Beach Gear For Families

The best way to beat the heat during a New York City heat wave? Hit the beach! Nothing spells sweet summer memories like family trips to the seaside. Check out our favorite fun items to make sure every ocean-side moment goes 100% swimmingly!

For the salt-water baker: No need to suspend your tot’s culinary ambition during the vacation months. With Melissa & Doug’s delightful Seaside Sidekicks Sand Cupcake Set, every pint-sized dessert connoisseur can nurture their craft even while basking in the sun. This sweet set includes 12-pieces that are absolutely perfect for crafting adorable cupcake shapes by the sea.

$14.99, melissaanddoug.com

For the prepared parent: A day of sea and sun is sure to result in some splashes and damp clothes by the end of the adventure. To keep essentials like snacks, diapers, and fresh clothes bone dry – or to keep soaked bathing suits separated during the drive home – try the awesome Icky Wetbag from Petunias by Kelly. These handy, waterproof satchels – available in a variety of sizes and patterns – are sure to come in handy after a long day of living the life aquatic!

$16-35, etsy.com/shop/PETUNIAS

For the little mermaid: What would summertime be without the perfect swimsuit? Make sure the Ariel in your life looks her cutest while frolicking in the salty air this summer with this trendy Tiered Two-Piece from the go-to kid’s-wear gurus at Hannah Anderson. Pretty purple hues pair with a dainty bow detail for a precious and practical beach look.

$38, hannaandersson.com

For the stylish sun-worshiper: Too much sun is not good. For parents concerned with shielding little ones from harsh UV-rays, a chic sunhat can’t be beat. We’re in love with Lacoste’s tropically-patterned Kids Bucket Cap. Give your little one a touch of island flavor with a sun-combating edge!

$40, lacoste.com

For your beach boy: Style-savvy swim trunks are great, but when your little man gets the urge to catch a wave, sometimes some more heavy-duty swimwear is needed. Mini Boden’s Surf Suit does double duty for a day in the waves by blocking against sunburns and ensuring that your aspiring surfer is ready to roll when the whitecaps – or perfect boogie-boarding currents – come rolling in.

$48, bodenusa.com

The Music Institute of Long Island

Established in 1990, the Music Institute of Long Island (MILI) is a classical music school staffed by exceptional instructors from many of the most prestigious conservatories and graduate music schools in the United States and Europe. Long Island&rsquo;s foremost musical academies, its instrumental programs include violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone and voice classes. MILI has been voted # 1 BEST MUSIC SCHOOL Consistently.&nbsp; They teach the Traditional, Suzuki, and ABRSM methods. Students participate in All-National, All-Eastern, All-State, youth orchestras, and score highly in NYSSMA and Royal Academy Music Festivals. First prize winners of competitions earn solos at Carnegie Hall and with orchestras. MILI offers Fall/Spring semesters plus Summer Sessions. Semesters include 15-17 weeks of private lessons, solo recitals with a final GALA Concert featuring chamber music. About the Directors: Carol &amp; Geri Kushner: The sisters are violinists, violists, chamber coaches &amp; performers. They believe in instilling the love of music, &nbsp;fostering proficiency, success, confidence &amp; believe all MILI students achieve success. Degrees BM, MM (+), K-12 certifications, attended Manhattan School of Music, Queens College &amp; Stonybrook University.They have been adjunct professors at Syracuse University, Aaron Copland School of Music Pre-College &amp; Five Towns Colleges, Stonybrook University &amp; have taught in L.I. public schools.

WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals&mdash;all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;