fire island parents guide
Fire Island is a popular tourist destination located just off the coast of Long Island, New York. This narrow strip of land, stretching 32 miles long, is home to a number of small communities and features beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. While Fire Island is a popular spot for young adults looking to party and enjoy the summer, it is also a great place for families to visit and spend quality time together. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide for parents on what to expect when visiting Fire Island with their children.
Getting There
The first step in planning a trip to Fire Island with your family is to figure out how to get there. Unlike other popular vacation spots, there are no roads that lead to Fire Island. The only way to reach this island is by ferry or private boat. The most convenient way for families to get to Fire Island is by taking the ferry from Bay Shore, Sayville, or Patchogue. The ferries run frequently and the ride takes anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on which town you depart from. Once you arrive on the island, there are no cars allowed, so plan on doing a lot of walking or biking during your stay.
Accommodations
Fire Island offers a variety of accommodations for families, including hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. If you are looking for a more traditional hotel experience, the Ocean Beach Hotel is a popular choice among families. This hotel offers spacious rooms and is located in the heart of the island, making it easy to explore the different communities. If you prefer a more secluded and quiet experience, renting a vacation home or cottage is a great option. There are many rental options available, ranging from small cottages to large beachfront homes. For families who enjoy camping, there are also several campgrounds on the island. The Watch Hill Campground is a popular choice, offering tent and RV sites, as well as cabins for rent.
Beach Activities
One of the main attractions of Fire Island is its beautiful beaches. The island has 17 different beaches, each with its own unique features and atmosphere. For families with young children, the best beaches to visit are Davis Park Beach and Ocean Beach. These beaches have calmer waters and are less crowded, making them perfect for kids to play and swim. If your family enjoys surfing, head to Atlantique Beach or Kismet Beach, which are known for their waves. It’s important to note that there are no lifeguards on the beaches, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your children at all times.
Biking and Hiking
One of the best ways to explore Fire Island is by bike or on foot. The island has a network of bike paths and hiking trails, making it easy to get around and see all that it has to offer. Bikes can be rented at various locations on the island, including in the main towns and at the ferry terminals. Hiking is also a popular activity on Fire Island, with trails that take you through the diverse landscapes of the island, from beaches to forests and wetlands. Families can also participate in guided nature walks, where they can learn about the flora and fauna of the island.
Family-Friendly Events
Throughout the summer, Fire Island hosts a variety of family-friendly events and activities. One of the most popular events is the Sand Castle Contest, where families can work together to create the most impressive sandcastle. There are also movie nights on the beach, live music performances, and arts and crafts workshops. These events are a great way for families to connect and have fun together.
Dining Options
Fire Island has a wide variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Many of the restaurants on the island are family-friendly, offering kid’s menus and outdoor seating. For a casual and relaxed dining experience, head to CJ’s Restaurant in Ocean Beach, which serves up delicious seafood and burgers. If you’re in the mood for pizza, the Fire Island Pizzeria in Kismet is a must-visit. For a more upscale dining experience, try the Island Mermaid in Ocean Beach, which serves up fresh seafood and has a beautiful outdoor patio.
Safety Tips
While Fire Island is a generally safe place to visit, it’s always important for parents to take precautions when traveling with children. As mentioned before, there are no lifeguards on the beaches, so it’s crucial to keep a close eye on your children when they are swimming. It’s also a good idea to pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated in the summer heat. Mosquitoes can also be a problem on the island, so be sure to bring bug spray and use it regularly. Lastly, it’s important to educate your children about the island’s rules, such as no cars allowed, and to always stay together when exploring.
Exploring the Surrounding Areas
While Fire Island has plenty to offer for families, there are also a number of attractions and activities in the nearby areas. Just a short ferry ride away is the popular tourist town of Ocean Beach, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and mini-golf courses. Families can also take a day trip to Long Island and visit attractions such as the Long Island Aquarium and Adventureland amusement park. The nearby town of Sayville also offers a ferry that takes you to the Fire Island National Seashore, where you can explore the island’s natural habitats and wildlife.
In conclusion, Fire Island is a wonderful destination for families looking to spend quality time together and enjoy the great outdoors. With its beautiful beaches, variety of activities, and family-friendly events, it’s a place that has something for everyone. By following this guide, parents can plan a fun and safe trip to Fire Island that will create lasting memories for the whole family. So pack your bags, hop on the ferry, and get ready for a memorable vacation on Fire Island.
mature animes on crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is a popular streaming platform that offers a wide variety of anime series, ranging from action-packed shonen to heartwarming slice-of-life. However, for those looking for more mature and thought-provoking content, Crunchyroll also offers a selection of animes that cater to adult audiences. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best mature animes on Crunchyroll that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
1. Attack on Titan
One of the most popular animes on Crunchyroll, Attack on Titan is a dark and gritty series that explores the themes of war, survival, and humanity. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant humanoid creatures known as Titans, the story follows Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert as they join the military to fight against these monstrous beings.
What sets Attack on Titan apart from other shonen animes is its mature and complex storytelling. The series does not shy away from showing the brutal and gory reality of war, making it a challenging watch for some viewers. However, it also delves into the psychological impact of war on its characters, making it a thought-provoking and emotional journey.
2. Death Note
Another popular anime on Crunchyroll, Death Note is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. As Light starts using the notebook to create his perfect world, a mysterious detective known as L starts to investigate the sudden rise in deaths.
Death Note is a cat-and-mouse game between Light and L, with both characters trying to outsmart each other. The anime explores themes of morality, power, and justice, making it a captivating and mature watch. It also has a compelling and complex protagonist, making it a must-watch for any fan of mature animes.
3. Vinland Saga
Based on the historical manga of the same name, Vinland Saga is an intense and violent anime that follows the story of Thorfinn, a young warrior seeking revenge against the man who killed his father. Set in medieval Europe, the series explores themes of war, revenge, and the cycle of violence.
Vinland Saga is a visually stunning anime with well-choreographed action scenes and a gripping story. However, what sets it apart is its exploration of the consequences of violence and how it affects those involved. The series also has well-developed characters, each with their own motivations and struggles, adding depth to the story.
4. Mushishi
Unlike the previous entries on this list, Mushishi is a slow-paced and contemplative anime that follows the story of Ginko, a “Mushishi” who travels around Japan to investigate and solve supernatural occurrences caused by mysterious creatures known as “Mushi.”
Mushishi is a mature and thought-provoking anime that explores themes of nature, life, and death. Each episode is a standalone story, focusing on different characters and their encounters with the supernatural. The series has a calming and meditative atmosphere, making it a perfect watch for those looking for a break from action-packed animes.
5. Parasyte -the maxim-
Parasyte -the maxim- is a sci-fi horror anime that follows the story of Shinichi Izumi, a high school student whose right hand is taken over by an alien parasite. The series explores themes of identity, humanity, and the relationship between humans and nature.
What makes Parasyte -the maxim- stand out is its complex and well-written characters, especially the relationship between Shinichi and his parasite, Migi. The series also has intense and gory action scenes, making it a thrilling watch from start to finish.
6. Inuyashiki
Inuyashiki is a dark and emotional anime that follows the story of Ichiro Inuyashiki, a 58-year-old man who is diagnosed with cancer and is given a new lease on life after an encounter with an alien spacecraft. With newfound superhuman abilities, Ichiro decides to use them to help others, but soon finds himself in conflict with another person who also gained powers from the same encounter.
The series explores themes of morality, purpose, and the role of technology in society. It also has a unique and engaging premise, with well-developed characters and emotional moments that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
7. Made in Abyss
Made in Abyss is a fantasy adventure anime that follows the story of Riko, an orphan living in a town built around a massive and mysterious hole known as the Abyss. When she discovers a robot boy named Reg, who has no memory of his past, the two embark on a journey to explore the depths of the Abyss in search of Riko’s mother.
While Made in Abyss may seem like a typical adventure anime at first, it quickly turns into a dark and twisted tale with mature themes. The series explores the consequences of curiosity and the toll it takes on its characters as they go deeper into the Abyss. It also has beautiful animation and a haunting soundtrack that adds to its atmosphere.
8. The Ancient Magus’ Bride
The Ancient Magus’ Bride is a fantasy romance anime that follows the story of Chise Hatori, a young girl who is sold at an auction to a mysterious and powerful sorcerer named Elias Ainsworth. As Chise learns more about magic and the world of supernatural beings, she also starts to uncover the secrets of her own past.
The series explores themes of self-discovery, love, and the complexities of human relationships. It has a beautiful and enchanting world, with well-developed characters and a heartwarming romance at its core. The Ancient Magus’ Bride is a must-watch for fans of mature animes that also have a touch of fantasy and romance.
9. Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon is an action-packed anime that follows the story of Rokuro Okajima, a Japanese salaryman who is taken hostage by a group of pirates known as the Lagoon Company. As Rokuro adapts to his new life as a smuggler, he also becomes involved in various dangerous and illegal activities in the fictional city of Roanapur.
Black Lagoon is a mature and violent anime that explores the criminal underworld and the moral ambiguity of its characters. It has well-choreographed action scenes and a diverse and interesting cast of characters, making it a thrilling and entertaining watch.
10. Monster
Based on the award-winning manga of the same name, Monster is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a Japanese neurosurgeon working in Germany. When he saves the life of a young boy who is later revealed to be a serial killer, Dr. Tenma’s life takes a dark and twisted turn as he tries to undo the damage he caused.
Monster is a mature and thought-provoking anime that explores the nature of good and evil, as well as the consequences of one’s actions. It has a gripping and suspenseful plot, with well-developed characters and a haunting atmosphere that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
In conclusion, Crunchyroll offers a wide selection of mature animes that cater to adult audiences. From thought-provoking series like Attack on Titan and Death Note to emotionally-charged shows like Inuyashiki and The Ancient Magus’ Bride, there is something for everyone on the platform. So, if you’re looking for an anime that goes beyond the typical shonen tropes, be sure to check out these 10 must-watch mature animes on Crunchyroll.