Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

28 Things To Do on Long Island Before School Starts

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 07/28/2023 - 7:10am

Take a thrilling final run down the water slide at Splish Splash in Calverton. Photo courtesy of the park

Our end-of-summer bucket list for Long Island kids will help you fill the last few weeks of the season with engaging and entertaining fun.

We've rounded up more than two dozen of the best activities to do with kids on LI before they head back to school, from cooling off at water playgrounds and outdoor pools to enjoying pick-your-own flower farms or festivals and street fairs.

For more of the best family events, browse our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide or our Beaches, Pools, and Water Playgrounds Guide for your last sticky summertime hurrah before school resumes. And our Event Calendar is loaded with fun, daily happenings for Long Island kids.

Bounce Houses and More Cool Birthday Party Rentals on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 07/23/2023 - 8:20am

Jump into the summer party season with an inflatable party palace from the Big Bounce Theory.

When it comes to at-home birthday parties on Long Island, bounce house rentals and gaming trucks have seemingly cornered the market for a while now. Over the last few years, entertainment companies have tailored their experiences to become mobile. From culinary concoctions to crafty creations, these Long Island companies bring the party to you.

For more birthday party ideas, check out our Guide to Birthday Parties on Long Island, which includes a list of birthday party entertainers on Long Island that come to you.

Heat Wave Hot List: 26 Cool Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 07/09/2023 - 7:02am

Chill out at Splish Splash Water Park when the mercury rises. Photo courtesy of Splish Splash

Looking for ways to beat the heat on Long Island? Here are 26 awesome things to do during a heat wave.

Deep summer usually brings high temps and plenty of humidity, leaving Long Island families scrambling to find ways to cool off. Whether you want to bask in the sunshine or chill in central AC, there are plenty of options in both Nassau and Suffolk counties to help you beat the heat—and all are guaranteed fun for every age. After all, you want to enjoy every bit of summer before school begins.

Find more great outdoorsy things to do in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, and be sure to bookmark our frequently-updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar.

Lavender By the Bay Immerses Visitors in Acres of Fragrant Blooms

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 07/07/2023 - 7:26am

In early summer, Lavender By the Bay lends a regal hue to the normally green North Fork of Long Island.

Long Island's Lavender By the Bay lavender farms offer a stunning and serene experience—not to mention fantastic photo ops and a great summer day trip. Lavender By the Bay has two North Fork locations, Calverton and East Marion, and both are an oasis of delicious-smelling flowering plants in early summer.

Both lavender farms offer more than 20 varieties of lavender in shades ranging from white to pale blue, pink, and, of course, purple.

Check out our Guide to Visiting the Hamptons and North Fork for more things to do in the area, and be sure to bookmark our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide for tons of seasonal family fun.

Summer Festivals and Street Fairs on Long Island for Families

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 07/02/2023 - 10:15am

The Empire State Fair sets up at Nassau Coliseum through mid-July. Photo courtesy of the fair

Fairs and festivals abound on Long Island during the summer months, and that’s great news for families. These outdoor celebrations offer perfect opportunities for old-fashioned family fun.

Some of our picks are annual events, others are just getting started, and some transform our favorite walkable main streets into no-cars-allowed parties that fill the streets. You'll even find some cool extras, from live music to fireworks displays that light up the night. Find more ways to celebrate the season in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

20 Best Things To Do on Long Island July 2023 with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 06/30/2023 - 6:30am

Kidz Bop brings a high-energy concert to Jones Beach this weekend. Photo courtesy of Kidz Bop

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this July? Here are all the family-friendly events and activities you should add to your list–from fireworks and the 4th of July to more summer must-dos.

Break out your red, white, and blue because school is out and the 4th of July is here. The month of barbecues, beaches, boats, and outdoor concerts is upon us.

There are tons of places to check out fireworks for the 4th. Meanwhile, the Empire State Fair takes up residence in the Nassau Coliseum parking lot, the Long Island Steamers return to the woods in Brookhaven, and traffic-free streets pop up all across the island.

Find more July fun in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

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4th of July Weekend on Long Island: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 06/28/2023 - 7:13am

Head to Jones Beach with a blanket or chair for the spectacular fireworks show. Photo courtesy Jones Beach

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this 4th of July weekend? Read on for details on where to catch the fireworks and other family-friendly events to add to your list.

Kick off the 4th of July weekend with a bang at fireworks displays across Long Island.

If you're looking for something to do before the sparklers take flight, consider a trip to one of Long Island's lovely state parks or family-friendly beaches.

We've got fun seasonal picks in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide and our list of the best things to do all month long. As always, our Activity Calendar is constantly updated, too.

Did we mention we’re running weekly giveaways all summer long? This week we’re giving away a Mommy Poppins beach towel. Plus, each entry also counts as an extra entry into our Ultimate Summer Giveaway, an all-included trip to Nick Resort Punta Cana! Find out how to enter on our Facebook or Instagram pages!

Where to See Free Summer Movies on Long Island for an Outdoor Movie Night

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 06/19/2023 - 7:11am

A slate of family-friendly movies are scheduled for Eisenhower Park this summer. Pictures Minions: The Rise of Gru. Photo courtesy Universal Studios

Several Long Island municipalities host FREE outdoor summer movie series where you can spread a blanket or prop up some lawn chairs while enjoying a family-friendly film–which is especially welcome when you consider the price of a movie ticket these days.

At these outdoor community events, you can enjoy a beloved film for a second time or catch a recent blockbuster without spending a dime on a movie ticket. Seating is first come, first served, so arrive early.

Outdoor movies are just part of the summer experience on Long Island. You'll find more fun things to do with kids in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, including FREE outdoor summer concerts. It's also a great time to spend a day at an amusement park or one of Long Island's world-class family-friendly beaches.