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

Boom in Play Spaces Hits Long Island: Here are Seven New Places to Play with Little Ones

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 09/29/2025 - 6:47am

Race through the obstacles at Jetetter Kids Club in Lindenhurst without getting caught. Photo by Gina Massaro.

Need a change of scenery from your usual play spot? Long Island is bursting with brand-new indoor play spaces and baby-friendly hangouts that make it easier than ever to entertain your little ones.

Whether you’ve got a crawling cutie or an energetic preschooler, these recently opened spots offer fresh ways to burn energy, spark creativity, and make new friends—without wrecking your living room.

Be sure to peruse our guide to Kids' Sports Center and Fun Zones for even more spots where Long Island kids can run off some steam.

Halloween and More Things To Do on LI with Kids October 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 09/28/2025 - 11:43am

This October, scarecrows will once again line the walkways throughout Stony Brook Village in the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s annual Scarecrow Competition. Photo courtesy WMHO

Halloween is the name of the game in October, which means Long Island is alive with pumpkin patches, haunted houses, fall festivals, and of course trick-or-treating—there are so many opportunities to wear Halloween costumes!

Some of this month's standout options include tiptoeing through a daytime haunted trail in Manorville filled with ghosts, witches, and dinosaurs, exploring the underwater world of Bats, Barnacles, & Broomsticks at the Long Island Aquarium, and stepping into the Halloween House walk-through experience at Broadway Commons Mall for some frightfully fun photo ops and immersive thrills.

Keep reading for our favorite family-friendly things to do on Long Island in October—you’ll want to mark your calendar for these can't-miss events.

Top Free Halloween Events on Long Island 2025: Halloween Parades, Festivals, and More

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 09/26/2025 - 12:08pm

Get your pumpkins, meet Otto the Ghost, and enjoy the fall festivities at Hicks Nurseries. Photo courtesy of Hicks

All month long, Long Island is packed with free and festive Halloween events the whole family can enjoy. So go ahead—let the kids rock that spooky, sparkly, or downright adorable costume over and over. From trick-or-treat trails to pumpkin-packed parties, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate all October!

For more Halloween fun, check out our Long Island Halloween Guide.

Best 2025 Halloween Events on Long Island for Kids and Families

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 09/21/2025 - 7:14am

Spooky Fest at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning celebrates the Halloween season with scary and non-scary attractions for all ages. Photo courtesy of CSTL

We've rounded up the best Halloween events for kids on Long Island in 2025 to keep everyone entertained with thrills and chills. Whether your brood is in the mood for spooky scarecrows or not-so-scary Spooky Fests, there is plenty of fun to be had this season.

Our list continues to evolve, so check back regularly for updates on attractions and trick-or-treating opportunities for Long Island families, and be sure to bookmark our Long Island Halloween Guide and Long Island Fall Fun Guide for all the top family-friendly seasonal activities.

Celebrate Halloween Year-Round at Farmingdale's Haunted House of Hamburgers

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 09/19/2025 - 11:24am

The Haunted House of Hamburgers has eye-popping displays inside and out.

The Haunted House of Hamburgers is a frightfully fun dining experience where Halloween is observed all year long. The Farmingdale restaurant's spooky vibes and delicious bites make it ideal for families with kiddos of all ages.

Read on for all the details about my family's recent visit and our multi-sensory experience.

Check out our rundown on other Themed Restaurants on Long Island and get into the haunted holiday mood with our full Guide to Halloween Fun and Activities on Long Island.

The Ultimate Guide to 2025 Fall Festivals for Long Island Families

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 08/31/2025 - 10:10am

The Bellmore Family Street Festival has carnival rides and plenty more fun for kids. Photo by author

Crisp air, cozy sweaters, and cider donuts—yes, fall is officially in the air on Long Island, and that means it’s fair and festival season.

From farm fields full of pumpkin patches to hayrides, corn mazes, carnival games and rides and more, we’ve rounded up the very best fall festivals happening across Long Island this September and October.

No matter where you live–Nassau, Suffolk, or the East End–autumn on Long Island is beautiful, and there’s plenty of family fun to be had.

Check out our Fall Fun Guide for more ideas, like pumpkin picking and corn mazes.

23 Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids September 2025, From Mommy Poppins Editors

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 7:45am

Families can celebrate Long Island's agricultural heritage at the Hallockville Museum Farm Country Fair. Photo by author

Labor Day kicks off September activities, launching Long Island's season of apple picking, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes.

September on Long Island is like a giant reset button for families—school’s back, routines are kind of returning, and suddenly the weekends are packed with fall fun. From the first signs of sweater weather to the smell of roasted corn in the air, it’s officially fair and festival season!

This month, families can cheer on the paddlers at the Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival, get creative at the Draw Out! Community Arts Festival at The Heckscher Museum, and soak up all the old-fashioned charm of the Long Island Fair.

Keep reading for our favorite family-friendly things to do on Long Island in September—you’ll want to mark your calendar for these can't-miss events.

Labor Day Weekend 2025 on Long Island: Hampton Classic and More Top Things To Do

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 7:44am

The Hamptons Classic hosts a special Kids' Day this weekend. Photo courtesy of the Hampton Classic Horse Show

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Labor Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

This holiday weekend is packed with family-friendly fun that celebrates culture and tradition. The Shinnecock Powwow returns to Southampton, bringing one of the East Coast’s largest indigenous gatherings to life with ceremonial dances, prayers, drumming, and competitive dancing. Meanwhile, over at the Hampton Classic Horse Show, little ones can get their fill of pony admiration, crafts, and face painting at the Children’s Tent—and don’t miss Kids’ Day for extra activities.

Looking for something unique? Korea Fest in Huntington is a joyful, family-friendly celebration of Korean culture with traditional games, beauty demos, music, fashion, and food.

Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

Pages