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

17 Secret Long Island Spots Kids Love

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 10/23/2023 - 4:31pm

Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.

While Long Island is home a bevy of culture and fun family-friendly attractions, there are plenty of secret spots and hidden gems on Long Island just waiting to be discovered. That's part of the charm of this island we call home. We've rounded up 17 secret spots on Long Island that kids will love.

From endless stairways to stroll gardens, kids get a kick out of discovering these under-the-radar destinations. The best part: They're almost all FREE. So, read on for our top picks for secret spots on Long Island, and bookmark our Long Island Visitors Guide for Families, for more can't-miss spots to visit.

Halloween Haunted Houses on Long Island From Scary to Not so Spooky

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 10/16/2023 - 10:21am

Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck is home to a 45-minute haunted walk-through during two October weekends. Photo courtesy of the camp

Whether you're looking to get spooked this Halloween or are searching for a milder thrill, Long Island is home to many haunted houses that are up to the task. We've rounded up the scariest spots delivering Halloween thrills for teens and not-so-spooky events and displays that are suitable for younger kiddos.

If you're looking for something more low-key, there is plenty of Halloween-themed fun at LI pumpkin patches, and we've got tons more seasonal fun in our Long Island Halloween Guide.

23 Things To Do in Port Jefferson with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 10/09/2023 - 8:08am

You'll find plenty of photo-ops while exploring Port Jefferson with your family.

Port Jefferson boasts great parks, a Main Street that's lined with kid-friendly restaurants and unique shops, and plenty of things to do year-round.

Located on Long Island’s North Shore, Port Jefferson is about 50 miles east of Manhattan and its port welcomes daily ferries to and from Connecticut. Whether you're spending the day or planning a fun night on the town, this picturesque harborside village offers something for everyone. To help you get the most out of your visit, we’ve rounded up the best of Port Jeff for you and your family.

Still got that day-trippin' itch? Check out our rundown on what to do in nearby Stony Brook with kids, and be sure to explore our Visitor's Guide to plan your next Long Island adventure close to home.

Not-So-Scary Halloween Events on Long Island for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 10/06/2023 - 6:52am

Follow your guide on the Enchanted Forest Trail at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge and meet whimsical, fun, and educational characters. Photo courtesy of the refuge

Looking for the best Halloween events on Long Island for toddlers and preschoolers? Read on for our top picks.

Halloween can be uber exciting, but also completely overwhelming for little revelers. With that in mind, we've rounded up several Halloween events across Long Island perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. These events promise plenty of fun with very little in the way of fright.

We've got tons more Halloween picks in our Long Island Halloween Guide. Whether you're looking for free events and activities, trunk-or-treats, inspiring pumpkin carving ideas, or a family-friendly Halloween movie, we've got it all. Of course, before you can carve your pumpkin, you're going to need to pluck it from the vine at one of these top-notch Long Island pumpkin patches.

Art Classes on Long Island for Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 09/11/2023 - 10:17am

Set up an easel and get to painting at Mini Monet Art Studio. Photo courtesy of the studio

Art classes on Long Island are a great way to cultivate your child's artistic vision, and there are plenty of local options to choose from. These Long Island art spots offer drop-in classes, multi-week sessions, private play dates, and more creative fun.

You can find more classes for –and even book a class online–in our directory of classes and listings. And be sure to check our Long Island Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.

Long Island Tall Ship Cruises: Fun for Kids on Port Jefferson's Ginny Marie

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 09/10/2023 - 7:35am

Take in the gorgeous views as you learn to hoist the sails.

Sailing on tall ships is a great way for families to explore the waters off Long Island's shores. From fishing trips and educational tours to private charters and schooner sails, these Long Island boats are the perfect way for your family to set off on a nautical adventure.

Take the Ginny Marie, a 50-foot topsail schooner based in Port Jefferson Harbor. Sailing 7 days a week, three times a day from May to October, this 1920s wooden ship boasts a pirate ship vibe, which is perfect for families. My mateys and I were granted permission to come aboard for an afternoon sail.

Below, a review of our tour, followed by a round-up of other sloop, schooner, and sailboat adventures around Long Island that are sure to make a big splash.

Historic Sites on Long Island Kids Love

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 08/25/2023 - 7:07am

Kids can experience 19th-century village life at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Photo by Kenny Arena/courtesy of the museum

History is plentiful here on Long Island, from the oldest lighthouse in New York, the Montauk Point Lighthouse, to Teddy Roosevelt's digs at Sagamore Hill. Famous residents have included poets, presidents, and captains of industry.

This all adds up to an impressive roster of historic sites, many of which offer great photo opportunities and fun for kids–read on for our top picks.

For more educational and historic places to explore on Long Island, check out our Museums and Art Guide for Long Island Kids.

27 Things To Do in Riverhead with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 08/21/2023 - 7:13am

It's worth a trip to Long Island's East End to take in all the family-friendly fun in the town of Riverhead.

Whether you're day-tripping or hunkering down for a few days, Riverhead, on Long Island's East End, offers plenty of family-friendly things to do. Located at the end of the Long Island Expressway, Riverhead boasts the kid-friendly Long Island Aquarium, plus a slew of family-friendly wineries to visit with kids, vintage ice cream parlors, Long Island Sound beaches, rustic farms, and a quaint Main Street.

For more fun expeditions, check out our Guide to Day Trips on Long Island, and keep up to date with all the East End happenings with our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.

Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

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