Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

23 Best Things To Do on Long Island February 2023 with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 01/29/2023 - 6:47am

Catch the llama drama of "Llama Llama Red Pajama" on stage at the Tilles Center. Photo by Alessandra Mello/Tilles Center

From Valentine's Day to the winter break week, a wintry mix of family fun is in the forecast this February on Long Island.

Enjoy seasonal activities by discovering the wonders of winter at the Sands Point Preserve or marveling at fire and ice demonstrations at Sag Habor's HarborFrost. Meanwhile, Lunar New Year celebrations continue mid-month in Manhasset.

If Monster Jam is more your jam, it rolls into the UBA Arena early in the month, while the Harlem Globetrotters bounce into the arena mid-month.

The Long Island Aquarium, science centers in Riverhead and Port Jefferson, and the Vanderbilt Museum are also all offering STEM-based camps over winter break.

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

Outdoor Dining on Long Island: Where to Eat in an Igloo, Greenhouse, and More Family-Friendly Setups

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/20/2023 - 6:50am

Igloo dining is available at Harbor Mist Restaurant.

Looking for the best outdoor dining options on Long Island that are still viable in the dead of winter? Read on for our top picks.

The Long Island restaurant scene is creative. From heaters and fire pits to mini greenhouses and igloos, these family-friendly local eateries are thinking outside of the box and making it fun to eat outdoors even when temps are below freezing.

While these outdoor dining options come with perks like fairy lights, Bluetooth speakers, plush seating, and more, they also come at a hefty price tag, in most cases, and they might be best saved for a special occasion. Plan in advance, too, as reservations are generally required and often sell out.

Find more family-friendly eateries in our Restaurant Guide, plus plenty of seasonal fun in our Winter Fun Guide.

MLK Weekend 2023 in Long Island: Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 01/11/2023 - 7:06am

Celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with activities across Long Island.

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

This three-day weekend on Long Island kicks off with seasonal festivities and ends with commemorations of the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. Start it off by celebrating winter at the Connetquot River State Park Preserve or joining in on the Lunar New Year fun at the Vanderbilt Museum. Meanwhile, the Town of North Hempstead is hosting a model train show at Clinton G. Martin Park, or you can catch The Rainbow Fish Musical at The Showplace in Bellmore.

On MLK Day, the Port Jefferson Library invites Long Islanders to participate in a collaborative art project celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. An MLK parade is held in the Village of Hempstead, and the Long Island Children's Museum welcomes families to participate in a gallery walk of images from the Civil Rights Movement and then create a bell to let freedom ring.

Find more ideas for seasonal fun in our Winter Guide. And, as always, our Long Island Family Activity Calendar is a must-visit for picks any day of the week.

12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 01/08/2023 - 11:37am

Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.

Looking for FREE things to do with babies without breaking the bank? There are plenty of destinations on Long Island that offer fun for all without a hefty price tag. Check out this list of local hot spots where babies ages 2 and younger are welcome for FREE.

Now, what to do with all the extra cash? Peep our list of top mommy-and-me baby classes on Long Island and check out our Indoor Activities Guide and our Long Island Free Things To Do with Kids Guide for more ideas.

Free in January: 25+ Things To Do with Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/06/2023 - 6:34am

Code and create as a family using iPads at the Apple Store in Manhasset. Photo courtesy of Apple

Looking for FREE things to do on Long Island in January? Read on for dozens of great options.

To keep your kids and your wallet happy, we’ve come up with a long list of FREE things to do with kids in January.

From nature outings to indoor crafts to STEM opportunities, these options offer some awesome ways to spend time doing fun, family-friendly things that won’t cost you a cent.

For more things to do that won’t bust your budget, check out our roundup of free indoor play spaces on Long Island, our Winter Fun Guide, and our rundown of Long Island restaurants where kids eat free.

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

Best of January: 17 Top Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 12/30/2022 - 6:49am

Take in Disney on Ice: Into the Magic at UBS Arena. Photo courtesy of Disney

From New Year's Day to MLK weekend and Lunar New Year, January is a great time for indoor and outdoor activities.

Ring in the new year with new things to do: Disney on Ice presents Into the Magic at the UBS Arena at the beginning of the month, while Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow roars into the Nassau Coliseum in the middle of the month.

You can also catch some holiday light shows or theatrical productions before they pack it in for the season. Be sure to check out our Winter Activities Guide for Long Island Families for more great activities.

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

New Year's Eve Weekend 2022 on Long Island: Fireworks, Noon Year's Eve, and First Day Hikes

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Wed, 12/28/2022 - 1:39pm

Patchogue hosts an all-ages dance party, ball drop, and fireworks celebration to welcome the new year. Photo courtesy of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce

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

Close out the year with some good, old-fashioned family fun. Enjoy Long Island homes with spectacular light displays, other gorgeous holiday lights, or even some live theater. And be sure to peruse our picks for the best things to do on New Year's Eve with Long Island kids.

Meanwhile, there's still time to enjoy activities on our list of completely FREE holiday events.

Don't forget to check out our Winter Activity Guide for Long Island Families for more fun, seasonal things to do.

17 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Other Long Island Celebrations for Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 12/23/2022 - 1:04pm

The Long Island Children's Museum's New Year's Eve party is filled with fun, themed activities, ball drops, music, and a confetti-filled dance party. Photo courtesy LICM

Ring in New Year's Eve with a big, bold bash at one of these Long Island spots hosting events hours earlier than midnight. No matter how old your kids are, there are plenty of family-friendly New Year's Eve events across Long Island to help you welcome 2023. Top picks for New Year's Eve celebrations include the Long Island Aquarium's Fishes and Wishes party, roller skating, several balloon drops, and sparkling New Year's Eve fireworks.

We've rounded up more than 16 New Year's Eve activities across Long Island for families that allow everyone to have fun and, hopefully, don't leave you with overtired little ones the next day.

Don't forget to check out our list of 30 fun things to do over the school holiday break to keep the kids busy all week. Find more fun in our Family Activity Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.