Thien August

Latest posts by Thien August

27 Spring Day Trips from Long Island for Families

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 03/10/2023 - 6:49am

Get off Long Island and explore Governors Island.

We've found 27 ideas for a spring day trip from Long Island, a perfect time to escape now that the weather is warming up and we have more daylight hours to work with.

Living on Long Island, we’re lucky to have so many amazing parks, attractions, and quaint seaside towns for springtime day trips. We’re also lucky to be within driving or ferry distance of New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey. These areas offer even more fun and exciting experiences for the whole family.

Find more inspiration in our Spring Fun Guide and our Day Trips and Getaways Guide.

17 Stunning Long Island Fall Foliage Nature Walks for Families

Submitted by Thien August on Mon, 09/26/2022 - 6:41am

The Quogue Wildlife Nature Preserve is open daily, free of charge, from sunrise to sunset.

Looking for the best nature walks on Long Island to view fall foliage? Read on for our top picks throughout the island.

As the leaves change, Long Island is at peak beauty. Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End have many gorgeous nature trails that are ideal for fall foliage walks. These lovely backdrops lend themselves to great family photos that will put you ahead of the game for upcoming holiday cards. Strike a pose and take some candid shots of the kids. Fall on Long Island is perfect for memory-making.

So, strap on your hiking shoes, pack a few snacks, and head out to one of these destinations for fresh air and a splendid fall foliage walk amid oranges, reds, and yellows. For more kid-friendly activities, be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide, and bookmark our frequently-updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar for more must-dos.

Lose Yourself in a Family-Friendly Corn Maze on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 09/16/2022 - 11:56am

The Harbes Family Farms Robin Hood Trivia Challenge Corn Maze is fun for the whole family!

Long Island's local farms really come alive in the fall with plenty of harvest season fun, and the change in seasons means it's time to trek through a local corn maze on Long Island. From charming, little-kid-sized hay mazes to spooky, haunted after-dark corn maze adventures suited to teens, we've rounded up the best corn mazes on Long Island for families.

Beyond conquering a local Long Island corn maze, these farms are packed with seasonal fun for families including pumpkin picking and hayrides. Find more farm fun and seasonal must-do's in our guides to Pick-Your-Own Farms and Fall Fun on Long Island.

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlors in Long Island That Kids Will Love

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 05/27/2022 - 10:09am

Coyle’s serves a side of nostalgia along with its sweet treats. Photo courtesy of Coyle’s Homemade Ice Cream

There's never a bad time to enjoy a creamy serving of ice cream and there are tons of ice cream parlors in Long Island where local families can enjoy a scoop—or two—of the sweet stuff.

We’ve rounded up some the best ice cream parlors in Long Island for a family-friendly treat. These destinations create yummy flavors from scratch and have a nostalgic feel that makes the experience extra special.

If ice cream is not your thing, check out our roundup of other decadent desserts on Long Island, and bookmark our Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants on Long Island for more dining inspiration.

The Best Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Suffolk County

Submitted by Thien August on Mon, 02/21/2022 - 11:00am

It's bumper-to-bumper fun at Urban Air Adventure Park.

Play spaces made just for kids are our go-tos during Long Island's wintertime, or anytime it's cold, wet, or even hot out. So we've rounded up the best indoor play spaces in Suffolk County, from bounce houses and indoor playgrounds to more low-key spaces such as a natural play room and spots for art. There are fun zones loaded with action sports that are best for bigger kids, and plenty more just right for toddlers and preschoolers.

Many of these destinations also double as party spaces, so call ahead to make sure they're open for public play. And don’t forget your socks—many do not allow shoes or bare feet, even for adults. Then get ready to let your kids loose to play there instead of in your living room. Be sure to warm up before and after with some toasty hot cocoa.

The Best Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Toddlers

Submitted by Thien August on Mon, 02/14/2022 - 12:44pm

Once Upon a Treetop's interactive city is designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Photo by the author

While many indoor play destinations on Long Island cater to a range of ages, some parents feel more comfortable when areas are designated for younger children. With that in mind, we've rounded up a list of fun and imaginative play spaces for toddlers on Long Island.

At most of these locations, children ages 5 and younger are the primary focus and can play freely without fear of being knocked down or bumped into by older crowds. They also offer age-appropriate equipment and activities for toddlers.

For more fun seasonal ideas, check out our winter fun list for Long Island kids as well as our Guide to Play Spaces and Fun Centers on Long Island.

Indoor Swimming Pools for Families on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Mon, 01/31/2022 - 8:55am

Enjoy the water slide and plenty more at the North Hempstead Aquatic Activity Center at Tully Park. Photo courtesy of the Town of North Hempstead

With travel perhaps limited this winter, it's harder to find a place for kids to dip their feet in the pool. Sure, you can plan an outing to one of these family-friendly water parks nearby, but why not stay home and visit one of the many indoor swimming pools Long Island has to offer?

We’ve rounded up some of the most affordable and family-friendly indoor pools across Long Island. Some are open to community or town residents, while others welcome nonresidents. Many offer swimming lessons, too. So read on for our picks for family-friendly indoor pools across Long Island, and find more wet and wild fun in our Guide to Beaches, Pools, and Water Play.

The Best Indoor Play Spaces in Nassau County

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 01/21/2022 - 9:30am

The climbing structure at Sensory Beans is safe toddle and little kid play zone.

The chilly weather might force your little ones indoors, but they don't have to be confined to your living room all winter long. After you've made your umpteenth indoor fort and your kids are climbing the walls, get up and out with our list of the best indoor play spaces in Nassau County. Most of these spots are affordable and accessible, and, where appropriate we've added age designations to guarantee a good time for all.

No worries if you're in Suffolk County. See our list of the top indoor play spaces in Suffolk County, as well as our guide to Guide to Indoor Spots and Sports Centers on Long Island.