Jaime Sumersille

Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.

Latest posts by Jaime

Best Winter and Spring Break Camps on Long Island to Keep Kids Busy on Days Off from School

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/16/2026 - 9:38am

Gallery North offers art academies over school breaks aimed at inspiring young minds. Photo courtesy of Gallery North

Long Island's top-notch spring break camps and winter break camps can help fill your child's day when schools are on hiatus. We've rounded up some great options below that offer a combination of weekly and daily sessions.

Whether you're raising a budding scientist, an aspiring artist, or a sports enthusiast, there's a camp to satisfy every interest. Find more enrichment opportunities in our Camp Guide for Long Island Kids, and bookmark our Event Calendar for entertainment ideas all break long.

MLK Weekend 2026 on Long Island: Best Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/16/2026 - 9:36am

Get face-to-face with all your emotions at the Long Island Children's Museum's new Inside Out exhibit. Photo courtesy of LICM

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this long MLK weekend? From movies and concerts to civil rights activities and more, here are our top picks for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

A brand-new, family-friendly exhibit inspired by Pixar’s Inside Out is opening at the Long Island Children’s Museum this weekend, bringing hands-on fun, big emotions, and special opening-weekend activities that make it a must-do on Long Island. Families can also enjoy the enchanting—and rescheduled from last weekend—Winterfest at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary.

Two big touring shows come to town, with the Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Glow-N-Fire stopping at the Nassau Coliseum, while Disney on Ice takes a spin at UBS Arena.

Families can honor Dr. King's legacy at various state parks or at the Walt Whitman Birthplace, with a story and craft. Be sure to check your local library for various service opportunities.

14 Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/09/2026 - 9:09am

Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro

When bad weather strikes, no one feels it more than a parent whose kids have gone stir crazy. They're torturing siblings, and the house is reaching its boiling point.

Have no fear: This hand-picked list of free play spaces and indoor playgrounds will keep your kids happily occupied, and it includes some of my family's top favorites. Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, I'm looking at you.

So there's no need to stay home just because cold weather is upon us. From malls to bookstores and libraries, there is plenty of free fun to be had on Long Island for kids. Enjoy these unique play destinations, but remember that most venues require that a parent/adult be present to supervise children.

For more indoor fun, don't forget to check out our guide to r ainy-day activities on Long Island, and discover all the free events and activities near you in our guide to Free Things to Do With Kids on Long Island.

Slime Workshop, Fossil Finds and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/09/2026 - 9:06am

Sands Point Preserve kicks off a wilderness survival series Saturday where teens can learn survival basics alongside their parents. Photo courtesy of the venue

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

If you’re craving warm, hands-on moments, don’t miss the Morse Code Moniker at the Long Island Children’s Museum. Pint-sized spies can learn all about Morse Code by crafting bracelets that spell their names in dots and dashes.

Scientists-in-training, take note: This Slime Chemistry workshop at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is calling your name. Experiment with ooey-gooey mixtures and learn the science behind everyone’s favorite stretchy stuff.

Find all that and more top picks for the weekend ahead below!

New Year's Eve Weekend on Long Island with Kids: Countdown to 2026 and More Fun

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/02/2026 - 9:17am

Count down to 2026 with an early celebration at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island on New Year's Eve weekend to ring in 2026? From fireworks to drone shows to balloon drops, here are our top activities to add to your list this holiday weekend.

Close out the year with some good, old-fashioned family fun. Marvel at a free holiday train display in Dix Hills or Babylon. Or wear your favorite pajamas and immerse yourself in a world of Grinchy mischief and holiday cheer at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

New Year's Eve falls on a weekday, but you can pick whatever time works for your family. Ring in Noon Year’s Eve at the Long Island Explorium or Long Island Children's Museum. Or combine your celebration with a meal at the Fishes and Wishes New Year's Eve Dinner at the Long Island Aquarium, which includes meet and greets with cute animal ambassadors.

And, through the new year, drive through the Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Show at Jones Beach.

Happy 2026 Long Island families, from all of us at Mommy Poppins. We can't wait to keep exploring with you in the new year.

Top Free Things To Do with Kids on Long Island in January 2026, According to MP Editors

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 12/28/2025 - 10:50am

Watch ice carving demonstrations and celebrate all things winter along the harborfront at Port Jefferson's annual Ice Festival. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Business Improvement District

From New Year's Day to MLK weekend and beyond, January is packed with activities for kids, indoors and outside. Don’t miss our favorite free and fun things to do on Long Island with kids this month.

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.

Long Island New Year’s Eve Guide 2025 for Families: Kid-Friendly Events, Fireworks & More

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 12/26/2025 - 11:20am

The Long Island Children's Museum's New Year's Eve party has themed activities, a ball drop, and a confetti-filled dance party. Photo courtesy LICM

Discover family-friendly events, fireworks, early countdowns, and fun ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2025–2026 on Long Island with kids of all ages.

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 2026. Our top picks for daytime New Year's Eve celebrations include roller skating, ball drops, and gaming.

At night, head to a downtown area for a Times Square feel as Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, Huntington, and Patchogue light up their Main Streets with celebrations.

Find more fun in our Family Activity Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide. And be sure to subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Christmas Weekend 2025 on Long Island: Holiday Lights, Shows, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 12/26/2025 - 8:18am

Clark Botanical Garden's Winter Wonderland is open for another week. Photo courtesy of the garden

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Christmas weekend? Here are some awesome events and activities for kids to add to your list for Christmas 2025.

From stunning light displays to family-friendly experiences that feel like stepping into a snow globe, there’s something for every holiday mood on Long Island.

Bundle up and wander through LuminoCity Fantasy Winter Fairyland at Eisenhower Park and take in the twinkling sculptures against the winter sky. Or, check out Candlelight Evenings at Old Bethpage Village Restoration for a storybook Christmas stroll featuring lantern lights and carolers.

And, if you need a break from Christmas events, dino-obsessed kids will love the Center for Science Teaching & Learning's Dinosaur Carnival.

Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

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