Jaime Sumersille

Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.

Latest posts by Jaime

Where to Find the Best Viral Treats on Long Island Right Now

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/23/2026 - 10:19am

Get all kinds of popular confections at Sugar Crazy in Plainview. Photo by the author

If your kids are constantly asking to try the latest food they’ve seen on TikTok, you’re not alone. Luckily for us, Long Island families don’t have to look far to join the fun. New York’s food scene is especially good at turning internet obsessions into real-life treats, making it easy to plan a day of tasting adventures that feel like a scavenger hunt your teens would actually approve of.

From Swedish candies and Dubai chocolates to ooey-gooey cheesy treats and over-the-top milkshakes, these viral bites are everywhere, and they're worth the hype. We’ve rounded up our tried-and-tested guide to the viral foods actually worth seeking out, including where to find them, which ones kids genuinely love, and which trends you can skip without guilt. And yes, we fully consulted our kiddos, who take this job very seriously.

For even more food-focused family fun, be sure to check out our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide and must-visit sweet spots for your next Long Island confectionery adventure.

Ice Festival FrostFest and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/23/2026 - 10:04am

Take your little Swiftie to Fearless: The Taylor Swift Experience at The Suffolk. Photo courtesy of The Suffolk

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

We've rounded up some of the best things to do on Long Island, from wintery fun to live performances everyone will love. Bundle up for FrostFest at The Whaling Museum and discover survival tricks of polar sea creatures, see walrus and narwhal tusks, create crafts, meet Elsa, and more. Or wander through the magical sculptures at the free Port Jefferson Village Ice Festival. Marshmallow roasting, horse and carriage rides, and an ice-skating demonstration are all on tap in this harborfront village. Belt out a tune at this show-stopping sing-along at Broadway Family Favorites at the Landmark on Main.

On Monday, watch for Punxsutawney Phil’s local counterpart at Groundhog Day in Malverne, as he predicts an early spring or six more weeks of winter.

Find all that and more top picks for the weekend ahead below!

25 Cool Things To Do on February's Winter Break with Long Island Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 01/18/2026 - 7:31am

Hit an indoor fun zone like Urban Air during the winter break. Photo by Jennifer Voit

Winter break, February vacation, President's Week, or mid-winter break — no matter what you call it, your Long Island kids will be home from school for a whole week, and you need fun ideas to keep them busy!

Our list of 25 family-friendly, interactive, and exciting events happening across Long Island is a must-read. February break on Long Island runs from Monday, February 16, to Friday, February 20, 2026, this year.

My kids love so many of these incredible activities and places to visit during our stay-cation. We like to plan a day to explore at the Long Island Aquarium, and the kids always ask for ice skating! For parents who have to work, there are one-day and week-long camps to get the kids out of the house and into the action.

For even more ideas, check out our awesome Winter Fun Guide and list of 100 FREE Things to Do with Kids on Long Island.

Best Winter and Spring Break Camps on Long Island to Keep Kids Busy on Days Off from School

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/16/2026 - 9:38am

Gallery North offers art academies over school breaks aimed at inspiring young minds. Photo courtesy of Gallery North

Long Island's top-notch spring break camps and winter break camps can help fill your child's day when schools are on hiatus. We've rounded up some great options below that offer a combination of weekly and daily sessions.

Whether you're raising a budding scientist, an aspiring artist, or a sports enthusiast, there's a camp to satisfy every interest. Find more enrichment opportunities in our Camp Guide for Long Island Kids, and bookmark our Event Calendar for entertainment ideas all break long.

MLK Weekend 2026 on Long Island: Best Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/16/2026 - 9:36am

Get face-to-face with all your emotions at the Long Island Children's Museum's new Inside Out exhibit. Photo courtesy of LICM

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this long MLK weekend? From movies and concerts to civil rights activities and more, here are our top picks for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

A brand-new, family-friendly exhibit inspired by Pixar’s Inside Out is opening at the Long Island Children’s Museum this weekend, bringing hands-on fun, big emotions, and special opening-weekend activities that make it a must-do on Long Island. Families can also enjoy the enchanting—and rescheduled from last weekend—Winterfest at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary.

Two big touring shows come to town, with the Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Glow-N-Fire stopping at the Nassau Coliseum, while Disney on Ice takes a spin at UBS Arena.

Families can honor Dr. King's legacy at various state parks or at the Walt Whitman Birthplace, with a story and craft. Be sure to check your local library for various service opportunities.

14 Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/09/2026 - 9:09am

Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro

When bad weather strikes, no one feels it more than a parent whose kids have gone stir crazy. They're torturing siblings, and the house is reaching its boiling point.

Have no fear: This hand-picked list of free play spaces and indoor playgrounds will keep your kids happily occupied, and it includes some of my family's top favorites. Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, I'm looking at you.

So there's no need to stay home just because cold weather is upon us. From malls to bookstores and libraries, there is plenty of free fun to be had on Long Island for kids. Enjoy these unique play destinations, but remember that most venues require that a parent/adult be present to supervise children.

For more indoor fun, don't forget to check out our guide to r ainy-day activities on Long Island, and discover all the free events and activities near you in our guide to Free Things to Do With Kids on Long Island.

New Year's Eve Weekend on Long Island with Kids: Countdown to 2026 and More Fun

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/02/2026 - 9:17am

Count down to 2026 with an early celebration at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island on New Year's Eve weekend to ring in 2026? From fireworks to drone shows to balloon drops, here are our top activities to add to your list this holiday weekend.

Close out the year with some good, old-fashioned family fun. Marvel at a free holiday train display in Dix Hills or Babylon. Or wear your favorite pajamas and immerse yourself in a world of Grinchy mischief and holiday cheer at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

New Year's Eve falls on a weekday, but you can pick whatever time works for your family. Ring in Noon Year’s Eve at the Long Island Explorium or Long Island Children's Museum. Or combine your celebration with a meal at the Fishes and Wishes New Year's Eve Dinner at the Long Island Aquarium, which includes meet and greets with cute animal ambassadors.

And, through the new year, drive through the Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Show at Jones Beach.

Happy 2026 Long Island families, from all of us at Mommy Poppins. We can't wait to keep exploring with you in the new year.

Top Free Things To Do with Kids on Long Island in January 2026, According to MP Editors

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 12/28/2025 - 10:50am

Watch ice carving demonstrations and celebrate all things winter along the harborfront at Port Jefferson's annual Ice Festival. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Business Improvement District

From New Year's Day to MLK weekend and beyond, January is packed with activities for kids, indoors and outside. Don’t miss our favorite free and fun things to do on Long Island with kids this month.

From nature outings to indoor crafts to STEM opportunities, these options offer some awesome ways to spend time doing fun, family-friendly things that won’t cost you a cent.

For more things to do that won’t bust your budget, check out our roundup of free indoor play spaces on Long Island, our Winter Fun Guide, and our rundown of Long Island restaurants where kids eat free.

Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

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