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

Best Fall Fairs and Festivals for Long Island Families

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 09/02/2018 - 7:30am

Jack-o'-lanterns alight on Belmont Lake during the Great Jack-o'-Lantern Spectacular Sail. Photo courtesy of Long Island State Parks and Recreation

The leaves soon will turn and the smell of apple cider donuts and roasted corn will be in the air.

Soon, you’ll have to put on an extra layer to keep warm, but no one really will mind if it means enjoying a seasonal treat and spending some family time outside. It’s fall fairs and festivals season, and we’ve pulled together a list of some of the best this September and October, including a peek into Halloween fun. So grab a sweater and enjoy this in-between season before the real chill sets in.

No matter where you live—Nassau, Suffolk, or the East End—fall on Long Island is beautiful, and there’s plenty of family fun to be had. Check out our fall fun guide for more ideas.

Top Free Events in September for Long Island Family Fun

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 08/28/2018 - 12:30pm

Enjoy fall family fun at Hicks Nurseries with Otto the friendly ghost. Photo courtesy of Hicks Nurseries

After a summer of splurge, most Long Island families are falling back into routines and re-padding their pockets.

But events and activities for full-on family fun do not have to break the bank. We've rounded up a bunch for back-to-school month that pack a freebie punch.

For other free fun, check out our list of playgrounds, boardwalks and fishing spots. Of course, admission fees at most Long Island beaches aren't collected after Labor Day. On any given day, peep our calendar for a list of updated events.

Marine Nature Study Area: An Outdoor Lab for Family Adventure

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 08/24/2018 - 1:25pm

"Earl" the Egret greets visitors during their walk around the nature area.

Explore the great outdoors at the Marine Nature Study Area in Oceanside, a South Shore seaside environment preserve ripe for a self-guided expedition.

The education and conservation of m arine lif e have played such a large part in Long Island's past, and we are fortunate to have places such as the Long Island Aquarium, South Fork Natural History Museum, and Quogue Wildlife Preserve to help keep it alive in the present.

For more FREE fun, check out our list of playgrounds, boardwalks and fishing spots. After Labor Day, most beach fees on Long Island are not collected. Before heading out, peruse our calendar for a list of updated events.

Long Island Explorium: Port Jefferson's Rebranded Learning Center

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 08/19/2018 - 7:16pm

The Long Island Explorium offers weekly programs for wee-ones called Little Sparks.

Take your tiny tinkerer on a hands-on adventure to the newly rebranded Long Island Explorium.

Located in the historic and charming Chandlery Building at Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson, the previously named Maritime Explorium offers kids the chance to discover how much fun learning can be. Its STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) programs, classes, and exhibits aim to spark creativity and ignite imaginations. Don't worry about telling wee ones to keep their hands to themselves here: Touching is encouraged.

Check out more STEM programs on Long Island here. Likewise, many schools, camps, and museums across Long Island offer classes and workshops with a focus on STEAM education. While in quaint Port Jefferson, check out our visitor's guide to see what else is a must-do, see, or eat.

Hall of Fishes Reopens at LI's Vanderbilt Museum

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 07/23/2018 - 1:35pm

Exhibits at the Vanderbilt Museum's Hall of Fishes show the diversity of local marine life. Photo courtesy of the museum

The Vanderbilt Museum, a marine and natural history museum in Centerport, recently reopened its Hall of Fishes, a spectacle of restored flamingos, shore bird dioramas, and an undersea painting.

Add this museum to your summer bucket list and to your list of top educational destinations in Suffolk County. Check off more with our 50 FREE things to do with Long Island kids. Of course, our Summer Fun Guide, is a comprehensive guide to all things warm weather and family-friendly.

New Spray Park Splashes Into Elwood in Suffolk County

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 07/22/2018 - 1:00pm

The spray park is sure to thrill kids young and old.

Get soaked and stoked at Long Island's newest water park, the Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo Memorial Spray Park. A first in the Town of Huntington, this water play area is small in size, but pours out big fun.

Check out more super sprinkler parks on Long Island here.

To splash into other watery fun, take a peek at our guide to Long Island amusement parks and water parks. For even more kid-friendly activities, check out our Summer Fun Guide and our recommendations for the best beach playgrounds as well as other top playgrounds and parks on LI.

7 Long Island Boardwalk Gems Kids Will Love

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 07/01/2018 - 11:45am

What's better than an after dinner family walk along the boardwalk at Long Beach?

The best part of the beach isn't always sand and water. Sometimes, it's a quaint stroll along the boardwalk. And Long Island has plenty of these planked paths dotting its shores.

Gone are the splinter fears and potential pitfalls of yesterday; most Long Island boardwalks have been refurbished with less flammable, sustainable woods. These boardwalk spots offer something special for kids and adults alike. Best of all, besides a nominal parking fee for some, these are FREE.

Here are a half-dozen of our favorite Long Island boardwalks, including a few you might not immediately associate with the ocean. From Nassau County to Suffolk and the East End, they are yours to explore.

For more seasonal fun, be sure to see our Summer Fun Guide, our list of the best beaches, water parks, and sprinkler parks and perhaps even our guide to LI beach playgrounds and outdoor music.

And for FREE summer fun, check out our list of 50 FREE things to do with Long Island kids this summer.

New Water Slides at LI's Splish Splash Are Sure to Thrill

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sat, 06/30/2018 - 4:00pm

New water slides Riptide Racer, right, and Bombs Away will delight aquatic thrill seekers at Splish Splash.

Get wet 'n wild at Long Island's East End waterpark, Splish Splash, this summer with the addition of two new high-speed thrill rides, Riptide Racer and Bombs Away.

Looking for more ways to soak up fun in the sun? Check out these Long Island sprinkler parks, pools, water parks, slides and beaches. As always, our Summer Fun Guide has you covered for more seasonal fun. If you're looking for added inspiration, see our list of 25 must-do activities with kids on Long Island this summer; 50 great things to do on the East End with kids; and our guide to summer day trips in and around Long Island.

On a budget? Take a gander at our list of 50 FREE things to do with kids on Long Island this summer.

Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

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