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

Drive-In Movie Theaters in and Around Long Island for Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 05/13/2022 - 10:10am

Enjoy a drive-in movie on Long Island this summer.

Go back in time and enjoy a drive-in movie theater on Long Island this summer. Put on your PJs, grab a cozy blanket, pack some snacks, and pull up to a big-screen flick under the stars. This old-school activity continues to have new life.

We've curated a list for Long Island families looking for an evening of summer fun that will also suit anyone who is still focused on social distancing. While you're out, you might want to check out our guide to outdoor restaurants on Long Island or our roundups of great places to grab a pint of ice cream or decadant desserts to enjoy along with the flick.

Best Summer Camps on Long Island for Teens and Tweens

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 04/18/2022 - 5:58pm

Quinipet Camp offers both day camp and sleepaway camp options in a scenic, Long Island Sound location. Photo courtesy of the center

Long Island families are blessed to be surrounded by great options for summer camps, but when kids outgrow the local summer day camp, finding the perfect summer camp program can prove challenging. We've done the legwork for you, though, and found 15 summer camps on Long Island catering to teens and tweens. These summer camps keep big kids' interests at heart and their inventive programming is practically guaranteed to get your teens and tweens out the door daily, no nagging necessary.

For more summer camps in Long Island, including picks for everything from preschool summer camps on Long Island, to our top picks for summer camps in Suffolk County and Nassau County's best summer camps, be sure to bookmark our Long Island Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town.

Where to Find Decadent, Over-the-Top Desserts at Restaurants on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 04/10/2022 - 8:14am

Manny's Sweet Treats in Mineola serves a sundae big enough for a bathtub.

If you're looking to add a little indulgence to your day, why not visit one of these Long Island restaurants serving up decadent desserts sure to hit your sweet spot. From groovy, tie-dye milkshakes to larger-than-life sundaes, here are 11 family-friendly restaurants on Long Island serving outrageously over-the-top sweet treats.

For more dessert finds, check out our list of old-fashioned ice cream parlors on Long Island and find more all-occasion eats in our Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants.

Super Skate Parks in Long Island for Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 03/29/2022 - 6:32pm

Kids young and old can get in on the action at Long Beach Skate Park. Photo by Brian Bachisin

If your adventuresome little skater likes to carve and ollie and has started turning your furniture and household items into a skating playground, we've got a better idea. Take them to one of these skate parks in Long Island, where roller skaters, bladers, skateboarders, trick bikers, and more daredevils show off their stunts, fully padded and protected of course.

Find more action-packed outings in our guide to Sports Centers and Fun Zones on Long Island.

Great Preschools in Suffolk County for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 03/22/2022 - 4:06pm

Miss Midgie's preschool offers lots of hands-on, creative play in its preschool curriculum. Photo courtesy of the school

You might get misty-eyed thinking about sending your little one off to preschool, but September is just around the corner. With so many preschools in Suffolk County, choosing the right early childhood education program can be overwhelming. We've rounded up a selection of the top preschools in Suffolk County. While location might play a role in your choice, consider the school’s teaching philosophy and take some time to tour a few preschools with your child before making a decision on where to enroll.

Families in Nassau County can check out our list of local Nassau County preschools to consider, and if you’re interested in Montessori preschools on Long Island, we’ve got you covered there, too. Head over to our complete Guide to Long Island Preschools for more helpful information.

Sports Summer Camps on Long Island for Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 03/15/2022 - 5:49pm

Lacrosse Academy operates several summer camps across Hempstead's parks. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

There are plenty of summer camp options on Long Island, and choosing among them might be dizzying. If you have a budding athlete on your hands, a sports summer camp is worth considering. From basketball summer camps to lacrosse summer camps, multi-sport summer camps, and more, we've found a slew of sports summer camps on Long Island for kids.

For more summer camps on Long Island, including picks for preschool summer camps across Long Island, dance summer camps on Long Island, and the best affordable summer camp options nearby, be sure to bookmark our Long Island Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town.

St. Patrick's Day Events and Free Parades on Long Island for Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 03/04/2022 - 4:17pm

Celebrate your Irishness at the Glen Cove St. Patrick's Day parade,

Few regions celebrate their Irish heritage better than Long Island. After a two-year pandemic pause, St. Patrick's Day parades are stepping off this month with grand fanfare.

From Rockville Centre to Montauk, from the first weekend of March till the last, Main Streets across the Island come alive with pipers, parade marchers, traditional food, music, dance, and more. Huntington itself swells with visitors on the second Sunday of March, when one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day gatherings in New York State kicks off in the village downtown. That Huntington parade is dwarfed perhaps only by New York’s City’s celebration, which this year is Thursday, March 17.

Most of these events are low cost or FREE, ideal for families, and appropriate for first-generation Irish-Americans or those who are just Irish for a day.

Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 02/20/2022 - 8:30am

Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com

Fork through our list of Long Island restaurants with fun entertainment options for kids and spice up your dining-out routine. If you are feeling like a slave to the kitchen while you prepare mac and cheese for the third time this week, drop the ho-hum routine and head to one of these local, family-friendly restaurants that serve up food and fun.

A number of eateries in Nassau and Suffolk counties pair kid-sized meals with giant-sized entertainment. So whether you prefer the neighborhood mom-and-pop or the local destination of a national chain, your little ones are guaranteed a fun time and healthy lunch or dinner choices.

For more inspiration, see our guide to kid-friendly dining on Long Island. And while you're at it, check out our list of LI restaurants where kids eat FREE.

Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

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