Date Archives: July 2022

Summer is a wonderful time for adults and kids to enjoy the great outdoors, but what happens when the sun goes away and rain clouds are all you see? While many of us might retreat to our computer screens and streaming services, you should consider visiting one of the many indoor facilities on Long Island and the nearby areas.

To get you started, our REALTORS® have zeroed in on some of our favorites.

1. Lolli Bop Cafe & Play - 398 Central Ave., Lawrence, NY 11559
   If you're trying to find something for kids to do indoors on a summer day, head to the Lolli Bop Cafe & Play. This huge area has enough room for babies to safely crawl around and gives older kids access to a clubhouse, Lego wall, music section, and more, while the adults can enjoy free Wi-Fi and a magazine section. You can also pick up a wide range of treats, such as breakfast items, tacos, pasta, rice bowls, desserts, and cold drinks.
   
   
2. Woodmere Lanes - 948 Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598
   There are several bowling alleys in the area, but for our money, we're going to go with Woodmere Lanes. This family-friendly alley has adult leagues, youth leagues, and all-you-can-bowl Sundays. This is a popular spot to hold a kid's birthday party and has plenty of traditional bowling snacks like pizza, fries, chicken fingers, buffalo wings, and nachos, plus more "dinner-friendly" fare such as burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, beers, and wines.
   
   
3. Long Island Explorium - 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
   Next stop, science! The Long Island Explorium features STEAM-based (think STEM but with art) programs, classes, and exhibits. While some museums near Port Jefferson homes for sale take a hands-off approach, touching is not only allowed but encouraged. Your children will have access to various interactive activities that will spark their imagination and creativity. Perfect for a warm summer's day!
   
   
4. RPM Raceway - 40 Daniel St., Farmingdale, NY 11735
   Time to get your motors running, ladies and gentlemen—and kids! This is the perfect place to beat the heat and let your children burn off a little steam and get some exercise. Don't worry—adults are welcome, too. In addition to high-speed go-karts, RPM Raceway also features bowling, billiards, virtual reality, 150+ arcade games, and a racing simulator. As for food and beverages, you'll find hand-crafted burgers, wood-fired pizzas, soft drinks, craft cocktails, and more.
   
   
5. Long Island Aquarium - 431 E. Main St., Riverhead, NY 11901
   Just in case the rain outside inspires you to think about water, it might be time to head down to the Long Island Aquarium. This amazing attraction includes an incredible 120,000-gallon shark tank, sea lion shows, penguins, and numerous places to touch some of the animals. You can even snorkel with tropical fish or explore the Lost City of Atlantis shark exhibit. Incredibly, these things are only a portion of what you'll find there.
   
   
6. Nassau County Aquatic Center - Merrick Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554
   We obviously can't make a list of fun things to do on a rainy summer day without telling you about a swimming pool. The Nassau County Aquatic Center, located at Eisenhower Park, is one of the premier swimming facilities in the entire country. In addition to the swimming opportunities, there's also a fitness center available along with courses certified by the Red Cross.

These are only a few amazing places to enjoy yourself on Long Island and nearby areas. Searching for Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale that your family will love? Contact us today to find your ultimate dream home.

Spending a day with family is a great way to bond and re-focus on what's most important in life. If you're looking for something fun to do as a family, consider heading off to see wildlife on Long Island. From petting zoos to nature preserves, our REALTORS® can recommend some awesome places for a wildlife-focused family day.

• Holtsville Ecology Site: 249 Buckley Rd., Holtsville, NY 11742
  The Town of Brookhaven Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve is a publicly owned preserve built on a former landfill site. The town took ownership of the land in the 1970s and has been working ever since to preserve it in a way that benefits both people and native wildlife.
  
  Here, you and your family can walk along the exercise trail and tour the various ecology exhibits, which feature bobcats, eagles, and buffalo. There is a greenhouse where you can learn about plant life and composting. You can even take home some free compost if desired.
  
  The Holtsville Ecology Site is open from 10 am - 4 pm, seven days a week, until September 25th. 
  
  
• White Post Farms: 250 Old Country Rd., Melville, NY 11747
  White Post Farms is a popular petting zoo that has won numerous awards over the years. This would be a great family day destination for younger children. There are plenty of animals to pet and feed, including goats, giraffes, and lorikeets. Pony rides are also available for an extra charge.
  
  White Post Farms also offers a garden center, where you can shop for plants to fill your garden. Their gourmet farm market sells delicious jams, jellies, breads, and fruit. 
  
  The petting zoo is open seven days a week. Admission tickets are $25.95 per person, and children under 15 months are free. You can buy tickets online before your visit.
  
  
• Long Island Zoological Society: 296 Wading River Rd., Manorville, NY 11949
  Take a drive to Manorville, and visit the Long Island Zoological Society Animal Farm Petting Zoo. This non-profit petting zoo opened in 1981 and has become a favorite among the community.
  
  Most of the animals housed here have been rescued. You'll see llamas, deer, miniature cows, ducks, emus, and much more. The safari train ride is lots of fun, and there are pony rides for little ones.
  
  Long Island Zoological Society is open daily from 11 am - 5 pm. Admission tickets are sold on-site.
  
  
• Long Island Game Farm: 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville, NY 11949
  Long Island Game Farm is a children's zoo and wildlife park in a natural setting. You can walk the nature trails, seeing animals like baby deer and goats along the way. The zoo also has some more typical animals, such as lemurs, wallabies, and giraffes.
  
  Zebras named Zephyr and Thor are a big attraction here, and there's also a gift shop where you can buy stuffed animals, figurines, and other memorabilia. 
  
  Long Island Game Farm is open weekends from 10 am - 5 pm and weekdays from 10 am - 4 pm. Admission tickets are sold at the gate, and there are family fun packs available to help larger families save. 

Long Island has a lot to offer when it comes to wildlife experiences and family day activities in general. If you like it here and are looking for Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll help you find the perfect place to call home.

Do you know that your home's indoor air quality greatly impacts your health? For home safety, our REALTORS® recommend regularly testing your indoor air quality and taking steps to reduce harmful pollutants in your home that can make you sick.

Taking steps to boost indoor air quality can help you lower your risk of developing serious health conditions and improve your quality of life. If you're considering buying Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, testing the air quality can ensure a healthy indoor environment. Here are some steps you can take to keep your family safe.

• Test Your Air Quality
  The first step to ensuring a healthy home is testing the indoor air quality  through DIY methods or calling in a professional:

• • DIY Testing – You can find a variety of air quality test kits online or at home improvement stores. However, some kits only test for one or two air pollutants like carbon dioxide and radon, both toxic gases.

• • Professional Testing – If you want a full panel of results, it's best to call in a pro. Many professionals who do air quality testing also specialize in mold prevention and removal, which is helpful in older homes and those with basements.
    
    
• Cut Down on Air Pollutants
  Most homes are filled with air pollutants that can cause a variety of medical conditions, including allergies, asthma, heart disease, pneumonia, skin rashes, and low birth weight in newborns. Young children and older adults are most vulnerable to illnesses due to poor indoor air quality. Common household pollutants include:

• • Cleaning products like glass cleaners, air fresheners, and bleach that contain toxic chemicals

  • Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas emitted by gas furnaces, space heaters, and stoves

  • Formaldehyde found in household items and composite wood products

  • Radon, a radioactive gas that seeps through cracks in floors and walls

  • Secondhand smoke from cigarettes and cigars

• Control Allergens
  It's common to find a host of allergens and irritants in the home that impact air quality. The major culprits include household dust, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. These allergens can cause a range of respiratory problems like coughing, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and watery eyes, as well as skin rashes and hives. Take these steps to reduce indoor allergens:

• • Dust furniture and vacuum rugs weekly

  • Wash bedding in hot water twice per month to eliminate dust mites

  • Buy mattress covers and hypoallergenic bed pillows

  • Bathe and brush pets regularly

  • Remove mold from sinks, tubs, and showers

  • Check attics, basements, and leaky pipes for moisture, mildew, and mold

• Control Moisture and Humidity
  Moist and humid indoor conditions breed mold and mildew. Using dehumidifiers during rainy weather and hot, humid summer weather can reduce the amount of moisture in the air and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. In bathrooms, installing ceiling fans and heat lamps will have the same effect.

• Improve Ventilation
  Good airflow in your home will help to prevent a buildup of air pollutants. On a nice day when pollen counts aren't high, open the windows to bring fresh air inside. You can also improve ventilation and air quality by:

• • Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter

  • Changing heating and air filters every month

  • Changing appliance filters regularly

  • Installing cooking vents in the kitchen

  • Ensuring air vents and chimneys are not obstructed

If you're interested in moving to the Long Island area, contact us for information or to schedule a tour of available homes that suit your lifestyle.

It's so exciting to move into your first home! For many new homeowners, it's also your first opportunity to get a pet. Our REALTORS® understand, and to make that experience a little easier for you, they have assembled a few tips for bringing home a new kitten. 

• Litter Box
  The very first thing a cat looks for in a new environment is a place to go. Small kittens may need a tiny box to access it. While older cats will find it on their own, kittens should probably be dropped directly into the box. Soon, they will be digging with gusto. Unfortunately, this means they will send some litter flying and create a mess around the box. You can make clean-up easier by placing a disposable pet pad under the box. Cats like to do their business in private, so you'll want to replace the tiny starter box with a larger covered box to contain the mess. Use liners that will contain the litter and let you toss a closed bag to empty it. You may be tempted to invest in a self-cleaning box, but many cats are frightened by the noise it makes.
  
  
• Water Source
  Cats are very particular about their water. They like it cold and moving, so don't be shocked if they climb into the toilet to drink when they have a perfectly clean bowl of water next to their food. That's another problem. They don't like their food and water to be served next to each other. No one knows why, but most cats will ignore water placed too close to their food. Their preferred source is a fountain, but once again, noise may upset them. Look for a fountain that runs quietly and place it several feet away from food.
  
  
• Cat Tree
  Sharpening claws and climbing trees are in your cat's nature. You can give them what they need while preserving your furniture by providing a cat tree. If you opt for a taller unit, be sure that it is secure and cannot tip over. Once it does, the cat will never climb it again. You can find small trees for single kittens or go for broke with a ceiling-high model sporting multiple shelves and hiding places. Prices range from very inexpensive to fairly costly, so you may want to start small to see if your cat enjoys using it before making a big investment. If your cat persists in trying to claw furniture even though you provided a tree, you can buy glue-on claw guards at your local pet store to avoid painful and crippling de-clawing.
  
  
• Bedding
  The pictures in the ads show Kitty snuggling in a bed made just for her, but that is not at all realistic. Most will sleep on the floor right next to it. But cats universally love boxes! That includes the lions and tigers at your local zoo. In the wild, cats hunker down in closely fitting spaces to hide and feel safe. They bring those instincts when they move in. They are generally happy with an old cardboard box, but you may not find that particularly attractive. They don't often care for plastic boxes due to the chemical smell, so wood is a good option. You can paint it to make it match your decor, but avoid chemicals.

• Toys
  Cats love to play. Their favorite toys are catnip mice, balls with bells inside, strings, and feathers.

If you're looking into Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, contact us. We'll help you find the perfect house for both you and your cat!