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

CLOSED: The Kiddie Clubhouse: Syosset's New Play Space

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 06/21/2021 - 6:10pm

Whip up dinner or dessert in the kitchen at The Kiddie Clubhouse.

*Updated December 2022: This play space is now closed.*

Whether your kid loves to build, climb, or create, there is plenty for them to explore at The Kiddie Clubhouse in Syosset. The roughly six-month-old play space lets little Long Islanders chalk a masterpiece, scale the rock wall, toss a bean bag into a cityscape, and so much more. Parents are always close by, whether they're watching from the comfortable lounge area or getting in on the fun in the play space.

Read on for more details on this new addition to the toddler play space scene, and check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces on Long Island for more fun places to play.

15 Great Stroller-Friendly Park Walks on Long Island

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 04/02/2021 - 12:17pm

Winter, spring, summer, or fall, Belmont Lake State Park offers a delightful stroll with baby.

They might be too young for the playground, but Long Island babies (and their caregivers) can still enjoy our great parks. Spring is the perfect time to strap the baby in the stroller and get out to explore one of these 15 stroller walks along Long Island.

Of course, not all parks are created equal, especially when it comes to taking your baby out for fresh air. Some parks are aesthetically beautiful, but the trails are rocky and covered in sand, making pushing a stroller nearly impossible. Others are smoothly paved but have nothing for you and your little one to see. Here are our picks for Long Island walks with the best terrain and scenery for a springtime outing.

Find more things to do in our Spring Fun Guide and plenty of age-appropriate activities in our Baby Guide for New and Expecting Parents.

New Summer Camps and Programs for Long Island Kids in 2020

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 02/10/2020 - 10:00am

Oasis at LIU Post Lego Robotics camp is new for summer 2020. Photo courtesy of the camp

Summer may be months away, but Long Island summer camps are beginning to hold open houses, and enrollment will soon fill up. There's no better time to start dreaming and planning for the warmer weather than now.

From athletes to performing artists and even preschoolers, there is a program premiering this summer for kids of just about every interest. Whether you've got a first-time camper or a seasoned pro looking for something new, we've rounded up the 2020 summer camp season's latest additions.

Are you looking for more info on Long Island camps? Check our lists of the best camps in Nassau and Suffolk counties, or you can always find more camps for kids in our Camps Guide and full Camp Directory.

The Best New Kids Destinations that Opened on Long Island in 2019

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Fri, 12/20/2019 - 10:57am

Toyota Holiday Village at Jones Beach - Wantagh. Photo courtesy of Magic of Lights

The new year is upon us, but let's not forget all the fun and exciting openings and attractions that 2019 brought Long Island kids. In 2019, Jones Beach and other state parks continued part of their million-dollar upgrade. Jones Beach also made a new addition to its holiday light show. Meanwhile, multiple playgrounds had ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and indoor play spaces continued to see a boom. Whether you spend your time in Nassau or Suffolk, or prefer indoor or outdoor fun, 2020 is shaping up to be great for Long Island families.

21 Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids in September

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Tue, 08/27/2019 - 11:30am

Tug of war is just the start of the fun at the Harbes Orchard Apple Festival. Photo courtesy of Harbes Orchard

September brings backpacks, changing leaves, and pumpkin -flavored everything. With kids back at school, maximize the enjoyment of their spare time with these FREE events and activities across Long Island.

Animal-loving kids won't want to miss touring Catapano Dairy Farm or Dogfest Long Island at the Deer Park Tanger Outlets. The whole family can enjoy one of September's many FREE fairs, such as the Harbes Apple Orchard Festival and the Seaford Harvest Fair.

Free Things to Do With Kids on Long Island in August

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Tue, 07/30/2019 - 3:15pm

Kids will thrill to August Nature Sundays at Planting Fields Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Planting Fields

Summer is winding down, and on Long Island the fun doesn't have to end, especially when it's FREE. August brings more excitement with FREE festivals, arts and crafts events, concerts, and more.

Grandparents can enjoy a day with their grandchildren at the Suffolk County Farm. Artists big and little can appreciate the Huntington Summer Arts Festival. Locomotive lovers can ride on a steam train. If you want to squeeze in more family fun before school starts, check out these FREE events below.

Great STEM Classes for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Mon, 07/01/2019 - 12:00pm

Learn cutting-edge tech skills at the Coder School.

If science and technology are to continue to develop, the world would seem to need innovative minds that keep dreaming and creating. STEM and STEAM programs emphasize science, technology, engineering, art, and math to develop the brains of the future, our Long Island kids.

More schools, camps, and museums across Long Island are offering classes and workshops with a focus on STEM education. Check out some of our favorite programs below. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.

Little engineers, rejoice.

Huntington With Kids: Great Things to Do in Suffolk's Historic Village

Submitted by Gina Massaro on Tue, 03/05/2019 - 2:45pm

Celebrate spring at Huntington Village's annual Tulip Festival. Photo courtesy of Living Huntington

Just an hour train ride from Manhattan, Huntington Village is a quaint, four-seasons family destination on the north shore of Suffolk. From St. Patrick's Day to the Christmas season, Huntington Village is full of parades and festivals, not to mention other year-round staples. Museums, parks, restaurants, shops and play spaces make Huntington Village a picture perfect family day trip.

For more family-friendly neighborhood fun, check out our guides to Port Washington, Glen Cove, Sayville and Port Jefferson.

Gina Massaro

Latest posts by Gina

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