Viewing entries tagged
fun on long island

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CoolMess

Roslyn, NY

free parking lot

www.coolmess.com

A fantastic activity with kids any age or gender, this is both an ice cream shop and a diner in one! Whether you just want to buy some ice cream and chose from a variety of toppings including candy, chocolate and cereal. Or if you want to actually make your own and pay to sit a table and get an ice cream making machine. You can chose vanilla or chocolate ice cream as a base and three topping. This is super fun any season and a great space. They also have a birthday party room as well as a side room with some toys.

View the gallery above and videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page. 

 

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Active Kidz Long Island

Jericho, NY

Admission Fee, free parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.activekidzlongisland.com

I was always interested in visiting this place with my young boys. There were always Groupon deals available, but I wasn’t willing to take the risk to drive 40 minutes and be disappointed. So when my older son was invited to a birthday here, it was the perfect opportunity to go scope out the scene. This is by far may favorite indoor space on Long Island for the children! It has an inflatable fun zone, an adventure maze, laser tag, an arcade, rock climbing and more. Your entry fee is based on what activity you prefer to do the given day. At the birthday party, we had access to the adventure maze and laser tag which were fantastic. The adventure maze is perfect for kids I’d say up to ten years old and the laser tag for five and older! Adults can play too! Definitely check out this place on a weekend or a school break!

View the videos below for a better idea.  Please add your feedback in the comments section and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for live adventures.  And don't forget to share with your friends if you appreciate this page. 

 

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Windy Acres Farm

Calveton, NY (North Fork Long Island)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer Fall

Facebook Page

Price:  $8 per bag, everyone needs one to enter.  Upick begins at 10.  

Hours of Operation:  8am-6pm (always ask on facebook page before you go as it is different on weekdays)

631-727-4554

Gallery

This is a family run farm (there is a lot of child labor here...you will see when you get there) that offers a variety of u-pic fruits and vegetables. Check the facebook page above for what's in season.  They are very responsive to your questions.  

Although I haven't been to many pick your own farms (this adventure makes my total a whopping two), I can say with certainty that if you live in Nassau County, Brooklyn or Queens, this should be the closest U-Pic farm to you that also has other amenities (playground, corn maze, hay ride, animals, etc.)  On top of this, not many farms have apples and vegetables and other fruits.  I came here the first week of September when: 1) the weather is still warm and crisp and 2) you can get apples, peaches, nectarines, peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, string beans, zucchini which you can't get every weekend because they are no longer in season.

In addition, they sell roasted corn on weekends (not all that).  And hot dogs, churros, pretzels, apple cider, donuts (all that), affordable pies (all that), cookies, french fries, and more.  

People have claimed that this is one of the more affordable farms, and I trust their judgement.

For a list of other farms to try out, click here.

Things to know before you go:  If it is raining, message them on their facebook page before you go.  If there is a little sprinkle, they stay open.  They also have port a potties.  They also offer free wagons but they are limited.

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Go to the Tanger Outlet in Riverhead for some shopping, even though the prices aren't so discounted.  If you go here during the summer for berry picking, an hour should be enough and then you can either head to Splish Splash next door or drive a few minutes north (follow your navigation) and you'll be sure to hit the Long Island Sound. There is a local private beach here worth just going and taking a few shots of the kids afterwards (or if you have the guts, trespass and enjoy your day!.  

Check the gallery above and videos below and add your feedback in the comments section. Follow me on instagram and facebook for my latest adventures.  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate!   

 

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Cupsogue Beach

Westhampton Dunes, NY

$17 dollar parking

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

There are two beaches in the Westhamptons that are public.  One is Tiana Beach on the complete east end of Dunes Road (where the houses are more grand and have bigger lots....much more scenic drive if you ask me) and the other is Cupsogue Beach on the complete west end of Dunes Road (the videos below will give you an idea of the houses you will see along the way). Both beaches are about a ten to fifteen minute local drive down Dunes road from Rogers Beach, a private beach for residents of Westhampton.  

Rogers is the best of the three in terms of their showers, and proximity to the town..but too bad if you are not a resident.  Scratch this off your bucket list unless you have a rich friend! 

Tiana is the best in terms of the scenic drive and the short distance between the parking lot and beach....however the bathrooms close at 5pm.  

Cupsogue is awesome because it is only $17 parking ($9 if you have a green pass and are a suffolk resident) as opposed to $25 at Tiana, however, it is a long walk to the beach and the parking lot allegedly fills up by 10am on weekends (even though we got there at 1 and got lucky as some cars were leaving...try your luck if you want to save $8...but if you are driving a long distance, play it safe with Tiana as their parking attendant alleged it never fills up...including on weekends).  Also, I preferred their showers to Tiana's and I believe their bathrooms are open later than 5pm.

The big draw here is the live band (the gallery above shows an image of what days and times they play).  I was once told they only play on Saturdays at 5pm so I was surprised to find a couple of bands here on a Sunday as well (they have a bar stand serving beer here as well).  It makes the beach experience extra amazing during sundown.  Except, who wants to stay here for dinner when the main town of Westhampton is so charming and offers so many cute shops and great restaurants?  Unless you stay here till sundown and go to Main Street after.  Make sure you click on the Tiana Beach link gallery to see pictures of Westhampton Beach town which is as close to Cupsogue Beach as it is to Tiana (equadistant).

They also have a great restaurant here (menu and pictures in the gallery above) called The Beach Hut.  I've noticed many beaches on the south shore don't have the greatest selection of food but here seemed to have a lot to offer (even though we didn't dine here).

The water was also clear and the waves this 83 degree and sunny day were the biggest I have ever seen in New York (they were about 15 feet height). Perhaps it was just the day or it happens to be always???  The regulars would know better.  

For a list of more beaches, click here.

Check the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), videos below, and add your comments.  And follow me on facebook and instagram to see my live adventures!  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

 

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Sea Cliff Beach

Sea Cliff, NY

Admission $15 per adult $10 per child (or so the lady told me when I went here on the weekend....may be less on weekdays if you try)

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

This is a charming beach located in a charming town on the North Shore of Long Island!  A hidden gem if you will that has a cost for non-residents.  It is only open on weekends until the beach officially open the last week of June. I'm not certain if there is a different rate on weekdays but I'm sure they'll be less strict then and might not even charge.  Or try to go on a weekday before it officially opens to the public and you'll get in free of charge as I did (but the concession stand won't be open on weekdays until then).   The beach is on the Long Island Sound and has more shells than you'd expect, so have a pair of sandals that are good for going in the water with!  Advisory: Call in advance as weather changes can cause potential pollution and rain can potentially cause an increase in bacteria.  The beach may be closed in this event. 

Kill a few birds with one stone:  This entire peninsula is filled with beautiful homes!  Sea Cliff itself has very old Victorian style homes while other towns such as Mill Neck, Oyster Bay, Centre Island, Brookville, Locust Valley and others offer more grand mansions with lots of land.  There is so much else to do around here such as other nearby beaches and an amusement park.  You can also visit Sea Cliff Avenue for cute shops just a couple blocks away from Sea Cliff Beach.  

For a list of other beaches, click here.

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

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Bayville Adventure Park

Bayville, NY

Prices available on website

www.bayvilleadventurepark.com

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

I went here on a 70 degree and overcast day.  So figure it's a bit chillier here because it's across the street from Stehli Beach.  It also started drizzling an hour after we got here.  The great things about this amusement park are that it's 1)  very small and quaint; 2)  very very charming; 3)  different than other amusement parks; 4) across from the beach so on a hot summer day you can kill two birds with one stone; 5) you can pay per ride and per person so if you only want to go on the bumper boats, as we did, you don't have to pay a huge fee; and 5)  has an adorable bumper boat ride (you can shoot water at each other).  If you go after 3 you can do the beach and then go to the park at night if it is still open.  But check to see what time it's open till.  I'm sure the lights at night are extra cute.  Make sure you do this on a hot summer day.  It was not so bad going on a more mild day because the park was less crowded and we got to stay on the bumper cars as long as we wanted and got our money's worth.  

I understand another great time to go here is starting September 22nd and ending October 31st when it turns into Bayville Scream Park. Check the website for more information on how many days the Haunted House (voted the scariest on Long Island) is open. This is a great place to go with older kids!  

Always check www.groupon.com for deals before you go.  

Kill a few birds with one stone:  Visit Soundside Beach Club just a couple miles east on Bayville Avenue if you go in the summer.  Stehli Beach across the street is not open to the public.  See below for videos of our day here.  

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

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Adventureland

Farmingdale, NY

prices available on website; half price for children with special needs and one parent; disability pass available at City Hall in the park

www.adventureland.us

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

The only thing bad about going here on a 65 degree day is that the three water rides won't be so tempting!  Other than that, this is a great amusement park for preschool children and older kids alike!  There are rides for all to enjoy and lines aren't too crazy.  I lost my amusement-park-with-the-children-virginity to Disney World so this place was a breeze.  Not too big, free parking, food, arcade, outdoor rides, roller coasters, water rides...you name it they have!  I was here for six hours and could have gone the distance!  I will definitely come here again!  Perhaps in the afternoon on a hot summer day leading to sundown when the amusement park is all lit up and infinitely more charming!   And always check www.groupon.com for deals before you go.  

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

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Sands Point Preserve

Sands Point, NY

Parking Lot Fee, Admission Fee for Inside Mansion (some libraries offer free passes)

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

www.sandspointpreserveconservancy.org

I have been here two times. And depending on the week and the weather, had two very different experiences. The first time, I wasn't entirely impressed by the grounds and garden (because it was a cloudy and chilly day in April and the rose garden had no blossoms). I went mid week with my friends and was unable to explore the insides of Castle Gould and Hempstead House. Castle Gould is like nothing I've ever seen (from the outside).   It brings you back to medieval times!  The second time I went was with my children and husband the first week of June and the garden was in full bloom and absolutely exquisite. It was also warm enough to walk down to the beach and enjoy the sand and water which is perfect on a hot day. I did not get to hike with my children but I did enjoy the one mile trail with my friends (there is so much to see here and I have only explored one half of the preserve).

For acquiring free passes, contact your local library.  For Great Neck residents, click here www.greatnecklibrary.org.

Click on the gallery above to view pictures, the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  And follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!

Long Island Sound Beach

Hiking Trail Pond

Rose Garden

 

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Muddworks

Great Neck, NY

$8 per one hour per person, $12 cheapest pottery piece (a letter)

Optimum Seasons:  Winter or a Rainy Day

www.mudd-works.com

If your children love to paint and decorate, take them here where they can create artwork on a pottery piece of your choice.  This is a wonderful and therapeutic activity for parents and children alike.  I have not been with my sons as they don't have enough attention span to sit and paint, but I took advantage of babysitting my nieces one day and going with them!  This is an adorable place with great service!  If you are on a tight budget and you have a few children, have them share one pottery piece and let them know you don't want to glaze the piece.  You may get a better price this way.  I couldn't glaze the piece as it takes a week to get ready and my nieces were leaving back home for Toronto.  

On Thursday nights from 6-9 they have adult night so you don't always have to go with your children.  Gather your friends or go with your spouse!  Call in advance to see if there is a special promotion on that day!  

Check the gallery above for a better idea (best viewed on desktop for captions).  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate!!!

 

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Chocolate Works

Manhasset, NY

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.chocolateworks.com or www.facebook.com/ManhassetChocolateWorks

Chocolate here is Kosher, but beware, the candy is not!  Call in advance and you can reserve a 45 minute session for $15.  You can create your own chocolate bar or lollypops here.  Wonderful, creative and delicious activity to do with your children!

Click the gallery above and add your comments and feedback below.  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share this page if you appreciate.

 

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Robert Moses State Park

Babylon, NY

Parking Fee

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

IMG_2267.jpg

This is the most western point of Fire Island, and is the only point that is accessible by car.  I have been to both Field 5 and Field 4, and can say that there is absolutely no difference except that Field 5 has a playground. You are also able to cross over by foot into Fire Island's nearby towns like Kismet from the eastern parking lot (Field 5), and walk to the Fire Island Lighthouse (which I didn't care to do).  This beach is a wonderful beach for adults and children alike. It is not such a long walk if you have a stroller.  In my opinion, it has the best concession stand of all beaches on Long Island!  An added bonus for men: there are plenty of exposed boobs when you walk east on the shore line towards the Fire Island beach where nudity is permitted. Also, parking is only $10 per vehicle!

For a list of other beaches, click here.

Check the video below to get a better idea!  Follow me on facebook and instagram for live adventures.  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate!

 

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Nickerson Beach

Long Beach, NY

Parking Fee

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

This was quite possibly the worst beach experience of my life.  If you have a child in a stroller, this is not the place for you!  The walk from the parking lot to the beach is approximately give or take a quarter of a mile and the concession stand is far from the beach front.  Please note never to go to this beach unless you are a member!  The other beaches on the Long Beach strip are infinitely better!

For a list of other beaches, click here.

Check out the video below of my children having a blast in a pool of urine!  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate.

 

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Point Lookout

Long Beach, N

Parking Fee

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

This is the furthest east on the Long Beach strip.  It has a great concession stand but a massive parking lot and a long walk to the water.  I'd rather skip this experience and drive down a few miles west to Lido Beach West, same water, same price, more privacy!

For a list of other beaches, click here.

Click on the gallery above to view pictures (best viewed on a desktop for captions) and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below! Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate! 

 

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Lido Beach West

Long Beach, N

Parking Fee

Optimum Seasons:  Summer

I love this beach for it's short distance from the parking lot to the water, its concession stand, the crowd, how clean the water is, and how private it is. This is by far the best of all the beaches on the Long Beach strip.  Tip:  if you are going on a weekend, make sure you arrive before 11am as the parking lot fills up fast!

For a list of other beaches, click here.

Click on the gallery above to view pictures (best viewed on desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share this page with your friends if you appreciate!

 

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Chuck E. Cheese's

New York, NY

Buy tickets for arcade games

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.chuckecheese.com

See Dave & Buster's.  Same idea!  I buy minimum tickets here and stay for hours!  I have only been to the one in Flushing, where you have to pay for indoor parking.  Twice was more than enough for my eyes and theirs to see! This is a great time killer when the kids are off from school, but not really my cup of tea!  Tip:  If you want to avoid paying for parking, go to the Chuck E Cheese's in Hicksville.

Kill two birds with one stone:  Shop around the mall if you go to the one in Flushing. 

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see my next adventure!  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

 

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Dave and Buster's

New York, NY

Buy tickets for arcade games

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.daveandbusters.com

My children are extremely low maintenance!  And perhaps, not too bright!  I can walk into any arcade and have them sit on a driver's seat with a steering wheel, and they actually think they are playing the game.  I don't spend one dollar whenever I go here, and my children experience joy all the same!  Also, the Dave and Buster's located in the Source mall is wonderful because it has a Carousel ride for children!  

Check the gallery above for pictures (best viewed on desktop for captions) and add your comments below.  Follow me on instagram and facebook for life adventures.  And share this page if you appreciate!

 

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Bowling

New York, NY

Fee for Bowling Lane

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

Any local bowling alley should get the job done here!  Or if you want to go on a real adventure, head to Manhattan's Chelsea Piers or the super hip Bowlmor Times Square.  Always look out for groupon deals as well! 

Check the gallery above (best viewed on desktop for captions) add your comments below.  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures. And share with your friends if you appreciate this page!

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Pump It Up

Manhasset, NY

Admission Fee, free parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.pumpitupparty.com

Pump It Up, or more fittingly, Suck It Up, is an indoor gym with different sized jumping castles.  Bring an oxygen mask (there is nothing resembling air in this place), a beach chair (or seating), and a bottle of water and snacks for your children.  Too bad my kids love it here!!!!!!  

Check the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions) and add your comments below.  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

 

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Once Upon a Tree Top

Plainview, NY

indoors witch children

Admission Fee, free parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Winter

www.onceuponatreetop.com

If you want to experience hell before you die, but unfortunately, what seems like heaven for your children, this is the place to visit during winter break. And if you want a sure thing for either the flu, stomach virus, or common cold, definitely stop by here for a couple hours (one of which is just waiting on a line with screaming children).  With all that said, this is a great place for children to let their imaginations run wild!  So definitely visit at least once in your life and theirs!

Check the video below for a better idea and add your comments.  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

 

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Vanderbilt Estate Long Island

Centerport, NY

Admission Fee (some libraries offer free passes), free parking lot

Optimum Seasons:  Spring, Summer, Fall

www.vanderbiltmuseum.org/mansion

I had been here once on a field trip in elementary school.  I decided to revisit nearly 25 years later with my child, mom, sister and aunt so I can have a better sense of what teachers were trying to make us appreciate. As an adult, you appreciate the architecture behind this Spanish-style mansion more than you could as a young child.  And you are much more interested in the stories that comes with the different rooms in the mansion!  Every inch and detail is fascinating!

For acquiring free passes, contact your local library.  For Great Neck residents, click here www.greatnecklibrary.org.

Kill a few birds with one stone:  If you are here during the summer, you can visit Asharoken Beach and the town of Northport afterwards (just a ten minute drive away).  

Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions) and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below!  Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures.  And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.

 

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