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

What to Do on Shelter Island with Kids: A Family Day Trip Guide

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 08/08/2025 - 7:38am

The eastern most tip of Shelter Island is Reel Point, an ideal seashell seeking spot.

As if a ferry ride itself isn’t enough excitement for your little ones, there’s plenty more to explore on Shelter Island. This charming destination on Long Island's East End is known for its family-friendly activities, quiet beaches, spectacular views, and a host of wildlife. Marvel at the calm waters of the Shelter Island Sound and Peconic Bay as you approach this idyllic retreat.

Our Hamptons and North Fork Guide is packed with family-friendly activities on Shelter Island and all of the East End of Long Island, including 50 ideas of what to do and where.

31 Things Every Long Island Kid Should Do Before Heading Back-to-School

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 08/03/2025 - 11:58am

Take a thrilling final run down the water slide at Splish Splash in Calverton before summer is over. Photo courtesy of the park

With summer 2025 winding down, we've rounded up dozens of the best things to do on Long Island with kids before they head back to school, from cooling off at water playgrounds and outdoor pools to enjoying pick-your-own flower farms or festivals and street fairs.

Read on for our top picks, and browse our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide for even more seasonal fun.

Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids August 2025

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 07/27/2025 - 9:33am

The world's first all-inflatable water park slides onto Long Island, with 25 giant inflatable water slides. Photo courtesy of Slide City

There are tons of things to do in August on Long Island–enjoy outdoor movies and concerts, summer festivals, and the best beach days. After all, summer isn't over yet!

Make the most of the last month of summer with our hot list of things to do on Long Island in August, including one of the scrappiest sights on LI, the Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race, which features vessels made exclusively from cardboard, duct tape, and paint.

Additionally, the Paumanauke Native American Festival returns to Tanner Park, featuring Aztec and traditional Native American dances, authentic Native American foods, and other cultural celebrations. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is ready to make August on Long Island even hotter as Glow-N-Fire lights up the UBS Arena. And it's on like Donkey Kong this month as the Cradle of Aviation once again hosts the Long Island Retro Gaming Expo.

Read on for all the ways to pack your calendar this month on Long Island!

Teen Adventures: What to Do on Long Island After Hours

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 07/18/2025 - 10:06am

Arcades on Long Island offer a perfect place for teens to get together.

Looking for fun and safe ways for teens and tweens to enjoy Long Island after dark? Whether they're into escape rooms, live music, late-night museums, or giving back through volunteer work, there are plenty of exciting evening activities that allow teens to have a great time while giving parents peace of mind.

Read on for all our after-hours adventures for teens on Long Island, and be sure to check out our story on 17 things to do on Long Island with teens and much more in our Tweens & Teens Guide to Long Island.

Best Ice Cream Spots in the Hamptons & North Fork for Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Thu, 07/17/2025 - 3:06pm

Nostalgia is the vibe at Magic Fountain Ice Cream Shop. Photo courtesy of the shop

Think about summer on Long Island, and ice cream immediately comes to mind. In the Hamptons and on the North Fork, there are scoop shops serving ice cream and other kid-pleasing confections.

From sticky fingers and sugary lips, ice cream can be a messy treat. But just one lick of these homemade ice creams on Long Island's East End makes it all worth it—even the calories! That's why we've rounded up the best ice cream shops in the region.

We've found more sweet treats at these old-fashioned ice cream spots on Long Island, and you can take a peek at our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide for all the seasonal fun out east!

Splish Splash Is Your Long Island Summer Secret Weapon with All-Ages Attractions to Keep Cool

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 07/11/2025 - 11:02am

First into the pool wins as you race down Shotgun Falls at Riverhead's Splish Splash water park.

If you're looking for a fun way to cool off with kids on Long Island during the summer, Splish Splash water park on the East End has aquatic activities for all. Whether you're into wave pools, careening down slippery slides, or frolicking in splash pads, this aqua-topia is the perfect way to spend a thrilling, water-logged day.

A Long Island staple for generations, Splish Splash is always adding new attractions and amenities. We recently revisited this local water park and have our parent-tested tips below. Be sure to check out our guide to Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks and our Ultimate Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more summer fun!

Spies, History, and Prizes Await During the Long Island History Hunt

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Mon, 07/07/2025 - 12:31pm

The Raynham Hall Museum invites visitors to step back into the colonial era and is one of 12 participating spots on the Long Island History Hunt. Photo courtesy of the museum

Get ready for an exciting journey through time! Museums and historical societies from Brooklyn to Montauk are collaborating on a summer-long Long Island History Hunt, giving local families fun-filled—and prize-fueled—motivation to inspire a love of local history this summer.

If you choose to embark on this hunt for local lore, you'll visit amazing places where real-life spies, brave patriots, and even a president helped shape Long Island’s past. From the secret world of the Culper Spy Ring to the inspiring story of Theodore Roosevelt, each stop is packed with cool facts and hidden stories that bring history to life.

Speaking of local history, we've outlined our favorite Long Island historic sites for families here, and have an entire Long Island Kids' Guide to Local Museums to inspire more exploration.

Scott's Pointe is Long Island's New Adventure HQ with All-Ages Fun Inside and Out

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 07/06/2025 - 8:51am

Catch the endless waves at Scott's Pointe's indoor surf simulator.

Scott's Pointe in Calverton is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers, water lovers, and outdoor adventurers. This sprawling East End indoor-outdoor adventure park is fully operational after decades in the making and it was absolutely worth the wait.

From tiny tots to teens, and yes, even fun-loving grown-ups, there's something for everyone here. So grab your swimsuits, your sense of adventure, and the whole crew—Scott’s Pointe is calling!

Be sure to check out our Guide to Amusement Parks and Water Parks on Long Island for more cool places to make a splash. And get outside and experience other adventures with our Outdoor Activities Guide.

Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

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