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

Affordable Summer Camps on Long Island for Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 02/09/2025 - 8:52am

At Long Island's Y camps, campers build strong friendships. Photo courtesy of the YMCA

Looking for the best free and affordable summer camps on Long Island? Read on for our roundup of some great picks that won't break the bank.

For kids on Long Island, summer is a fun-filled 10 weeks, but for moms and dads, those two months need to be filled with activity before the home becomes a whining zone of boredom.

Summer camps can be a significant investment, but some Long Island summer camps are actually quite affordable, and others offer scholarships and financial aid.

Here is our list of the most affordable summer camp programs on Long Island. Find more summer camp resources in our Guide to Summer Camps.

Best Things To Do with Kids on Long Island in February 2026, According to MP Editors

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/31/2025 - 9:54am

Monster Jam rolls into the UBS Arena in early February. Photo by Dave DeAngelis

From Valentine's Day to great events during the winter break week, a wintry mix of family fun is in the forecast this February on Long Island.

This month is packed with frosty fun that’s actually worth leaving the house for. Think outdoor festivals that celebrate all things wintery (hello FrostFest at The Whaling Museum, WinterFests in Rockville Centre and Southold, and HarborFrost in Sag Harbor), plus some seriously big-ticket excitement.

Monster Jam roars into UBS Arena for kids who like their fun loud and muddy, while the Harlem Globetrotters bring the laughs, tricks, and jaw-dropping moves to Nassau Coliseum.

My Top 5 Events This Month, At a Glance

Can’t-Miss Valentine's Event: Sweetheart Princess Tea Party at the Long Island Aquarium
My Favorite Free Event: Lunar New Year Celebration at The Heckscher Museum of Art
Best Event for Babies: Baby's First Valentine's Day at CMEE
Month’s Best Bet for Teens (but they’re teens, so who knows?): Harlem Globetrotters at Nassau Coliseum
Coolest Hidden Gem Activity: The Long Island Museum's Enchanted Winter Ball: A Magical Princess Experience

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.

Test Your Luck at Long Island's First Claw Arcade

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 11/11/2024 - 6:10am

ClawCADE features more than 70 claw machines and is located inside the Roosevelt Field Mall.

Long Island's first claw machine arcade, ClawCADE, is a new addition to Roosevelt Field Mall. My family recently visited, had a blast, and walked away with quite the prize haul!

Read on for all the details about this new venue and gaming craze. If you're looking for more indoor fun, check out our roundup of Long Island's Best Family Fun Centers.

Inclusive Playground in Rockville Centre Welcomes Kids of All Abilities

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 11/03/2024 - 6:51am

Mr. B’s All-Inclusive Playground offers lots of different ways to play and explore.

An inclusive playground in the bucolic South Shore village of Rockville Centre has opened and welcomes families and children of all abilities. The space aims to create a safe and engaging environment where every child can play and explore together.

With all of the ways to climb, spin, roll, and run in this massive outdoor play space, Mr. B’s All-Inclusive Playground is sure to be a hit with kids.

Read on for our review, and see our guide to Long Island parks and playgrounds for more outdoor inspiration. Of course, if you want to head to an indoor play space, we have you covered as well.

Best Mommy-and-Me Classes on Long Island for Families

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 10/13/2024 - 6:45am

Stroller Strides is all about self-care in a supportive and encouraging environment. Photo courtesy of FIT4MOM/Stroller Strides.

When it comes to mommy-and-me classes on Long Island, families have plenty of choices. Whether you want to stay fit, learn a new craft, take a splash in the pool, or do something else entirely, we've rounded up the best parent-and-me classes on Long Island.

These Long Island classes let you and your baby get out, have fun, meet other moms and tots, and spend precious time together. Of course, these cool classes are open to dads, grandparents, and other caregivers, too.

For more class suggestions to keep you busy as your baby grows, be sure to bookmark our Guide to Classes and Activities on Long Island.

25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 10/04/2024 - 12:08pm

The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel

Fun things to do indoors with kids on rainy days are crucial when it's pouring, cold, or even just drizzling outside. We've rounded up 25 rainy-day activities and adventures across Long Island that can keep kids occupied for hours. Our list includes Long Island’s best indoor play spaces, sports centers and fun zones, museum exhibits, and the newest area attractions to visit.

For even more things to do indoors with kids, check out our Indoor Fun Guide for Long Island Kids and our constantly updated Event Calendar.

Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers on Long Island Who Come to You

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 09/16/2024 - 5:56am

Let Them Play brings foam play equipment and ball pits to your backyard.

Long Island's at-home birthday party entertainers have expanded their offerings in the past few years and notched up the engagement factor for optimal birthday party fun. Consider hosting your next soiree at home with the help of these birthday party pros.

From drive-in style movie nights and mobile spas to pop-up glamping tents and backyard laser tag competitions, at-home birthday party services on LI give kids fabulous entertainment options in a comfortable setting.

All of the options below service the entirety of Long Island. For more party planning help, check out our Long Island Party Guide.

Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

My Top 5 Events This Month, At a Glance

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