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

Bounce Houses and More Cool Birthday Party Rentals on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 07/23/2023 - 8:20am

Jump into the summer party season with an inflatable party palace from the Big Bounce Theory.

When it comes to at-home birthday parties on Long Island, bounce house rentals and gaming trucks have seemingly cornered the market for a while now. Over the last few years, entertainment companies have tailored their experiences to become mobile. From culinary concoctions to crafty creations, these Long Island companies bring the party to you.

For more birthday party ideas, check out our Guide to Birthday Parties on Long Island, which includes a list of birthday party entertainers on Long Island that come to you.

Lavender By the Bay Immerses Visitors in Acres of Fragrant Blooms

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 07/07/2023 - 7:26am

In early summer, Lavender By the Bay lends a regal hue to the normally green North Fork of Long Island.

Long Island's Lavender By the Bay lavender farms offer a stunning and serene experience—not to mention fantastic photo ops and a great summer day trip. Lavender By the Bay has two North Fork locations, Calverton and East Marion, and both are an oasis of delicious-smelling flowering plants in early summer.

Both lavender farms offer more than 20 varieties of lavender in shades ranging from white to pale blue, pink, and, of course, purple.

Check out our Guide to Visiting the Hamptons and North Fork for more things to do in the area, and be sure to bookmark our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide for tons of seasonal family fun.

26 Things To Do in Patchogue with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 06/16/2023 - 6:50am

The Great South Bay Music Festival offers all-ages entertainment. Photo courtesy of the festival

Patchogue is a vibrant seaside community offering loads of family-friendly things to do. The village is nestled halfway between Montauk and Manhattan, on the shore of Great South Bay. Patchogue boasts a walkable downtown area, a thriving arts and music scene, and a variety of yummy eats and treats.

Restored and revived areas have breathed new life into this village over the past several years, making it a haven for Long Island families. It's also a gateway to the bucolic barrier beach communities of Fire Island. Read on about sights to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences to be had in Patchogue.

Still got that day-trippin' itch? Explore our Visitors Guide to plan your next Long Island adventure close to home.

CLOSED: Axe Throwing and Smash Painting Featured Alongside Movies at Mattituck Cinemas

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 05/22/2023 - 6:26am

Experience the thrill of throwing an axe at a wooden target at Axe & Smash.

NOTE: Axe & Smash has closed. The Mattituck Cinemas are open.

To catch a movie, toss an axe, have an immersive art experience, and see a live wrestling match, you'd usually have to visit separate venues on different days. However, at Axe & Smash in Mattituck–a new smash painting and axe-throwing attraction nestled within Mattituck Cinemas building complex–you could conceivably do all those things during one visit.

Whether it's a family outing, a birthday gathering, or a date night, Axe & Smash caters to all.

Find more fun places for the family to play together, including the best bowling alleys on Long Island, in our Guide to Sports Centers and Fun Zones for LI Families.

Best Pizza for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 04/16/2023 - 11:47am

Dig in to a delicious pie at Salvatore's Coal Oven Pizzeria.

Other than bagels, Long Island is known for its pizza. Everyone has their favorite pizza joint, serving up thin, thick, and everything in between. We've scoured the island for unique local pizza spots that we think your family will gobble up! Visit these kid-friendly pizza establishments for a slice of family fun.

For more ideas on where to dine with the kids, check out our Restaurant Guide, which includes Great Outdoor Dining Spots and Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free.

Best Art Summer Camps for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 04/10/2023 - 7:01am

Drop into a summer art lab at the Nassau County Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum

For kids who want to explore and expand their creativity, art summer camps on Long Island go beyond cutting and pasting. Whether your child is an experienced artist or a true beginner, you're sure to find a summer day camp program that fits your needs.

For the artistically inclined, you can also check out our rundown on summer music camps on Long Island, as well as our post on art classes on Long Island.

For more camp options, be sure to check out our Long Island Summer & Vacation Camps Guide.

Free in April: 22 Things To Do with Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 04/02/2023 - 11:36am

Follow the Easter Bunny for a fun-filled parade through the streets of Port Jefferson. Photo by Mac Timus/Port Jefferson

Looking for FREE things to do on Long Island in April? Read on for dozens of great options.

To keep your kids and your wallet happy, we’ve come up with a long list of FREE things to do with kids in April. Spring takes center stage this month with egg hunts and other festivals on tap.

Find more great seasonal activities in our Spring Fun Guide for Long Island Kids. We’re also adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico: An All-Inclusive Adventure in Playa del Carmen

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sat, 03/25/2023 - 12:00pm

With lush reefs and crystal-clear waters, Xcaret is a fabulous place to snorkel. Photo courtesy of Xcaret Parks

While my family has stayed at many great all-inclusive resorts, we were particularly impressed by our recent trip to Hotel Xcaret Mexico in Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya. Set between the Mayan rain forest and the Caribbean Sea, the five-diamond Hotel Xcaret (ISH-kah-rhett) offers stunning views and plenty of family fun. But what really sets it apart is its unique All Fun Inclusive concept, which gives guests access to all seven Grupo Xcaret parks.

The Grupo Xcaret parks offer all sorts of natural and cultural experiences such as zip lining, water adventures like snorkeling and whitewater rafting, cave tours, live entertainment, monster truck rides, a wacky town full of optical illusions, and so much more.

The thrill factor of my family's adventurous trip to Xcaret was off the charts, and I highly recommend Hotel Xcaret Mexico for your next warm and sunny family vacation. Read on to learn all about it, and check out our Mexican Family Travel Guide for more cool vacation spots in Mexico.

Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

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