Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

Fall Festivals and Street Fairs on Long Island for Families

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 09/04/2022 - 11:37am

The Bellmore Family Street Festival has carnival rides and plenty more fun for kids. Photo by author

It’s festival season on Long Island, and we’ve put together a list of some of the best fall festivals on Long Island in September and October. It's time to enjoy seasonal events like pumpkin picking and corn mazes. Grab the family, throw on a sweater, and enjoy this in-between season before the real chill sets in.

No matter where you live–Nassau, Suffolk, or the East End–autumn on Long Island is beautiful, and there’s plenty of family fun to be had. Check out our Fall Fun Guide for more ideas.

Labor Day Weekend on Long Island: Powwow, Horse Show and More Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 08/31/2022 - 2:09pm

Pick your fill at the Harbes Honeycrisp Apple Festival in Jamesport. Photo courtesy of the farm/via Facebook

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Labor Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

The Shinnecock Powwow returns to Southampton this weekend with cultural exhibitions, activities, and other engaging events. You can also hoof it on over to the Hampton Classic Horse Show, which boasts a children's tent and dedicated Kids Day on September 2.

On the North Fork, Waterdrinker Farm opens its second location this weekend. Further inland, nosh your way around the Food Truck Fest at Tanger Outlets in Deer Park.

Don't miss our post about visiting Riverhead, our fall fairs and festivals roundup, and our list of best things to do on Long Island this September with kids.

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

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 08/28/2022 - 8:45am

Hit the streets with Runner's Edge for the Main Street Mile in Farmingdale. Photo via Facebook/courtesy of the event

Labor Day kicks off September activities, launching Long Island's season of apple picking, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes.

Take advantage of the still-warm days by popping over to Bounce the City Inflatable Park or stepping back in time at the Long Island Fair. Or, if you're ready to turn the leaf on the calendar, the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze and Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns both start this month.

We've got plenty more things to do in our Fall Fun Guide, which is jam-packed with our picks for the best places to go apple picking on Long Island with kids and other must-do fall outings.

Our Family Activity Calendar is growing by the day, and below, we've rounded up our curated list of the best things to do this September with kids. Read on for these can't-miss activities.

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Top Swimming Lessons for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 08/14/2022 - 7:49am

Goldfish Swim Schools' three locations offer programs for children as young as 4 months. Photo courtesy of the school

Indoor swimming lessons are a great way to ensure kids are safe and can enjoy year-round fun at Long Island’s world-class beaches and pools. From private swimming lessons to classes in community pools, there are plenty of destinations for indoor lessons. The great thing about these pools is that when summer is gone, kids can continue lessons, adding to their skills.

Find more classes and enrichment opportunities in our directory.

Food Trucks Festivals Long Island Families Will Love

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 08/12/2022 - 6:54am

Alive After Five Patchogue. Photo courtesy Alive After Five

Food truck festivals across Long Island are real crowd-pleasers since they let everyone in the family order their preferred cuisine, from savory crepes to crunchy tacos to juicy burgers. And don't forget to save room for dessert, because there are even trucks for that!

If you're hungry for more ideas on where to chow down with the kids, check out our rundown of outdoor dining options on Long Island. For more ideas on how to make the most of what's left of summer, peruse our Summer Fun Guide.

Pregnancy and Parenting Classes on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 08/08/2022 - 10:14am

The Nesting Place invites Long Island moms to gather and connect in its pregnancy and parenting classes. Photo courtesy of The Nesting Place.

Pregnancy and parenting classes are a milestone for new and expectant parents. Pregnancy brings on a roller coaster of emotions, but these local pregnancy and parenting classes on Long Island remind new parents they're not alone and help ease them into the challenges of parenthood.

Whether you're looking for labor breathing techniques, breastfeeding tips, or just want to connect with an educator who can answer your questions, we've found a handful of pregnancy and parenting classes on Long Island. Once your baby has arrived, you can find more great classes for babies, including everything from mommy-and-me classes to baby swimming lessons, in our Long Island Classes for Kids Guide and Classes Directory.

North Shore Rail Trail: Hike, Bike, and Explore

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 08/01/2022 - 6:23am

Hike, bike, or walk the North Shore Rail Trail. Photo by Jill Warshaw

The North Shore Rail Trail, a project 50 years in the making, opened to visitors recently, connecting Mt. Sinai to Wading River in a traffic-free environment. The abandoned railroad line now has a new life, providing walkers, runners, and bicyclists with a paved path to recreational fun.

From stroller-friendly paths and beach walks to hiking trails, Long Island boasts many outdoor adventures for those seeking exercise and vitamin D. And be sure to check out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks on Long Island for other recreational destinations.

Fishing Lakes Near Long Island and More Kid-Friendly Places to Go Fishing

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 07/29/2022 - 6:24am

Drop a line in the pond at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery.

Fishing destinations on Long Island offer a fun outdoor family activity with deep roots in Long Island's maritime history and culture. Surrounded by the sea, kids on Long Island can drop a line at several beaches, local piers, from the deck of a boat, and parks. We've rounded up a few of our favorite family-friendly fishing venues where kids can test their skills and perhaps hook the catch of the day.

Looking for more seaside enjoyment? Make sure to visit these stunning Long Island lighthouses or Long Island boardwalks that are ideal for a family stroll.