedule and more info!

Flushing Meadows State Park

9am-5pm

Saturday, August 8-Sunday August 9

Smith Point County Park Sandcastle Contest - The weather for Saturday could be questionable, but with the sunshine back in the forecast for Sunday, you might want to hit the beach. A trip to Fire Island and hitting a cool Sandcastle contest sounds great to us, and might be the perfect way to end the weekend. Smith Point County Park is one of the greatest beaches on Fire Island, and, as a mom, I might think it is because the lifeguards there are some of the best in the country. But it is really beautiful and it offers alot of great amenities as well. This Sunday, they are holding the Annual Sandcastle Building Contest at 9am on the beach. It is really fun and it draws lots of talent and creativity. If you can, stay all day and stop in at The Beach Hut for dinner. There's great grown up food, but the kids will love their basket menu. PS-They sponser the sandcastle contest and depending on your schedule they offer great breakfast as well. 

Smith Point County Park

9am

Sunday, August 9

Shirley, Fire Island