Long Island's outdoor ice skating rinks are ready to welcome visitors for wintertime fun, so don't let winter's chill scare you away from outdoor recreation. 

We've put together a list of terrific outdoor ice skating rinks on Long Island that are open for the season or are opening soon. Most are inexpensive and offer skate rentals as well as lessons for those still mastering their steps and stops. Weather permitting, most of these rinks are open until the beginning of spring, and all are public.

If the weather doesn't cooperate, there are plenty of indoor rinks across Long Island, too, that give families a chance to skate all year long. Find more fun seasonal destinations in our Winter Fun Guide.

Face it parents ... at some point, your children will require a celebration of their advancing ages. There are dozens of places you can reserve, but perhaps you feel as if you’ve seen all that Long Island venues offer? If so, here are eight new spots you might not have tried yet.

These venues range from simple and classic to trendy and challenging. The good news is that with these fresh options adult guests can graduate from simply standing by and supervising to getting in on the fun. (Of course, you're still supervising—you are still the parent, after all).

Find even more birthday party inspiration in our Long Island Party Guide for Kids. Or have an entertainer come to you for a memorable party experience.