Keep Your Kids Busy This Summer

The wonder of summer: our kids are here and there's no homework. The days are long and everyone is happy and content, although if you're a parent you know it sounds more like "That's mine!," or "I'm bored."

There are many things for you to do that are close to home to have your kids entertained all day long.  

• Sunken Meadow Park: is a great place for kids because they can keep cool in the water with no waves and plenty of lifeguards.  The sand is clean and the kids are happy.  There are restrooms and lockers with showers.  There is a great playground to break up the day and there are concession stands if you get hungry.  The best part is that Sunken Meadow is close.  It's no more than 10 minutes away from the Commack area.  Take the Sunken Meadow Parkway North to the end, and you're there. 
• Robert Moses State Park: has an ocean beach as well as the Fire Island Light House. The lighthouse is a hike that may not be appropriate for very young kids but it is very pretty. The beach itself has soft sand, large waves, and plenty of lifeguards.  It has similar facilities to Sunken Meadow, since they are both state parks.  It's often better for teens because of the waves.  Take the Robert Moses Causeway south to Robert Moses State Park.
• Hop 'N Bop, Smithtown has a multitude of inflatable slides and things to bounce in.  Young kids love it and so do their older siblings.  It's nice and cool on a hot summer day and parents can relax while their kids run wild or they can join them and hop around as well.  This will tire out the kids and it's a fun workout for mom and dad.  HOP N' BOP has open play on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30-2:30 and sometimes on the weekends.  The cost is $10 per child – parents get in free.  It's a great way for kids from about 2-11 or 12 to spend a couple of hours.  From Commack, head east on Jericho Turnpike and pass the Northgate Shopping Center on the left/west side.  Make a left at the light by CVS and a quick right into the shopping center. HOP N' BOP is near Flips Gymnastics on the left side.
• Summer is a great time to learn how to skate and again, this is a great workout for adults as well as kids.  Unlike the other options, ice-skating is great for kids from age 3 all the way to 83, so you can send them – toddlers and teens alike – with grandma and grandpa. Superior Ice Rink is on Indian Head Road.  Head north from Jericho Tpk, and it will be on the left/west side soon after passing Kings Park Road. Dix Hills Park is on Vanderbilt Parkway west of Commack Road.

Think we missed some spots? Email Victoria@patch.com with suggestions.