Half-Day vs. Full-Day Camps – What’s Best for Your Child?

Half-Day vs. Full-Day Camps – What’s Best for Your Child?

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As the mid-winter break approaches, parents often seek engaging and enriching experiences for their children. Day camp is a top choice for a revitalizing holiday filled with art, music, culture, and fun friendships that create lifelong memories.

Before you enroll your child, you’ll have to decide whether a half-day or full-day camp is suitable. Each option comes with its set of pros and cons, and factors like a child’s age, the parent’s work schedule, and the child’s readiness must be carefully considered. In this article, we explore the key aspects to weigh.

Pros and Cons for Parents

Pros and Cons for Kids

Factors Influencing the Decision

When choosing, consider the following factors:

Your Child’s Age

Younger children (3-5 years of age) may benefit from the shorter, less overwhelming structure of a half-day camp, while older (elementary school age) kids may thrive in a more immersive full-day experience.

Your Schedule

Full-day camps align well with a traditional 9-to-5 workday, providing a seamless solution for working parents. Those with more flexible schedules may find half-day camps to be convenient and cost-effective.

Your Child’s Readiness

Assessing a child’s readiness involves considering their energy levels, attention span, and ability to handle a more extended day of activities. Think about your child’s comfort with social interactions, independence, schedule changes, and interest in novel activities.

Assessing Child’s Maturity/Readiness

Going one step further on that last point, ask yourself these questions:

  • Is my child socially confident?
  • Does my child express interest in varied pursuits?
  • Can my child independently dress, eat, and follow instructions?
  • Does my child have strong, enthusiastic energy levels throughout the day?
  • Is my child’s attention span long enough to focus on a 20-minute activity?
  • Does my child handle transitions between activities and environments well?
  • Is my child resilient enough to cope with challenges and bounce back from setbacks?

If you answered “YES” to these questions, your child might be ready for a full-day camp.

Sign Up Now: It’s Not Too Late To Enroll for Winter Break!


Explore mid-winter break camp options at Shine NYC, where we offer both half-day (9-11:30am or 12:30-3pm) and full-day camps (9am – 3pm), ensuring a tailored experience for every child. Our camp is designed for ages 3-11 and includes themed crafts, music and movement, outdoor play, local specialists, seasonal activities, and more. Reach out through social media or email us at info@shinenyc.net to sign your child up for a memorable and enriching holiday break.

Igniting Creativity: Celebrate National Inspire Your Heart With Art Day with Kids

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January 31st marks a special day on the calendar: National Inspire Your Heart With Art Day. It’s a celebration of artistic expression and the profound impact it can have on our hearts and minds. For parents, it’s an opportunity to foster creativity in their children and instill a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Here, we’ll explore the significance of this day and provide practical tips to enjoy the day.

Why Celebrate Inspire Your Heart With Art Day?

Art has a unique ability to inspire, uplift, and bring joy. National “Inspire Your Heart With Art” Day encourages individuals, young and old, to explore the world of art in all its forms – from visual arts like painting and drawing, to performing arts like music and dance, to literary arts like poetry and fiction.

Fast Facts: Making the Case for Art Education

For children, engaging in artistic activities is not only fun but also essential for their cognitive development, fostering creativity, imagination, and self-expression. But don’t just take our word for it.

Consider some of the latest research, which found:

Through art, children create mental images, express themselves, make judgments, take risks, and work through frustration by flexing perseverance—all critical life skills.

Practical Tips for Parents to Celebrate with Kids

  • Create an Artistic Space at Home: Designate a corner or table at home as an artistic space where kids can unleash their creativity. Stock various art supplies like paper, paint, markers, colored pencils, how-to drawing books, and various craft materials—and let imaginations run wild.
  • Family Art Session: Pick a theme, and set aside time for a family art session. It could be a collaborative mural, individual paintings, or even a mini family art exhibition.
  • Explore Different Art Forms: Introduce your children to various art forms to broaden their perspective and enhance their appreciation for creativity. You might watch a dance performance online, listen to different genres of music, or discuss illustrations in a book on art history.
  • Visit Virtual Art Exhibitions: Many cultural institutions offer virtual tours, allowing kids to explore famous artworks and discover new artists from the comfort of their homes. Or we recommend visiting one of the many art museums or galleries in the Hamptons.
  • Artistic Games and Challenges: Organize art-related games or challenges like a timed drawing competition, drawing a portrait with your eyes closed, scavenger hunt for art supplies, or a game where your family recreates famous artworks and tries to guess what everybody made.

Shine: Nurturing Creativity Through Art, Music, Sports, Culinary, and Cultural Activities

At Shine, we understand the profound impact of art on a child’s development. Our camps and activities are designed to provide a vibrant and enriching environment where kids can explore their artistic passions. From crafting to music to culinary creations, Shine offers a diverse range of programs that inspire creativity and foster a life-long love of learning.

To celebrate National Inspire Your Heart With Art Day, consider visiting the Shine Studio in New York’s East End to provide your child with opportunities to shine bright through artistic expression and creative exploration. Visit our website to learn more about our upcoming camps and activities – where every day is a celebration of inspiration and creativity.

Fun New Year’s Crafts That Spark Creativity and Joy

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As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate with kids than to engage in crafty activities together. Crafting not only enhances creativity but also provides an opportunity for children to express themselves and builds lasting memories and traditions.

Here are some fun New Year’s crafts tailored for kids ages 5-12:

1. New Year’s Party Hats

Get the festivities started by crafting personalized party hats. First, make a cone-shaped hat by drawing a half-circle on a piece of paper using a compass or pencil tied to a string, cutting it out, forming a cone, and taping it at the base. Then unleash the imagination with a variety of custom decorations. We recommend colorful markers, stickers, streamers, puff balls, plastic shaped buttons, and glitter.

2. Countdown Clocks

Create anticipation for the stroke of midnight with DIY countdown clocks. Use paper plates or cardboard circles as the base, and have the kids divide them into 12 sections to represent the hours on a clock. Allow them to decorate each section with different colors and patterns. Add moving clock hands using a brad fastener. As the clock approaches midnight, they can turn the hand to count down the hours to the New Year.

3. Confetti Poppers

What’s a New Year’s celebration without confetti? Help your kids make DIY confetti poppers by tying a knot at one end of the balloon, cutting the top off, and stretching/taping the other end over an empty toilet paper roll. Decorate the roll with festive colors and fill with cut pieces of tissue paper or cut metallic paper pieces. Place a piece of tissue paper and a rubber band over the end to wait for the big moment. When the clock strikes midnight, pull the balloon and snap it, releasing a shower of celebratory confetti.

4. Wishing Wands

Encourage positive vibes for the New Year by crafting wishing wands. Provide plain wooden dowels for the kids to decorate with ribbons, glitter, and beads. Attach a small jingle bell or a star cutout to the top and encourage them to write or draw their wishes for the upcoming year on the star. Wave the wands as a symbolic gesture to send their wishes into the universe.

5. Vision Boards

Introduce the concept of vision boards to inspire your kids to visualize their dreams and aspirations for the coming year. Provide poster boards, magazines, scissors, and glue. You might also use a template to help get ideas flowing. Encourage your child to cut out images and words that represent their goals, dreams, and things they look forward to in the New Year. As they arrange and glue these elements onto their boards, discuss the importance of setting positive intentions and keeping visual reminders around. This meaningful exercise can teach children about the power of visualization and positive thinking.

Start the Year Off Inspired!

As the clock ticks down to the New Year, these crafts will not only keep your kids entertained but also foster creativity and a sense of excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead. So, gather the art supplies, set up a crafting station, and let the New Year’s crafting festivities begin! And if you’re in the Hamptons / East End of New York, stop by and visit The Shine Studio for crafting supplies, inspiration, and fun.

Building Family Bonds: One Brick at a Time

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Do you remember a childhood filled with toys, dress-up, and imaginative play? A global study conducted by LEGO found the average child today spends less than 2% of the week (about seven hours total) engaged in play. In fact, one in three kids enjoy their toys for less than three hours a week. Often, children are running to sports practices, music lessons, tutoring sessions, or zonked out on technology. In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, it can be a challenge finding meaningful ways to connect as a family.

Enter LEGO: a timeless stand-out in the world of play. The simple joy of building with LEGO bricks transcends generations, bringing parents and children together in a shared experience. This holiday season, as you welcome hundreds—if not thousands—of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene blocks into your house, rejoice at this opportunity to collaborate and connect.

5 Sturdy Benefits of LEGO Building Together

  1. Everybody finds their niche. One of the remarkable aspects of LEGO is its universal appeal. There’s a theme and a difficulty level for everyone—which is an easy way to build self-esteem and confidence. Whether it’s a preschooler stacking Duplo blocks or a pre-teen assembling intricate LEGO Technic sets, the experience is enriching for all ages. Younger children develop fine motor skills and spatial awareness, while older siblings and engage in strategic problem-solving and parents find their moment of zen.
  • Team work makes the dream work. Many families are juggling a myriad of ages and interests. For mom Stephanie Hanna, the five-year age gap between her daughters presents a challenge at times, but much to her relief, “LEGO has something to offer for each age.” Her kids have moved from DUPLO onto LEGO Friends sets, but she loves that they’re able to sneak in meaningful discussions while exploring the imaginary lands they’ve built.
  • Get smarter, stronger, and more skilled. LEGO offers a unique avenue for families to train together, building manual dexterity and mind-body connections. Researchers at the University of California at San Diego found that children can use LEGOs to build their visual spatial skills—which is linked to higher GPAs and graduation rates.
  • It’s affordable therapy. There are Braille bricks for individuals with visual impairment. LEGOs are also used therapeutically for children with autism to enhance communication, collaboration, and physical skills. When Kathleen Jordan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 60, playing with her granddaughter was the best cure. She felt her brain fog start to lift with LEGO therapy. “I started figuring out problems more quickly. For example, instead of taking a shopping cart loaded with groceries over to where I had parked my car, I would drive my car around the back of the building and unload the cart there—common-sense things like that,” she explains. But in a simpler way, the confidence was inspiring. “I realized I could build things with dimension, and that was a big aha moment for me. It was like, if I can do this, I can do anything,” she adds.
  • Unplug and unwind. For many, LEGO time offers a sanctuary from the digital distractions of modern life. In a world dominated by virtual experiences, the tactile nature of LEGO provides a welcome break, encouraging families to be present in the moment and fully engaged with one another. Sometimes it’s nice to turn your mind off and follow a simple set of directions or let your fingers place bricks as they may. Adults report a zen-like mindful relaxation and satisfaction in completing a LEGO build. LEGO enthusiast Marco Andre put it this way: “When I build LEGO, outside expectations disappear. No one is watching. I can follow instructions or experiment. I can go fast or go slow. I can build it alone or with family. I can be nervous, happy, anxious, or tired… LEGO is my ritual of connection, a bridge to simpler times. A way to achieve peace.”

Want to play with LEGOs over winter break? The Shine Studio’s got plenty to share. Drop us an email.

Fall Fun: East End’s Pumpkin Patches and Crafty Ideas

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No October is complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch. Fortunately, the East End has some of the best pumpkin patches around, offering the perfect setting for fall family adventures.

Where To Go

Acres of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes await eager pickers at Hank’s PumpkinTown in Water Mill. Beyond pumpkins, the farm offers a corn maze, gem mining, apple picking, giant slides, train rides, and a playground for little ones. Be sure to savor a fresh cider donut and take a bag of roasted corn to go.

At Lewin Farms in Calverton, families can hop on a scenic hayride through the rolling farmland to select the perfect pumpkin. After you’ve found the perfect one, see if you can find your way through the 5-acre corn maze. Wrap up the afternoon with fruit ice cream, pies, roast corn, and craft beer from the market.

Fink’s Country Farm in Wading River offers ample fun for little ones with unlimited hayrides, a corn maze, an apple cannon, bounce pillow, animatronic chicken shows, kiddie train, pony rides, live music, and character appearances. Outside food is permitted in the picnic area. 

With locations in Jamesport, Mattituck, and Riverhead, PumpkinLand and Barnyard Adventure Park at Harbes Family Farm offer plenty to do after you’ve gotten your gourd. Choose from gnome, Wizard of Oz, Robin Hood, or Halloween themed mazes. Sample award-winning wine, take a musical hayride tour, or watch the pig races.

Get Crafty

Once you have your fresh-picked pumpkin, crafting is a fantastic way to engage kids in creative and hands-on activities during the fall season. Here are some fun and easy ideas to get started:

  • Pumpkin Painting: Let your kids’ imaginations run wild by providing paints and brushes for them to transform pumpkins into colorful works of art. They can paint faces, abstract designs, or even their favorite characters.
  • Pumpkin Carving: For older children with adult supervision, pumpkin carving is a classic fall activity. It’s an opportunity to teach them basic carving skills while creating spooky or whimsical jack-o’-lanterns.
  • Pumpkin Decorating with Nature: Gather leaves, acorns, pinecones, and other natural materials to decorate your pumpkins. Kids can use colored glue to create beautiful designs.
  • Pumpkin Seeds: Not exactly a craft, but it’s worth mentioning you can rinse the scooped-out seeds, salt them, roast them in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes, and eat them.
  • Pumpkin Planters: Hollow out a small pumpkin, adding soil and seeds, to create a mini planter. Kids can watch their own little garden grow.
  • Pumpkin Bird Feeder: Cut out a portion of the pumpkin and fill it with birdseed. Hang it from a tree branch and observe the local wildlife enjoying their autumn feast.
  • Pumpkin Candle Holders: Carefully carve out the top of the pumpkin, creating a hollow space. Place a tea light candle inside for a warm and cozy fall ambiance.
  • Pumpkin Masks: Cut eye and mouth holes in a pumpkin and let kids decorate it as a fun and festive mask for dress-up play.

Benefits of Crafting With Real Pumpkins

Crafting with pumpkins isn’t just a fun fall activity; it also offers numerous educational benefits for kids.

  • Fine motor skill building: While painting, carving, and decorating pumpkins, children enhance their fine motor skills as they carefully handle brushes, carving tools, and craft materials.
  • Self-expression: Pumpkin crafting activities encourage creativity and self-expression, allowing kids to explore their artistic talents and enjoy the season.
  • Education: Pumpkin seed art and planters introduce kids to basic principles of biology as they observe seed germination and plant growth.
  • Confidence building: Foster a sense of pride, self-esteem and accomplishment as your child showcases a pumpkin creation.

Want more ways to enjoy the season? Stop by The Shine Studio for classes, camps, and crafternoons.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Family-Friendly Activities

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As the leaves begin to change color and the air carries a crisp autumn breeze, September marks the start of a vibrant and culturally significant time of the year: Hispanic Heritage Month.

This celebration, spanning from September 15 to October 15, invites people across the United States to recognize, appreciate, and honor the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Spanish-speaking Americans.

Families in Long Island’s East End can partake in a variety of activities that not only celebrate this heritage but also provide an opportunity to learn, savor delicious cuisine, and connect with the local Hispanic community.

Long Island Hispanic Celebrations and Festivals

Hispanic Heritage Month in the East End kicks off with a series of lively celebrations, festivals, and events that showcase the vibrancy of Hispanic culture. To celebrate, you might consider attending:

  • Parades – Main Street in Patchogue Village comes to life with a bilingual mix of music and brilliantly festooned Hispanic dancers in the second-annual Hispanic Heritage parade, taking place at noon on September 24th. The parade is a colorful, energetic, and fantastic opportunity for kids to witness the pageantry of Hispanic culture.
  • Cultural Performances – Visit the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on September 16th from 6-10 pm for live music, dance performances, and a delicious Latin buffet. This type of event provides a captivating way for families to experience artistic expressions of Hispanic heritage.
  • Art Exhibits – Explore art exhibitions that showcase the perspectives of Hispanic and Latino artists. From September 14th through December 17th, the Long Island Museum presents “SOMOS/WE ARE,” a presentation of works from over 80 Long Island Latinx artists, spanning a variety of creative styles—from classic to contemporary.

Savoring Hispanic Cuisine

Food is a universal language that brings people together, and Hispanic Heritage Month provides an excellent opportunity for families to savor the flavors of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, South and Central American, or Spanish cuisine. As a family, you might:

  • Cook Together: Consider preparing a Hispanic-inspired meal at home and letting your kids participate in the process. Try these kid-approved Top 5 Puerto Rican Recipes or Top 5 Recipes for Cinco de Mayo. Discuss the cultural significance of the dishes you’re making and put on a mariachi band to make the occasion special.
  • Visit Local Hispanic Restaurants: Seek out Hispanic-owned restaurants and eateries—like Maria’s Mexican, a kid-friendly establishment in Nesconset, voted “the Best Latin American Restaurant on Long Island.” Another great place to try is El Rincon Criollo in Riverhead, where children can sink their teeth into their first Cubano sandwich, empanada, and plantain in a vibrant, artistic setting. Sampling the authentic tastes of Latin American and Hispanic cuisine offers a delightful dining experience for the entire family.
  • Embrace Food Festival Flavors – Local food festivals treat the palate to a variety of flavors in one place. Encourage your children to try empanadas, tamales, or arroz con pollo. The Famous Food Festival “Taste the World” Long Island will return to Tanger Outlets in Deer Park for Columbus Day Weekend (October 6th to 9th). While not exclusive to Hispanic cuisine, the festival features at least one vendor from Cuba, Colombia, Guatemala, Argentina, and Peru, as well as four from Mexico and five from Spain. In addition, kids are treated to live music, cooking demos, mini golf, face painting, henna tattoos, virtual reality, rock climbing, and a haunted house.

Connecting with the Hispanic Community

Hispanic Heritage Month is also an ideal time to connect with the local Hispanic community, fostering understanding and friendship. To help your child along, you might consider:

  • Spanish immersion classes – Shine offers a theme-based Spanish immersion class for kids ages 2-10. Through visual arts, music, movement, storytelling, and games, participants engage in the richness of the Spanish language and gain a better understanding of the culture. From constructing Mexican luchador masks and Colombian molas, children will have enriching experiences and take-home items that remind them that it’s great to celebrate diversity.
  • Volunteering – Engaging your family in volunteer opportunities is another way to support the Hispanic community while promoting empathy. A few local organizations include: Maureen’s Haven in Riverhead (where they offer Spanish classes and roughly a third of those benefited are Hispanic); the Hispanic Counseling Center in Hempstead (which offers mental health counseling, substance abuse, and educational programs); and Long Island Cares (which serves food to predominantly Hispanic and African-American communities).

Stronger Together

Hispanic Heritage Month offers East End families a unique opportunity to celebrate, learn, and connect. By participating in local celebrations, savoring Hispanic cuisine, and engaging with the Hispanic community, families create meaningful experiences that promote cultural understanding and appreciation. Whether through dance, food, or art, this month invites everyone to embrace the vibrant tapestry of Hispanic heritage and its enduring impact on American culture.

Come celebrate with us at The Shine Studio in Bridgehampton.

Be Sure To Pack In These Sweet End-of-Summer Celebrations

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August is bittersweet—the Sunday afternoon of summer—where the days are sunny, hot, long, and bursting, but the pressure is on to pack this last month of carefree family time with fun.

If you’re looking for ideas, let the many family-friendly national holidays be your guide. Here are special moments you can celebrate in August:

  • National Coast Guard Day – Friday, August 4th: Model appreciation for the United States Coast Guard by visiting the Long Island Maritime Museum in West Sayville. Here children can learn about our region’s maritime history, including the Coast Guard’s role in safeguarding local waters.
  • National Friendship Day – Sunday, August 6th (First Sunday): Celebrate the importance of friendship by spending quality time with friends and family. Organize a picnic, play games, or encourage your children to create handmade friendship cards for their pals.
  • National Book Lovers Day – Wednesday, August 9th: Encourage a love for reading by having a family book exchange. The John Jermain Memorial Library in Sag Habor is offering a free bookmark craft and trail mix from 12-3 — no registration required.
  • National S’mores Day – August 10th: Gather around a campfire and indulge in this classic, delicious treat. Sharing stories and laughter under the stars makes magical childhood memories. (Check out our camping post for more ideas!)
  • National Relaxation Day – Tuesday, August 15th: Take the opportunity to unwind as a family. Plan a relaxing day at the park or the beach. Order a pizza and spend the night at home watching movies with cozy blankets and favorite films.
  • National Tell a Joke Day – Wednesday, August 16th: Spend the day sharing laughter and joy. Watch a funny movie like “Honey I Shrunk the Kids,” “Minions,” or “Monsters Inc.” Read a book together—like LOL 101: A Kid’s Guide To Writing Jokes, then create a family-friendly joke competition to see who can come up with the funniest. If you have older kids, consider having everyone in the family write a standup comedy routine to perform.
  • National Honey Bee Day – August 19th (Third Saturday): Read Charlotte Milner’s “The Bee Book” to teach your child the significance of honey bees and pollinators in our ecosystem. You might plant bee-friendly, late-blooming flowers like Black-eyed Susans, Sedums, Zinnias, or Cosmos. Or you can pick up local honey at the Montauk Farmer’s Market to support local beekeepers at Sag Harbor Honey. Try this tasty baklava recipe to make the most of it!
  • National Aviation Day – Saturday, August 19th: Gather your tub of popcorn and watch Animated Hero Classics: The Wright Brothers as a family to celebrate the achievements of the famous aviation pioneers. Alternately, older kids may be interested in the Smithsonian Channel’s First In Flight. You can also build paper airplanes and take a road trip to the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale, which lets kids tour cockpits and features many interactive exhibits.
  • National Dog Day – Saturday, August 26th: If you have a furry friend, celebrate this day by taking them for a long walk, playing in the park, or giving them extra love and attention. Watch a dog-filled movie like “Beethoven,” “Space Dogs: Adventure to the Moon,” “The Secret Life of Pets,” or “Homeward Bound.” If you don’t have a dog yet, it could be a great excuse to consider fostering or adopting from a local shelter—or volunteering at one.

Love a good celebration? So do we!

Consider adding a stop to the Shine Studio to your end-of-summer bucket list this year. Our fun organized activities combine art, music, culture, and play to educate, entertain, and inspire. Choose from courses, workshops, parties, day camps, and drop-ins. Contact us to learn more. 

Long Island Family Camping Adventures: Benefits, Activities & Destinations

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From the wonder of a red-bellied salamander to the ooey gooey goodness at the end of a stick, camping delivers an incredible family bonding experience filled with adventure, relaxation, and quality together time. Unlike posh hotels, camping uniquely implores us to unplug from the daily stresses of life, connect with nature, and soak up the ordinary moments of life.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of engaging in exciting adventures with your family, suggest a few fun activities, and recommend the top family-friendly camping destinations near New York City, the Hamptons, or the Tristate Area.

The Power of Camping with Your Family

While it’s easier to organize a trip to the playground or a day hike, overnight camping offers your family unique advantages that are well worth the effort. Here are a few:

  • Prolonged Disconnection from Technology: Camping encourages your family to disconnect from technology and spend quality time together. Without the distractions of TV, video games, and social media, you’ll have more time to create memories that will last a lifetime.
  • Learn New Skills: Camping can be a fun and educational experience for kids, as they learn new skills. From building a fire and campfire cooking to pitching a tent and orienteering with a compass, valuable life skills are a form of intergenerational education that builds confidence and independence.
  • Enjoy Nature on a Deeper Level: Camping immerses your child in the beauty of the outdoors with ample opportunities for unstructured play and exploration. Climbing trees, wading in streams, discovering new plants and animals uncovers a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world. Hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing can be fun ways for parents to share their love of the outdoors.
  • Encourage Healthy Habits: Spending time in nature—with all its fresh air, sunshine, and exposure to immune-boosting microorganisms—is good for our mental and physical health. Hiking is a great cardiovascular workout that strengthens muscles at the same time.
  • Teach Conservation and Responsibility: Nature-based activities offer firsthand learning experiences that inspire a deep appreciation for the natural world and a desire to protect the environment for future generations. When camping, you can teach your child about conservation principles like “leave no trace” by using established campsites, picking up all trash, and respecting wildlife and natural resources. Nature hikes are a great opportunity to role model good behavior and share your values about environmental stewardship.

3 Super Fun Family Camping Activities

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, you’ll need to plan a few activities to ensure your kids have a truly magical time out in the wilderness. After all, it can be difficult to detach from the comforts of screentime—and rest assured, you’ll encounter some resistance early on. Having these ideas in your back pocket will ease the transition and provide the much-needed respite your family seeks.

1. Hiking Games

For many parents, the hike is the most exciting camping activity. While some children are true Ralph Waldo Emersons —stopping to smell every rose and investigate every rock — others prefer to trailblaze and run ahead to see what’s around the bend. A third cohort of outdoor adventurers may find it truly arduous to overcome tired legs and boredom. Be sure to bring plenty of drinks and snacks to break up the hike. A nature guide can give older kids something interesting to look at and learn about on these stops.

Sending the kids on a Trail Scavenger Hunt is one of the easiest hiking games to play. Give each child a small bucket and send them looking for a list of items: a pinecone, a leaf with a bug on it, or a rock shaped like a heart. For younger ones, Go Find It is an easy card game to unbox, asking kids to find “something dry” or “something red,” for instance. If your child finds everything on the list, make it more fun with a surprise prize — like nature stickers to decorate the bucket, a new stuffed animal, or a small set of wildlife figurines that can “walk” along the trail too.

Other games include: Nature Bingo (where the first person to spot five items on their card in a row wins); Alphabet Hike (where you look for something that begins with the letter A, B, C, and so on); I Spy (where you try to get someone else to guess what you’re looking at with a series of clues); or 20 Questions (where you try to get someone to guess what you’re looking at by answering up to 20 questions with a “yes” or “no.”)    

If rain drowns out your hiking plans, you’re sure to save the day with fun board games like Spot It: Gone Camping, Sloths in a Hurry, Outfoxed, Trekking the National Parks, Bear Stare Down, Slappy Camper, Go Fish, or Wild Craft!  

2. Arts and Crafts

Crafting together promotes social skills, while incorporating natural materials cultivates creativity and problem-solving skills. Besides, crafting outdoors allows kids to be as messy as they need to be, without worry.

Craft ideas include:

  • Pinecone Bird Feeders: Collect large pinecones and tie string or yarn around the top. Cover the pinecone with peanut butter and then roll it in birdseed. Hang the pinecone from a tree branch and watch as birds come to feed.
  • Nature Bracelets: Cut a piece of duct tape or masking tape to fit around a child’s wrist, sticky side out. As you go on a nature walk, collect small items such as flowers, leaves, or twigs, and stick them onto the tape to make a bracelet.
  • DIY Binoculars: Use toilet paper rolls or cardboard tubes and decorate them with markers, stickers, or paint. Glue two tubes together side by side and attach a piece of string to wear around the neck while exploring the campground or watching wildlife.
  • Rock Monsters: Collect smooth rocks and use acrylic paint to create monsters with different colors and patterns. Googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and pom poms make each monster unique.
  • Firefly Jars: Poke holes in the lid of a mason jar and have kids decorate the outside with glow-in-the-dark paint. On a nighttime nature walk, collect some fireflies and put them in the jar for a magical glowing effect. Remember to release the fireflies back into nature after a few minutes.
  • Leaf Prints: Collect some leaves from around the campsite and place them between two pieces of paper. Use crayons or colored pencils to rub over the paper and create leaf prints.

3. Campfire Fun

Campfire cookouts—s’mores in particular—are another highlight of any trip for kids. Elevate your s’more game by subbing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for the chocolate sandwiched between marshmallow and graham cracker. As the kids enjoy their tasty dessert, bust out a good campfire story. Check out Cool of the Wild or the KOA website for a variety of scary, funny, and traditional campfire tales written in full so you can simply read them aloud.

You might also consider adding shadow puppets to the story. You can make simple shapes like birds, rabbits, and dogs, and use props like sticks or leaves to add to your show. The Ranger Rick website includes templates for making shadow puppets of animals you might encounter on a camping trip, such as a raccoon, a bear, and an owl. If you don’t have time to craft before you go, you might consider buying a shadow puppet set themed around The Little Prince, The Jungle Book, or monsters. These sets come with apps linking to music, sound effects, and stories you can play or read aloud.

If the activity level’s a bit higher and your kids love to be star performers and the center of attention, you might start up a singalong. Campfire song favorites include “Kumbaya,” “Down by the Bay,” “This Land is Your Land,” “The Ants Go Marching,” “On Top of Spaghetti,” “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” and “Five Speckled Frogs.” Make the show more exciting with portable microphones and flashlights.

As darkness falls, it becomes the perfect setting for glow-in-the-dark gameplay. Hand out glow sticks and glow necklaces, while playing games like glow-in-the-dark soccer, frisbee, ring toss, or laser tag. This can be the perfect way to run off all that sugar and get the kids ready for bed.

Once you’ve finished your s’mores and running around, encourage your kids to look up into the sky. Maybe it’s “cheating” a bit, but smartphone apps like Night Sky can be really cool for identifying constellations and planets. If unplugging is very much part of the plan, you might alternately use a constellation card deck to point out different star arrangements and learn the stories behind them. A telescope or binoculars can be a handy tool to bring along for a closer glimpse of the moon’s craters or the milky way. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a shooting star or two!

Best Summer Camping Breaks in New York City, the Hamptons, or the Tristate Area

The East End of Long Island offers many beautiful places to camp. Here are a few to consider:

  • Cedar Point County Park: Located in East Hampton, Cedar Point County Park offers 607 acres of scenic woods and shoreline with 61 RV and tent campsites as well as cabins with electricity and bunk beds in a secluded section of the park. Popular amenities include picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails.
  • Hither Hills State Park: Hither Hills State Park is a popular camping destination located in Montauk. Here you’ll find 166 campsites and oceanview cabins to rent with electricity, bunk beds, fire pits, picnic tables. Amenities include a beach to explore, sport fishing, and hiking trails.
  • Wildwood State Park: Wildwood State Park offers 600 acres of forest and beachfront in Wading River. Stay at one of the 314 campsites or cabins fully equipped with kitchens, private bathrooms, and HVAC. Spend the day at the swimming beach, climb on the playground, take the boat out, or hike the trails.
  • Shinnecock East County Park: Shinnecock East County Park offers a beach with 80 oceanfront campsites and rustic cabin rentals in Southampton. When you’re not hiking, try to catch a few fish.
  • Montauk County Park: Montauk County Park—located in Montauk—offers a beach, hiking trails, playgrounds, and 80 campsites featuring ocean views.

If you’re looking to get outside the East End, cast a wider net and visit one of the Tristate Area’s top family camping destinations:

  • Harriman State Park: Here you’ll find dozens of campsites, 38 rustic cabins, and two cottages. The second-largest park in the New York parks system features 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, and 3 beaches.
  • Catskill Mountains: Renowned for its natural beauty, you’ll find ample camping options from tent sites and rustic yurts to RV hookups and luxury cabins. North/South Lake is an ideal spot for camping, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and swimming.
  • Bear Mountain State Park – This park offers plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, fishing, beaches, and playgrounds.
  • Watkins Glen State Park – Known for its scenic waterfalls and hiking trails, this park offers a variety of camping options for all levels of experience.
  • Lake George – Located amid the six million acres of wilderness in upstate New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Lake George is a popular destination for camping, swimming, boating, and hiking. The area offers a variety of camping options, including tent and RV sites, cabins, and cottages for rent.
  • Black Rock Forest – This forest offers a variety of camping options, from primitive to full-service, and is located just an hour from NYC.
  • Clarence Fahnestock State Park: Located in the Hudson Valley, Clarence Fahnestock State Park offers over 80 campsites, including both tent and RV camping, as well as a range of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. The park also has a sandy beach, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a great option for families with children of all ages.
  • Nickerson Beach Campground: Located in Nassau County, Nickerson Beach Campground is a popular destination for families seeking a beach camping experience. The campground is located right on the beach and offers a range of activities, including swimming, fishing, and surfing. The campground also has plenty of family-friendly amenities, including showers, laundry facilities, and a snack bar.
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located on the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The park offers camping options, including tent and RV sites, as well as cabins. The park is known for its scenic views of the Delaware River and range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating.

Whether you’re looking for a beach camping experience or a forest retreat, these destinations have something for everyone. Now that the warmer weather has finally arrived, camping is a great excuse to get out and enjoy it. Staring up at the starry skies, you’ll wonder why you ever spent the majority of your time staring at screens instead. Exploring new trails, learning new skills, and indulging in novelty—these are all the ingredients you need to cement your family bonds and create lasting memories.

DIY Memorial Day Gifts: Fun Crafts for Kids and Adults

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Memorial Day is a day of remembrance to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country. Crafting DIY gifts can be a fun and creative way to celebrate with your kids and help them understand the significance of the holiday. Whether you use these crafts to decorate your home or gift to friends and family, Memorial Day crafts encourage quality time together, inspire reflection, and teach reverence.

Here are a few easy Memorial Day crafts to get you started…

Patriotic Wreaths

Show your support for the country and those who have served with a wire or woven branch wreath wrapped in red, white, and blue ribbon, with decorative elements such as miniature flags or patriotic-themed ornaments. You could also add a personalized touch by weaving in photos of loved ones who have served.

Flag Painted Rocks

Painted rocks have become a popular DIY craft, and for Memorial Day, you can find smooth, flat rocks in a rectangular American flag shape and apply red, white, and blue acrylic paint with a paintbrush. First, paint the entire rock white, then paint a blue rectangle in the upper left corner. Once the blue paint has dried, use a thin brush to paint red stripes across the rest of the rock. The paint dries quickly and provides a simple, affordable project that can be completed in just a few hours. Put your rocks in the garden, hand them out, or leave them on nature trails for others to discover.

Memorial Day Mason Jars

Mason jars are a versatile craft supply that can be used to make patriotic lanterns. For this project, you’ll need acrylic paint, as it adheres well to glass surfaces and dries quickly. First, paint the outside of the jar blue and let it dry. Then, using painter’s tape, create stripes around the jar and paint the exposed areas red. Once the paint has dried, remove the tape to reveal the stripes. Finally, you can add a white star using either a stencil or a sticker. Don’t forget to place a battery-powered tealight candle inside for a glorious glow.

Handprint Flags

Ideal for younger children, all you need is white paper, red and blue paint, and a paintbrush. First, have your child paint their hand completely with blue paint and press it onto the paper to create the blue field of the flag. Once the blue paint has dried, use a paintbrush to help your child paint red and white stripes onto the paper. This creates a handprint flag that is unique to your child, making it a wonderful keepsake to cherish in the years to come.

American Flag Popsicle Stick Craft

Teach the history and significance of the American flag using popsicle sticks; red, white, and blue paint; and a glue gun. First, paint the popsicle sticks white and let them dry. Then, use a hot glue gun to glue three sticks together to create a base for the flag. Glue one vertical stick on the lefthand side to form a pole your child can hold or you can stick into a planter. Once the glue has dried, paint a blue square in the top corner and add white stars. Older kids may be able to paint tiny stars, but stickers work best for younger children. You may also paint the handle of the flag white, brown, or gold, depending on your preference. Finally, paint the top stick red, leave the next one white, paint the following stick red, and so on to create a mini American flag that can be displayed or used as a decoration.

Drop Into The Shine Studio For More Seasonal Crafts and Activities

Whether it’s making patriotic wreaths, painted rocks, or American flag crafts, DIY crafts bring families and friends together with projects that both kids and adults enjoy. These DIY gifts not only serve as a tribute to those who have served, but also create meaningful memories and traditions for years to come.

If you love making crafts but not all the shopping or the mess, stop by our creative arts space in Bridgehampton, NY. In addition to our popular summer camps, we offer classes, workshops, party planning, and special events all year round.

Funny Business: Exploring the Benefits of Family Laughter in National Humor Month

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April is National Humor Month, a time when American families celebrate the importance of laughter and humor in our lives. It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about the many different types of humor, from silly jokes to witty puns—and to explore their own sense of humor.

What is National Humor Month?

National Humor Month was founded in 1976 by author and humorist Larry Wilde, who believed that laughter is an essential part of a healthy and happy life. Wilde wanted to encourage people to take humor seriously, and to recognize the important role it plays in our mental and emotional well-being.

Ways To Celebrate National Humor Month With Your Kids

For kids, National Humor Month is a chance to let loose and have some fun. There are many different ways to celebrate this month, from telling jokes with friends and family to watching funny movies and TV shows.

This week, try some of the following:

  • Share funny puns—and create your own. Share funny jokes with your child and explain that puns are often funny because there are multiple meanings for words. One example of a joke like this is: “Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing!” Kids can also try writing their own funny stories or skits, and performing them for friends and family. The exercise could begin with a funny situation or object, followed by a clever play on words or unexpected punchline.
  • Read humorous books or comics. Another great way to celebrate National Humor Month is by reading funny books. There are comedic children’s books that are sure to make kids laugh, from classic authors like Dr. Seuss to new titles like Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Kids can pen their own stories, using humor to create memorable characters and situations. Check out these funny writing prompts to get started.
  • Attend a performance. You can also explore different types of humor by analyzing different styles of comedy, from physical humor to satire and parody. Nearby family-friendly comedy clubs include: The Paramount in Huntington, Governors Comedy Club in Levittown and Bohemia, McGuire’s Comedy Club in Bohemia, and The Brokerage Comedy Club in Bellmore. All shows may not be family-friendly, so be sure to read the listings carefully. You might also encourage your rising star to write a comedy routine to perform for the family after dinner.

Live, Laugh, Love

National Humor Month is a great time for kids to learn about the benefits of laughter and humor. Laughter has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, boost the immune system, and improve overall well-being. By learning to appreciate and enjoy humor, kids can develop a healthy coping mechanism for dealing with stress and difficult emotions. Knowledge about the power of laughter and humor is a life-long gift you can give your child.

Visit the Shine Studio to meet a like-minded group of people who love to laugh and learn.

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