Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating with loved ones while savoring hearty fare. While that might involve sliding an extra leaf into the dining room table, it could also mean a quick jaunt to a local restaurant, where basting and pot-scrubbing are taken care of, and your only concern is a lively conversation.

For those who aren’t fans of turkey, many of the restaurants below offer regular menu items. Just be sure to call ahead to reserve a spot at these local bustling bistros. And for fabulous feasting with your little ones any time of year, check out our guide to Long Island restaurants with fun entertainment for kids and our Long-Island kid-friendly restaurant guide.

Have a happy Thanksgiving! And for more tips and activities this season, check out our Long Island Fall Fun Guide. 

Even the most creative parents on Long Island know the value of quality after-school classes. Kids learn valuable skills, social tools, and critical thinking under the supervision of caring, qualified adults. Here are some of our favorite affordable after-school programs for kids on Long Island. You might be surprised to learn that many of these classes and programs fall within a conservative budget.

While you're at it, check out our rundown of great STEM classes for Long Island kids and our Long Island Classes and Enrichment Guide.

Parents with active tots know the value of outdoor play. It helps children gain self-confidence, develop muscle coordination, and burn calories. It also serves as a creative and stimulating outlet for their energy.

This would seem to be especially true for children with special needs. With that in mind, Greenlawn has welcomed a new, inclusive playground to Pickle Park. It makes running, playing, and generally having a good time easy and fun for children of all abilities.

Located in the Town of Huntington, it's a worthy addition to Long Island's top inclusive playgrounds and top playgrounds for toddlers.