Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

The Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Returns to Jones Beach for 2021 Season

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 11/01/2021 - 11:27am

The Magic of Lights ushers in holiday spirit with gorgeous twinkling light displays. Photo by Emily Maw Hood

The luminescent holiday light show Magic of Lights returns to Jones Beach State Park this winter. Guests can enjoy holiday cheer from the comfort of their toasty cars as the spectacular display unfolds along a 2½-mile drive-thru route, illuminating the skies and bringing smiles to all those who visit.

Read on for all the details on this now-annual holiday favorite, plus tips on how to score early-bird pricing. There's also three other lantern shows to illuminate Long Island this holiday season. For more seasonal fun, check out our Long Island events calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.

Great Things to Do in Oyster Bay with Kids: History, Nature, and More

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 10/25/2021 - 1:06pm

Rent a kayak from The Waterfront Center and explore Oyster Bay Harbor.

We enjoy spotlighting different communities around Long Island, giving folks a punch list for an engaging and entertaining day trip. Steeped in history, teeming with activity, and loaded with natural beauty, the hamlet of Oyster Bay is a true pearl of Long Island.

Whether you're a resident, or you're looking for something new to do on the Island, you'll find lots to do, see, and eat in Oyster Bay. Enjoy museums, restaurants, shopping, parks, gardens, nature preserves, and rich waterfront boasting jam-packed events and activities to keep families busy. We have plenty of other day trip ideas and walkable downtown areas for you to visit as well.

Obstacle Courses, Rock Walls, and Ninja Warrior Training for LI Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 10/24/2021 - 1:00pm

Harness in for some fun at Bayville Adventure Park's Treetop Adventure. Photo by the author

Are your kids doing backflips off of the couch? Climbing the bookshelves? Mattress sledding down the stairs? There are several spots in Nassau and Suffolk counties that offer obstacle training, where your little ninja can test his or her balance, vaulting, tumbling, and more. So go ahead and let that daredevil of yours try out one of these classes or courses that will keep your walls scuff mark-free.

There's much more outdoor entertainment on Long Island, and you can find even more adventurous fun in our rundowns of Long Island theme parks, arcades and other indoor play spaces. Or use items from around your home to build your own indoor obstacle course. Of course, sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

The Long Island Game Farm's Wild Play Attraction Will Delight Animal-Loving Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 10/11/2021 - 11:50am

You'll find plenty of lovable animals at the Long Island Game Farm's Wild Play Farm.

Home to more than 200 animals sprawled across 30 acres of land in Manorville, the Long Island Game Farm is entering its 50th year. A family-owned and operated business, this animal farm/petting zoo offers unique opportunities to get up close to rare animals.

After you get your furry fix here, check out the other animal farms and petting zoos on Long Island

Topgolf Brings Family Golf Fun to Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 12:10pm

Swing for the fences at Topgolf in Holtsville.

Long Island has finally joined the Dallas-based Topgolf family with a location in Holtsville. Topgolf, a tech-driven place with 102 climate-controlled bays, boasts a seasonal chef-driven menu, drinks, live music, and year-round programming in a three-story outdoor space. Kids can tee off for a digitized round of golf, and while a hole-in-one isn't guaranteed a visit full of excitement is!

Long Island has plenty more sports-centric fun zones for your competitive crew. Or try a round of mini golf instead!

Family-Friendly Beer Gardens and Breweries on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 10/03/2021 - 7:00am

Catch an epic sunset at Blue Point Brewing Company. Photo by Jessica Hill

Sometimes, even the most dedicated parents need a break. Craft beer has become increasingly popular in the past decade, prompting a surge in the opening of local breweries, gastropubs and restaurants. These family-friendly breweries and restaurants are a great compromise. Parents can wind down without having to find a babysitter, and kids can have fun in an exciting, new atmosphere.

At these charming establishments, parents can enjoy a regular beer offering or a seasonal specialty. If wine is your drink of choice, however, don't miss our guide to kid-friendly wineries on the East End.

Scale the Long Island Aquarium's New Treehouse Dubbed the Eye Opener

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 08/30/2021 - 9:00am

Challenge yourself on the rope bridge along the Eye Opener.

The Long Island Aquarium has opened a massive treehouse-like outdoor exhibit overlooking the bucolic Peconic River. The Eye Opener stands 60 feet tall and has five levels for visitors to explore. With a new seal pup and penguin chick, added animal encounters and more, Long Island's only aquarium is seeking to engage new and returning guests with innovative and engaging exhibits and activities.

Check our articles on petting zoos and nature centers for more local animal fun.

8 Awesome Art Classes for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 08/16/2021 - 2:00pm

Do you have a potential Van Gogh in the family? Find out at a Long Island art class. Mixed media art interpretation of Starry Night by Henry Sumersille

Help your little one nurture his or her creative side with these Long Island art classes geared toward kids. From finger painting for toddlers to upcycled art creations, there's a class for every art-centric interest. And for more art fun, see our post on Awesome Art and Crafts Studios for Kids on Long Island.

Looking for other after-school and enrichment classes on Long Island? Be sure to check out Long Island Classes Guide.