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

25 Things To Do Mother's Day 2023 on Long Island

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Mon, 05/01/2023 - 6:06am

Plan on everything going swimmingly this Mother's Day. Photo courtesy of the Long Island Aquarium

On Mother's Day 2023, Long Island moms deserve to unwind and enjoy time with the family. While breakfast in bed is definitely appreciated, there's no need to stop there. Add a family activity to the mix and make the day even more special.

For other family-friendly ideas to enjoy Mother's Day weekend, check out our top picks for where to enjoy Mother's Day brunch on Long Island, and find more dining inspiration in our Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants on Long Island. You can also find loads of other activity ideas in our Family Activity Calendar and Guide to Spring Fun on Long Island.

15 Things To Do in Rockville Centre with Kids

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Fri, 02/24/2023 - 6:56am

The Center for Science Teaching and Learning has an impressive dinosaur exhibit. Photo by Gina Massaro

Visiting Rockville Centre? Read on for some of the top things to do with kids on a day trip.

Nestled on Long Island’s South Shore, Rockville Centre is a thriving village filled with restaurants, shops, and a true community feel. This great family-friendly destination is easily accessible by train.

No matter the season, there are plenty of activities to entertain kids and grown-ups, including play spaces, spray parks, and dinosaur exhibits. When you’ve had your fill of fun, check out one of the area's many family-friendly restaurants.

Be sure to check out our rundown of cute towns on Long Island with walkable Main Streets and more day-trip ideas in our Guide to Long Island Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Best Breakfast on Long Island: Top Family-Friendly Restaurants

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Sun, 02/05/2023 - 7:10am

Get homemade, farm-fresh breakfasts at the Flour Shoppe.

Looking for the best breakfast restaurants on Long Island? Read on for our top picks.

Many say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why not take it easy and leave the cooking to someone else? The Long Island restaurant scene is full of fun diners and restaurants with extensive morning menus and many kid-friendly options.

Since little ones are often early risers, it’s a no-brainer. Get the family together and check out these family-friendly restaurants that are sure to please.

Find our post on the best Long Island brunch spots and other family-friendly restaurant ideas in our Long Island Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.

10 Best Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops on Long Island

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Sun, 01/15/2023 - 6:53am

Delicious breakfasts are served at Southdown Coffee.

Looking for the best coffee shops on Long Island? Read on for our top family-friendly picks.

Coffee shops are so many things–gathering spots, places to work, or spaces to relax and get cozy. They are also great places to take the kids.

With caffeine-free options and over-the-top sweet treats, many of the best coffee shops on Long Island now cater to little ones. So whether you need to fuel up for the day or want to unwind with a warm cup of joe, it’s time to grab the family and head to one of these local cafes that everyone will love.

Be sure to check out our rundown of Long Island restaurants where kids eat FREE and other food and beverage options in our Long Island Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.

Toys for Tots Donation Spots on Long Island and More Places to Donate Toys

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Fri, 11/18/2022 - 6:31am

Toys for Tots brings Christmas joy to children in need. Photo courtesy of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

Looking for toys for tots donation spots in 2022? Read on for our list of places to donate toys on Long Island this holiday season.

The holidays are a joyous time to celebrate with loved ones and a great time to give back. Many Long Island families are struggling and unable to provide toys for their children. Luckily, there are several organizations to fill that gap, but they need your help.

Non-profits like toys for tots and others need new unwrapped toys to distribute. Most have drop-off sites throughout Long Island, making bringing some holiday cheer easy.

Check out our rundown of holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities on Long Island and many other seasonal ideas in our Holiday Guide.

Visiting Long Island's Vanderbilt Museum with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Fri, 09/02/2022 - 2:11pm

The whale shark suspended from the ceiling in the Vanderbilt Museum's Habitat Wing is an imposing sight.

The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium is one of Long Island’s top family-friendly attractions. With year-round appeal, the vast and welcoming Vanderbilt grounds and views, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and an expansive mansion and museum provide hours of fun and entertainment for children and families. This Suffolk county museum transports visitors back in time. As you walk the cobblestone drive, visions of the Astors and Vanderbilts will come to mind. Gilded Age watchers will love this place.

Need more ideas for cultural activities or day trips on Long Island? Mommy Poppins has got you covered. Check out our Museums and Art Guide for Long Island Kids and find day-trip inspiration in our Day Trips Guide for Long Island families.

10 Best Spots for Bar Mitzvahs on Long Island

Submitted by Kristen Markel on Mon, 08/29/2022 - 4:41pm

It's hard to beat the Long Island Aquarium when you're looking for a show stopping backdrop to your bar mitzvah celebration. Photo courtesy of the venue

Celebrating a bat mitzvah or bar mitzvah on Long Island is a fantastic opportunity to gather friends and family and commemorate your teen’s accomplishment, but It isn’t just the child doing the hard work. Parents have the enormous task of planning the event, and since Long Island is home to numerous banquet halls and venues, picking a location can be tough. We’ve narrowed the field to 10 of the best spots for a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah on Long Island.

Our list includes traditional and non-traditional venues that can accommodate a small group or a large crowd. Find the best celebration spot, and check one massive task off your to-do list. Mazel tov!

For more fun ideas, check out our Tweens and Teens Guide to Long Island, and be sure to bookmark our updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar.

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.