Kristen Markel

Kristen Markel is a wife and a mother of two boys. She loves cooking, The Real Housewives, and all things outdoors. When she’s not in the kitchen or writing, you can find her hiking, skiing, or on the water. Her blog, TheKitchenChalkboard.com, is full of helpful information to get you in the kitchen.

Latest posts by Kristen

Visiting Fire Island with Kids: 17 Tips for a Family-Friendly Visit

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Sun, 07/17/2022 - 11:56am

Build the perfect sand castle on one of Fire Island's pristine beaches. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

Fire Island has it all: gorgeous beaches, quaint communities, outdoor dining and waterfront hotels, boating, camping and hiking, and even a historic lighthouse. It’s the perfect vacation destination for families, whether for a quick day trip, a weekend getaway, or an extended stay.

About 31 miles long and 1,300 feet across at its widest point, Fire Island is a skinny sandbar between Babylon and Center Moriches. At its western end is Robert Moses State Park; Smith Point County Park is at its easternmost point, and in between lies Fire Island National Seashore. Cars are not allowed on Fire Island—only bicycles and little red wagons—which adds to its laid-back vibe.

With 17 distinct communities, there is always something going on. Here are some of our picks for the top things to do while you're there.

Find more great things to do this summer in our Summer Fun Guide, and be sure to bookmark our frequently-updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar.

Visiting Adventureland on Long Island With Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Mon, 04/25/2022 - 12:00pm

Enjoy a thrilling ride on the twisty Turbulence roller coaster at Adventureland in Farmingdale. Photo courtesy of the amusement park

Whether you love to get your adrenaline pumping with high-speed roller coasters or take things slow with train rides and antique cars, Adventureland on Long Island is a fun, family-friendly destination. The amusement park's rides and attractions have created smiles for 60 years, and Adventureland is still a great place to spend a day with the family.

Here are our favorite things to do at Adventureland, plus the six attractions you can’t miss at this Long Island amusement park. Read our tips for visiting before putting on your comfortable shoes and heading out the door. You'll find more thrilling amusement parks nearby in our Guide to Amuseument Parks and Water Parks.

Dance Summer Camps on Long Island

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Thu, 02/24/2022 - 11:25am

Training is rigorous at Usdan in Wheatley Heights, but classes are available for all abilities. Photo by Matt Zugale

Whether you have a prima ballerina, hip-hop superstar, or a jazz performer, we’ve got the lowdown on the best dance summer camps on Long Island. Options range from summer day camps for total beginners to summer intensives for those ready to dance at the next level. Kids from Great Neck to Montauk will flip for these summer dance camps.

For more summer camps on Long Island, including picks for preschool summer camps across Long Island, be sure to bookmark our Long Island Summer Camp Guide and our camp directory, where you can search for camps by type, age, and town.

Top Attractions in Long Island: Best Things to See and Do With Kids

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Fri, 02/11/2022 - 4:15pm

Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

Long Island is so much more than a New York City suburb. Boasting miles of beautiful coastline, numerous outdoor activities, and a rich history, this region of the Empire State is a fantastic place to visit. So whether you are looking to put your toes in the sand with a great book or get your blood pumping riding roller coasters, we’ve got you covered with some of our favorite things to do.

Black-Owned Restaurants, Retailers & Landmarks to Discover on Long Island

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Fri, 02/04/2022 - 12:45pm

Your child will love exploring at Parker's Playhouse.

Long Island has a diverse population that is quickly growing, and the business community reflects that. There are many Black-owned businesses on Long Island that are kid-friendly.

So whether you are headed out to a family-friendly restaurant, looking for a sweet treat, want some culture, or just want to celebrate, there is a Black-owned business on Long Island to help. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of Black-owned restaurants, bakeries, and other companies you and your children will love.

Sundae Donuts Serves up Sweet Creations at New LI Location

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Mon, 01/03/2022 - 4:55pm

An epic toppings bar allows for an endless combination of sugar-filled treats at Sundae Donuts, Huntington's newest sweet shop.

Raise your hand if you’re a fan of doughnuts, ice cream, coffee, or cookie dough. Well, have we got a place for you. A dessert shop has opened in Huntington Village that allows customers to combine these sweet treats into mouth-watering creations. Sundae Donuts has something for everyone and is not to be missed.

For more sweet treats, see our rundown of LI's best ice cream parlors and candy stores.

3 New Lantern Shows to Illuminate Long Island this Holiday Season

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Thu, 10/21/2021 - 12:50pm

Illuminated sculptures light up the night at LuminoCity in Manhasset.

Long Island is truly a special place during the holidays. From Polar Express rides to light shows and craft fairs, the holiday spirit is everywhere. Adding to that excitement this season are three new lantern shows that will bring smiles as far as the eye can see.

Whether you want to be up close or stay warm in the car, read on for details about the walk-thru LuminoCity Festival in Manhasset and the drive-thru Lantern Festival in Roslyn. Enjoy another speclal show at the Queens County Farm Museum, just over the border from Nassau.

These events are unlike any other; you won’t want to miss them. We will, of course, be updating our Long Island Holiday Guide as the season draws closer. In the meantime, enjoy these great illuminations.

Garvies Point Playground in Glen Cove Delights Kids of All Ages

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 3:20pm

Garvies Point Playground offers an expansive play area for children.

Nestled in the charming North Shore community of Glen Cove, the new Garvies Point Playground is destined to become a family favorite. You can’t miss the massive sail-shaped climbing tower, a nod to Long Island Sound, that acts as a backdrop. With all of the sights and sounds, you and your kids will love this place.

The playground is located on Dickson Street along the eastern side of Hempstead Bay and is part of a $1.3 billion, mixed-use development. The area has been completely revitalized from idle industrial lots to a vibrant place to live and play.

Read on for our review, and see our guide to Long Island parks and playgrounds for more outdoor inspiration.