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

Top Free Halloween Events on Long Island 2025: Halloween Parades, Festivals, and More

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 09/26/2025 - 12:08pm

Get your pumpkins, meet Otto the Ghost, and enjoy the fall festivities at Hicks Nurseries. Photo courtesy of Hicks

All month long, Long Island is packed with free and festive Halloween events the whole family can enjoy. So go ahead—let the kids rock that spooky, sparkly, or downright adorable costume over and over. From trick-or-treat trails to pumpkin-packed parties, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate all October!

For more Halloween fun, check out our Long Island Halloween Guide.

Best 2025 Halloween Events on Long Island for Kids and Families

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 09/21/2025 - 7:14am

Spooky Fest at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning celebrates the Halloween season with scary and non-scary attractions for all ages. Photo courtesy of CSTL

We've rounded up the best Halloween events for kids on Long Island in 2025 to keep everyone entertained with thrills and chills. Whether your brood is in the mood for spooky scarecrows or not-so-scary Spooky Fests, there is plenty of fun to be had this season.

Our list continues to evolve, so check back regularly for updates on attractions and trick-or-treating opportunities for Long Island families, and be sure to bookmark our Long Island Halloween Guide and Long Island Fall Fun Guide for all the top family-friendly seasonal activities.

Celebrate Halloween Year-Round at Farmingdale's Haunted House of Hamburgers

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 09/19/2025 - 11:24am

The Haunted House of Hamburgers has eye-popping displays inside and out.

The Haunted House of Hamburgers is a frightfully fun dining experience where Halloween is observed all year long. The Farmingdale restaurant's spooky vibes and delicious bites make it ideal for families with kiddos of all ages.

Read on for all the details about my family's recent visit and our multi-sensory experience.

Check out our rundown on other Themed Restaurants on Long Island and get into the haunted holiday mood with our full Guide to Halloween Fun and Activities on Long Island.

The Ultimate Guide to 2025 Fall Festivals for Long Island Families

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 08/31/2025 - 10:10am

The Bellmore Family Street Festival has carnival rides and plenty more fun for kids. Photo by author

Crisp air, cozy sweaters, and cider donuts—yes, fall is officially in the air on Long Island, and that means it’s fair and festival season.

From farm fields full of pumpkin patches to hayrides, corn mazes, carnival games and rides and more, we’ve rounded up the very best fall festivals happening across Long Island this September and October.

No matter where you live–Nassau, Suffolk, or the East End–autumn on Long Island is beautiful, and there’s plenty of family fun to be had.

Check out our Fall Fun Guide for more ideas, like pumpkin picking and corn mazes.

23 Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids September 2025, From Mommy Poppins Editors

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 7:45am

Families can celebrate Long Island's agricultural heritage at the Hallockville Museum Farm Country Fair. Photo by author

Labor Day kicks off September activities, launching Long Island's season of apple picking, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes.

September on Long Island is like a giant reset button for families—school’s back, routines are kind of returning, and suddenly the weekends are packed with fall fun. From the first signs of sweater weather to the smell of roasted corn in the air, it’s officially fair and festival season!

This month, families can cheer on the paddlers at the Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival, get creative at the Draw Out! Community Arts Festival at The Heckscher Museum, and soak up all the old-fashioned charm of the Long Island Fair.

Keep reading for our favorite family-friendly things to do on Long Island in September—you’ll want to mark your calendar for these can't-miss events.

Labor Day Weekend 2025 on Long Island: Hampton Classic and More Top Things To Do

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 7:44am

The Hamptons Classic hosts a special Kids' Day this weekend. Photo courtesy of the Hampton Classic Horse Show

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Labor Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

This holiday weekend is packed with family-friendly fun that celebrates culture and tradition. The Shinnecock Powwow returns to Southampton, bringing one of the East Coast’s largest indigenous gatherings to life with ceremonial dances, prayers, drumming, and competitive dancing. Meanwhile, over at the Hampton Classic Horse Show, little ones can get their fill of pony admiration, crafts, and face painting at the Children’s Tent—and don’t miss Kids’ Day for extra activities.

Looking for something unique? Korea Fest in Huntington is a joyful, family-friendly celebration of Korean culture with traditional games, beauty demos, music, fashion, and food.

What to Do on Shelter Island with Kids: A Family Day Trip Guide

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 08/08/2025 - 7:38am

The eastern most tip of Shelter Island is Reel Point, an ideal seashell seeking spot.

As if a ferry ride itself isn’t enough excitement for your little ones, there’s plenty more to explore on Shelter Island. This charming destination on Long Island's East End is known for its family-friendly activities, quiet beaches, spectacular views, and a host of wildlife. Marvel at the calm waters of the Shelter Island Sound and Peconic Bay as you approach this idyllic retreat.

Our Hamptons and North Fork Guide is packed with family-friendly activities on Shelter Island and all of the East End of Long Island, including 50 ideas of what to do and where.

31 Things Every Long Island Kid Should Do Before Heading Back-to-School

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 08/03/2025 - 11:58am

Take a thrilling final run down the water slide at Splish Splash in Calverton before summer is over. Photo courtesy of the park

With summer 2025 winding down, we've rounded up dozens of the best things to do on Long Island with kids before they head back to school, from cooling off at water playgrounds and outdoor pools to enjoying pick-your-own flower farms or festivals and street fairs.

Read on for our top picks, and browse our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide for even more seasonal fun.

Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

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