Gina Massaro

Latest posts by Gina Massaro

The Best New Kids Destinations that Opened on Long Island in 2019

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 12/20/2019 - 10:57am

Toyota Holiday Village at Jones Beach - Wantagh. Photo courtesy of Magic of Lights

The new year is upon us, but let's not forget all the fun and exciting openings and attractions that 2019 brought Long Island kids. In 2019, Jones Beach and other state parks continued part of their million-dollar upgrade. Jones Beach also made a new addition to its holiday light show. Meanwhile, multiple playgrounds had ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and indoor play spaces continued to see a boom. Whether you spend your time in Nassau or Suffolk, or prefer indoor or outdoor fun, 2020 is shaping up to be great for Long Island families.

21 Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids in September

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Tue, 08/27/2019 - 11:30am

Tug of war is just the start of the fun at the Harbes Orchard Apple Festival. Photo courtesy of Harbes Orchard

September brings backpacks, changing leaves, and pumpkin -flavored everything. With kids back at school, maximize the enjoyment of their spare time with these FREE events and activities across Long Island.

Animal-loving kids won't want to miss touring Catapano Dairy Farm or Dogfest Long Island at the Deer Park Tanger Outlets. The whole family can enjoy one of September's many FREE fairs, such as the Harbes Apple Orchard Festival and the Seaford Harvest Fair.

Free Things to Do With Kids on Long Island in August

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Tue, 07/30/2019 - 3:15pm

Kids will thrill to August Nature Sundays at Planting Fields Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Planting Fields

Summer is winding down, and on Long Island the fun doesn't have to end, especially when it's FREE. August brings more excitement with FREE festivals, arts and crafts events, concerts, and more.

Grandparents can enjoy a day with their grandchildren at the Suffolk County Farm. Artists big and little can appreciate the Huntington Summer Arts Festival. Locomotive lovers can ride on a steam train. If you want to squeeze in more family fun before school starts, check out these FREE events below.

Great STEM Classes for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 07/01/2019 - 12:00pm

Learn cutting-edge tech skills at the Coder School.

If science and technology are to continue to develop, the world would seem to need innovative minds that keep dreaming and creating. STEM and STEAM programs emphasize science, technology, engineering, art, and math to develop the brains of the future, our Long Island kids.

More schools, camps, and museums across Long Island are offering classes and workshops with a focus on STEM education. Check out some of our favorite programs below. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.

Little engineers, rejoice.

Huntington With Kids: Great Things to Do in Suffolk's Historic Village

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Tue, 03/05/2019 - 2:45pm

Celebrate spring at Huntington Village's annual Tulip Festival. Photo courtesy of Living Huntington

Just an hour train ride from Manhattan, Huntington Village is a quaint, four-seasons family destination on the north shore of Suffolk. From St. Patrick's Day to the Christmas season, Huntington Village is full of parades and festivals, not to mention other year-round staples. Museums, parks, restaurants, shops and play spaces make Huntington Village a picture perfect family day trip.

For more family-friendly neighborhood fun, check out our guides to Port Washington, Glen Cove, Sayville and Port Jefferson.

Sayville With Kids: Explore This Four-Seasons Destination in Suffolk

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Tue, 01/22/2019 - 2:07pm

The Long Island Maritime Museum is worth a visit any time of year. Photo courtesy of the museum

Nestled comfortably on the South Shore between Nassau and the East End, Sayville makes a great day trip any time of the year. Whether you're searching for something to do with littles younger than 5 or looking to entertain your teens, Sayville would seem to do it all.

About 5 miles west of Patchogue, Sayville might be overlooked for the more popular central Suffolk destination. However, Sayville also has a booming downtown area full of restaurants and shops, as well as ferry service to central Fire Island. With delicious eateries, seasonal festivals, and play areas for kids, you can find something for every member of the family.

Once you're done exploring all Sayville has to offer, check out one of Long Island's other great family-friendly communities, such as Port Washington, Glen Cove or Port Jefferson.

Dough Life's Edible Cookie Dough Is Catnip for Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Tue, 10/23/2018 - 11:00am

Neither kids nor adults will be able to resists a healthy scoop of cookie dough.

There's nothing quite like taking a giant bite out of a roll of cookie dough. It's delicious, but not something you'd like to see you child doing. At least not until now.

While eating traditional raw cookie dough comes with health risks, including salmonella, Dough Life's cookie dough is completely edible. Kids, and cookie dough-loving adults, can comfortably indulge in what once was a guilty pleasure. Read on and see how the cookie dough craze has come to Long Island.

If your kids have a big sweet tooth, check out these decadent dessert spots or old-fashioned ice cream parlors on Long Island as well.

Birthday Freebies for Long Island Kids on Their Big Day

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 10/19/2018 - 2:30pm

Chuck E. Cheese birthday parties are always a hit. Kids can get FREE game tokens on their special day. Photo courtesy of Chuck E. Cheese

What kid doesn’t like special treats on his or her birthday? There are plenty of places on Long Island offering FREE meals and other goodies for your child on that special day. Many of these birthday treats can be cashed in anytime during the child’s birthday month, so the fun can be enjoyed before or after the birthday itself.

We love to support local small businesses when we can, but some chain-store birthday clubs are pretty sweet, too, and many have locations across Long Island: There's bound to be an outpost near you. Be sure to check out our Long Island Party Guide for more on how to make your child's birthday a day to remember, including information on venues, entertainers, and more.