Gina Massaro

Latest posts by Gina Massaro

20 Fun and Easy Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Tue, 08/09/2022 - 12:00pm

Make these magical unicorns with toilet paper rolls. Photo by Mommy Poppins

Don't toss out those empty toilet paper rolls and paper towel tubes just yet. They're the perfect canvas for some awesome crafts for kids. And toilet paper roll crafts aren't just for little ones. They can be used by everyone from preschoolers to make simple animals and mummies, all the way through tweens and teens to make more advanced projects like desk organizers and wall art.

Here are 20 fun and easy toilet paper roll crafts for kids of all ages. Once you use up all those toilet paper rolls, repurpose your empty cardboard boxes with some of our 50+ cardboard box crafts and activities for kids. Let your family's creativity run wild!

15 Toddler-Friendly Hiking Trails on Long Island

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Sun, 08/07/2022 - 7:24am

Hike through the grassy terrain at Sweetbriar Nature Center during a toddler-friendly hike on Long Island.

Toddler-friendly hiking trails and nature walks are ideal after your baby officially graduates from a stroller and starts to assert independence, and Long Island is home to many amazing parks and preserves.

Read on for our roundup of 15 trails across Long Island that aren't too taxing for little legs. All are sure to exercise your little one's muscles and stimulate their brain.

For other outdoorsy-activity ideas, be sure to check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks on Long Island.

First Day of School Activities and Traditions for Families

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Tue, 08/02/2022 - 12:00pm

Excitement, and nerves, build for the first day of school. Photo by Joe Shlabotnik

Summer is winding down and the stores are replacing their outdoor displays with pencils, backpacks, and binders. The first day of school is just around the corner, and there is still so much to do: unique and must-have school supplies to be bought, back-to-school clothing to be tried on, and nerves to be soothed.

To make your family's transition into the new school year a whole lot easier, we've rounded up a list of first day of school activities and traditions. We've got you covered on what to buy, what books to read, where to get those cute first day of school photo boards, and more. For more great ideas for kids heading back to school, visit our Back-to-School Guide.

21 Kid-Friendly Ghost Stories and Spooky Stories for Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Thu, 07/28/2022 - 12:00pm

Are you brave enough for some of these spooky ghost stories?

If you're planning a camping trip with the kids—whether it's in the forest or backyard camping—picture this scene: Everyone is gathered around the roaring campfire. The marshmallows have been roasted, the campfire songs have been sung, and the crickets are chirping. What better time to whip out the flashlight and share some ghost stories?

Here are 21 not-so-scary ghost stories and spooky stories for kids of all ages. For more family fun while camping, check out our list of 17 camping games to play with kids.

Visiting the Long Island Aquarium With Kids: What to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Tue, 07/26/2022 - 9:15am

Sand tiger sharks and nurse sharks patrol Poseidon’s waters.

Visiting the Long Island Aquarium with kids will give your family access to more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences, ensuring a fun day admiring majestic sea life. Formerly Atlantis Aquarium, the Long Island Aquarium allows you to embark on an adventure to the lost city of Atlantis, where you'll be greeted by stingrays, sharks, seahorses, and even mermaids.

With different events and experiences throughout the year, it's always a good time to say hello to Poseidon and his friends.

For more entertainment inspiration, check out our Guide to Amusement Parks and Water Parks Near Long Island, and be sure to bookmark our frequently-updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar.

15 Seashell Crafts: Easy Summery Craft Ideas for Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Thu, 07/14/2022 - 12:11pm

Seashell crafts are a fun way preserve beach-day memories.

Summer means long days at the beach building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, and collecting seashells. But what to do with all of those seashells when you get home? You can, of course, simply display them in pretty jars or bowls to remember your family beach days. But you can also step up the fun and create some awesome seashell crafts!

Here are 15 seashell craft ideas for kids of all ages, from toddlers to big kids. These fun seashell crafts are a great way to relive those beach days and bring out your kids' creative sides. For more at-home summer fun, check out our lists of 100 awesome art projects for kids, and 27 water games for kids to play all summer long.

Baby Swimming Lessons on Long Island: 11 Top Spots for Babies and Toddlers

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Sun, 07/10/2022 - 8:40am

Hop in the pool with the Goldfish Swim School for mommy-and-me swimming lessons on Long Island.

Baby swimming lessons on Long Island exist because babies and toddlers love to splish and splash in the water. Whether it's tub time, romping at a splash pad, or even dipping toes into the pool, it's important to keep our precious little ones safe while having fun. Swimming lessons aren't just for the big kids. In fact, there are specialized swimming classes made just for our tiniest and most precious family members, and we've rounded up 11 top swimming lessons for babies and toddlers across Long Island.

If you're looking for more mommy-and-me classes, check out our Long Island Baby Guide. You can find more great things to in the warmer months in our Summer Fun Guide, and be sure to bookmark our frequently-updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar.

The 16 Best Parks and Playgrounds for a Birthday Party on Long Island

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 07/08/2022 - 3:24pm

Enjoy a pedal-boat birthday party at Belmont Lake State Park. Photo courtesy of Belmont Lake State Park

Looking for the best parks to host a birthday bash on Long Island? Here are 16 fantastic options.

Birthdays: Our kids all have them. After deciding on the guest list comes the inevitable question of venues. Instead of heading to a party destination or organizing a party at home, did you ever consider a birthday party at a state, county, or community park?

Long Island is home to a host of beautiful and fun-filled parks that will make it a memorable day for your child. And a party at a park means less cleaning for you and no worrying about how many people can fit in your house.

Read on for our take on the best parks at which to host a birthday party. For more birthday fun, check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids. Find more great outdoorsy things to do in our Summer Fun Guide, and be sure to bookmark our frequently-updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar.

Latest posts by Gina Massaro

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