Ian Stark

Latest posts by Ian Stark

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas in Long Island 2025

Submitted by Ian Stark on Sun, 12/07/2025 - 10:19am

Minimize your holiday stress by having Christmas dinner out on Long Island this year.

Family-friendly Long Island restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day offer families a festive location to celebrate the holiday and a delicious meal. You can enjoy a merry dining experience and skip the meal prep, cooking, and cleanup. Many of these restaurants have kid-friendly menu options that even the pickiest eaters will love.

My family always loves a holiday meal at the historic Milleridge Inn, located in Nassau County. The kids enjoy the incredible Christmas decorations and the magical atmosphere each year. So whether you're in Nassau County or dining in Suffolk County at Prime, another favorite of ours, this roundup below is the perfect companion to your dinner plans on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Restaurants do book up for the holidays, so it's best to play it safe and call ahead for reservations or book online, and many require it. For other seasonal activities and events this month, check out our Long Island Holiday Fun Guide and our 20 Must-Do Christmas Events and Activities on Long Island.

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and 2025 Holiday Lights on Long Island

Submitted by Ian Stark on Fri, 11/21/2025 - 8:32am

Fifth Street in Ronkonkoma is aglow with Christmas lights during the holidays.

Visiting Christmas light displays on Long Island is a magical holiday tradition. Long Island homes sparkle with spectacular holiday light displays, Santa and his reindeer, nativity scenes, jolly inflatables, festive music, and an abundance of Christmas cheer each year.

From Nassau County to the East End, we've rounded up the top homes that light up in a big way to dazzle kids of all ages. Some homes collect money for charities, so you can also contribute to a good cause this season. We've also featured the best commercial holiday lights activities this year, along with some insider tips to plan your merry visit.

Read ahead for all the details to plan your Christmas lights viewing adventure with the kids. For more seasonal fun, check out our Holiday Guide.

Best Sledding Hills on Long Island for Families

Submitted by Ian Stark on Sun, 01/19/2025 - 6:52am

Sledding and smiles go hand in hand on these Long Island sledding hills.

I've found that sledding hills near me on Long Island are a perfect way to spend a fun-filled snow day with the kids. Below, is a list of some of the best local sledding hills to catch fresh powder and wintertime thrills.

Before sending kids careening down these Long Island sledding hills, always check the area for rocks, sticks, and other hazards. We recommend wearing helmets and proper snow gear for your sledding adventure, too.

Read ahead for all the sledding details before you bundle up your littles for a snowy family adventure. For even more seasonal activities check out our Long Island Kids Winter Fun Guide, with local skiing and snowboarding destinations, ice skating rinks, and more.

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks on Long Island for Kids

Submitted by Ian Stark on Sun, 12/15/2024 - 6:44am

Buckskill Winter Club offers great ice and is rarely crowded.

Long Island's outdoor ice skating rinks offer exciting wintertime adventures the whole family will enjoy. Bundle up the kids and prepare for a few hours of family-friendly outdoor action.

We've put together a list of Long Island's best outdoor ice skating rinks open for the season or opening soon. Most are inexpensive and offer skate rentals.

Many of the rinks have lessons and programs for those still learning how to glide and spin. Weather permitting, most of these ice skating rinks are open until the beginning of spring, and all are public during certain days and times.

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.

The Best New Birthday Party Spots for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Ian Stark on Sun, 01/14/2018 - 12:35pm

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.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Activities for LI Kids

Submitted by Ian Stark on Fri, 12/22/2017 - 1:00pm

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are among those rare times on Long Island when many family-friendly places are closed. But not everything is shut down.

As it turns out, there is quite a bit to do December 24-25. While some of your options are out of the house and may cost money, some free possibilities are listed in this roundup of activities the whole family can enjoy.

For more seasonal fun, be sure to check out our Long Island Events Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide. Plus, we have your best bets for things to do with kids over the holiday break, too.