Top 10 summer events for kids on Long Island
Summer is no time for cocooning -- it's the time to flit around like a social butterfly. These 10 events are foolproof, shouldn't-be-missed entertainment for the family.
1. JONES BEACH AIR SHOW
When: May 23, 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, 631-321-3510, jonesbeachairshow.com Cost: Free with beach parking fee, $8 per car
The whole family will enjoy a day at the beach for the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show at Jones Beach State Park . The day's punctuated by flyovers from aerial performers such as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Geico Skytypers and more. The best fields to park in are 4 and 5 because they are closest to the center of the performances, but the show can be seen from any area of the beachfront. Arrive before 9 a.m. as parking fields fill quickly. Air Show Photos | Air Show Video
2. MATTITUCK STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
When: June 19, 20, 21 Info: North side of Route 48, Mattituck, 631-298-2222, mattituckstrawberryfestival.org Cost: Friday night admission is $2 per person older than 5, those younger than 5 are free; Saturday and Sunday admission is $5 per adult, $3 per child age 5 to 18, and free for those younger than 5. Additional fees for amusement rides.
The 55th annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival features strawberry shortcake, chocolate-covered strawberries, the Strawberry Festival Queen - get the idea? Music, amusement rides and other entertainment round out the fest. New this year is free parking at Martha Clara Vineyards with a free shuttle bus on Saturday and Sunday to the festival grounds. X-Team: Strawberry Festival Photos | Strawberry Festival Video
3. THOMAS & FRIENDS LIVE!
When: June 20, 21; Saturday shows at 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Sunday show at 11 a.m. Info: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum , 1255 Hempstead Tpke., East Garden City, 631-888-9000, ticketmaster.com , nassaucoliseum.com Cost: $18.50 to $63.50
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The under-5-year-old set will revel in "Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes to Town," a 90-minute musical performance telling the story of train engines working together to prepare for a night at the circus, with Thomas, as usual, saving the day.
4. DEMI LOVATO WITH DAVID ARCHULETA
When: June 24, 7 p.m. Info: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum , 1255 Hempstead Tpke., East Garden City, 631-888-9000, ticketmaster.com , nassaucoliseum.com Cost: $39.50 or $49.50
The 8- to 16-year-old demographic will covet tickets for this concert by tweenybopper idols.
5. FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR AT JONES BEACH
When: July Fourth (rain date July 5), 9:30 p.m. Info: Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, 631-321-3510, nysparks.com Cost: $8 per car parking fee
School-age children not spooked by the booms will enjoy the 30-minute fireworks extravaganza. Fields 4 and 5 are the best fields for parking because that's the show center, but fireworks are visible from anywhere on the beachfront. Arrive by 7 p.m. and have dinner on the sand before the show. More Long Island fireworks | Fireworks Photos
6. GREAT SOUTH BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL
When: July 10, 11, 12 Info: Shorefront Park, Patchogue, 631-331-0808, greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com Cost: Adults are $16 for the day, children 6 to 11 are $5, children 5 and under are free
This celebration of American music, art and heritage includes four stages of performances by 35 artists. The Kid Zone stage and tent has hourly performances by artists geared toward children up to age 10. Saturday and Sunday between noon and 6 p.m. are the most kid-centric hours. "It's not just jugglers and clowns, we are committed to educational children's performances," said James Faith, co-creator and co-producer of the festival. Music Festival Video
7. JONAS BROTHERS WORLD TOUR
When: July 19, 20, 21; 7:30 p.m. Info: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum , 1255 Hempstead Tpke., East Garden City, 631-888-9000, ticketmaster.com , nassaucoliseum.com Cost: $29.50, $49.50, $69.50 or $89.50
The Jonas Brothers tickets already are hard to come by, but if you're lucky enough to snag one (or already possess one), the show should prove a night to remember. Jonas Brother Photos
8. HISTORIC BASEBALL TOURNAMENT
When: Aug. 1, 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: Old Bethpage Village Restoration , 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage, 516-572-8401, nassaucountyny.gov/parks Cost: $10 for adults, $7 for children 5 to 12 and senior citizens; free for children younger under 5. Tournament is included in ticket price.
Baseball enthusiasts can watch teams dressed in 19th century period uniforms play one another in a two-day tournament. Brass band will play. "It's the rich history of American baseball. You see how it was originally played when it first became the American sport," said James McKenna, director of Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Old Bethpage Village Photos
9. THE WIGGLES GO BANANAS!
When: Aug. 21, 22; Friday shows at 3 and 6:30 p.m., Saturday shows 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Info: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum , 1255 Hempstead Tpke., East Garden City, 631-888-9000, ticketmaster.com , nassaucoliseum.com Cost: $22.50 to $43.50
The Wiggles, five performers from Australia, sing the group's hit "Monkey Man" and other songs from the group's newest album for toddlers and preschoolers.
10. SHINNECOCK POWWOW
When: Sept. 4, 5, 6, 7 Info: Shinnecock Reservation, West Gate Road off Montauk Highway, Southampton, 631-283-6143, shinnecocknation.com Cost: $10 per adult, $7 for children ages 6 to 12, senior citizens or handicapped, free for children younger than 6
The whole family can observe ongoing festive dance and drum competitions at the 63rd annual event. Different tribes from around the country gather at Shinnecock for the festivities, wearing regalia that represents their cultures. Face-painting, arts and crafts and a variety of foods available. Shinnecock Powwow Video
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