Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

Indoor Playground Xplore Commack Adds Glow-in-the-Dark Go-Karts to its Action-Packed Lineup

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 01/30/2023 - 11:26am

Xplore Commack offers mini go-karts to allow ages 4 and up to enjoy go karting.

Indoor playgrounds on Long Island often cater to little kids, but Xplore Family Fun Center in Commack is upping the ante for action-packed all-ages fun with the addition of glow-in-the-dark go-karts. Suffolk County speed demons can now rev their engines at this local indoor entertainment zone that opened a few years ago.

Xplore, which already offered laser tag, arcade games, inflatables, soft climbing indoor playgrounds, and a toddler zone, has now debuted its glow-in-the-dark go-karting attraction. On a recent visit, my group of tweens was delighted by the glo-karts and everything else Xplore's indoor playground had to offer.

For similar fun zones, check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces on Long Island, where we've rounded up FREE indoor play spaces, Long Island's best bowling alleys, and more.

12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 01/08/2023 - 11:37am

Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.

Looking for FREE things to do with babies without breaking the bank? There are plenty of destinations on Long Island that offer fun for all without a hefty price tag. Check out this list of local hot spots where babies ages 2 and younger are welcome for FREE.

Now, what to do with all the extra cash? Peep our list of top mommy-and-me baby classes on Long Island and check out our Indoor Activities Guide and our Long Island Free Things To Do with Kids Guide for more ideas.

Free in November: Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 11/04/2022 - 6:45am

Cantruction Long Island is a design competition dedicated to fighting hunger on Long Island. Photo by Tab Hauser Photo

Looking for FREE things to do with kids on Long Island in November? Read on for more than a dozen great options.

There's more to November than turkey time as Long Island teems with fab, fun, and FREE events to keep you busy without breaking the bank.

This month's no-cost options include taking in the Native American Heritage Celebration at Hempstead Lake State Park, kicking off the holiday season with the Huntington Harbor of Lights Holiday Boat Parade, and lending a hand at the beach cleanup on Bridgehampton.

For more FREE fun, check out our list of fall festivals and other autumn activities in our Guide to Fall Fun for Long Island Kids. And be sure to check out our Family Activity Calendar for a list of constantly-updated events.

Be a Graffiti Artist for the Day at Graff Lab Studio

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 10/17/2022 - 6:39am

Choose your favorite stencils to create a one of a kind product.

Graff Lab Studio is an immersive experience that offers graffiti-style art where kids, teens, and adults can create one-of-a-kind items. Graff Lab Studio offers drop-in workshops, summer camps, birthday parties, and private events in industrial spaces in Holtsville and New Hyde Park. The company can also come to the location of your choice for on-demand graffiti fun. What are you waiting for? Tag someone you want to visit with.

Want more options for your mini Monet? Visit our Museum and Art Guide and our Directory of Art Classes on Long Island.

Free in October: 25 Things To Do in Long Island with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 10/02/2022 - 1:41pm

Join the fun at the Long Beach Fall Festival and Costume Parade. Photo courtesy of the City of Long Beach

Looking for FREE things to do with kids on Long Island in October? Read on for dozens of great options.

With the school year underway, requests for money are seemingly at every corner, from photos to uniforms to fundraisers. Don't get spooked by overspending this month. Fall into savings and get pumped with our hand-picked list of fab, fun, and FREE events on Long Island for families.

From nature hikes and family-friendly flicks to Halloween costume parades and creepy crafts, October packs it all in. Some of the fantastic options include the Sea Shanty Maritime Music Festival in Port Jefferson, the Bicycle Rodeo at Safety Town in Holtsville, and the Halloween Read Aloud at the Locust Valley Library.

For more FREE and low-cost fun, check out our Family Activity Calendar, as well as our Fall Fun Guide for Long Island Kids and Halloween Events and Guide for Long Island Kids.

Baby Sign Language Classes on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 09/19/2022 - 11:41am

Signing Time Academy provides many resources to help parents incorporate baby sign language into their routine. Photo courtesy of the academy

Looking for baby sign language classes on Long Island? Read on for the various options.

Navigating the early months of infancy can make any parent feel a little lost. You'll often wish your baby could just tell you what they want. Was that squeal one of tiredness or hunger? Learn to communicate with your baby non-verbally by enrolling in one of these baby sign language classes on Long Island.

For more great classes for kids, including our rundown on Long Island's many mommy-and-me classes, or our top picks for baby swimming lessons on Long Island, check out our Long Island Classes for Kids Guide and Classes Directory.

Top Swimming Lessons for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 08/14/2022 - 7:49am

Goldfish Swim Schools' three locations offer programs for children as young as 4 months. Photo courtesy of the school

Indoor swimming lessons are a great way to ensure kids are safe and can enjoy year-round fun at Long Island’s world-class beaches and pools. From private swimming lessons to classes in community pools, there are plenty of destinations for indoor lessons. The great thing about these pools is that when summer is gone, kids can continue lessons, adding to their skills.

Find more classes and enrichment opportunities in our directory.

Food Trucks Festivals Long Island Families Will Love

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 08/12/2022 - 6:54am

Alive After Five Patchogue. Photo courtesy Alive After Five

Food truck festivals across Long Island are real crowd-pleasers since they let everyone in the family order their preferred cuisine, from savory crepes to crunchy tacos to juicy burgers. And don't forget to save room for dessert, because there are even trucks for that!

If you're hungry for more ideas on where to chow down with the kids, check out our rundown of outdoor dining options on Long Island. For more ideas on how to make the most of what's left of summer, peruse our Summer Fun Guide.