James Smith
James Stephen Smith is a seasoned journalist who transitioned from reporting at Newsday to a more relaxed life as a father and director of media relations at St. John's University. He manages the university’s messaging while also contributing to Mommy Poppins, a site he discovered after his third daughter was born in 2011. Fun fact: James nearly made it on Jeopardy but missed a Final Jeopardy question on art history—only to watch a colleague nail it and become a two-time champion.
Latest posts by James
What’s better than gliding across a sheet of ice on a lovely winter day? How about doing it outdoors, where all of the season’s pageantry is on display?
Pop-up-ice rinks are popping up all over the East End of Long Island these days, from low-cost, low-frills facilities to high-end clubs that cater to every perk a skater could imagine.
We’ve got your winter entertainment covered here, with five seasonal rinks from Riverhead to East Hampton and Greenport. All are open to the public without residency restrictions but costs can be higher for nonresidents. For good measure, we’ve also included a pair of up-Island pop-up rinks just in case your seasonal shopping takes you off the East End.
As always, be advised these facilities are weather-dependent and opening and closing dates vary based on temperature, rainfall and patron interest. Prices are as of October 2016.
There are many perks to living on an island, and fishing is definitely one of them. Mid to late summer offers East End children an opportunity to enjoy this fun and family-friendly activity with a series of saltwater tournaments sure to delight young anglers.
The prize catch for kids is usually the snapper, the juvenile version of the bluefish. Plentiful on either fork and fun to catch, they offer kids an introduction to game fishing from the safety of the town dock. Other tournaments target the elusive fluke or flounder and require a trip offshore. But whatever the prey, kids can enjoy a day in the sun while perhaps picking up a trophy or two.
Here are our favorite fishing tournaments for kids. Parents should check the websites listed or call in case of weather-related changes. And make sure to check out our Hamptons and North Fork Guide for the best in family-friendly entertainment on the East End.
On the East End of Long Island, few summer traditions are as time-honored (and tasty) as the community barbecue. From the Fourth of July through Labor Day, villages on the North and South Forks gather for evenings of chicken, corn and low-cost, family-friendly bonding. The cooking begins early in the morning, but planning for these fundraisers begins months in advance. Tickets, often $25 or less, are prized commodities for families looking for an authentic East End night out. Community-minded residents love these neighborhood tailgate parties, and for kids, what’s better than a night of fried chicken and ice cream?
We've rounded up our favorite East End community barbecues; be sure to call for ticket information. And for more activities in the area this summer, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.
If your children are aspiring marine biologists--or simply obsessed with marine aquaculture--then Long Island is the right place to live. Within a short drive of just about wherever you are, you’ll find a museum, nature center or aquatic facility dedicated to marine life. Kids can do everything from learn about ocean life and touch stingrays to swim with actual sharks. These five places are most appropriate for toddlers and older, but chances are these destinations will draw a learning smile from even the youngest in your family. And for more to do this season, be sure to check out our Summer Fun Guide.
Sure as autumn leaves change color, baseball season quickly becomes football season on Long Island. Armchair quarterbacks eager to watch the big game with their kids have plenty of options across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including play centers, family-friendly sports pubs and even the stadium itself. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites where you can watch all the action and still keep an eye on the kids.
And for more ways to have fun with the whole family, be sure to check out our Long Island Events Calendar.
Ghouls, goblins and scary get-ups are all the rage this time of year. On the East End of Long Island, there are as many ways to celebrate Halloween as there are seeds in a pumpkin. From the North Fork to the South, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites just in time for the holiday. Here you’ll find haunted houses, spooky walks, parties and even trick-or-treating tips to keep your young ones in the spirit of the season.
And for more seasonal fun, check out our Long Island Halloween Guide.
Few places celebrate their musical heritage quite like Long Island. From rock’s Lou Reed to pop’s Ashanti and hip hop’s LL Cool J, Long Island has cultivated its own unique sound and celebrities. But even the legendary Billy Joel had to start somewhere.
Parents in Suffolk County have a number of options should their child express a musical inclination. From group clinics to at-home instruction, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite places for your developing virtuoso. See websites for current programs and pricing. Parents who’d prefer to cross the county border can see our post on music classes in Nassau. And don’t forget our Long Island Classes Guide for other after-school options.
On the East End of Long Island, the fun never really does end. Vacationers and those new to the area might be surprised to hear that family time does indeed continue here after the calendar turns past Labor Day. The North Fork, in particular, comes alive as farm stands and wineries celebrate the autumn harvest, and fall festivities continue almost uninterrupted until Thanksgiving weekend. After that, it’s time for holiday cheer and the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree.
So take a moment to reflect on another well-spent summer, but consider also what memorable moments await in the autumn. Our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide includes information you can use all year-round and our Long Island Classes Guide will help you plan a visit around the school year.
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