You met the and have come back each Wednesday to read what they have to say on the newest parenting question. Recently, we invited Wantagh-Seaford Patch parents to join the discussion.
Spring weather is finally making an appearance, so this week's question was: What are your favorite outdoor activities/places to take the kids in and around Levittown once the weather warms up each year?
Jane Cappiello
This past winter’s weather beckons us to change our behavior and welcome spring. I see that our neighbors are gradually emerging from their winter caves. There are children kicking balls in the street, shooting hoops and riding bikes. Scooters, skates and skateboards are re-entering the season’s arena.
Levittown and its surrounding areas offer children fun and interesting places to visit in the springtime. The has just re-opened and that surely marks the return of spring and the onset of summer. It is a fun place to bicycle to and enjoy a treat on a lazy weekend afternoon. The local Levittown baseball fields usually have a game that is taking place. It is a great opportunity to observe our youth and reassure us adults that the art of the game is still in play. Bike paths from Merrick road all the way to Bethpage Park are opportunities to escape one’s own neighborhood and ride until pedals fall off the bike.
Of course stopping to snack or picnic with favorite foods is a big incentive for kids as well as adults. My children have always enjoyed visiting the Powell Farm at Bethpage Restoration. Usually, a new baby animal has been born in early spring. If you're lucky, a new member of the farm will be born in your presence. My son and I have witnessed a baby lamb’s birth! My children and I really enjoy visiting garage and yard sales in the spring. I give my son a certain amount of money and we ride around the neighborhood spotting signs for yard sales. He chooses whatever he likes as long as he buys within his budget. This is an understanding we have with one another before we leave our home to shop.
These are activities we enjoy and keep us busy until the best season of all arrives-summer!
Cathy Fressle
Once spring hits and the warm weather is here, we like to spend time in our yard and enjoy it. The kids play basketball in the yard, and we plant our annuals every year. My son plays baseball so we spend time on the baseball field most weekends and soak up the sun. I like to just sit in yard and read a book just to get some fresh air. I make sure the kids get outside; it's important for them to get out and enjoy the nice weather and not be in front of the TV.
Kathleen Vaughan Ware
By far my favorite thing to do when the weather is nice is to barbeque with friends and family. Whether planning a gathering or throwing something together at the last minute, late afternoon and evening get togethers result in laughter, good cheer and terrific memories.
Often times after one of my daughter's many sporting events, my friends and I look at each other and ask, “What are you doing for dinner?” which leads to a “Nothing planned, want to bbq?” reply. We then discuss who has what in their fridge, and a quick trip to in Levittown ensues. Since is located practically next door on Hempstead Turnpike, we pick up some tasty ice cream for dessert. On the way home, I swing by the on Wantagh Avenue in Wantagh to pick up a few pounds of their delicious potato and macaroni salads.
Luckily, some of our neighbors and friends have pools. This allows the kids to cool off in the water and the adults to cool off with some of my delicious adult frosty beverages. While I man the blender and chat with my girlfriends, the men turn the radio on and listen to the Yankees. (OK, I admit, sometimes I am forced to listen to the Mets). Then the barbeque gets warmed up, and the smell of hotdogs, burgers, ribs and corn on the cob gets everyone hungry.
As the sun disappears, we spray the kids with Avon Skin So Soft bug spray (Avon representative Joan Kustick (516) 244-2204 covers the Levittown/Seaford/ Wantagh area) and the kids play flashlight tag or manhunt, thus allowing the adults to share a bottle or two of wine purchased at on Wantagh Avenue in Levittown.
Spring and summer weather have a way of lifting our spirits; here’s to a fantastic season!
