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

Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns Opens on Long Island

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 10/10/2022 - 9:05am

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns is back and bigger than ever on Long Island.

Woosh went the wind, out went the lights, and Rise of the Jack O'Laterns returned to our sights. After a 2-year hiatus, the must-see Halloween event is back. With the world's largest pumpkin trail and more than 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins, our family couldn't wait to experience the spooktacular event again. Here is everything you need to know about Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns and some pro tips for your visit.

Our Long Island Halloween Guide has tons more ideas for Halloween activities, and you can find more seasonal events in our Fall Fun Guide for Long Island.

Special Needs Programs on Long Island for Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 09/12/2022 - 6:50am

Children can take part in music classes at the Adler Center in Plainview. Photo courtesy of the center

Looking for special needs programs on Long Island? Read on for some of the options in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Finding proper care, schooling, activities, and services can be frustrating for Long Island parents with children who have special needs. Special needs children often want to–and can do–many things other children do, they just go about it in different ways. Schools and classes that focus on those with special needs, or offer an inclusion setting, are an important part of a special needs child's circle of care.

For more information on programs, classes, and more for Long Island kids, check out our classes and enrichment guide and our Long Island Special Needs Guide.

7 Games Like Wordle for Kids: Daily Word Games Online

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Thu, 09/08/2022 - 11:52am

Kids can play these daily word games alone or with a friend. Photo by Sara Marentette

Even if you didn't get today's Wordle, there are plenty of chances for your kids to avenge your defeat with other games like Wordle for kids. While some word games may be too difficult for them, there are quite a few word games online for kids of all reading levels. These are brain-teasing, educational word games online that the whole family can conquer together; parents might even like these games more than the original. Playing with words and word games teaches a love of words, and kids who love words at a young age become lifelong readers and word nerds. The best kind of people!

Looking for more online fun? Check out 20 great online games for kids to play together and so much more in our Virtual and Online Guide for Family Fun.

Visiting Long Island's White Post Farms: 15 Things to See and Do

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 08/19/2022 - 6:47am

Goats love to drink the milk from bottles, bottoms up.

Visiting Melville's White Post Farms with kids means an animal-packed outing featuring more than just your usual farm friends. You'll find giraffes, zebras, camels, lorikeets, marmosets, and plenty more, all of which can be fed. Spring and summer are perfect for animal fun, while autumn brings a fall festival. White Post Farms is a must for animal-loving parents and their kids.

For more fun family outings, check out our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds on Long Island, and be sure to bookmark our updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar.

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.

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.

Gina Massaro

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