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.
Submitted by Gina Massaro on
Spin, climb, and swing at Long Beach's newest accessible playground, Magnolia Park. Located right off the boardwalk, this convenient playground has lots to offer younger kids.
Read on to learn about the unique features of Magnolia Park, and be sure to check out our post on accessible playgrounds and much more in our Playground Guide to Long Island.
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If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, Montauk, on the extreme East End of Long Island, is the place to be. Montauk has things to do for everyone in the family, whether you crave excitement, exercise, or just want to read a book on the sand.
From the western edge of the community to the lighthouse at Montauk Point, Montauk boasts more than 5,000 acres of parkland, a host of surf schools, fishing and camping adventures, and more. It's a welcoming destination with a host of diverse activities sure to entertain kids of all ages.
Stopping off in the Hamptons along the way? Check out our list of great East End activities for families and our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide.
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Long Island's waterfront restaurants offer the refuge of an ocean breeze, a delightful view, and fantastic meals. Lucky for us Long Islanders, many area restaurants are nestled right on the water. There's no better way to start or end the day with the family than with a delicious meal right on the water.
Below, we've rounded up Long Island's top waterfront restaurants in Nassau, Suffolk, and of course, the East End. A delectable, waterfront meal is only miles away.
Find our roundup of Long Island's best restaurants with entertainment for kids and more dining ideas in our Long Island Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.
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Travel with the family to the African grasslands without leaving Long Island with a visit to the all-new giraffe encounter experience at White Post Farms in Melville. Pose for selfies, pet the giraffes, and maybe even get a kiss from a long-necked cutie. Read on for details about how to get to know one of the tallest animals in the world.
For more fun with animals, check out our Guide to Long Island Zoos and Gardens, which includes our list of Long Island's best petting zoos.
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Glamping sites and campgrounds with cabins on Long Island offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. From the beaches that line our shores, to our rivers, wetlands, and forests, there is an abundance of nature to become one with on Long Island–and you don't need a sleeping bag or tent to do it.
Here is our list of the top glamping campgrounds on Long Island. Some locations have cabin rentals, while others offer RV and camper hookups.
Check out our list of the 18 Best Places to Go Camping on Long Island with Kids for more great camping ideas.
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After taking care of everyone else, a mom's night out is in order for Long Island moms who deserve some time to themselves.
Whether you're artsy, craving a delicious meal, or just want to relax, our list of top spots for mom's night out will help you and your friends have a much-deserved night without the kids in tow.
Check out Mommy Poppins' other coverage of all things mom, including a post on 15 amazing mom hacks that make everything easier and our rundown of the best things to do on Long Island on Mother's Day.
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The party is planned, the presents are wrapped, and there's only one thing left to figure out: What are the best restaurants for a birthday dinner on Long Island?
We've got you covered: Whether it's super milkshakes, a cool theme, or a live band, the restaurants below will make kids feel extra special on their bday.
Find great birthday cake ideas for a kids' birthday party and much more in our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids.
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Roller skating is an activity accessible to most ages, even toddlers, and Long Island has some great rinks for the whole family to enjoy.
We've divided up our list below of top roller skating rinks into indoor and outdoor options. Indoor options tend to be particularly good for first-timers, and most rent skates. Some rinks even offer free lessons for beginners. For families who already have skates and want to get some fresh air, check out one of the outdoor roller skating rinks on Long Island.
For more outdoor fun, check out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks on Long Island or if it's rainy, take a peek at our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces on Long Island.
