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 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/03/2025 - 11:44am

Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro

All across Long Island, there are free play spaces and indoor playgrounds to keep your kids happily occupied–so there's no need to stay home just because cold weather is upon us. From malls to bookstores and libraries, there is plenty of free fun to be had on Long Island for kids.

Enjoy these unique play destinations, but remember that most venues require that a parent/adult is present to supervise children.

For more indoor fun, don't forget to check out our guide to r ainy-day activities on Long Island, and discover all the free events and activities near you in our guide to Free Things to Do With Kids on Long Island.

Fun Free Activities for Kids in January 2025: 21 Free Things To Do on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 12/29/2024 - 6:36am

Take in the model train display at the Town of Babylon History Museum. Photo by the author

Looking for FREE things to do on Long Island in January? Read on for lots of great options.

From nature outings to indoor crafts to STEM opportunities, these options offer some awesome ways to spend time doing fun, family-friendly things that won’t cost you a cent.

For more things to do that won’t bust your budget, check out our roundup of free indoor play spaces on Long Island, our Winter Fun Guide, and our rundown of Long Island restaurants where kids eat free.

New Year's Eve Weekend 2024 on Long Island: Balloon Drops & Noon Year's Eve

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 12/27/2024 - 8:44am

Celebrate counting down to the new year at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island on New Year's Eve weekend to ring in 2025? From fireworks to drone shows to balloon drops, here are our top activities to add to your list this holiday weekend.

Close out the year with some good, old-fashioned family fun. Marvel at a free holiday train display in Ridge or Babylon. Or wear your favorite pajamas and immerse yourself in a world of Grinchy mischief and holiday cheer at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

New Year's Eve falls on a weekday, but you can pick whatever time works for your family. Ring in Noon Year’s Eve at the Long Island Explorium or Long Island Children's Museum. Or combine your celebration with a meal at the Fishes and Wishes New Year's Eve Dinner at the Long Island Aquarium, which includes meet and greets with cute animal ambassadors.

Of course, through the new year, folks can frolic through LuminoCity's Sweet Dream illuminating display at Eisenhower Park. Bonus: Mommy Poppins readers receive 20% off tickets with code MPNY20.

Happy 2025 Long Island families, from all of us at Mommy Poppins. We can't wait to keep exploring with you in the new year.

New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Other Long Island Celebrations for Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 12/22/2024 - 7:43pm

The Long Island Children's Museum's New Year's Eve party has themed activities, a ball drop, and a confetti-filled dance party. Photo courtesy LICM

Ring in New Year's Eve with a big, bold bash at one of these Long Island spots hosting events hours earlier than midnight.

No matter how old your kids are, there are plenty of family-friendly New Year's Eve events across Long Island to help you welcome 2025. Our top picks for daytime New Year's Eve celebrations include roller skating, balloon drops, and gaming. At night, folks can head to a downtown area for a Times Square feel as Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, and Patchogue light up their Main Streets with celebrations.

Here's to a happy and healthy new year, Long Island!

Christmas Weekend 2024 on Long Island: Holiday Lights, Shows, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 12/20/2024 - 9:56am

Enjoy a 19th-century version of Christmas at Old Bethpage Village. Photo courtesy of Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Christmas weekend? Here are some awesome events and activities for kids to add to your list for Christmas 2024.

Christmas weekend has arrived on Long Island, and holiday fun abounds. There's still time to enjoy seasonal treats like Christmas House Long Island at Broadway Mall and LuminoCity at Eisenhower Park. Bonus for Mommy Poppins readers: You get exclusive discounts on both with our promo codes!

You can also marvel at the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show and Enchanted Forest or frolic through the Holiday Trail of Lights at the Smithtown Historical Society. Or, walk through the Sayville Falls Holiday Light Show & Winter Garden, a new attraction this holiday season.

Christmas Vacation on Long Island: 30 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 12/13/2024 - 5:37am

At the Engeman Theater, join Jenny and Frosty on an adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville. Photo courtesy of the theater

Here are our picks for the top things to do on LI over Christmas break.

Sayville Falls Transforms Mini Golf Course into Winter Garden

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 12/09/2024 - 7:19am

Sayville Falls Mini Golf has brought a new holiday attraction to Long Island.

A new addition to the Long Island holiday activity scene, Sayville Falls Miniature Golf is illuminating its grounds with a holiday light show and winter garden.

Upon arrival, our brood of five couldn't decide what we wanted to explore first. This year-round attraction hit a hole-in-one with its well-executed winter wonderland. Read on for our full review and what you should know before you go.

For more seasonal festivities, check out our Long Island Guide to Holiday Fun, including our list of 25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities on Long Island.

22 Free Holiday and Christmas Events on Long Island for Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 12/01/2024 - 5:51am

Take in Hicks Nurseries' Animated Christmas Story for free this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Hicks Nurseries

Looking for FREE Christmas events on Long Island? Read on for tons of great options.

We love to visit decked out downtown areas during the holidays. At Miracle on Main Street in Sayville, we enjoy the ice sculptures, ice skating, and live reindeer spottings. At the old fashioned Christmas in Bellmore, we love to ride in a horse and buggy and clip-clop down the town's main strip.

We're also looking forward to taking our eyes to the skies at the Fire Island Lighthouse and in East Hampton as Santa makes an aerial entrance in both areas. He also arrives by boat in Riverhead ahead of a festive parade and bonfire.

Any of these events will keep your family entertained, and you'll still be able to afford those last-minute gifts. Find all our top picks for holiday fun in our Long Island Christmas Guide.

Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

Pages