Thien August

Latest posts by Thien August

The Best Indoor Play Spaces in Nassau County

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 01/21/2022 - 9:30am

The climbing structure at Sensory Beans is safe toddle and little kid play zone.

The chilly weather might force your little ones indoors, but they don't have to be confined to your living room all winter long. After you've made your umpteenth indoor fort and your kids are climbing the walls, get up and out with our list of the best indoor play spaces in Nassau County. Most of these spots are affordable and accessible, and, where appropriate we've added age designations to guarantee a good time for all.

No worries if you're in Suffolk County. See our list of the top indoor play spaces in Suffolk County, as well as our guide to Guide to Indoor Spots and Sports Centers on Long Island.

New Year's Eve Celebrations on Long Island for Kids

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 12/24/2021 - 11:00am

Get into the New Year's spirit at CMEE with noisemaker crafts and more. Photo courtesy of the museum

Break out the noisemakers and ring in 2022 with the family. Just do it a few hours earlier, so the kids can take part, too.

There are plenty of family-friendly New Year's Eve events across Long Island. Head to a museum, enjoy a roller skating party, fireworks, or celebrate with dinner and dancing. Best of all? No cleanup required.

We've rounded up great options for the big night that allow everyone to have fun and, hopefully, no overtired little ones the next day.

Don't forget to check out our list of 30 fun things to do over the school holiday break to keep the kids busy all week. More family fun can be found in our events calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.

Nature Walks on Long Island to View Fall Foliage

Submitted by Thien August on Thu, 09/23/2021 - 10:41am

Take in the pageantry and solitude of nature at Avalon Park and Preserve in Stony Brook.

Long Island might be at peak beauty in the fall as the leaves change. Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End have some of the best nature trails around, ideal for a fall foliage walk. 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 a splendid fall foliage walk amid oranges, reds, and yellows. For more kid-friendly activities, be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide.

Corn Mazes and Fall Farm Fun for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 09/10/2021 - 11:04am

Challenge yourself in the 3-acre corn maze at Stakey's Pumpkin Farm.

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, which provide fun for the entire family.

Wear boots or comfortable shoes when visiting these area farms, as fields can be uneven and potentially wet. And don't forget to stop by the farm stands for seasonal treats such as apple cider, warm apple cider doughnuts, and roasted corn after you've found your way out.

Inclement weather can mean scheduling changes, so click through to the listings or call ahead to be sure your chosen farm is open.

For more seasonal fun, check out our list of Long Island's best apple picking destinations.

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

Submitted by Thien August on Sun, 07/04/2021 - 8:27am

Come July, farm-fresh blueberries are ready for pick-your-own fun atWindy Acres Farm.

Berry picking is a fruitful summer pastime 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 who can resist a bowl of fresh berries and cream?

July is the peak season for blueberries and raspberries, while blackberries ripen in August. If you're in the market for some farm-fresh berries, 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 and farm fun in the tristate area.

Best Long Island Swimming Pools Open for Summer 2021

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 06/18/2021 - 2:54pm

Christopher Morley Park boasts an Olympic-sized pool and a kiddie pool. Photo courtesy of the pool

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

We've rounded up this list of swimming pools open across Long Island ready to welcome swimmers in summer 2021. Don't forget to bookmark our Guide to Summer Fun, which is packed with the best things to do on Long Island this season.

Strawberry Picking Farms and Festivals on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 05/21/2021 - 12:29pm

Pick from an abundance of strawberries at Garden of Eve in Riverhead. Photo courtesy of the farm

Long Island is ripe with farms offering pick-your-own strawberries. Deciding where to go can be a challenge, so we've handpicked a few of our favorite strawberry picking spots for you.

Harvesting your own fruit is not only fun, but it connects you with the source of your food and supports local farmers. And it doesn't get fresher than picking fruit right off the vine. This is especially important for Long Island strawberries, which are sweeter and more delicate than most grocery-store varieties and have a shorter shelf life.

Many of these farms are located on Long Island's East End. Before you head out, be sure to call ahead or check the farms' websites to confirm fields are open and the strawberries are ripe. We've also listed a couple of strawberry festivals across the island, which are tentatively back on for 2021.

Check out our guide to Long Island farms for more places where you can pick your own fruit and vegetables and even meet some farm animals.

Best Spraygrounds Open on LI For Summer 2021

Submitted by Thien August on Sun, 05/16/2021 - 7:00pm

The Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo Memorial Spray Park thrills kids young and old. Photo by Jen Tomeo

When the temperature rises, there's nothing like jumping through a sprinkler to cool off. Long Island spraygrounds and splash pads take a lot less preparation than a trip to the beach: Just add sunscreen and let the adventures begin.

For other seasonal, kid-friendly activities, check out our Summer Fun Guide and our recommendations for the best beach playgrounds on Long Island.

Thien August

Latest posts by Thien August

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