26 minute read
Extracurricular Activities from A to Z
Find activities that are right for your child by exploring our comprehensive list.
By Stacey Feintuch
Extracurricular activities are important for kids. They help younger ones explore their interests, talents, and passions as they build teamwork and problem-solving skills. Plus, taking part is a way to make new friends, and build upon existing friendships. For the older set, extracurricular activities can be interesting (and good to have for college applications!). It can be overwhelming to choose one or two activities, especially if your child is unsure how they like to spend their time. Below are tons of ideas to inspire you and your child to take advantage of free hours after school. See if your child has tried something that’s on the list or if something new is appealing.
AFFINITY GROUPS
These groups allow kids to meet with others whose identity is just like theirs. Groups are out there for those who identify as LGBTQ+, persons of color, or certain ethnicities like Greek or Irish. These groups can provide a safe space for your child and provide service activities.
MEDIA
For kids who love communication, media-oriented activities might be up their alley. They may want to join a group focused on print media, websites, or broadcasting. Exploring these areas can help them learn new technology, and create and build a portfolio for college applications and jobs.
• School or local fi lm projects • School or local magazine/journal • School or local newspaper • School literary publication • School or local radio station • School or local television channel • School or local website • Yearbook committee
MUSIC
For the musically inclined, opportunities like playing an instrument or singing in school or in the community can nurture their talents.
• Chorus/choir at school, in the community, or with a religious organization • Chamber music group • Concert band • Ensembles • Instrument lessons • Jazz band • Marching band • Orchestra • Singing lessons • Start their own band
PERFORMING ARTS
If you have an aspiring thespian in the house, performing arts may be a good fi t. They can try out for plays, or if they prefer to stay out of the spotlight, work behind the scenes making costumes or building sets.
• Comedy club • Choreography • Film club • Miming • Puppetry • Theater group at school or in community
POLITICAL INTEREST AND SPEECH
Some clubs and teams are intellectual. Kids who like to keep up with current events might like debate or political clubs. Student council may be a good choice for those interested in weighing in on school decisions that impact them.
• Debate club • Foreign affairs club • Forensics team • Mock trial club • Model Congress club • Model United Nations • Political affi liation club • Student government/council
SPECIAL INTERESTS
If you and your child can’t fi nd a club for their interests, help your child start one or join a group online.
• Boy Scouts • Chess club • Entrepreneurship club • Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) • Girl Scouts • Horticulture • Model railroads • Quilt making
STEAM PROGRAMS
If your home is fi lled with LEGO creations, STEAM programs may be a good fi t. These activities are based in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
• Coding • Engineering club • Math club • Robotics • Video game development
SPORTS
Kids can participate in sports teams at school, through your town, or join travel club teams. They can start as early as toddler and preschool years and play in middle school or high school.
• Baseball and softball • Basketball • Bodybuilding • Cheerleading • Climbing • Cycling • Dance • Fencing • Football • Golf • Gymnastics • Horseback riding • Hiking • Hockey • Ice-skating • Lacrosse • Martial arts • Ping-pong • Skateboarding • Skiing • Soccer • Swimming • Tennis • Track and fi eld • Volleyball • Water polo • Yoga
Advanced Academic Programs
55 Northern Blvd., Greenvale 516-484-1789 advancedacademicprograms.com info@roslynacademicprograms.com
We offer enrichment programs for school-age children in mathematics, physics, chemistry, robotics, programming, engineering, languages, music, and art. We also offer Standardized Test (ACT, SAT) and Subject Test Preparation for high school students. We teach children to master new skills, quickly and easily, in problem solving, engineering, coding, and design.
Further Music School
1180 Northern Blvd., Suite C1, Manhasset 516-743-3544 110-06 72nd Ave., Suite MD2, Forest Hills, Queens 718-544-8886 furthermusic.com info@furthermusic.com
Founded in 2007, Further Music School is one of the largest and well-recognized music schools in New York, with more than 5,000 students currently enrolled. Our locations in Queens, Long Island, and Manhattan, provide music lessons in piano, violin, guitar, and vocal to all ages and levels.
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The Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center
Hofstra University, Hempstead 516-463-6535 hofstra.edu/saltzman-center
Hofstra University’s Reading/Writing Learning Clinic provides literacy support to children and youth in a safe and supportive environment. New York state-certified teachers incorporate students’ experiences with literacy in innovative ways to help them develop their strengths as readers and writers. Individual or small group instruction available. Remote options also available.
Linda’s Studio of Performing Arts
1000 Shames Drive, Westbury 516-333-6300 lsperformingarts.com
Our mission is to help children and young adults learn and grow while doing what they love and participating in various genres of dance and performing arts. Regardless of whether you are new to dance or a seasoned competitor, you will feel at home at LSPA.
Music Institute of Long Island
90 Plandome Road, Manhasset 516-627-7052 milimusic.com miligirls@gmail.com
Celebrating our 31st year, consistently voted No. 1 Best Music School on Long Island and the North Shore. Programs include violin, viola, cello, guitar, piano, voice, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and tuba. Instructions in Traditional, Suzuki, and ABRSM methods for ages 3-99, beginner-college level. Now offering chess class!
Saf-T-Swim
Nassau & Suffolk Locations 1-866-723-3794 saf-t-swim.com sfehringer@saf-t-swim.com
When you enroll yourself or your child at Saf-T-Swim, you enjoy 1-on-1 lessons from experienced instructors who are passionate about helping students learn to swim. Our personalized approach is for swimmers of all ages and skill levels, including adults who’ve put off learning to swim and swimmers with special needs.
Soccer Shots
171 Eileen Way, Syosset 516-558-2266 soccershots.com/longislandwest liwest@soccershots.com
Soccer Shots is the premier intro to soccer program in the United States and Canada. Our caring team positively impacts children’s lives through best-inclass coaching, communication, and curriculum. Our expert-approved curriculum is age-appropriate and aligns with New York State’s early childhood education standards. Visit us at soccershots.com/liwest.
Super Soccer Stars x Pro Soccer Kids
Over 80 locations across NYC, LI, and Westchester 55 Front St., Suite 7, Rockville Centre 516-740-7171 606 Columbus Ave., at 89th St., Manhattan 212-877-7171 newyork.supersoccerstars.com info@supersoccerstars.com
Soccer Stars is NY’s No. 1 youth soccer program for more than 20 years. Certified coaches lead small group classes, promote teamwork, offer individual attention, follow safety guidelines. Parent & Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, Multi-sport, and Scrimmage Games programs. Private classes available. Ages 1-12 and older. Save $25 – Code: NYMP21.
YMCA of Long Island
Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington, and Patchogue 855-2YMCALI (296-2254) ymcali.org info@ymcali.org
The YMCA of Long Island’s before- and after-school programs support children in reaching their full potential by providing academic support and hands-on enrichment experiences in a safe, structured environment for children in kindergarten through middle school. The YMCA of Long Island partners with school districts in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
FALL LITERACY PROGRAM
Literacy instruction programs for children and youth offer:
• Literacy instruction that builds on the learner ’ s strengths to build confidence and improve reading and writing proficiency • All Literacy Classes taught by New York state-certified teachers • In-person small-group literacy classes are provided in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere • In-person or remote options available for individual literacy instruction
FALL CLASSES NOW FORMING
For more information, including registration and fall program options, visit hofstra.edu/rwlclinic or call 516-463-5805. Reading/Writing Learning Clinic
Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the September events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month! September events we consider can’t-miss—the ones Calendar SEPTEMBER
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”
WHEN: Through Sept. 4: Tuesday-Sunday, 1:30pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy this musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved, and award-winning children’s books about Gerald the elephant and Piggie. WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission, plus $9 ticket or $12 theater ticket only. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Long Island Fair
WHEN: Sept. 3-5, Friday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Restoration Village, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: Traditional country fair of civil war era, featuring harvest events and activities, brass band, concerts, pony rides, magic, and puppet shows. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 seniors ages 60 and older; $10 ages 5-12. 516-572-8409. lifair.org.
LI Garlic Festival
WHEN: Sept. 11-19, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Garden of Eve Farm, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Garden of Eve Farm’s most famous festival, with 25 vendors featuring a wide variety of garlic inspired foods, crafts, music, and just plain organic garlic to eat and plant, Garlic Eating Contest, and more. WANT TO GO? $10. 631-722-8777. gardenofevefarm.com.
25th Annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 5, 12-5pm WHERE: East End Arts Gallery, 133 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Join all the artists, musicians, and lovers of the arts for this day-long celebration of the arts with activities and entertainment. WANT TO GO? 631-727-0900 x303. eastendarts.org.
Pumpkin Harvest
WHEN: Sept. 25-26, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Harbes Family Farm, 715 Sound Ave., GPS: 25 Sound Ave., Mattituck AGES: All WHAT: Pick your own pumpkins, listen to live music, and more! WANT TO GO? Free admission to the farm; $21.95 admission to Barnyard Adventure. 631-298-0800. harbesfamilyfarm.com.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25, 5:30-9pm; fi lm begins at 6:45pm WHERE: Science Museum of Long Island, 1526 N. Plandome Road, Manhasset AGES: All WHAT: Spend a dino-themed evening with activities, food trucks, and screening of Jurassic Park. WANT TO GO? $15 children; $10 adults; $5 members. 516-6279400. smli.org.
St. Marks Egyptian Festival
WHEN: Sept. 17-26, Friday, 6-9pm; Saturday, 12-9pm; Sunday, 12-6pm WHERE: St. Marks Coptic Church, 90 Woodbury Road, Woodbury AGES: All WHAT: Explore a variety of interactive cultural displays as well as traditional live Egyptian entertainment. WANT TO GO? Admission is free. 516-367-1328. facebook.com/ SMCEgyptianFestivalLI.
Fall Festival
WHEN: Sept. 18-Oct. 24, Saturday-Sunday and Columbus Day, 10am-6pm; last admission at 4pm WHERE: White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Road, Melville AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy unlimited hayrides, hay activity, family shows, and more! WANT TO GO? $32.95. 631-351-9373. whitepostfarms.com.
Bellmore Family Street Festival
WHEN: Sept. 23-26, Thursday, 6-10pm; Friday, 6-11pm; Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday, 10am-9pm WHERE: Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, 2700 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: All WHAT: Bring the family out for live music, carnival rides, and more! WANT TO GO? Admission is free; additional fee for carnival rides. 516-809-5892. bellmorechamber.com.
Draw Out! Arts Festival FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 26, 12-5pm WHERE: Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a broad array of activities designed for all ages, including watercolor painting and collage. WANT TO GO? 631-351-3250. heckscher.org.
Fun for the
WHOLE FAMILY
Superheroes of the Sky
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 4, 11am-12pm WHERE: Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown AGES: All WHAT: Learn about birds of prey and their incredible ability to adapt in the wild. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children younger than 12. 631-979-6344. sweetbriarnc.org.
The Discovery Pontoon Cruise
WHEN: Through Oct. 27: daily departure times depend on tide WHERE: Ward Melville Heritage Organization, 51 Shore Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Cruise through beautiful West Meadow Creek, where a naturalist will explain and highlight the wildlife along the 88-acre wetlands preserve and narrate the natural and human history of the area! WANT TO GO? $35; $25 children ages 3-6; $5 children ages 2 and younger when purchased in advance. 631-751-2244. wmho.org.
FREE Gardening in The Park
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 4, 9am-12pm WHERE: The Common Ground, Rotary Park between Gillette and Candee Avenues, Sayville AGES: All WHAT: Spend the day surrounded by nature and help maintain the gardens of The Common Ground. WANT TO GO? 631-664-4230. thecommonground.com.
FREE Panambi Vera
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 26, 3pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Traditional Paraguayan dance ensemble includes the traditional bottle dance and other pieces. WANT TO GO? 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org.
FREE Port Craft Promenade
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 12, 11am-4pm WHERE: Main Street, Port Washington Boulevard to Mackey Avenue, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Visit craft vendors, stop for a bite to eat, and enjoy live entertainment, art activities, and more! WANT TO GO? 516-883-6566. pwcoc.org.
13th Annual Westhampton Beach Festival of the Arts FREE
WHEN: Sept. 4-5, Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: The Great Lawn, 35 Main St., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy an outdoor gallery of original handmade art by artisans from across American in painting, jewelry, photography, mixed-media, sculpture and more. WANT TO GO? eventbrite.com/e/13th-annual-westhampton-beach-festival-of-the-arts-tickets-164203636497.
Taste the World Food Festival
WHEN: Sept. 3-6, Friday, 3-9pm; Saturday-Monday, 11am-8pm WHERE: Tanger Outlets Deer Park, 152 The Arches Circle, Deer Park AGES: All WHAT: Whether it’s the food, live music, beer and wine lounge, local artist tent, virtual reality experience, rock wall, or kids’ section, there is something for everyone! WANT TO GO? $6; free admission for children 10 and younger. Discount available for multiple day entry. 631-242-0239. tangeroutlet.com/deerpark.
High Holidays 5782
WHEN: Sept. 6, 7pm; Sept. 7-8, 9am; Sept. 15, 6:44pm; and Sept. 16, 9am WHERE: Melville & Huntington Chabad Center, 498 Sweet Hollow Road, Melville AGES: All WHAT: Holiday prayers, conducted with Hebrew/English prayer-books, are lively, engaging, and inclusive. WANT TO GO? $100 suggested donation. 631-827-6599. melvillechabad.com.
The Great Pine Railway
WHEN: Through Sept. 6: Monday, Wednesday-Friday, 11am6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road,
Old Westbury
AGES: All
WHAT: See the new G-gauge railroad display, featuring exquisite model trains chugging along a landscaped backdrop.
WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $14; $12 ages 62 and older and students; $8 ages 7-17. 516-252-3392. oldwestburygardens.org.
East Northport Craft & Gift Festival FREE
WHEN: Sept. 10-12, Friday, 6-11pm; Saturday, 11am-11pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: John Walsh Memorial Park, Larkfield Road, East Northport AGES: All WHAT: This event highlights the best of East Northport featuring games and rides, live music, food, sidewalk sales, costumed characters, and more.
WANT TO GO? 631-261-3573. eastnorthport.com.
Disney’s “Newsies”
WHEN: Through Sept. 11: See website for schedule WHERE: The Gateway, 215 South Country Road, Bellport AGES: All
WHAT: “Seize the Day” and see the stage version of Newsies. WANT TO GO? $24.50-$74. 631-286-0555. thegateway.org.
Guided Nature Walks
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 11, 10-11am WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point AGES: All WHAT: Explore different aspects of the preserve’s environment, encompassing its unique physical features and wildlife, as well as critical conservation issues and helpful practices to create a healthy, sustainable environment WANT TO GO? $15; $10 members; $5 children; free for child members. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserveconservancy.org.
Dockside Family Festival
WHEN: Sept. 11-12, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Capyree State Park, Ocean Parkway, Babylon AGES: All WHAT: Come out for live music, magic show, pony rides, children’s games, rides on the Moonchaser, food and craft vendors, and educational displays. WANT TO GO? $8 parking. 631-321-2510. parks.ny.gov.
2021 Maritime Festival FREE
WHEN: Sept. 18-19, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Greenport Village, begins at 103 3rd St., Greenpoint AGES: All WHAT: With parades, cruises, kayak races, kids’ activities withtreasure chest, DJ, food, and so much more, it’s an event you won’t want to miss! WANT TO GO? 631-477-2100. eastendseaport.org.
Wildwood Fall Festival FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25, 11am-4pm WHERE: Wildwood State Park, 790 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River AGES: All WHAT: Check out local craft vendors and free activities which include family entertainment, inflatables (weather permitting), and much more! WANT TO GO? 631-929-4314. parks.ny.gov/events/ event.aspx?e=68-30252.0.
Outdoor Adventure with Ranger Eric
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25, 10-11:30am WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point AGES: All WHAT: Ranger Eric will lead visitors of all ages on an exploratory walk across the preserve’s grounds. WANT TO GO? $16; $6 per child; $12 members; $2 members per child. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserveconservancy.org. WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25, 11am-1pm, 1-3pm, and 3-5pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: All WHAT: Get up close and personal with raptors that can no longer be released into the wild, make crafts, enjoy face painting, and more. WANT TO GO? $20; $10 members; kids free with $7 general admission. 631-854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Longwood Fair
WHEN: Sept. 25-26, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Longwood Estate, Longwood and Smith roads, Ridge AGES: All WHAT: With children’s activities, pet shows, historical re-enactments, live music, and more, there will be something for everyone! WANT TO GO? $5; free for children 12 and younger. 631-9241820. brookhavenny.gov.
Grist Mill Tours & Country Store
WHEN: Through Oct. 24: Sundays, 1-4:30pm WHERE: The Stony Brook Grist Mill, 100 Harbor Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Take a tour of Long Island’s most complete working mill and learn about its role in the community over the past 300 years. WANT TO GO? $3; $2 children. 631-751-2244. wmho.org.
Arts in The Plaza FREE
WHEN: Through Oct. 30: Saturdays, 10am-3pm WHERE: Kennedy Plaza, 1 W. Chester St., Long Beach AGES: All WHAT: Visit Arts in the Plaza for handcrafted art by Long Island artists, live music, and cultural performances. WANT TO GO? 516-507-8383. artsintheplaza.com.
Annual Apple Harvest
WHEN: Sept. 11-12, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-6pm WHERE: Harbes Orchard, 5698 Sound Ave., Riverhead
AGES: All
WHAT: Pick apples, make your way through a corn maze, and enjoy music, pumpkin picking, and more! WANT TO GO? Prices TBA. 631-298-0800. harbesfamilyfarm.com.
Great for
Elementary-Age Kids
Family Yoga in the Garden at Planting Fields
WHEN: Sept. 4 and 18, 11am-12pm WHERE: Planting Fields Foundation, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: 3-10 WHAT: Spend your morning at Planting Fields and introduce your children to yoga through an enriching and fun practice that all will enjoy. WANT TO GO? $20 per adult-child pair; $12 per member adultchild pair. 516-922-8666. plantingfi elds.org.
Swim with Mermaids
WHEN: Through Sept. 6: Thursday, Friday, and Monday, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1:30pm, and 2:45pm; Sunday, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1:30pm, 2:45pm, and 4pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Your little one will be delighted to swim with a real, live mermaid, as she navigates the Shark Reef Lagoon. WANT TO GO? $45; $40.50 for members. 631-208-9200 x426. longislandaquarium.com.
WHEN: Sept. 25-Oct. 31, see website for schedule WHERE: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts at the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown AGES: All WHAT: Watch as Spookley helps all the pumpkins in the patch learn that the things that make you different make you special. WANT TO GO? $18. 631-724-3700. smithtownpac.org.
Disney’s “Beauty & the Beast Jr.”
WHEN: Sept. 25-Oct. 31, Saturday, 11am; Sunday, 10:30am WHERE: John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport AGES: All WHAT: See the story of Bell and Beast live on stage. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-261-2900. engemantheater.com.
Just for
Younger Kids
Construction Zone FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 7, 4-4:45pm WHERE: Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: 2½-5 WHAT: Build with blocks, use special tool kits, and hear a story at this fun building program. WANT TO GO? 631-654-4700. pmlib.org.
Fitness Friday
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 8, 11am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Create a kindness rock in honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with a message promoting peace in our world for LICM’s Peace Garden. WANT TO GO? Free with $14 museum admission. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Explore creative ways to move your body to stay fit and healthy. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $14; free for members. 516224-5800. licm.org.
WHEN: Aug. 28-Sept. 17, see website for schedule WHERE: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts at the Smithtown Historical Society, 239 E. Main St., Smithtown AGES: All WHAT: Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the No. 1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning Pigeon picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It’s not easy being the Pigeon—you never get to do anything! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. This outdoor performance will take place at the Smithtown Historical Society. WANT TO GO? $18. 631-724-3700. smithtownpac.org.
Play Time, Learn Time FREE
WHEN: Sept. 27-Nov. 18, Monday and Thursday, 2-3pm WHERE: Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Bring your little ones to discover an outdoor space that allows for messy play, building, and interactive art exploration as well as a music and movement area. WANT TO GO? 631-852-4610. ccesuffolk.org.
Providing Services for over 50 Years
The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children (HLVS), is a not-for profit program that provides services for infants and children up to 12 years of age with learning, language, and social delays, motor impairments, and autism with no direct cost to families:
• Evaluations • Early Intervention (Birth–3) • SEIT • CSE Itinerant Services • ABA Home Programs
Related Services:
• Speech • OT/PT • Parent Training • Family Support Services
Special Ed Classes:
• Preschool (3-5) • School age (5-12) • Inclusion
750 Hicksville Road Seaford, NY 11783 516.520.6000 • littlevillage.org
Funded and regulated by Nassau County (NCDOH) and Suffolk County (SCDOH) Departments of Heath,NYS, NYS ED Department
Early intervention (EI) and Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) services are for children who have or are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability. Evaluations must be referred by NCDOH/SCDOH for EI and/or to the local school district for CPSE. Services are provided based on an individual child’s eligibility as established by NYS DOH and/or NYS ED department and local government at no direct cost to parents. Parents are responsible for fees/costs associated with children.
Let’s Go Apple Picking!
These are the top spots to pick your own apples in our area.
By Alison Leighton
When September rolls around, I get excited about one big thing (no, not back-to-school season…): apple picking season! The fall brings us cute boots and sweaters, preparing to cozy up by a fi re, and pick-your-own apples! I also think a trip to the farm isn’t complete without a cup of delicious apple cider, followed by homemade treats (I’m looking at you, apple cider doughnuts!) to show the fruits of our labor (ha!). If you’re ready for apples galore, then check out these farms on Long Island, plus two great options in New Jersey that make great day trips. Your family will have a blast picking fresh fruit and checking out the various activities offered at each place, such as petting zoos, corn mazes, or sunfl ower picking.
A few things to keep in mind: Opening seasons are approximate as of the writing of this article since crops are based on weather conditions. Always check the farm’s website or call ahead to confi rm availability and COVID-19 guidelines given the ever-changing conditions. And don’t forget proper footwear as fi elds can be muddy or have uneven ground. Most farms don’t allow pets or picnicking (or any outside food, for that matter).
LONG ISLAND
Hayden’s Peach Orchard
561 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River haydenspeachorchard.com • 631-929-1115
Hours: Monday, 9am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-6pm. Apple picking season is slated to begin late August/early September, call before visiting to confi rm. Cost: $20 fee covers 3 people and the fi rst 10lbs; $2 per additional pound At this orchard, you can pick your own nectarines through late September, peaches through the end of September, and apples through late October. The orchard also has plenty of pre-picked fruits available at the farm stand. Visit the website for updates or call for fruit availability.
Lewin Farms
812 Sound Ave., Calverton Apple Orchard: Fresh Pond Avenue, approximately 2 miles east of farm stand lewinfarm.com • 631-929-4327
Hours: Farm stand: Wednesday-Monday, 9am-5pm; u-pick: daily, 9am-4:30pm; call each day for u-pick availability Cost: Call for u-pick prices. Keep in mind: U-pick fields are cash only; there is an ATM located at the farm stand. Apple picking is slated to begin in late August/early September and may not be available every day. Call daily for U-pick hours, which are weather permitting. The farm provides containers, but you are welcome to bring your own. There is a large variety of you-pick fruits and veggies, depending on the season, including berries, apples, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and pumpkins. Find the u-pick schedule online. Plus, the whole family will enjoy exploring the corn maze! Don’t forget to stop by the farm stand, which sells fresh fruits and veggies, many of which are grown on the farm, and delicious ice cream with the farms own fruit inside!
Milk Pail Fresh Market
Market: 1346 Montauk Highway, Watermill U-Pick: 50 Horsemill Lane, Watermill milk-pail.com • 631-537-2565
Hours: Market: year-round, Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, 9:30am-5:30pm; Sunday, 10am-5:30pm. U-pick: Labor Day weekend through October: Friday-Sunday, 10am- 5:30 Cost: $14-$51.45 depending on container size; a bag must be purchased to enter u-pick farm. Pumpkins, gourds, and squash are sold by the piece. Apple and pumpkin picking are this farm’s specialty. The farm has more than 20 varieties of apples during picking season—all ideal for adding lots of flavors to your homemade pie! Plus, there are dwarf trees, which are the perfect height for younger kids to pick apples on their own. And when you’re finished picking, treat yourself to coffee, hot cider, and baked goods at the farm stand.
Wickham’s Fruit Farms
28700 Main Road, Cutchogue wickhamsfruitfarm.com • 631-734-6441
Hours: PYO: Monday-Saturday 10am3pm; Retail Farmstand: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm Cost: Call to confirm pricing Picking fruit here is like making your mark on history: Wickham’s fruit is grown on some of the oldest continually cultivated land in the country! Much of the farm dates from 1661 and a large portion of it has been placed in Suffolk County’s Farmland Preservation programs. Apple picking is estimated to start in late September or early October, and the farm asks that you call ahead to confirm availability. Note: You can only use the containers the farm provides; personal bags, plastics, etc. are prohibited. Wagon rides are available on Saturdays during the apple-picking season; it’s a great way to get to the orchards but also to view the farm! When you’re done picking, try the delicious apple cider, which is pressed from the oldest cider press on Long Island (built in 1902!), and some homemade apple cider doughnuts.
BERGEN COUNTY, NJ
Demarest Farms
244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale demarestfarms.com 201-666-0472
Hours: PYO apples begins Sept. 4; Thursday-Monday, 8am5pm Cost: $7 ages 2 and older, includes free parking and entrance to orchard; $14 for a bag to hold the apples you pick (approximately 1012 lbs.) This farm has it all—pick your own fruit of all varieties, plus a petting zoo, drive-in movie nights, Halloween lights, and more. When you’re done picking, check out the farm store with a bakery, apple cider, flowers, and fresh produce. All pick-your-own activities require advanced, online reservations this year (this allows the farm to manage proper social distancing and COVID-19 regulations). Visits will be limited to your reservation time frame, so arrive promptly at your
MORRIS COUNTY, NJ
Alstede Farms
1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester alstedefarms.com • 908-879-7189
Hours: Farm Store: daily, 9am-7pm; PYO: daily, 9am-6pm Cost: $14.99-$59.99, depending on how much produce you want to pick. Pre-purchased tickets required. Ticket includes access to pick-your-own areas, a container, the cost of the produce to fill said container, scenic hay wagon rides around the farm, and access to the hay pyramid and mazes. The farm has more than 50 different apple varieties, which allows apple picking season to start earlier here than most farms—you can already find some varieties available and more will be ready later in the season. Call in advance or visit the “What Can I Pick Today” portion of the farm’s website to confirm which varieties are ripe. Check out the corn maze (opening late summer), evergreen maze, and sunflower trail (included with cost of
PYO). For an additional cost, you can also cut your own sunflowers! Kids will love the pony rides and the tractor-pulled wagon ride, and you’ll want to come back for the farm’s live music events. It also offers U-Pick for myriad other fruits and veggies, such as blackberries, peaches, blueberries, tomatoes, and eggplants! And before you leave, indulge in the treats found at the Farm Store with homemade ice cream, fudge, apple cider doughnuts, and other desserts. Check out all the fun events and family activities the farm offers, including visits with its farm animals, by visiting the website. Oh, and if you’re coming from out of town, it offers a free shuttle service between the Gladstone Train Station and Alstede Farms on weekends and holidays (reservations required).
Alison Leighton is a freelance writer and marketing specialist and is the founder of Social Parent NYC—@SocialParentNYC on Facebook and Instagram—which hosts events for parents and their babies/toddlers. She lives in Westchester County with her husband and son and spends a lot of time reading Corduroy and wondering why Play-Doh smells so good.
