Fifth Street in Ronkonkoma is aglow with Christmas lights during the holidays.
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and 2025 Holiday Lights on Long Island
LuminoCity returns to Long Island with another stunning installation at Eisenhower Park. Photo courtesy of LuminoCity
20 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities on Long Island in 2025
See how the village of Port Jefferson magically turns back time to the Dicken's Era. Photo courtesy of the festival's Facebook page
25 Free Holiday and Christmas Events on Long Island for Kids in 2025
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Long Island Kids
LuminoCity returns to Long Island's Eisenhower Park this Christmas season. Photo courtesy LuminoCity
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows on Long Island 2025
From holiday tales to dreidel making, the Sands Point Preserve boasts an afternoon full of family fun. Photo courtesy of Sands Point Preserve
20 Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
Have brunch with Santa at the Long Island Aquarium this holiday season. Photo by Jennifer Voit
Breakfast with Santa on Long Island in 2025
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
Eglevsky Ballet’s
Long Island's Most Popular Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.
21 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Suffolk County
Xplore Family Fun Center's birthday parties include pizza, drinks, and arcade cards. Photo by the author
Top Birthday Party Places on Long Island for Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
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Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills
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Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit
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Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
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Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
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Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro
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The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day
Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
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Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author
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A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon
Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author
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These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
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Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.
17 Secret Long Island Spots Kids Love
Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Long Island Science Museums for Kids
Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the eastern seaboard. Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island
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Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels
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Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.
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Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
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Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
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Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
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Photo by Dora Somosi via Instagram
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Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
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Enjoy lights, holiday activities, and visits with some familiar characters at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian's Winter Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event
Santa by Plane and Train and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend

2016 Mommy Poppins Boston Besties: Best of Boston Kids

12/18/16 - By Tara D

Our readers have spoken. This fall we asked all of you—our wonderful community of Boston area parents—to vote for the best family businesses and resources in 24 categories. You chose from 10 nominees in each category (and four voters were picked at random to enjoy great prizes from our sponsors!). Want to know more about the contest? Take a look at our Besties FAQ.

The votes are now in, and we've created this guide highlighting the winners – the best of the best of family-friendly Boston. Here are our 2016 Boston Besties:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

See winners in categories 1-8 I See winners in categories 9-16 l See winners in categories 17-24

About the Author

Tara D

Tara constantly seeks out opportunities for enrichment and exploration with her kids. When she started writing about it as the Boston Community Ambassador for Ziptivity.com, she discovered a passion for sharing her unique finds with parents, helping to make their lives a little easier and a lot more fun. Her work, which has been highlighted by Huffington Post, can be seen nationally across the Mommy Poppins sites and on Appalachian Mountain Club's Kids Outdoors blog.

Recent Articles By Tara D:
Read more articles by Tara D.