Thien August

Latest posts by Thien August

Best Outdoor Swimming Pools on Long Island Summer 2025

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 06/20/2025 - 9:36am

The complex at Centereach Pool offers lane swimming and a splash pad area for younger kids. Photo courtesy of Centereach Pool

The best Long Island swimming pools for families include spots in Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End. Kid-friendly pools on Long Island are a perfect place for everyone in the family to cool off, splash around, and have a great time. Some of the pools even have splash pads and kiddie pool areas for the little ones to enjoy.

We've rounded up a list of swimming pools across Long Island that are ready to welcome swimmers this summer 2025. For even more seasonal fun, check out our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, which is packed with activities and destinations sure to keep you entertained all summer long.

2025 Ultimate Guide to Long Island Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds

Submitted by Thien August on Sun, 05/18/2025 - 10:57am

Cantiague Park's splash pad offers water play for all ages.

Hitting up a sprinkler park or splash pad on Long Island is a great way for kids to cool off on a hot day. Many splash pads feature whimsical themes, fun spray structures, mini pools, and even dumping buckets!

Some sprinkler parks are free to the public, some charge an admission fee, while others are for residents only. We've broken down our list of splash pads below into three categories: free, fee, and resident-only.

Read on for our list of Long Island's best sprinkler parks and splash pads to explore this season. For more kid-friendly activities, check out our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, which includes our top picks for the Best Beach Playgrounds on Long Island.

Strawberry Picking and Strawberry Festivals on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Fri, 05/09/2025 - 7:19am

Fill your baskets with ripe strawberries at Glover Farms in Brookhaven. Photo courtesy of the farm

Strawberry picking season on Long Island is a treat the whole family can enjoy. We've handpicked some of our favorite strawberry farms on LI where families can spend a memorable day.

Harvesting your fruit is not only fun, but it also connects you with your food and supports local Long Island farmers. Long Island strawberries tend to be sweeter and more delicate than most grocery store varieties, and they also have a shorter shelf life.

Many of these strawberry-picking experiences depend on fruit availability and the weather, so call before your visit. Once the berries are ripe, they'll only last a few weeks. So read ahead to start planning your sweet adventure with the kids. Check out our Guide to Long Island Farms for more places to pick delicious fruits and vegetables while enjoying farm life!

Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County

Submitted by Thien August on Sun, 02/23/2025 - 1:21pm

Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.

Indoor playground fun allows Long Island kids to bounce, climb, exercise, and explore in any weather. Our list of the best indoor play spaces in Nassau County will give you a jump on planning an action-packed, interactive, and most importantly, memorable day with your kiddos.

From trampoline parks to play cafes, most of these spots are affordable and accessible for the whole family. We've added age designations where appropriate to guarantee a good time for all. Many locations double as party venues, so check the venue's website or call ahead for open-play options, details, and pricing.

For even more indoor play adventures, check out our list of the top indoor play spaces in Suffolk County, as well as our Guide to Indoor Spots and Sports Centers on Long Island.

21 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Suffolk County

Submitted by Thien August on Sun, 02/02/2025 - 6:03am

Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.

The best indoor playgrounds and indoor play spaces in Suffolk County range from trampoline parks to play cafes to creative centers and museums. Many family fun zones are packed with action sports and ninja courses, best suited for bigger kids. While unique, smaller play spaces are perfect for entertaining toddlers and preschoolers.

Kids can jump into the action and burn off some of their endless energy in any weather. Many kids' indoor playgrounds double as party spaces, so call ahead for the public play times and pricing. Many locations do not allow shoes or bare feet, even for adults, so wear socks.

Read ahead for our top picks to plan your next indoor playground adventure. Also, check out our list of indoor playgrounds in Nassau County and our Guide to Winter Activities on Long Island for more ideas.

See Stunning Fall Leaves on a Long Island Nature Walk

Submitted by Thien August on Sun, 10/06/2024 - 11:50am

The Quogue Wildlife Nature Preserve is open daily and is free of charge. Photo courtesy of the Quogue Lake Wildlife Refuge

Looking for the best nature walks to go see fall leaves on Long Island with kids? Read on for our top picks for reveling in magnificent autumn colors across LI.

Fall on Long Island is perfect for memory-making with kids. The fall leaves and colors lend themselves to great family photos that will put you ahead of the game for holiday cards.

So, grab your hiking shoes, pack some snacks, and enjoy a family day at one of these destination nature walks. Be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide for more kid-friendly activities this season.

16 Best Things to Do in Stony Brook with Kids

Submitted by Thien August on Mon, 06/24/2024 - 6:05am

Take a hike through Avalon Park and Preserve, which has outdoor artwork on display, when you visit Stony Brook.

Stony Brook is well known as the home of Stony Brook University, but it's definitely far more than just a college town: The walkable village is perfect for a day trip, with historic sites, museums, shopping, great restaurants, and fun recreation opportunities.

Read on for things to do with kids on a visit to Stony Brook. For more day trip ideas, check out our Long Island Neighborhood Guides.

Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for Toddlers and Preschoolers on Long Island

Submitted by Thien August on Sun, 02/18/2024 - 7:10am

Once Upon a Treetop's interactive city is designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Photo by Gina Massaro

While many indoor playgrounds and play spaces on Long Island cater to a range of ages, some parents feel more comfortable when areas are designated for younger children. With that in mind, we've rounded up a list of fun and imaginative play spaces for toddlers and preschoolers on Long Island.

At most of these locations, children ages 5 and younger are the primary focus and they can play freely without fear of being knocked down or bumped into by older crowds. These venues also offer age-appropriate equipment and activities for toddlers and preschoolers.

For more fun seasonal ideas, check out our winter fun list for Long Island kids, as well as our Guide to Play Spaces and Fun Centers on Long Island.

Latest posts by Thien August

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