Thien August

Latest posts by Thien August

Nature Walks on Long Island to View Fall Foliage

Submitted by Thien August on Thu, 09/26/2019 - 5:35am

Long Island is at its peak beauty in the fall as the leaves change. And you're in luck, Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End have some of the best nature trails around, ideal for looking at that gorgeous fall foliage. These lovely backdrops lend themselves to great family photos that will put you ahead of the game for upcoming holiday cards. Strike a pose and take some candid shots of the kids. Fall on Long Island is perfect for memory-making.

So, strap on your hiking shoes, pack a few snacks and head out to one of these destinations for fresh air and splendid fall oranges, reds, and yellows. For more kid-friendly activities, be sure to check out our F all Fun Guide.

Corn Mazes and Fall Farm Fun for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Thien August on Sun, 09/08/2019 - 5:13am

Fall on Long Island means cooler weather and shorter days, but it also means fun seasonal activities such as pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes.

Corn mazes are fun for the whole family and rest assured that they aren't always scary. Many mazes and hayrides are available during the day, so even the youngest family members can enjoy these seasonal outdoor activities.

Wear boots or comfortable shoes as fields can be uneven and potentially wet. Come out and support Long Island farmers and have fun doing it. And don't forget to stop by the farm stands for seasonal treats such as apple cider, warm apple cider doughnuts, and roasted corn. Corn mazes for Long Island kids have never been so much fun!

Call venues ahead of time to be sure they are open, especially if the weather is bad or if there has been a storm.

For more seasonal fun, check out our list of Long Island's best fall fairs and festivals and the area's best apple picking destinations.

Top Beach Playgrounds on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 07/19/2019 - 11:30am

Long Island beaches offer the opportunity for memory-making experiences. Some of the best include time frolicking on the playground to the soundtrack of crashing summer waves. We've rounded up some of the best beach spots with playgrounds in Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End. So pack a lunch and plan to spend the day enjoying these destinations. Make sure to snap pictures of the smiles from a fun day in the sun.

Berry Farms on Long Island for Picking Your Own Blueberries, Blackberries, and More

Submitted by Thien August on Sun, 06/30/2019 - 9:00am

Summer is a great time for berry picking on Long Island. Bushes are low to the ground, and berries are small enough for little fingers to grasp. It's a great activity for kids of all ages, and, really, who can resist a bowl of fresh berries and cream?

Late July is peak season for blueberries and raspberries. Blackberries ripen in August. Be sure to call the farms before heading out to confirm picking hours and berry availability. Don't forget to check out our Pick Your Own Guide for more fruit-picking options in the tristate area.

Best Public Swimming Pools for LI Kids, with Water Slides, Spray Parks, and Playgrounds

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 06/14/2019 - 11:30am

Long Island families often look to public swimming pools to cool off in summertime. But when the kids are bored with the municipal pool down the street, maybe it's time to check out a family-friendly pool or water park in another community.

We’ve done the research and put together a list of swimming pools, water playgrounds, splash pads, and kiddie pools that anyone can visit, even if you’re not a resident of that municipality. Fees to enter the pools are often higher for nonresidents, but it might be worth it as a once-in-a-while boredom buster.

If you’re exploring a different area of Long Island, use our guides to Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End to find more fun things to do and make an adventure of it all. And don't forget our guide to summer fun for all the best things to do on Long Island during the school break.

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlors Long Island Kids Will Love

Submitted by Thien August on Tue, 06/04/2019 - 10:30am

Is there ever a bad time to enjoy ice cream? The answer is, of course, no. Ice cream is a comforting, delicious snack the whole family can enjoy. Get your bellies full of some scoops, a sundae, or a shake, and it all tastes better when made with homemade ice cream.

From Nassau to the East End, we’ve rounded up some of Long Island’s best ice cream parlors that everyone in your family is sure to love. These destinations create yummy flavors from scratch and have a nostalgic feel that makes the experience extra special.

If ice cream is not your thing (we won't ask why), check out our roundup of other decadent dessert locations, or our guide to pick-your-own berry farms on Long Island. And for more dining inspiration, see our roundup of LI restaurants where kids can eat FREE.

25 Things We Can't Wait To Do This Summer with LI Kids

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 1:00pm

It's what most of us have been waiting for all year: summe r. At long last, it's nearly here. That means longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of time to take advantage of all Long Island has to offer families.

From swimming at beautiful beaches to taking a family-friendly road trip to the East End or exploring local parks and playgrounds, there is no reason you should have to hear the words “I’m bored!” from your kids this summer. To help your family get the most out of the season, we’ve put together a list of 25 things we can’t wait to do with our kids, including some great one-of-a-kind events.

From Fire Island to Shelter Island, Port Washington to Port Jefferson, and all points in between, here are our suggestions for the best ways to enjoy this unique island we call home. Or see how many of our top 100 things to do with Long Island kids you can complete before summer is out.

Plus, our event calendar is full of the best ideas for family fun, sorted by date and location. So here's to sunshine and family time.

18 Super Sprinkler Parks for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Sun, 05/12/2019 - 12:35pm

When the temperature rises, there’s nothing like jumping through a sprinkler to cool off. Long Island sprinkler parks are great places to take kids because unlike pools and beaches, sprinkler parks have low water depth and often a rubber-like surface. Just add sunscreen and let the adventures begin.

We’ve put together a list of super sprinkler parks that are open to everyone. We've even included a few parks open to residents only. Proof of residency and/or a membership pass can be required at those facilities. Fees and opening days vary, so check websites or call before going.

For more aquatic fun, take a look at our guide to Long Island amusement parks and water parks. For other kid-friendly activities, check out our Spring and Summer Fun Guides, and our recommendations for the best beach playgrounds as well as other top playgrounds and parks on LI.

Thien August

Thien August

Latest posts by Thien August

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