Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 02/20/2022 - 8:30am

Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com

Fork through our list of Long Island restaurants with fun entertainment options for kids and spice up your dining-out routine. If you are feeling like a slave to the kitchen while you prepare mac and cheese for the third time this week, drop the ho-hum routine and head to one of these local, family-friendly restaurants that serve up food and fun.

A number of eateries in Nassau and Suffolk counties pair kid-sized meals with giant-sized entertainment. So whether you prefer the neighborhood mom-and-pop or the local destination of a national chain, your little ones are guaranteed a fun time and healthy lunch or dinner choices.

For more inspiration, see our guide to kid-friendly dining on Long Island. And while you're at it, check out our list of LI restaurants where kids eat FREE.

Where to Throw a Birthday Party on Long Island for Teens and Tweens

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 02/13/2022 - 7:10am

Hit the bullseye at Axe Kicking Entertainment. Photo by the author

Don't fret if your preteen's birthday has rolled around and you realize he or she has outgrown the bouncy house circuit. There are plenty of party options on Long Island specifically for this age group. Discerning tweens know what they like, so we've rounded up a list of awesome party spots that will impress this picky crowd.

From zip lines to fashion shows, these tween birthday bash ideas at cool Long Island spots fit the bill for that special day. Call the venues for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Got a not-so-little kid? You'll want to take a look at our guide to tween and teen fun on Long Island for exciting things to do. And for more birthday party ideas, check out our Long Island party guide.

Fun Things to Do on Long Island This Weekend With Kids: Lyle the Crocodile, Princess Tea Party

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 02/09/2022 - 11:31am

Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Landmark on Main in Port Washington. Photo courtesy of the event

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

Your kiddos will be chomping at the bit to catch the theatrical adaptation of Lyle the Crocodile at the Long Island Children's Museum this weekend. Check out its Age of Dinosaurs exhibit as well! Disney's Frozen Jr. opens at the Engeman Theater this weekend as well. Or get your fancy pants ready and head to the Long Island Aquarium for a Princess Tea Party.

We've got our eyes on the sky, and any potential snowstorms, so double-check that events are on before heading out. As always, consult our Family Activity Calendar, which offers a flurry of fun, including virtual and streaming options. If we get snow, Long Island's best sledding hills await.

Empire Adventure Park, Rock Climbing Gym Coming to Westbury's Samanea Mall

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 02/07/2022 - 1:32pm

When complete, the Samanea Mall will be an action-packed destination for thrill seekers thanks to its new tenants, Empire Adventure Park and Gravity Vault.

Samanea New York in Westbury is about to overhaul its look with tenants such as The Gravity Vault and Empire Adventure Park signing 10-year leases to transform this space into an entertainment hub.

For more thrill-seeking fun, check out our list of obstacle courses, rock walls, and ninja warrior walls. Find more local Long Island play spaces in our Kids' Sports Centers Guide or Indoor Play Spaces Guide.

19 Winter Walks on Long Island for Families

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 01/23/2022 - 11:21am

Explore the sprawling grounds of Sagamore Hill, former home of President Theodore Roosevelt, on a beautiful winter day. Photo by the Jaime Sumersille

With the cold weather upon us, getting outside might seem like an impossible feat. But when the mercury hasn't dipped too low, bundle up the kids and fend off stir-craziness and winter blues with one of these winter walks on Long Island.

Long Island is home to several state parks, preserves, and historical grounds that provide family-friendly hiking trails, serene natural beauty, and breathtaking views—even in the middle of winter. So, grab your warmest coats and boots and head for the hills (so to speak).

Don't forget to check out our Winter Fun Guide for more ways to enjoy Long Island's breathtaking beauty in any season.

17 Free Things to Do with Long Island Kids This Winter

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 01/16/2022 - 7:30am

The Huntington’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled to return in March 2022. Photo by Cliff Weissman Photography

Winter on Long Island means getting creative when keeping the kids entertained and engaged. But the cost of indoor play spaces and fun zones, museum admissions, and theater can add up. So how to do it without breaking the bank? Lucky you. We've rounded up FREE events for Long Island kids and families happening this winter.

We found library events, nature walks, parks, free venues and in these uneasy times, even a parade or two.

Remember, you can always check our events calendar for FREE events by using the "free" search filter. Be sure to also keep an eye on our Winter Fun Guide as we continue to update it with more season-specific ideas like sledding and winter walks.

Shimmering Solstice Brings Twinkling New Holiday Lights Display to Old Westbury Gardens

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 11/29/2021 - 3:07pm

Shimmering Solstice brings a new holiday lights show to the grounds at Old Westbury Gardens.

The brand new Shimmering Solstice walk-through, outdoor light show at Old Westbury Gardens boasts features that you don't see during its regular season. Instead of roses, visitors can view the lush, sprawling grounds blooming in holiday lights this season. The entirely outdoor experience is a stunning alternative to drive-thru holiday light shows. Read on for a preview of what to expect during your visit, then find more ways to mark the season in our Holiday Guide for Long Island Families.

Snap Your Holiday Card Photos at These Beautiful Long Island Landscapes

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Thu, 11/04/2021 - 12:09pm

Discover a beautiful holiday-themed photo backdrop at Hicks Nurseries. Photo courtesy of the nursery

It takes time and planning to achieve the picture-perfect winter holiday photo for your family Christmas cards or other season's greetings. One of the most important decisions you'll make is the location you choose for your backdrop. With so many beautiful Long Island landscapes, the biggest challenge you'll face is whether to pack up the kids and head to the beach, a lighthouse, vineyard, or even the aquarium. These 13 Long Island landscapes make for stunning and memorable backdrops for your holiday photos.

Find more seasonal fun in our Holiday and Christmas Fun Guide for Long Island families, from virtual Santa sightings to the best light displays, and more.