Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

I.Fly Trapeze Offers High-Flying Fun

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 08/09/2021 - 1:20pm

Channel your inner circus performer - if you dare.

Step right up to I.Fly Trapeze for some high-flying fun, where adults and kids can channel their inner Cirque du Soleil performer. The outdoor setup at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow boasts flying trapeze classes, circus camps, and performances.

There's much more outdoor entertainment on Long Island, and you can find even more adventurous fun in our rundowns of Long Island ninja courses, theme parks, and water parks. Of course, sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers and Experiences on Long Island That Come to You

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 08/01/2021 - 7:08pm

Let Them Play brings soft foam setups and ball pits ideal for the under 5 age group..

One pandemic silver lining: At-home birthday party services have expanded their offerings and notched up the engagement factor for optimal birthday party fun. So, consider hosting your next soiree at home with the help of these birthday party pros.

Don't let the at-home birthday party setting fool you—you and your little one have plenty of options from which to choose. From drive-in style movie nights and mobile spas to pop-up glamping tents and backyard laser tag competitions, these at-home birthday party services give kids fabulous entertainment options in a comfortable setting.

All of the options below service all of Long Island. For more party planning help, check out our Long Island Party Guide.

Top Things To Do on Long Island This Weekend With Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 06/23/2021 - 2:15pm

Enjoy a prehistoric encounter at the Drive-Thru Dino Safari in Deer Park.

The sights and sounds of summer are finally here. The Summer Concert Series at Eisenhower Park kicks off this weekend. Tote along dinner, dessert, and some lawn chairs, and be ready to boogie down under the stars. You can head to Heckscher Park all weekend long to take in the Huntington Summer Arts Festival with its music and theater-filled lineup.

Delve into wellness at The Nassau County Museum of Art this weekend where family programs include art-making, sculpting, and yoga. Firework shows are also starting to pop up, like the FREE Town of Hempstead celebration in Point Lookout.

If that's not enough, be sure to explore our list 50 FREE things to do this summer, and bookmark our Summer Fun Guide, where you can find top seasonal day trips, our favorite local beaches, and plenty of amusement park fun. Anytime happenings abound in our Activity Calendar so keep it close at hand, too.

A Drive-thru Dino Safari Roars Onto Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Thu, 06/17/2021 - 5:54pm

Dino Safari takes visitors on a prehistoric tour of more than 40 life-sized, moving dinosaurs in the parking lot at Deer Park's Tanger Outlets.

Start your engines and head to Deer Park's Tanger Outlets, where Dino Safari: A Drive-Thru Adventure has taken up temporary residence, unleashing more than 40 life-size predators. A trip down this prehistoric path is a roaring good fun for the whole family.

The budding paleontologists in your car will have plenty of giant moving dinosaurs to marvel at as you maneuver your mini-van through this Jurassic trail. Read on for our full review of the experience—and book tickets soon because it fades into extinction next month. Find more seasonal fun in our Summer Fun Guide.

High Score Pinball Brings Old-School Fun to Bay Shore

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 06/15/2021 - 6:20pm

Rows and rows of pinball machines await at the newly opened High Score Pinball in the Westfield South Shore Mall.

Walking into the High Score Pinball Arcade inside the Westfield South Shore Mall immediately transported my husband and I back to our youth. After lamenting to our 10- and 12-year-old sons about how we had to save our quarters for arcade trips, our collective eyes glimmered at the dancing lights, pinball bells, and flickering scoreboards.

Read on for the inside scoop on this family-friendly outing and find more local arcades for old-school fun all across Long Island.

Planet Play Delivers Out-of-this-World Fun in Bellmore

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 05/17/2021 - 6:39pm

Hit the arcade and much more at Planet Play's indoor amusement center.

Blast off into outer space at Bellmore's new indoor play place, Planet Play. An out-of-this-world experience, this interactive play space is punctuated by cosmic decor transporting guests to a celestial world, which caters to all ages.

It's home to a two-floor jungle gym, bouncy house, toddler-safe play area, a cafe, arcade, and more. The newly opened entertainment spot is currently booking 2-hour open play sessions, toddler classes, and birthday parties.

Read on for details on the play space, and find fun elsewhere on Long Island at these play gyms and sports centers, as well as our favorite arcades and amusement parks.

Where To Go Axe-Throwing With Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 04/26/2021 - 4:01pm

The trained NY Axe coaches give you a safety lesson before you're set loose on the range. Photo by the author

If you've got an axe to grind, consider a visit to one of these Long Island axe-throwing spots, which boast plenty of action-packed fun—and target practice—with their namesake weapon, plus archery, football, bowling, and more. An outing at one of these venues makes an ideal adventure for active, competitive families with big kids who have outgrown more traditional play spaces.

Best for teens and tweens, read on for details on our recent visit to NY Axe, plus two other local axe-throwing spots, plus learn about the safety and training you can expect that will have you wielding and tossing an axe like a legit lumberjack (or lumberjill!). Find more fun places for the family to play together in our Guide to Sports Centers and Fun Zones for LI Families.

Activities To Get You Out of the House This Weekend on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 04/21/2021 - 12:35pm

Enjoy some hands-on, outdoor, springtime exploration at CSTL's family-friendly programming. Photo courtesy of CSTL

Outdoor adventures are calling this week, and Long Island families have their choice of inventive springtime programs to enjoy. Wander the trails by lantern light at Heckscher State Park, explore in broad daylight with Ranger Eric at the Sands Point Preserve, or clean the seashore during National Junior Ranger Day at the Fire Island Lighthouse.

You'll find more seasonal happenings in our roundup of 25 fun things to do this spring, plus our Event Calendar and Spring Fun Guide get constant updates as we learn of new family-friendly happenings.

Of course, summer will be here before you know it, so don't forget to book those summer camps. Slots are going fast for the 2021 season! Learn more about local and virtual summer camps with our upcoming Online Camp Fair. Visit virtual booths and watch live camp demos.