Thien August

Latest posts by Thien August

Vancouver With Kids: 30 Great Things To Do as a Family

Submitted by Thien August on Sat, 08/11/2018 - 1:20pm

Take a ride aboard the Aquabus and watch Vancouver's skyline unfold. Photo courtesy of Aquabus

One of Canada’s most ethnically diverse and densely populated cities, Vancouver, British Columbia is the crown jewel of the country's West Coast.

Less than an hour by car from the border with the United States, Vancouver is the gateway to the Pacific Rim and draws visitors from all over the world. It’s not just the city’s location that makes people flock there, but also the stunning backdrop of mountains, temperate weather, and world-class parks and amenities.

With the ocean and mountains within a short drive, Vancouver is a veritable outdoor playground. This cosmopolitan city is waiting for your next adventure. With a favorable exchange rate in Canadian dollars, free public parks, and an easy-to-navigate public transportation system, Vancouver offers great value and seemingly endless and unforgettable experiences.

Best Free Things to Do in June With Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Tue, 05/29/2018 - 1:30pm

Enjoy free family movies at the Jones Beach Bandshell, including Coco on June 28. Photo courtesy of the venue

No, you’re not dreaming. It’s June already, and that signals the end of another school year. Kids across Long Island are already looking forward to some much-deserved time off from homework. Parents look forward to summer too, but with the expenses of end-of-year functions, camps, and vacations, June can start to really add up.

Fear not, you and the family can still enjoy this last month of school and stay on budget. We’ve rounded up a list of the best FREE things to do on Long Island in June. You won’t want to miss a close-up visit with wildlife, outdoor family yoga, amazing magic tricks, hunting for treasure, and more.

For more ways to enjoy early summer, check out our June GoList. Remember, our Long Island events calendar offers exciting family options as they develop throughout the month. You might also want to visit our guide to Long Island theme parks and water parks as the weather (hopefully) gets warmer.

Things to Do in Stony Brook with Kids: New England Charm on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Thu, 05/24/2018 - 1:00pm

The figurehead of the Greek god Hercules, which once adorned the USS Ohio, now sits in a harborside pavilion in Stony Brook. Photo courtesy of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization

For some, Stony Brook is synonymous with the sprawling campus of Long Island's largest state university. For others, it is is a quaint North Shore village that is home to historic sites, a beautiful harbor with a bustling village center, and plenty of family-friendly events and festivals all year round.

Known to locals as Stony Brook Village, it is technically a hamlet that is part of the Three Village area, along with Setauket and Old Field. It is a coveted Suffolk County school district and a desirable area to live and work with its well-tended homes tucked back into groves of maple trees. It is also an ideal destination for a Long Island day trip or weekend getaway.

Sensory Garden in Shoreham: An Immersive, Kid-Friendly Experience

Submitted by Thien August on Thu, 05/17/2018 - 2:15pm

The sensory garden is a welcoming facility in Shoreham.

If you have kids who love investigating their surroundings, the AHRC Suffolk's sensory garden is a great spot to spend an afternoon. The garden, which opened in May 2017, is a therapeutic environment for residents of Shoreham Homes as well as children and adults of all abilities.

A visit to this unique space is unlike a trip to any park or playground in the area. The garden offers different ways for visitors to interact with the installations and natural settings while inviting them to touch, smell, taste, and play. Admission is FREE.

For more sensory experiences with kids, see our guide to special-needs facilities and programs on Long Island, including our list of inclusive playgrounds that offer more choices for great outdoor fun.

6 Destinations for Train-Obsessed Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Thu, 05/03/2018 - 2:10pm

Enjoy a ride on the historic G16 miniature train at the Railroad Museum of Long Island. Photo courtesy of the museum

All aboard! If your little one loves trains (and what kid doesn't?), you're in luck because Long Island is home to some of the coolest places for kids who want to explore everything about them. From model trains to small-scale rideable trains and even historic train cars, there's something for every enthusiast here. Kids young and old can get hands on and learn all about trains as well as the history of railroads on Long Island. For models and miniatures, check out some local model railroad clubs at FREE open house events held several times a year.

Don't forget, you can always take a quick excursion on the Long Island Rail Road, where kids 4 and younger ride for FREE. Some sites below are open seasonally, so be sure to call or check the location's website before heading out.

And if your child loves learning, why not check out these historic sites on LI sure to delight children. Or visit an outdoor classroom, where natural history springs to life. For more fun in the area, check out our Long Island Events Calendar.

Horseback Riding Centers for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Tue, 04/10/2018 - 1:00pm

Learn to saddle up your horse at the New York Equestrian Center. Photo courtesy of the center

There are plenty of benefits for kids that take up horseback riding. Imagine your child bonding with one of these magnificent creatures while also improving his or her confidence by working effectively to communicate with the horse. With continued lessons and riding, kids can also learn responsibility, caring for their trusty steed.

We’ve rounded up 10 of the best equestrian centers in Nassau and Suffolk counties open to the public. These offer a variety of services, including pony rides, trail rides, weekly lessons, and even on-site birthday parties. When visiting one of the stables for pony or trail rides, it is important to dress appropriately. Helmets are provided. Boots are preferred, but sneakers are usually acceptable. Call ahead to check on rules and regulations.

For more outdoor activities, check out our guide to Long Island family fun and our seasonal activities guides, including our roundup of spring entertainment options.

Xplore Family Fun Center Opens in Port Jefferson Station

Submitted by Thien August on Mon, 03/26/2018 - 2:00pm

The multilevel play space at Xplore Family Fun Center delights kids of all ages. Photo courtesy of the venue

Many families in the Port Jefferson Station area were sad to see the indoor play spot Fun 4 All close at the end of 2017. But good news: The space has been rebranded by the folks behind Safari Adventure in Riverhead, who have transformed it into one of the top indoor play destinations in Suffolk's North Shore.

Welcome Xplore Family Fun Center.

Spring Festivals for Families on Long Island, 2018

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 03/23/2018 - 1:30pm

Spring on Long Island means more pleasant weather, presumably. And that begins a series of festivals to celebrate the arrival of this most colorful season.

So head outdoors to enjoy crafts, activities, science, and more family fun. Begin in late March and early April with Easter Bunny breakfasts and brunches. Later in the spring, enjoy nature festivals, and even the beginning of strawberry season. As always, check out our Spring Fun Guide and Long Island Events Calendar for more kid-friendly entertainment.