Gina Massaro

Latest posts by Gina Massaro

Indoor Places to Play to Beat Summer's Heat on Long Island

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 08/13/2021 - 11:00am

Sensory Beans in Wantagh is an ideal destination to keep toddlers engaged.

Summer on Long Island is the best time for splashing, surfing the waves, and laying by the pool. But sometimes the extreme heat can make it hard to do anything outside with kids. Thankfully, there are plenty of exciting things to do indoors. Here then are our top choices for Long Island indoor play spaces where families can beat the heat with kids of any age.

For all things summer, check out our Summer Fun Guide.

Awesome Dance Classes for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Thu, 08/12/2021 - 2:06pm

Integral Ballet in Merrick offers classes for all ages.

Small and not-so-small jazz hands across Long Island, rejoice: Long Island has an abundance of dance classes with specialties in many areas, including fan favorites such as hip hop, ballet, and Broadway. Some dance classes even offer virtual instruction.

Check out our list below of dance classes across Long island that offer instruction in different genres, age ranges, and abilities. And for more inspiration, check out our guide to classes across Long Island for kids.

Long Island Playgrounds with Shade to Keep Cool

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Sun, 08/08/2021 - 10:30am

Even the spray park has shade at Blumenfeld Family Park. Photo courtesy of the Town of North Hempstead

The blazing sun of summer can sometimes be too much for Long Island families to handle. Kids want to run and climb, but some days the heat gets in the way. Shady playgrounds, some even with water features, help families stay cool while burning off energy.

Check out our list of shady playgrounds below, and for more outdoor fun see our guide to LI parks and playgrounds.

Bay Shore With Kids: 18 Things To Do in the Historic Seaside Community

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 08/02/2021 - 2:27pm

Splash the day away a Bay Shore's well-known splash pad, Shipwreck Cove. Photo courtesy of the Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce

One of the oldest hamlets on Long Island, Bay Shore's historic roots date back to the 1600s. The British armed forces used it as a headquarters during the American Revolution, and George Washington even spent some time at Sagtikos Manor. As the centuries went on, Bay Shore developed into a vacation destination for city-dwellers, and eventually housing developments took over. Still, modern Bay Shore has no shortage of family-friendly destinations worth a visit.

From Main Street to the marina, here are the top spots to explore in Bay Shore with kids. Find more family-friendly towns in our Moving Guide to Long Island.

CSTL Expands its Dinosaur Exhibit Adding Life-Like Animatronic Models and More

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 07/19/2021 - 11:54am

The new roaring triceratops model at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning is one of the highlights of the overhauled exhibit.

Young paleontologists no longer have to trek into the city to get a dose of dinosaurs. The Center for Science Teaching and Learning in Rockville Centre has long enchanted us with its exhibits featuring fossils, models, and live animals. New for summer 2021, it's added brand new dinosaurs—including animatronic models—and more interactive features.

Read on for more details on the exhibit and find more fun places to explore in our Guide to Museums for Long Island Kids.

Preschoolers Get in on the Action at The Adventure Park's Pint-Sized Playground

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 07/16/2021 - 1:44pm

Set preschoolers loose with thrilling challenges just right for little climbers.

Ropes courses, adventure parks and zip lines abound for big kids near Long Island, but did you know there's a tot-sized destination perfect for preschool thrill-seekers? Located on the grounds of The Adventure Park at Long Island, you'll find The Adventure Playground, a miniature version of the action-packed attraction where kids ages 3-6 can scale ropes, traverse log bridges, and even zip line.

This destination is a step up from your typical toddler playground, and its location, nestled in the woods, lends it some cool cred, while allowing tiny climbers to safely explore. Read on for details on our visit and find more outdoor destinations in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds on Long Island.

Inside The Children's Social Club: Rockville Centre's Newest Tot Spot

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 07/12/2021 - 1:41pm

Jump, swim, and slide in the giant ball pit at The Children's Social Club. Photo by the author

Playtime is the name of the game at Rockville Centre's new, wonderfully cozy play space dubbed The Children's Social Club. Here, children ages 5 and under can explore, play, and create, all while parents enjoy a light snack or cup of coffee as they socialize with one another. It's a perfect escape on a hot summer's day and a welcome addition to Long Island's growing selection of indoor play spaces.

CLOSED: The Kiddie Clubhouse: Syosset's New Play Space

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 06/21/2021 - 6:10pm

Whip up dinner or dessert in the kitchen at The Kiddie Clubhouse.

*Updated December 2022: This play space is now closed.*

Whether your kid loves to build, climb, or create, there is plenty for them to explore at The Kiddie Clubhouse in Syosset. The roughly six-month-old play space lets little Long Islanders chalk a masterpiece, scale the rock wall, toss a bean bag into a cityscape, and so much more. Parents are always close by, whether they're watching from the comfortable lounge area or getting in on the fun in the play space.

Read on for more details on this new addition to the toddler play space scene, and check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces on Long Island for more fun places to play.

Latest posts by Gina Massaro

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