Gina Massaro

Gina Massaro is a Long Island native who believes in whimsy, fairies, and the idea of never growing up. She’s a mom to 3 young kids and a small zoo, and she has over 8 years of experience and childhood education expertise as a preschool educator. She tries to find time to write and paint between school pickups, diaper changes, and dog walks. For more of her art and writing check out her website: ginamassaro.com.

Latest posts by Gina

Captree State Park Adds Ropes Course to Beach Playground

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 04/29/2024 - 6:29am

The new ropes course at Captree State Park features a spider-web structure.

The new ropes course at Captree State Park's playground was recently unveiled and it is a welcome addition that makes the well-rounded playground especially great for climbers ages 4-8. On a recent trip, my 6-year-old had a blast exploring the ropes.

Read on for more info about Captree's ropes course and the rest of the playground on the eastern tip of Jones Beach, and check out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks on Long Island for more playground fun.

Visiting the Jones Beach Nature Center with Kids: Everything You Need to Know

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 03/01/2024 - 1:50pm

The Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center offers permanent and rotating exhibits, public programs, and educational resources.

The Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center offers interactive exhibits and hands-on animal experiences right on Jones Beach's coastline. Unlike other Jones Beach attractions, the nature center is indoors, so it's perfect for any season. Plus, admission to the center is free.

My animal-loving kids love that the center lets them touch awesome sea creatures and play with different materials.

Can't get enough of nature? Check out our guide to Long Island Nature Centers.

Best Sleepaway Summer Camps near Long Island for Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Sun, 02/18/2024 - 7:57am

Camp DeWolfe is located on 26 acres of woodland and beachfront property on Suffolk County's north shore. Photo courtesy of the camp

Summer camps on Long Island usually offer arts, sports, and team-building fun, but sleepaway camps also provide extra independence that many kids relish. With many great options on Long Island and in surrounding areas, there are plenty of sleepaway camps to pick from for summer 2024.

For more on Long Island summer camps, check out our Long Island Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory, where you can search for camps by age, town, and type.

Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 02/09/2024 - 10:42am

Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author

Looking for the best indoor party places on Long Island? Check out our picks spanning Suffolk and Nassau counties.

As the mom of a November baby, finding a great birthday party spot can be tricky because of the temps and forecast. We've found, though, that choosing indoor party places means you never have to worry about the weather ruining the special day.

Read on below for our list of the top Long Island indoor party spots for kids of all ages–from babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to grade schoolers and even hard-to-please tweens and teens.

For more birthday party ideas, check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids and our list of Long Island's Top Birthday Party Places.

Great Full-Day Preschools on Long Island

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 12/18/2023 - 8:01am

Toddlers enjoy crafts, along with many other activities, at Child’s World Nursery School in Port Washington. Photo courtesy of the school

These LI preschools offer awesome full-day programs.

Secret Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World With Babies and Toddlers

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 09/22/2023 - 11:56am

Create magical moments at Hollywood Studios, including those with Florida's only snowman, Olaf!

Many people ask why take a toddler or baby to Walt Disney World if they won't remember it? It's simple! Parents will always remember their child's first time riding Dumbo, or the smile/horror on their face seeing Mickey for the first time. Toddlers and babies at Disney World will have fun, experiencing new and exciting things. Bonus? Kids are free until they turn three! So for all our parents who dream of bringing their toddlers and babies to Disney World, we have your definitive guide for the best experience possible.

For more tips on a visit to Walt Disney World, like Visiting Every Park at Walt Disney World with Kids or the Best Disney Character Breakfasts for Kids, check out our Orlando Theme Parks & Amusement Parks Guide.

Best Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers on Long Island

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 09/18/2023 - 7:52am

Preschoolers will get in the swing of things at the Little Gym. Photo by the author

Long Island's wonderful toddler classes and preschool classes give kids opportunities to safely discover new skills and interests.

While babies can enjoy mommy-and-me classes, toddlers and preschoolers seek a little more independence. Whether it's dance, art, sports, music, or maybe a combination of a few of these, we've rounded out a list of top toddler and preschooler classes for your little ones to try out.

Check out our roundup of 25 Things To Do with Preschoolers on Long Island and more in our Long Island Preschools Guide.

Guide to Long Island's Waterdrinker Family Farm: Flowers, Seasonal Festivals, and More Fun

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 08/28/2023 - 12:45pm

Whether it's the Tulip Festival in the spring, or the Sunflower Fest in late summer, there's always something fun happening at Waterdrinker Family Farms.

Visiting Waterdrinker Family Farm in Manorville, Long Island, during one of its picture-perfect flower festivals, including Long Island's only Tulip Festival is a surefire way for your family to find its new favorite farm. Kids love petting the farm animals before running off to play, while parents can look forward to relaxing with a cold beer from the on-site brewery.

So, grab your phone or your camera and head out east to Waterdrinker Family Farm to capture some memories. Find lots more ideas for spending a day at one of Long Island's family-friendly farms in our Pick Your Own Guide to Farms on Long Island.

Gina Massaro

Latest posts by Gina

Pages