Gina Massaro

Gina Massaro is a Long Island native who believes in whimsy, fairies, and the idea of never growing up. She’s a mom to 3 young kids and a small zoo, and she has over 8 years of experience and childhood education expertise as a preschool educator. She tries to find time to write and paint between school pickups, diaper changes, and dog walks. For more of her art and writing check out her website: ginamassaro.com.

Latest posts by Gina

Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places with Mega Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 02/07/2025 - 10:37am

Pump It Up in Great Neck is a perfect spot for an indoor birthday party on Long Island.

Long Island's indoor playgrounds make perfect birthday party places for active, fun-loving kids to celebrate the big day. And Long Island doesn't just have basic indoor play spaces, but mega indoor playgrounds! These massive spaces in Nassau County and Suffolk County offer endless activities to entertain kids of all ages on ninja courses, trampolines, ropes courses, and more.

These birthday party places make for one-stop party planning—with food, entertainment, hosting, and clean-up. From safe toddler zones to VR attractions for teens, these mega kids' birthday party places have it all. Bonus: You don't have to worry about the weather when hosting a party at one of these mega indoor play spaces.

For even more festive birthday party ideas, check out our B irthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids and the Best Winter Birthday Party Ideas for Kids on Long Island.

Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 26 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Thu, 01/30/2025 - 11:59am

Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue

American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is not just the tri-state area's largest mall, but it's the second-largest mall in the United States. It has top-notch attractions, including the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, the DreamWorks Water Park, and even an indoor ski resort at Big Snow, as well as plenty of options for shopping, dining, and enough attractions to entertain you for days. Here is our list of the top 26 things to do with kids at the American Dream Mall, plus all the top kid-friendly picks coming soon to the entertainment complex.

For more fun local escapes, check out our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

100 Free Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 01/10/2025 - 9:21am

Discover the trails at Quogue Wildlife Refuge for a day of free, outdoorsy fun. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

Are you looking for FREE things to do with kids on Long Island? We've compiled a massive list of 100 FREE, family-friendly, interactive adventures that you should not miss.

Finding free things to do with the family on Long Island is a great way to have fun, make memories, and stay on budget. From playgrounds and parks to museums and historic towns, we've rounded up 100 activities perfect for kids of all ages. Read on to plan your next completely free family outing.

For even more no-cost fun check out our Guide to Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids.

21 Things To Do on Long Island Before Your Baby's First Birthday

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 10/18/2024 - 10:06am

Spend a day at a Long Island beach with your baby during their first year.

A baby's first year is full of memorable firsts and, on Long Island, there's always something new to experience and explore with your little one. From a baby's first dip of their tiny toes into the ocean to their first play cafe fun to a first barnyard adventure, we have you covered.

The photo-worthy moments we've listed below will be plentiful. so be sure to have your phone or camera ready for some great pictures.

For more new parenting tips, check out our Baby Guide for New and Expecting Long Island Parents.

41 Best Bedtime Stories for Kids, Including Free Bedtime Stories Online

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Thu, 10/17/2024 - 11:17am

Snuggle up with one of these beloved bedtime stories for kids. Photo courtesy of Bigstock

Sometimes all you need are a few really great bedtime stories for kids...

The homework is finished, the baths are complete, the children are snuggled in their beds... and they're still awake! A truly tantalizing tale is the final piece of the bedtime puzzle. Whether you read these books to your kids, read them together as a family, or play the audio versions, these beloved bedtime stories for kids will help them drift off to dreamland in no time. There are even some free bedtime stories you can easily access online, for those nights when you need something new.

Dim the lights, get cozy, and crack open one of these 30 great bedtime stories for kids. For even more great books, check out our list of 100 kids' books every child should read before they grow up, plus more beloved book recommendations in our Guide to the Best Kids' Books.

Bilingual and Dual Language Preschools on Long Island

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 08/23/2024 - 9:13am

Kids 18 months to 5 years old can attend Spanish Around the World in Smithtown and learn Spanish through the Montessori-inspired curriculum. Photo courtesy of the school

Preschoolers' little minds are constantly expanding, and it's a great time to naturally introduce a second language. Not only are there multiple school options on Long Island, but multiple language options.

Read on for a list of Long Island's bilingual and immersion preschools in Nassau and Suffolk counties

Want more options? Check out our guide to Preschools on Long Island.

Here's Why Wantagh Park Playground is My Family's Go-To Destination

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 07/19/2024 - 5:30am

Marina Playground has plenty of slides to experience.

Wantagh Park's newest addition, the Marina Playground, has just dethroned Eisenhower Park as our favorite playground in Nassau County. Interactive elements, cool nautical-themed structures, and equipment for multiple ages make this a perfect park for families with younger and older kids. Read on for more info on how exciting this new addition is in terms of Long Island's playground lineup.

For lots more on Long Island playgrounds, check out our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds on Long Island.

Captree State Park Adds Ropes Course to Beach Playground

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 04/29/2024 - 6:29am

The new ropes course at Captree State Park features a spider-web structure.

The new ropes course at Captree State Park's playground was recently unveiled and it is a welcome addition that makes the well-rounded playground especially great for climbers ages 4-8. On a recent trip, my 6-year-old had a blast exploring the ropes.

Read on for more info about Captree's ropes course and the rest of the playground on the eastern tip of Jones Beach, and check out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks on Long Island for more playground fun.

Gina Massaro

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