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.
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Exhibits at East Garden City's Cradle of Aviation Museum do more than merely teach visitors and dole out facts. While parents and teenagers can enjoy learning about America's aviation and space history, small children can enjoy a host of interactive features at this great Long Island museum. Aspiring pilots and astronauts: Get ready to blast-off to the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
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Summer on Long Island is the best time for splashing, surfing the waves, and laying by the pool. But sometimes the extreme heat can make it hard to do anything outside with kids. Thankfully, there are plenty of exciting things to do indoors. Here then are our top choices for Long Island indoor play spaces where families can beat the heat with kids of any age.
For all things summer, check out our Summer Fun Guide.
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Small and not-so-small jazz hands across Long Island, rejoice: Long Island has an abundance of dance classes with specialties in many areas, including fan favorites such as hip hop, ballet, and Broadway. Some dance classes even offer virtual instruction.
Check out our list below of dance classes across Long island that offer instruction in different genres, age ranges, and abilities. And for more inspiration, check out our guide to classes across Long Island for kids.
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The blazing sun of summer can sometimes be too much for Long Island families to handle. Kids want to run and climb, but some days the heat gets in the way. Shady playgrounds, some even with water features, help families stay cool while burning off energy.
Check out our list of shady playgrounds below, and for more outdoor fun see our guide to LI parks and playgrounds.
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One of the oldest hamlets on Long Island, Bay Shore's historic roots date back to the 1600s. The British armed forces used it as a headquarters during the American Revolution, and George Washington even spent some time at Sagtikos Manor. As the centuries went on, Bay Shore developed into a vacation destination for city-dwellers, and eventually housing developments took over. Still, modern Bay Shore has no shortage of family-friendly destinations worth a visit.
From Main Street to the marina, here are the top spots to explore in Bay Shore with kids. Find more family-friendly towns in our Moving Guide to Long Island.
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Young paleontologists no longer have to trek into the city to get a dose of dinosaurs. The Center for Science Teaching and Learning in Rockville Centre has long enchanted us with its exhibits featuring fossils, models, and live animals. New for summer 2021, it's added brand new dinosaurs—including animatronic models—and more interactive features.
Read on for more details on the exhibit and find more fun places to explore in our Guide to Museums for Long Island Kids.
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Ropes courses, adventure parks and zip lines abound for big kids near Long Island, but did you know there's a tot-sized destination perfect for preschool thrill-seekers? Located on the grounds of The Adventure Park at Long Island, you'll find The Adventure Playground, a miniature version of the action-packed attraction where kids ages 3-6 can scale ropes, traverse log bridges, and even zip line.
This destination is a step up from your typical toddler playground, and its location, nestled in the woods, lends it some cool cred, while allowing tiny climbers to safely explore. Read on for details on our visit and find more outdoor destinations in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds on Long Island.
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Playtime is the name of the game at Rockville Centre's new, wonderfully cozy play space dubbed The Children's Social Club. Here, children ages 5 and under can explore, play, and create, all while parents enjoy a light snack or cup of coffee as they socialize with one another. It's a perfect escape on a hot summer's day and a welcome addition to Long Island's growing selection of indoor play spaces.
