These Long Island families are ready to take on the holiday season in style
14 | o ut with the o ld...
How to recycle and donate all your kids’ toys on last year’s wishlist
HOlidaY
8 | Holiday light Shows
Light up the holiday season with NYC’s most magical displays
10 | family Traditions
Family, food, and the ties that bind
18 | a christmas Spectacular for all Inclusive performances, sensory accommodations, and accessibility features to ensure everyone enjoys the holiday magic
FamilY F u N
28 | c alendar
The best family-friendly events for Long Island families
Special cH ild
20 | Success in School
Simple ways to strengthen communication, build confidence, and help your child thrive in school
22 | choosing Private Schools for Neurodiverse learners
From tailored instruction to smaller class sizes, explore how private schools help neurodiverse learners succeed
24 | Swim Safety
The importance of water safety for all children
d i R ec TOR ie S
25 | Special Needs
26 | Birthday Parties
o N TH e cover
’Tis the Season...of Change
For my family, fall signifies change — the start of a new chapter, new beginnings, and growth. It’s not only the seasons that change — my youngest turns a year older, and with each birthday that passes, I am faced with the realization that I am no longer mom to two little ones — I’m no longer responsible for a baby, a toddler, a preschooler, or a kindergartener.
I now have to look up to speak to my 13-yearold, and my baby is now an independent 9-year-old with endless energy, a sense of humor, and a lot of opinions. While I am proud to see how they’ve grown up to be strong, intelligent, kind, loving boys, it feels like their childhood came and went as quickly as the seasons. I can still clearly remember the time my eldest showed his then-year-old brother how to launch himself into a pile of freshly raked fall leaves and what pure joy it brought them both—and to me. While it really was not that long ago, it feels like a lifetime. It’s a simple reminder that our time to raise tiny humans may be short, but the memories we make will last for the rest of their lives.
As challenging as it is to find time after the exhaustion of our daily routines, it is important to make as much magic as possible while we have time, which is why we pack each issue with ideas for fun activities and events you could possibly do together. So, whether you’re celebrating your family’s
Thanksgiving traditions, shopping for unique holiday gifts, taking in the magic of sparkling holiday light displays across Long Island, or planning your little one’s next birthday bash, we hope your family makes memories to last a lifetime.
Enjoy every moment,
Tara
Share your feedback and ideas about family life in New York! Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily
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Holiday Light Shows
by Tara LuSTberg
Long Island comes alive each holiday season with festive lights, sparkling displays, and immersive seasonal experiences perfect for families. From mile-long drivethrough extravaganzas at Riverhead and Jones Beach to whimsical walk-throughs at Camp Edey and Christmas House, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re looking for a dazzling spectacle or a cozy outing close to home, these beloved Long Island light shows bring magic, cheer, and memories for the whole family.
Christmas House Long Island
Broadway Commons, 358 North Broadway, Hicksville November 22 – January 4 christmashouselongisland.com
Christmas House Long Island offers an indoor, fully immersive holiday experience perfect for families. Visitors can enjoy a 40–45 minute walk-through featuring stunning light displays, interactive rooms, and themed experiences like the Snow Room, North Pole Movie Theater, Indoor Light Show, and more. With photo-worthy moments, holiday scents, and festive music, it feels like stepping inside a living Christmas card. Tickets grant access to all attractions, and the venue encourages guests to explore at their own pace for a cozy, magical holiday outing.
Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Holiday Light Show
Camp Edey, 1500 Lakeview Ave., Bayport gssc.us/en/activities/events/light-show. html
November 28th to December 21st; Thursdays & Sundays, 5 – 8 pm; Fridays & Saturdays, 5 – 9 pm
The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County invite families to stroll a whimsical holiday trail at Camp Edey, where larger-than-life displays light up the forest and create a magical seasonal escape. Highlights include a giant Christmas tree, a Chill Zone with lawn games,
and a festive visit to
New this year, the Cozy Bungalow Package offers admission, a food voucher, and a private winter-themed bungalow for families to enjoy a more intimate holiday experience.
Long Beach Electric Light Parade
West Beech Street, Long Beach longbeachny.gov
December 13, 6 pm
The seaside parade brings a coastal flair to the holiday festivities. Floats, fire trucks, classic cars, and even bicycles are adorned with bright lights as they make their way through Long Beach’s West End. Crowds gather along the streets to enjoy music, hot chocolate, and the vibrant spirit of a hometown holiday celebration. This event is free and open to all ages.
LuminoCity Holiday Lights: Fantasy Winter Fairyland
Eisenhower Park, 1899 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow luminocityfestival.com
November 7 to January 1; select dates; Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, 4:30 – 9:30 pm; Fridays & Saturdays, 4:30 – 10 pm
LuminoCity returns to Long Island with Fantasy Winter Fairyland, an immersive walkthrough experience that blends art, light, and imagination. This year’s festival transforms Eisenhower Park into a glowing wonderland of giant illuminated sculptures, whimsical creatures, and vibrant themed worlds inspired by fairy tales and fantasy. Families can stroll through dazzling installations, enjoy live entertainment, and capture picture-perfect holiday moments at every turn. With creative
displays and festive treats, LuminoCity offers a magical evening for visitors of all ages.
Magic of Lights at Jones Beach State Park
Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh magicoflights.com/jonesbeach
November 21 to January 3; Sundays–Thursdays, 5 – 10 pm; Fridays & Saturdays, 5 – 11 pm
Jones Beach becomes a winter wonderland with its mile-long drive-through event.
Visitors can enjoy classic holiday scenes and larger-than-life displays, including a Holiday Barbie showcase, a Bigfoot Monster Truck, and life-sized prehistoric Christmas dinosaurs. This spectacular drive is perfect for families, allowing every carload to experience the dazzling LED displays together. It’s one of Long Island’s most festive and family-friendly holiday attractions.
November 21 to December 31, 5 – 10 pm (last entry at 9 pm)
Long Island’s largest drive-thru holiday display returns to Splish Splash Waterpark, transforming the grounds into a glowing wonderland. Families can enjoy a mile-long route filled with hundreds of dazzling light displays, towering holiday scenes, and shimmering tunnels synced to festive music. Flexible ticket options, including VIP and season passes, let visitors customize their experience for a magical night out.
Santa at his winter cabin.
luminocity Holiday lights
Family Traditions
One clan’s intergenerational Thanksgiving customs
By Drew Kramer
“Lifting a turkey is a big event,” my mother admits. She accepted the responsibility of hosting Thanksgiving this year, a holiday she owned every year since I was a child. Growing up, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. My older cousins made their pilgrimage from upstate New York to stay with us for the long weekend. Our family came together from all corners of Long Island to honor a day celebrating gluttony and our country’s complicated colonial history.
Like good Americans, in the kitchen we trust. In the wee morning hours, during the “ugly phase” of the holiday preparation, the ritual dressing of the bird took center stage. “18 pounds of pure poultry,” my mother announced in her annual impersonation of Julia Child, your French chef. As the years went by, the size of the bird ebbed and flowed with the loss and gain of family. In recent years, with the expansion of our modern family to include step-brothers, in-laws, and 10 grandchildren, the invite list hovers around 30.
After raising her hand to host in a family group text, I messaged my mother separately to assure her that I was up to the task if she decided she wasn’t, even the day before. Since moving to suburbia four years ago, I’ve stepped up to bring family together when she could not.
My mother is a caretaker. In the 20 years since my stepfather’s Parkinsons diagnosis, my mother’s capacity to find joy in the manual labor of the holidays waned. “I feel like I have reached a point in my life where I recognize that, mentally and physically, I cannot do what I used to do. My husband is ill. I find myself anxious at the thought of a big event,” she acknowledged. In the irreverent, dark humor we share, she declares, “I pass the torch. The old gray mare ain’t what she used to be.”
When I mention my 30 person holiday guest list, people are shocked by my appetite to take on extra work while raising two young boys. Yes, the torch comes with domestic
responsibility, but with great responsibility comes great purpose. Like my mother, I feel the magic in bringing family together for joy. It is important to me to bring familiar faces and flavors to my table in the name of tradition and kinship. It is important to me to provide a forum for cousins to come together for mischief and forward momentum. If their relationships fade, so too do the ties that connect our people for generations to come.
Someday, when I’ve passed the torch to my children and theirs, I hope they’ll draw from the menu of family recipes that filled our bellies and hearts in the warmest moments of a calendar year: Cousin Dineen’s kugel; my late Aunt Debbie’s carrot soufflé; my mother’s turkey. These are the flavors that bind.
Everyone does their part to keep the party alive. As a spectator, my mother is happy to bring whatever she can to ease the pain of hosting the holidays. She delights in making her signature dishes the family craves without the stress of planning and cleaning. In corners of my basement, I squirrel away folding tables and chairs. I Pinterest compostable tablescapes because I cannot sacrifice style or sustainability, while prioritizing ease in executing a celebration for 30. My family comes with food in hand, rolling up their sleeves to clean a platter and unclog the drain. The
holidays teach me that I am not alone in this. In the wake of Covid isolation, I am a conduit for connection. After years of uncomfortable distance, we are all making up for lost time. In this season of my life, I find purpose in bringing people together. As my Millennial generation grows into middle adulthood, our Boomer parents move into their golden years. This holiday season, many of us are grappling with the weight of the torch we’ve inherited. As a family leader, sandwiched between young children and aging parents, I urge you to rise to the occasion. Fight through the host anxiety, culinary pressure and cleaning exhaustion for the important milestones of the year. Let people bring food and pull up their sleeves in the kitchen. Use paper plates. Ask for help and watch relationships grow through the shared creation of this beautiful moment. When the dishes are cleared, the leftovers stored, and the grandchildren are taking apart your couch to erect a fort, sit back with your wine and know that you too are building something. Feel gratitude and connection to the generations of family that roasted the turkeys that brought all of you to this day. Know that someday, when the pounds of pure poultry become too great for you to carry, you will lean on the foundation you and generations of others established to keep the family flame ablaze.
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LonG ISL and Family Style
brought to you by mixology
ali & cooper weiss (left)
Jewelry designer Ali Weiss, a proud New York native and founder of Ali Weiss Jewelry, knows that the best fall looks start with timeless staples and the right accessories. Known for her bold, expressive pieces that bring a touch of luxury to everyday life, Ali wears an oversized white-andblue striped cotton button-down with raw-hem, kick flair jeans, perfectly accented by her own dazzling creations. Her effortlessly layered style proves that great style — like fine jewelry — is about confidence and personal expression.
Her son Cooper, now the brand’s COO, brings next-generation energy and a modern edge to the family business. Together, they run two fine jewelry showrooms and luxury piercing bars — 1085 Northern Blvd. in Roslyn and 384 St. in Armonk — where they offer clients a warm, personalized experience that sparkles as bright as their designs. Discover more at aliweissjewelry.com or @aliweissjewelry .
Stephanie levy & family (right)
Stephanie Levy, a Bellmore–based newborn and family photographer and the creative eye behind Pixie Dust Photography (@pixiedustphoto), brings her signature blend of comfort and sophistication to her fall wardrobe. She’s wearing the Chelsea short-sleeve cardigan in ivory, a lightweight knit perfect for crisp autumn days. She’s paired it with Vervet super ultra high-waisted trousers for a modern twist on classic denim. The relaxed yet refined look captures the effortless elegance of the season.
Her daughter Bryn, a 10th grader who shines on both the lacrosse and soccer fields, leans into fall’s earthy, cocoa tones with Gab & Kate’s Estelle cargo pocket dress in chocolate brown — a statement sleeveless minidress that blends utility details with a polished, fashion-forward, cool-girl vibe. Briar, the family’s 4-year-old dancing queen and comic relief, brings a playful pop of color to the mix in her pink embellished cowboy boots, proving that personal style always wins. 6-month-old Baby Everly is the youngest of six, perfectly coordinated with big sis Briar in Louise Misha’s Blandy cotton brushed flannel dresses in cream and pink, adorned with floral embroidered sleeves.
Photography: iNsync Ny | insyncny.com
Sponsor: mixology | shopmixology.com
Produced by Staci Leibson
What To Do with Your Kids’ Old Toys
By BarBara russo
The holiday season is around the corner! It’ll soon be time to check off items on your kids’ wishlists. But in the meantime, you might wonder, “How will we have room for all these new toys?” Don’t fret, because we put together a list of what to do with the old toys they outgrew or just don’t play with anymore. From recycling to donating, these suggestions give beloved toys a second life — in someone else’s home!
Recycling
Mattel PlayBack Program
shop.mattel.com/pages/playback
Do you have Mattel toys to retire? If so, you can send them back to where they were created via the company’s PlayBack program. It allows you to return a wide variety of their branded items, which are then recycled into energy or reused as content in new products. To participate, go to the website and fill out a short form to receive a free prepaid shipping label.
Mr. Potato Head. My Little Pony. Playskool. These are just a few popular Hasbro brands that you can send back as part of the company’s toy recycling program, which is a partnership with the organization, TerraCycle. Once you send back your toys, they repurpose them into new materials and products, including play spaces, flower pots, and park benches.
Spin Master Free Recycling Program spinmasterplaysponsible.com/terracycle Recycling is one smart way to handle outgrown toys. Spin Master, the company behind PAW Patrol and Rubik’s Cube, offers a
free mail-in recycling program in partnership with TerraCycle (similar to Hasbro’s). Check the eligible items list on Spin Master’s site, print a prepaid label, and send your toys in. They’re sorted, cleaned, and melted into hard plastic remolded into new products—think park benches and picnic tables—instead of ending up in a landfill.
Stuffed Animal Box
terracycle.com/en-US/pages/zerowaste-box-faq
Your kids aren’t playing with their stuffed animals anymore, but it might seem horrifying to think of these once-beloved plush companions winding up in the trash.
Well, there’s good news: They don’t have to! You can purchase a TerraCycle Zero Waste Box (prices start at $110), fill it with your stuffed animals, and send them out. The toys are then sorted and processed into raw materials used to make new products.
If your kids are ready to move on from their LEGOs, you can pass forward these muchloved toy bricks to kids in need. Just box up your bricks, print out a label, and ship them out. Kids will get a box filled with a variety of bricks and elements to play with, as well as a
cool activity booklet with some fun building activities to try out!
Givin G Back Charities
If you’re looking for more answers on what to do with your kids’ old toys, consider donating them to charity! Many charities, such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army, will resell your donated items and use the money to support their causes if you have a new, unwrapped toy you’d like to give. It’s run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and its mission is to bring Christmas joy to kids who are economically disadvantaged.
Homes and Shelters
Those beautiful dolls in your child’s old toy chest will almost certainly bring joy to children going through a difficult time. Consider calling local children’s and women’s shelters to see if they’re accepting toys, and if so, ask how you can go about donating.
Religious Organizations
Consider contacting churches, synagogues,
Ways to Recycle Other Items
Now that you have a few tips on what to do with your kids’ old toys, here are a few bonus ideas for recycling other household items, too:
Umbrellas: Broken or unwanted umbrellas can be upcycled into everyday items like tote bags, and the metal spokes can be recycled at a scrap metal facility.
Pet food bags: Once empty, pet food bags can be used as
and other religious organizations to see if they know of any families in need who can use toys.
Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE)
This wonderful organization provides
trash bags.
Paint: Through the PaintCare program, many stores will accept unwanted paint to give away, sell, or reuse, which are preferred methods over recycling. Fewer resources are utilized, allowing local communities to benefit from free or low-cost paint. Check out paintcare.org for a store locator and instructions on how to make your donation.
comfort for children in traumatic or emergency situations through donations of stuffed animals, blankets, books, children’s clothes, and baby items. This beautiful mission allows you to donate items so they can be used to comfort the kids who need them most.
A Spectacular Holiday Season for All
This year’s Christmas Spectacular brings extra magic with a full slate of accessible offerings
By Jana Beauchamp
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Radio City Music Hall, where the Rockettes light up the stage for the 2025 Christmas Spectacular. This season is extra special as the Rockettes celebrate their 100th anniversary with a full lineup of accessibility offerings, ensuring every guest can experience the magic of Christmas. Families can look forward to the production’s third annual sensoryfriendly performance in partnership with the Theatre Development Fund (TDF), along with select shows featuring open captioning, audio descriptions, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, and more.
The Christmas Spectacular’s third annual sensory-friendly performance, presented in partnership with TDF, will take place on November 9 at 10 am. This year’s production features thoughtful modifications such as softer stage lighting, lowered audio levels, and additional house lighting to create a more comfortable experience. Guests can also visit Radio City Music Hall’s Grand Lounge, which will be transformed into a sensory-safe
space with soft seating and fidget tools to help guests reorient if needed. Dedicated staff members from TDF and Radio City Music Hall, trained in sensory needs, will be on-site to provide support throughout the event.
Radio City Music Hall and The Christmas Spectacular offer a variety of accessibility services to ensure more guests can experience the joy and thrills of the show. VITAC closed captioning, assistive listening devices, and relay calls made through a TTY machine are available at every performance. In addition, ASL interpreters will be present at four performances this season: Saturday, Nov. 15, and Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 11 am; Sunday, Dec. 7, at 6 pm; and Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 8 pm. An open-captioned performance will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 5 pm, and an audio-described performance will be offered on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 5 pm.
This season, Radio City, in partnership with KultureCity, the world’s leading nonprofit dedicated to sensory accessibility and acceptance, has unveiled the newly renovated Chris & Veronica Jackson Sensory Room. Open during all public events, the room offers
a calm and welcoming retreat for anyone who may feel overwhelmed by the excitement of the festivities. Thoughtfully designed with the holiday spirit in mind, it features adjustable lighting, cozy seating, calming visuals, and full wheelchair accessibility. Families can also take comfort knowing that sensory bags with fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, and other resources are available at every event, and all guest-facing staff have completed KultureCity training to ensure the magic of the season can be enjoyed by guests of all abilities.
Tickets for the sensory-friendly performance, presented in partnership with TDF, are now available at tdf.org/rockettes.
For more information on these and other accommodations, including accessible and companion seating, please contact the Accessibility Services Department at accessibilityservices@msg.com or the Accessibility Services FAQ page. Tickets for the 2025 Christmas Spectacular can be purchased in person at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Ave. between 50th and 51st Streets) and online at rockettes.com/christmas.
Set Up for Success
How to help your differently-abled child thrive in school
BY NEW YORK FAMILY
Good communication between parents and teachers is key to every child’s success—but it’s essential when your child has a learning difference. Staying informed, maintaining open communication, and helping your child feel empowered can make the school year smoother and more rewarding for everyone involved. Here are some tips on how to set your child up for success.
1. Know Your Rights—and Speak Up Parents are entitled to clear information about special education services and supports. Understanding these rights helps you advocate confidently for your child. When attending meetings—such as the Committee on Special Education (CSE), annual reviews, or parent-teacher conferences—don’t hesitate to ask questions if something isn’t clear. Staying informed puts you and your child in the
best position to ensure their needs are met.
2. Keep Communication Flowing Regular, honest communication with your child’s teachers makes a huge difference. Long Island co-teachers Kathy Devine and Emily Cole emphasize that parents of students with special needs should stay in close contact. “We like to know early if something changes at home—like a new medication or a shift in routine,” Cole says. Devine adds, “If your child is struggling with homework, let us know right away instead of waiting until the end of the trimester.”
Write a short letter to your child’s teacher at the start of the school year describing their strengths, challenges, and what strategies work best. It helps teachers understand your child as an individual from day one.
3. Understand IEP Goals
Take time to learn your child’s Individual-
ized Education Plan (IEP) goals and how they differ from general classroom goals. It’s normal for students to progress differently across these areas, but knowing what each set of goals measures will help you track growth more accurately—and celebrate progress in all forms.
4. Involve Your Child in the Process
Encouraging your child to participate in discussions about their learning plan can build confidence and self-advocacy skills. Cassie Reilly, a Transition Coordinator at a Long Island high school, suggests involving children in IEP meetings when possible. “Being open with kids about their diagnosis helps them see that their learning difference doesn’t define them,” she says. It’s about giving them a voice in their own education.
5. Embrace Your Child’s Unique Path
Every child’s journey looks different. Reilly notes that children may behave or perform differently at school than at home, and that’s okay. Success might not always follow a typical path—but with ongoing communication and understanding, parents and teachers can work together to find what works best for each child.
Why Some Families Turn to Private Schools for Learning Differences
For children with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or anxiety, personalized instruction can unlock success
BY TARA LUSTBERG
For many New York–area families, choosing the right school is rarely simple. But when a child has learning differences, whether it’s ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or anxiety, that search can feel overwhelming. Even in districts with strong special education programs, parents often find that large class sizes, limited resources, and inconsistent support make it difficult for their child to thrive. That leads some to the realization of exploring private schools explicitly designed for students who learn differently.
Despite dedicated teachers’ good intentions and hard work, resources are stretched thin within the NYC public school system. Classrooms include students with a wide range of educational needs, and individualized attention can be difficult — if not impossible — to sustain. When a student’s needs aren’t fully met in a traditional classroom environment, some parents begin exploring alternative options for neurodiverse learners, like schools that center their teaching philosophy on how each child learns best.
A Tailored Approach
Private schools that specialize in learning differences take a different approach to classroom instruction. Unlike traditional schools that expect neurodiverse students to adapt to conventional learning methods, specialized schools design their curricula around each student’s unique needs. This individualized model may mean breaking lessons into shorter, more manageable steps, using multisensory techniques, pacing instruction according to the individual’s needs, and measuring progress by growth rather than standardized benchmarks.
These schools often maintain small classes — sometimes with fewer than 10 students per teacher — allowing teachers to devote more one-on-one time to each child
to familiarize themselves with their interests, abilities, and challenges. For children who struggle with attention or anxiety, the quieter, more predictable environment can reduce stress and improve focus.
Focus on Emotional Well-Being
Often, these schools place a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and executive functioning skills, which help students manage frustration, stay organized, and advocate for themselves. Instead of viewing behavioral differences as disruptions, teachers are trained to recognize how overstimulation and frustration manifest and respond to help students refocus and regulate.
This can be transformative for a student who has gone from falling behind or feeling misunderstood to being engaged, capable, and confident. The feeling of belonging rather than feeling singled out can be as valuable as the curriculum itself.
Navigating the Path—and the Price
For many families, moving from public to private school can be complicated. When a public school cannot adequately meet a child’s needs, some parents look to private
schools for tuition coverage through the city’s Department of Education (DOE) reimbursement process. However, this process can be lengthy and often requires legal advocacy, documentation, persistence, and time.
But, while tuition costs are high, families who are able to make the investment (or effort of pursuing reimbursement) say it is worth it for their child’s long-term confidence and well-being.
Lessons for Every Classroom
In classrooms where individuality is embraced, mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, and emotional well-being is seen as essential to success, children who once struggled to fit in finally begin to flourish. The lessons from these specialized environments could inspire all public and private schools to rethink how they support the diverse ways children learn.
As awareness and understanding of neurodiversity grow, more families and educators are recognizing that traditional learning doesn’t work for every student. For many, finding the right school isn’t just about academics—it’s about helping their child discover their strengths, build selfesteem, and rediscover the joy of learning.
The Hagedorn
and au�sm with no direct cost to
Early Interven�on (El) and Commi�ee for Preschool Special Educa�on (CPSE) services are for children who have or who are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability. Evalua�ons must be referred by NCDOH/SCDOH for El and/or to the local school district for CPSE. Services are provided based on an individual child's elegibility 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.
Swim Safety for Children with Disabilities
The right lessons can save lives
BY DANIELLE RAMOS
When it comes to child safety, few topics are more urgent—or overlooked—than water safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and the second leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14. Often silent and shockingly fast, drowning can happen in seconds and in seemingly harmless places like bathtubs, backyard pools, lakes, fountains, and even buckets of water.
However, swim lessons can lower the risk of drowning by up to 88% for young kids. That makes early lessons and water safety one of the best ways parents can help keep their children safe. For families raising children with disabilities, swim safety can come with additional concerns. Lessons should be flexible and supportive, with programs that understand and adapt to each child’s unique needs.
We consulted Brittany Moog, a certified swim instructor and member of the U.S. Swim School Association, to talk about safety strategies, program options, and how parents can feel more confident near the water.
Why is swim safety important for all children, and how does that apply especially to children with disabilities?
Let’s be real: Kids and water go together like bubbles and bathtime. But while splashing is fun, safety always has to come first. For all children, knowing how to stay safe around water is a life skill, right up there with looking both ways before crossing the street.
For children with disabilities, that importance skyrockets. These kiddos may be more likely to wander, have a deep love for water, or simply process danger differently. That’s why we should treat swim lessons as more than just learning to swim; we’re building water superpowers that can literally save lives.
What should parents know about the water safety needs of children with disabilities?
Every child brings their own magic and their own needs to the water. Some may not understand when it’s safe to jump in, while others may not respond to verbal warnings. That’s where consistency, creativity and patience come in.
Parents can start by making water safety part of everyday life: Use stop/go visuals, practice waiting before entering the tub and/ or pool, and get everyone into a rhythm of predictable, repeatable routines. Water safety isn’t just a once-a-week class; it’s a mindset we help families bring into every puddle, pool, and beach day.
How can swim instruction be adapted to support children with a range of physical, cognitive, or sensory differences?
Every child deserves a swim lesson that feels just right for them. Ideally, instructors should get to know each swimmer and customize the lesson like it’s their favorite flavor of popsicle. Maybe it includes tactile prompts, visual cues, a favorite floaty toy or a calming song to set the tone.
If a child needs extra time to ease into the water, instructors should take it. If they communicate better through gestures or need a quieter space, they should adjust. Whether the child is learning to float, splash, or just feel calm in the water, instructors should move at the child’s pace, always aiming for progress over perfection.
What should parents look for when choosing a swim program that’s safe and supportive for children with disabilities?
Not all swim programs are created equal, especially when it comes to kids with disabilities. The gold standard? Instructors with training in adaptive swim methods and hearts as big as the pool.
Look for places that offer small group
or one-on-one lessons, have a calm and sensory-friendly environment, and (this one’s big!) actually listen to you about your child’s needs. You should feel like a partner in the process, not just a spectator.
Pro tip: bring a list of your child’s preferences, sensitivities, and swim goals, and don’t be afraid to ask, “Can I watch a class before we dive in?”
What tips do you have for parents to help their children stay safe around water outside of lessons, at home or on vacation?
Water safety doesn’t stop when the lesson ends; it’s a whole-family adventure! Here are a few of our favorite tips to help parents keep the water fun and safe:
Make it a routine: Use fun verbal cues like “Ready, set, splash!” to practice water boundaries at home.
Turn bath time into learning time: Let your child explore water movement, practice floating toys, or count to three before rinsing. Tiny lessons add up!
Muscle memory is your friend: Repetition is key. Practice how to enter and exit the pool, turn to float, or find the wall even without water.
Add layers of safety: Think door alarms, locked gates, and eyes-on supervision near any body of water.
Involve siblings: Turn them into safety sidekicks! Teaching everyone to look out for each other builds team spirit and responsibility.
With the right guidance, kids can grow up not just safe but strong, confident, and joyful in the water.
To find a reputable swim school in your area, or anywhere in the U.S., visit the United States Swim School Association. usswimschools.org.
autism Behavioral consulting Services
Karen Bottalico, SAS, SDA
516-851-8330
kbottalico2002@yahoo.com
Autism Behavioral Consulting Services is an educational consultant serving Queens, Long Island, and the New York City Metro area. Working directly with families, services include evaluating placement and service options and accompanying parents throughout the CPSE or CSE process, including meetings, screenings, observations, and extensive education history reviews. Other services include staff training, school-based consultation, FBA assessment, BIP implementation, ABA and verbal behavior training techniques, behavior management strategies, home/school intensive
behavior intervention services, crisis intervention and prevention, homebased services, and parent education training.
Dragon fly aBa 535 Broadhollow Rd. A4, Melville 516-531-3673
hello@dragonflyaba.com dragonflycares.com
Dragonfly Cares aims to offer exceptional ABA and Speech-Language Therapy services throughout Long Island. They provide school, home, BIS, and centerbased opportunities for early learners and young adults with disabilities all year round. Each individual’s plan is customized to their specific needs, and Dragonfly Cares encourages parent involvement and education. Their team undergoes
ongoing professional development training and consistent supervision to ensure clinical excellence with each client.
The Hagedorn little village School
750 Hicksville Rd., Seaford 516-520-6000
jon.feingold@littlevillage.org littlevillage.org
The Hagedorn Little Village School is a not-for-profit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides year-round programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services.
long i sland Speech
9 locations on Long Island 631-689-6858
844-5-SPEECH
suffolkspeech@lispeech.com lispeech.com
Long Island Speech is the leading speech therapy provider on Long Island, with nine locations in Nassau and Suffolk County. It specializes in Myofunctional Therapy, PROMPT, Voice Disorders, Fluency, Augmented Communications, Articulation, Feeding Therapy, Auditory Processing, Expressive/ Receptive Language Disorders, and more. Long Island Speech participates with most major health insurance companies and offers evening and weekend hours.
Finding the right place to celebrate your child’s big day can turn an ordinary birthday into something truly unforgettable. Whether your little one dreams of a hands-on art party, an epic play-space experience, or an outdoor adventure, there’s no shortage of creative venues to bring those birthday wishes to life. We’ve gathered some of the best kids’ birthday party spots—each with its own unique charm, from themed entertainment to stress-free all-inclusive packages. No matter where you celebrate, these spots deliver fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
adventureland
2245 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale 631-694-6868
BirthdayParties@Adventureland.us adventureland.us
Get ready for an amazing celebration at Adventureland Long Island! Their dedicated party team is prepared to help plan an unforgettable event, whether it’s a birthday, graduation, communion, or end-of-year bash. Adventureland offers thrilling rides, exciting games, tasty food, and nonstop fun for all ages. Guests can choose from customizable party packages designed to fit any need and make every celebration extra special. Kids will love the roller coasters, water rides, and games, all while making memories that last a lifetime. When it’s time to eat, guests can enjoy delicious food options that everyone will love. Whether the celebration is big or small, Adventureland is the perfect place to party. Join the fun and create unforgettable moments at Adventureland Long Island!
american Girl® new York
75 Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan 877-247-5223
americangirl.com/pages/retail-new-york
An in-store birthday party at American Girl
is an easy, exciting way to celebrate your daughter’s special day. All-inclusive birthday parties are designed to minimize stress and maximize fun! Packages include personalized digital invitations, our signature cake and ice cream, and so much more. Celebrate all the joys of girlhood in an award-winning environment.
Celebrate your child’s special day with a chic, hands-on fashion design experience at The Fashionable Stylista in Syosset. Guests become designers for a day as they sketch, sew on real machines, and create custom fashion projects to take home. Each celebration is led by professional instructors who make learning to sew both exciting and confidencebuilding. Hosted in a beautiful private space with only one party at a time, parents can relax knowing every detail is taken care of. Choose from signature party packages such as Sew a Tote Bag, Sew a Pillow, Mini Dress Form Design, or the Fashionable Princess Package, where guests create their very own tutus. Any package is perfect for kids who love creativity, style, and fashion!
Monster Birthday Parties As you step into our world of monsters, prepare to be greeted by our friendly human staff. Our monster birthday parties are designed to create an unforgettable experience for your
little one and their friends. They are filled with laughter, excitement, and plenty of monstrous fun, with private party rooms complete with spooky decorations. In addition to miniature golf and thrilling arcade and redemption games, the locations offer additional attractions. Monster Mini Golf in Deer Parkc offers a laser maze and a virtual reality experience. The Garden City location offers a laser maze, bowling and a virtual reality experience. Monster Mini Golf is indoors, ensuring that the event will always take place, regardless of the weather.
a novel Princess Party anovelprincessparty.com
A little magic can make a big impact! A Novel Princess Party transforms children’s birthdays into unforgettable adventures with royal, superhero, and fan-favorite character experiences. Families can choose from beloved characters like Elsa, Moana, Superman, Ghost Spider, Taylor Swift, and K-Pop Demon Hunters. Professional performers bring the magic directly to the celebration, offering 30–120-minute visits filled with hands-on
activities, special gifts, and sensory-friendly options. Serving kingdoms across the tristate area, every celebration is uniquely enchanting and joy-filled.
Party Mags
631-600-3315
charles@partymags.com
partymags.com
Party Mags services the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT), delivering high-energy entertainment with the latest multimedia technology. Each Party Mags event features Mobile Arcade Gaming Systems equipped with two TVs, dual game consoles, vibrant LED lighting, and double-sided play for nonstop fun. Guests can enjoy top video game consoles, crisp displays, versatile tablets, and immersive virtual reality headsets. From thrilling VR adventures to Fortnite battles and gaming tournaments, Party Mags transforms any occasion into an unforgettable experience. Whether for a birthday, school event, or corporate gathering, Party Mags brings excitement directly to your venue. With game trucks, bouncy houses, and jumbo games, they ensure endless fun for
guests of all ages—making every celebration truly memorable.
Progressive Gymnastics
2200 Marcus Ave., New Hyde Park 516-775-5545
Progressiveathleticcenter@gmail.com progressiveathleticcenter.com/pacparty Celebrate your child’s special day with a high-energy gymnastics or Ninja Warrior Obstacle Party—where the fun never stops! Their expert coaches lead an hour of thrilling, age-appropriate activities—choose between Olympic-style gymnastics events with springboard races and tumble track fun, or Ninja Warrior adventures featuring swinging challenges, “floor-is-lava” courses, and the epic Warped Wall Run. After the action, enjoy a 30-minute celebration with pizza, dessert, and their famous POP-OUT Cake surprise that will wow every guest! Each party is guided by enthusiastic staff who keep every child engaged, safe, and smiling—while giving the birthday star the spotlight they deserve. Parties run every Saturday and Sunday.
Royal Princess Prep
516-639-3939
royalprincessprep@gmail.com
royalprincessprep.com
At Royal Princess Prep, attention is paid to every detail, from our completely custom costumes and wigs to our one-of-a-kind shoes and accessories, you’ll feel like our characters stepped right off the screen or out of a storybook! Their goal is to create a magical, one-of-a-kind experience for you and your child. Let them help you create the memory of a lifetime! Royal Princess Prep aims to inspire and empower all the children we meet by instilling kindness, bravery, strength, believing in yourself, and the knowledge that true beauty comes from within. They are dedicated to leaving each child with a lasting impression and memories they will hold close to their hearts for years to come. Offering your favorite characters on Long Island and throughout the tri-state area.
Send In The Clowns
493 Westbury Ave., Carle Place 516-354-1515
gary@sendintheclowns.com sendintheclowns.com
Send In The Clowns offers full-service planning and rentals for every occasion, serving New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Specializing in events of
all sizes, the team provides everything in-house—from tents, tables, and staging to inflatables, DJs, and live entertainment— ensuring seamless execution and topquality service. Their “do-it-all” philosophy guarantees clean, safe equipment, on-time delivery, and competitive pricing. Whether it’s a child’s birthday, wedding, bar mitzvah, fundraiser, or corporate event, Send In The Clowns offers a complete one-stop solution for rentals and entertainment. With a vast inventory and creative options, the company brings every celebration to life with professionalism, reliability, and fun, allowing clients to relax and enjoy their event from start to finish.
Suffolk Y JCC
74 Hauppauge Rd. Commack 631-462-9800
nhamer@syjcc.orgsy
jcc.org/main-party-central Birthday parties at the Suffolk Y JCC are a piece of cake! They make celebrating easy and fun with exciting party options to fit every child’s interests. Choose from Move & Play, All-Star Sports, or Swim Fun for a celebration packed with energy and smiles. They provide all the supplies—just bring your cake and party favors. Plus, the birthday child is always free! Don’t see your perfect “flavor”? They are happy to customize a party that’s just right for your child. Whether you’re looking for an action-filled day or a unique theme, they’ll make it unforgettable. Make your child’s special day one to remember!
Urban air
3147 Middle Country Rd, Lake Grove 631-861-4125
info@urbanairlakegrove.com urbanairlakegrove.com
Make your kid’s birthday party epic at Urban Air Lake Grove, where they take care of everything! All party packages come with a dedicated host, arcade cards, a t-shirt for the birthday kid, party favor scratchoffs, Urban Air socks, tableware, balloons, and water for each jumper. All packages include two hours at a table or in a private room rental (includes setup and cleanup), after which you can stay another hour in the park to continue the fun! Experience Long Island’s tallest Sky Rider zip line, mini go-karts, Flash Pads interactive game, Spin Zone bumper cars, virtual reality, climbing walls, warrior course, and dozens of trampolines. Plus video games and claw machines! Birthday packages start at $455.
calendar
by Shara LeviNe
Na SS au
Santa Photo experience
wHeN: Nov. 7-Dec. 24; see website for schedule
wHere : Roosevelt Field, 630 Old Country Road, Garden City ageS: All
wHaT: Visit with Santa, tell him your wishes, and take the ultimate holiday photo.
waNT To go?: Photo packages start at $39.99. simon.com
luminocity: fantasy winter fairyland
wHeN: Nov. 7-Jan. 1; see website for schedule
wHere : Eisenhower Park, 1899 Park Blvd., East Meadow ageS: All
wHaT: Be amazed as towering sculptures illuminate the park, take a trip down the Snow Dream Slide, and catch a ride on the new Lumi Express through a symphony of lights and sounds.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $36.50 and $28.43 for ages 4-12. luminocityfestival.com
long island Nets Season Home opener
wHeN: Friday, Nov. 7, 7 pm
wHere : Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tnpk., Uniondale
ageS: All
wHaT: Catch an exciting night of basketball with the Long Island Nets at their season home opener against the Capital City Go-Go!
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $30. 516-654–8203, longisland. gleague.nba.com
family yoga
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 9, 1 – 2pm
wHere : Revolution Yoga, 7 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre
ageS: All
wHaT: Through gentle breathing exercises, childfriendly yoga poses, and playful partner activities, families will enjoy a fun and active hour that nurtures both body and mind.
waNT To go?: $35 for one adult & one child; $6 for each additional family member. eventbrite.com
Disney on ice Presents Jump in!
wHeN: Nov. 12-16, Thursday, 7 pm; Friday, 11 am and 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 11 am, 5 pm, and 7 pm
wHere : UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike., Elmont ageS: 8 and younger
wHaT: Join Mickey, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald as they transport audiences into your favorite Disney stories with high-flying acrobatics, dazzling choreography, and favorite songs.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $42. disneyonice.com
Bubblemania
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 16, 3 pm
wHere : Jeanne Rimsky Theater At Landmark On Main St., 232 Main St., Port Washington ageS: All
wHaT: This show is loaded with visual comedy, quick wit, big band swing music, and the untamed, often unbelievable qualities and beauty of spherical liquids.
wHere : Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Pkwy. Wantagh ageS: All
wHaT: This dazzling, drivethrough holiday lights experience features favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $23 per carload. magicoflights. com
wicked
Breakfast
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 23, 9:30 – 11 am
wHere : United Skates of America, 1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford ageS: All
wHaT: This Wickedly fun event includes a scrumptious breakfast buffet, live performances by Glinda & Elphaba, a meet & greet with the stars of Oz, and fabulous photo ops!
waNT To go?: $24. 516-795–5474, unitedskates.com
1863 Thanksgiving Day celebration
wHeN: Nov. 29-30, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
wHere : Old Bethpage Restoration Village, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old
disney on ice Presents Jump in! at UBs a rena
Bethpage
ageS: All
wHaT: Experience a Civil War–era Thanksgiving filled with period food, customs, and reenactments that capture the spirit of the season.
waNT To go?: TBA. oldbethpagevillagerestoration. org
Jolly Jamboree
wHeN: Saturday, Nov. 29, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
wHere : Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
ageS: 3 and older
wHaT: Kids can create a festive craft, decorate a special cookie, sock skate with their favorite character friends, enjoy songs of the season with Victorian carolers, and more.
waNT To go?: $16. 516-224–5800, licm.org
Suffo L k
fall fun Day
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 4, 2:30 –4:30 pm
wHere : Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket
ageS: 3 – 11
wHaT: Drop by for a harvest of seasonal crafts and games.
waNT To go?: Free. 631-941–4080, emmaclark.org
Santa Photos
wHeN: Nov. 7-Dec. 24; see website for schedule
wHere : Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station
ageS: All
wHaT: Meet the man in red himself and take festive family photos!
waNT To go?: Photo packages begin at $39.99. simon.com
adult & child Paint workshop with Deborah acquino
wHeN: Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 am – 12 pm
wHere : Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton
ageS: 5 and older
wHaT: This engaging experience offers families the opportunity to take part in hands-on projects, collaborative activities, and artistic exploration.
waNT To go?: $35 per parent/child; $15 each additional child. 631-283–0967, southamptonartscenter.org
Jingle Bell Bash annual Tree lighting
wHeN: Saturday, Nov. 8, 3 – 6 pm
wHere : Tanger Outlets Deer Park, 152 The Arches Cir., Deer Park
ageS: All
wHaT: Celebrate the season with lots of festive fun, including Snapshots with Santa, live performance, real reindeer, crafts for kids, hot cocoa, music, and the lighting of the holiday tree!
waNT To go?: Free. tanger. com
family Pickle Party
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 9, 12 – 1 pm & 2 – 3 pm
sweetheart Princess tea Party at the long island a quarium
wHere : The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor
ageS: 3 and older
wHaT: Taste pickle samples, decorate a jar, and make your own pickles to take home.
waNT To go?: $6-$8 admission + $12 participant; $10 for members. cshwhalingmuseum.org
wHere : Long Island Aquarium, 431 East Main St., Riverhead
ageS: All
wHaT: Your little royal will dance and sing with all of their favorite Princesses, and enjoy formal white glove tea service with finger sandwiches and sweets.
waNT To go?: $55; $49 ages 3-12; $10.35 ages 2 and younger. longIslandaquarium. com
Bindlestiff family cirkus
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 16, 4 pm
wHere : Staller Center For the Arts, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook
ageS: All
wHaT: This unique circus brings you a fearless contortionist, an astonishing juggler, a daring sword swallower, and so much more!
waNT To go?: $26-$36. 631632–2787, stallercenter.com
children’s Holiday clay Pot making
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 23, 10 am – 12 pm
wHere : The Reboli Center for Art and History, 64 Main St., Stony Brook
ageS: 6 – 10
wHaT: This exciting, handson class offers children the opportunity to explore the world of pottery and create their very own unique clay pots!
waNT To go?: $45. 631-751–7707, rebolicenter.org
Holiday Spectacular on ice
wHeN: Nov. 28-Jan. 4; see website for schedule
wHere : The Gateway PACSC,
luminocity: Fantasy Winter Fairyland
215 South Country Road, Bellport
ageS: All
wHaT: This enchanting musical celebration brings beloved holiday songs to life while emphasizing the beauty, grace, and artistry of figure skating.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $35. 631-286–1133, thegateway.org
girl Scouts of Suffolk county’s Holiday light Show
wHeN: Nov. 28-Dec 21, Fridays and Saturdays, 5 – 9 pm, Thursdays and Sundays, 5 – 8 pm
wHere : Camp Edey, 1500 Lakeview Ave., Bayport ageS: All
wHaT: See the sparkling lights up close as you walk through a trail in the woods filled with larger-than-life displays, enjoy giant lawn games, and visit Santa!
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $15. gssc.us
N yc
Snow white
wHeN: Nov. 1 – 9, Saturdays and Sundays, noon – 1:15 pm and 4 – 5:15 pm
wHere : The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd St., Midtown ageS: 6 and older
wHere : New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx Park ageS: All
wHaT: The timeless magic of rail travel fills NYBG with seasonal cheer as model trains travel famous bridges and familiar city settings, bringing nearly 200 twinkling landmark replicas to life.
waNT To go?: $27-$39. 718-817–8700, nybg.org
Bagelfest
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 16, 9 am – 4 pm
wHere : Citi Field, 41 Seaver Way, Flushing ageS: All
classic tale brings a witty warmth to the Grimm classic and reminds us that even the wicked deserve a chance at redemption.
waNT To go?: $25. 646-223–3010, newvictory.org
christmas Spectacular Starring The radio city rockettes
wHeN: Nov. 6 – Jan. 4; see website for schedule
wHere : Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, Midtown ageS: All
wHaT: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes as this milestone season promises to be more unforgettable than ever before.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $65. rockettes.com
Big apple circus at lincoln center
wHeN: Nov. 7 – Jan. 4, see website for schedule
wHere : Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center, Amsterdam Ave. & W 62nd St., Upper West Side ageS: All
wHaT: The magic of the Big Apple Circus is back with unforgettable feats of strength and skill, this all-new show brings the magic of the circus to life.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $37. bigapplecircus.com
wHaT: Explore and sample from top bagel, spread, and specialty food vendors, play interactive games, check out the special kids programming, and more.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $69 for adults; $18 child 12 and younger. bagelfest.com
Bronx Zoo Holiday l ights
wHeN: Nov. 21 – Jan. 4; see website for schedule
wHere : Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Park ageS: All
wHaT: Millions of lights and hundreds of illuminated animals transform the Zoo into an immersive experience, featuring hands-on activities, holiday entertainment, and delicious treats.
waNT To go?: Tickets start at $26.95. bronxzoo.com
macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
wHeN: Thursday, Nov. 27, 8:30 am – 12 pm
wHere : Parade begins at Central Park West & 77th St., Upper West Side ageS: All
wHaT: This iconic parade includes magnificent floats, marching bands from across the country, and enormous balloons featuring favorite characters, old and new.
waNT To go?: Free. macys. com
Meet Camp Directors • Video Games • Arts & Crafts • Face Painting & more to come!
Brooklyn
Saturday, January 24th
Industry City
33 35th Street, Suite 52ASecond Floor
Long Island
Sunday, January 25th
Cradle of Aviation Museum
Charles Lindbergh Blvd
Manhattan - West Side
Saturday, January 31st
Trevor Day Lower School 1 W 88th Street
Westchester
Sunday, February 1st
Harrison Meadows Country Club 123 North Street
Queens (LIC)
Saturday, February 7th
RENEW Center 10-15 46th Road
Manhattan - East Side
Sunday, March 1st
The Allen-Stevenson School 132 East 78th Street
Westchester
Saturday, March 7th
Maria Regina High School 500 West Hartsdale Avenue
