Kids had a great time at Family Day on Long Island

Kids got to move and swing during a free hip-hop dance class at Long Island Family Day.

Long Island Family Day brought music and laughter to the Cradle of Aviation, where dozens of vendors and organizations gathered to connect with children and parents from across the island.

More than 2,500 people — parents, grandparents, children and friends — came to watch the fun Family Day on Long IslandDespite the road closures due to the visit of the Indian Prime Minister next door, the day was a great success.

“The turnout has been amazing,” said Christy Farrel, sales manager for Tippi Toes Dance Studio, a sponsor of Long Island Family Day. “The families couldn’t have been nicer.”

Kids enjoyed live science experiments from Mad Science, an energetic dance class from Tippi Toes, and even got the chance to meet a real turtle from Long Island Game Farm. There were even food trucks handing out ice cream, which turned a few smiles purple.

The event, organized by Family from New Yorkhelps families see what resources are available for them and their children. While children enjoyed music and dancing, parents could learn about child-safe phones, dance lessons, and summer camps.

“I think we provide a great program, a great service to our communities,” said Elaine Carr, communications director for Camps R Us, another sponsor of the fun day. “And the partnership with Long Island Family is important to us because I believe (they) play that same role for Long Island families.”

But the day just kept getting better — kids couldn’t be happier when special guests like Mario and Luigi stopped by Long Island Family Day to say hello. Kids under 6 were thrilled to check out the safe indoor play area, where their parents got a well-deserved break too.

Colorful balloon animals, face paint, cotton candy and water-based tattoos added a cheerful atmosphere to the day, but not nearly as much as the smiling faces of the children at yet another successful Long Island Family Day.