Blockbuster, United Skates and more Long Island places kids loved in the early 2000s

There are a few places on Long Island that are still close to the hearts of kids who grew up in the early 2000s. Take a walk down memory lane and check out beloved spots that are sure to evoke some nostalgia for millennials.

Chuck E. Cheese

11-15 Hanover Place (Delco Plaza), Hicksville; 121 Sunrise Hwy., Patchogue; 155 Sunrise Hwy., West Islip; and 162 Fulton Ave., Hempstead

"Where A Kid Can Be A Kid," Chuck E. Cheese is known for hosting children's birthday parties with pizza, soda, activities and access to a surplus of arcade games. Chuck E. Cheese himself even makes an appearance to dance and perform with its guests. More info: chuckecheese.com

Zany Brainy

Zany Brainy was a chain of educational toy stores founded in 1991 and had 187 locations by 2001. Toys sold included Beanie Babies, Legos, Crazy Bones and more. In late 2001, the toy chain was sold to Right Start, a former children's products retailer. Zany Brainy had a location in Greenvale.

United Skates

1276 Hicksville Rd., Seaford

A skating rink, arcade and cafe are all part of the experience at United Skates of America in Seaford. After skating to the tunes of a DJ, guests can enjoy pizza, play arcade games and cash in tickets for prizes during birthday parties or public skate nights. More info: 516-795-5474; unitedskates.com

KB Toys

Typically found in outlet centers or strip malls, the KB Toys chain had several locations across Long Island, including in New Hyde Park, Bay Shore and Massapequa. It declared bankruptcy and "America's Toy Store" closed all of its shops in 2009.

Adventureland

2245 Broad Hollow Rd., Farmingdale

Adventureland on Route 110 is home to the former Hurricane rollercoaster, which had its final ride in 2014. Current attractions include a haunted house, pirate ship, Ferris wheel and more.More info: 631-694-6868, adventureland.us

Friendly's

4812 Sunrise Hwy., Massapequa Park and 1826 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow

"Where ice cream makes the meal," Friendly's is home to the Fribble, Monster Mash, Dippin' Chicken and more. More info: friendlysrestaurants.com

Blockbuster

Blockbuster used to be the spot to rent videos and buy popcorn and candy to accompany your VHS or DVD. Although this video store chain is basically obsolete, the excitement of going to the store to rent a new movie will never be forgotten.

Kitchen Time's Party Place

Once located in Massapequa, Kitchen Times was a popular spot for birthday parties and trips for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts troops.

Splish Splash

2549 Splish Splash Dr., Calverton

Splish Splash in Calverton, the popular 96-acre waterpark destination on Long Island, has 20 water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, kiddie area and more. Open since 1991, it's a classic day-trip spot for Long Islanders looking for some fun in the water. More info: splishsplash.com

Safety Town

Merrick and Stewart Avenues, East Meadow

An excitable place to visit for class field trips, this miniature town in Eisenhower Park teaches children about traffic safety and is operated by the Nassau County Police Department. More info: 516-573-3190

Tower Records

Since we now live in a digital world, it's normal to mourn the days of having to leave the house to purchase music. Tower Records, which once had locations in Carle Place and Massapequa Park, was just one of the places people went to buy albums in the early 2000s. Tower Records has since relaunched, in 2020, as an online retailer.

Laser Kingdom and Wood Kingdom

Growing up on Long Island, you know that only the cool kids had their birthday parties at Laser Kingdom (laser tag) or Wood Kingdom (indoor playgrounds). The former has since closed, while the latter still has locations in Farmingdale and Coram, although not affiliated.