Jennifer Voit

Jennifer Voit, a mom of two, lives on Long Island and loves exploring Nassau and Suffolk counties with her family. With a background in broadcast journalism and digital content, she enjoys sharing local news, events, and experiences. A photography enthusiast, she’s often behind the lens capturing the beauty of Long Island and NYC.

Latest posts by Jennifer

Dive Into the Whaling Museum's "Monsters & Mermaids" Exhibit in Cold Spring Harbor

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on Mon, 10/14/2024 - 7:40am

At Monsters & Mermaids explore how human interest in mermaids is timeless.

A visit to the Whaling Museum & Education Center in Cold Spring Harbor is nautical fun for the whole family. This Suffolk County gem is home to historical Long Island maritime exhibits and whaling industry artifacts dating back to the 19th century.

The museum's new exhibition, “Monsters & Mermaids,” transports kids and adults into a mythical world of mermaids, sirens, and legendary deep-sea creatures. Mermaid-loving kids and aspiring ocean explorers, like my little ones, were dazzled by the exhibit's hands-on crafts, interactive oceanic folklore fun, scavenger hunt, and more.

Read on for details that will help you plan your family’s Whaling Museum adventure, and check out our Guide to the Best Museums for Kids on Long Island for more tips on visiting LI's top cultural instituations.

Long Island Libraries with Great Play Spaces and Children's Rooms

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on Mon, 09/30/2024 - 7:26am

Westbury Memorial Public Library has a separate children's library building with play spaces. Photo by the author

Libraries across Long Island provide incredible opportunities for kids to learn, play, read, and explore. Parents can entertain kids for hours in any season and weather with a visit to one of the fantastic, hands-on, FREE play spaces and children's rooms many Long Island library branches offer.

From building blocks galore to exciting nature discovery zones to wooden trains to board, Long Island libraries offer kids a place to let their imaginations soar. We’ve rounded up a list of destination-worthy Long Island libraries with memorable play areas, both indoors and outdoors. For more family adventures as the weather cools off check out our Free Things to Do Indoors on Long Island and 15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island.

Best Arts and Crafts Birthday Party Places on Long Island for Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on Fri, 09/06/2024 - 8:56am

Casa De Spin in Massapequa offers a unique take on canvas-painting parties. Photo courtesy of the studio

Craft-themed birthday party places across Long Island offer festive, art-filled interactive events for kids. Party packages accommodate different age groups, from young kids to tweens and teens. Art-loving kids can celebrate with a cool canvas paint party, doll fashion design bash, plaster craft fun, and more hands-on creations at these unique venues.

Read ahead for our picks of the best arts and crafts birthday party places to start planning a memorable celebration. And check out our Long Island Party Guide for even more great birthday party ideas.

15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on Fri, 08/16/2024 - 7:28am

Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit

Long Island's indoor family fun centers are a great way to spend an action-packed day with kids. Our round-up of LI's indoor amusement parks will have toddlers and kids using their boundless energy to bounce, climb, play, jump, and slide through rainy or cold weather days.

Waivers are required for kids to participate at most family fun centers, along with grip socks. Mega indoor playgrounds are popular for birthday parties and open play, so be sure to call or check websites before your visit. Many family fun centers also offer sensory calming spaces or times for kids with special needs.

Read on for all the details of the best family fun centers, arcades, and indoor go-kart tracks on Long Island. For more indoor fun ideas, check out our Free Things to do Indoors on Long Island and 25 Things to do Indoors on a Rainy Day.

This New Long Island Play Cafe Transports Guests to Paris

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on Sun, 08/11/2024 - 5:36am

Madeline’s Play Cafe in Glen Cove is Parisian-themed play cafe that kids and parents will enjoy.

Madeline’s Play Cafe in Glen Cove, a recently-opened Parisian-themed cafe and indoor play space in Nassau County, offers kids enchanting recreation opportunities. The space includes a carousel, rock wall, ball pit, and slides.

The woman-owned play cafe is designed for interactive fun and learning the whole family can share. I've found that this charming play cafe near me is a memorable way to spend an afternoon with the kids.

Read on for everything you need to know about a visit to Madeline’s Play Cafe and find more top indoor play spaces in Nassau County and indoor fun spots in Suffolk County.

Westhampton Beach Debuts New Playground

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on Mon, 08/05/2024 - 9:35am

Kids can immerse themselves in the pirate theme at the newly renovated Ria Del Bene Memorial Playground.

Westhampton Beach unveils a new action-packed pirate ship playground experience at Ria Del Bene Memorial Playground. Families with younger and older kids will love the redesigned village play space in Suffolk County. The new equipment transports families with a vibrant, interactive pirate theme that my kids had a blast exploring.

Read on for the nautical details of this new gem on Long Island's playground scene.

For even more family outdoor adventures check out our Guide to Park and Playgrounds on Long Island and our Ultimate Long Island Summer Vacation Guide.

Themed Restaurants on Long Island for Family-Friendly Dining

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on Fri, 08/02/2024 - 11:08am

The ambiance is always a little spooky at the Witches Brew in West Hempstead. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Family-friendly restaurants on Long Island are a great place to make unforgettable memories with kids, and many have fun themes or interactive experiences the whole family can enjoy together. From haunted hamburger houses to shipwreck diners to cotton candy desserts, we’ve rounded up the best themes and unique restaurant fun Long Island has to offer.

Check out our Family-Friendly Long Island Restaurant Guide for more kid-friendly spots to dine, including where kids eat free and more.

Thomas and Friends Come to Life at LICM this Summer with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Voit on Thu, 07/18/2024 - 12:32pm

The lovable blue tank engine Thomas and his friends have rolled into Long Island. Children's Museum.

Family fun is always plentiful at the Long Island Children's Museum in Garden City. Summer's arrival brings with it an interactive Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails exhibit, plus some seasonal outdoor fun, making this a perfect time to revisit the local kiddie culture spot, one of our favorite Long Island museums for kids.

Read on for all the details and start planning your next LICM visit. After all, this Long Island gem checks in at No. 31 on our epic summer bucket list.

Jennifer Voit

Latest posts by Jennifer

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