Glow-in-the-dark fun on Long Island: Soccer, minigolf, bowling, more
Kids may light up at the thought of glow-in-the-dark activities — and the options are multiplying on Long Island. “It’s that glow factor that definitely is intriguing,” says Kurt Kelley, co-owner of KK Athletics in Farmingville, which recently added glow-in-the-dark soccer. A number of the activities are offered on weekend evenings, which adds to the novelty for the tween and teen demographic. “A lot of kids don’t have a lot to do at night, especially in the winter,” Kelley says. Here are some glow-in-the dark opportunities for kids.
Soccer: KK Athletics in Farmingville
Credit: Jessica Rotkiewicz
The traditional black-and-white ball turns neon green or orange on Saturday nights at KK Athletics in Farmingville. Players wear glow-in-dark yellow or orange pinnie jerseys. “It’s not pitch-pitch black for safety reasons,” Kelley says. Play is organized in one-hour slots geared to different age groups between 6 and 14 years old; kids are rotated into seven- to eight-minute matches of five vs. five. Register in advance to guarantee a spot. $15 an hour; 631-736-2511, kkathletics.com.
Trampoline: Sky Zone in Deer Park and Mount Sinai
Credit: Sky Zone
Sky Zone in Deer Park and Mount Sinai hosts Glow 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays in both venues, and 7 to 11 p.m. Saturdays in Mount Sinai. “We encourage everyone to wear bright white and neon colors to really stand out,” says marketing director Nicole Tumilowicz. “We always have a DJ. He does dance contests and giveaways.” There’s also glow dodgeball, basketball, foam pit and face-painting. $25 in Mount Sinai, 631-938-1420, and $30 in Deer Park 631-392-2600, skyzone.com.
Air Trampoline Sports in Ronkonkoma
Credit: Air Trampoline Sports
Air Trampoline Sports in Ronkonkoma offers After Dark 8 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays for ages 12 and older, with the main demographic being ages 12 to 15, says general manager Justin Stone. “We sell inexpensive glow T-shirts,” Stone says. For $5, kids can wear fluorescent pink, green or yellow; the venue also gives out glow necklaces, bracelets and glasses. Kids play on the basketball court, in the foam pit and on the dodgeball court. $27, 631-619-6000, airtrampolinesports.com
Bounce! Trampoline Sports
Credit: Danielle Finkelstein
Bounce! Trampoline Sports in Syosset glows 8 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. “We include glow-in-the-dark face paint and glow sticks, and we have art on the wall that glows,” says general manager Rachel Fain. Jumpers must be 48 inches or taller; $32 per person; 516-762-1300; bouncesyosset.com
Skating: United Skates of America in Seaford
Credit: United Skates of America
United Skates of America in Seaford offers glow-in-the-dark in-line and roller skating sessions from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and noon to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Black light murals feature New York City scenes including the Statue of Liberty and sports teams. $12.50 per person ($5 skate rental); 516-795-5474, unitedskates.com.
Climbing: Adventure Park at Long Island in Wheatley Heights
Credit: The Adventure Park at Long Islan
The Adventure Park at Long Island in Wheatley Heights hosts Glow in the Park nights on alternate Friday nights beginning when it opens for the season March 30. “We have special LED lights,” says office supervisor Rennay Burke. The venue gives out glow sticks and necklaces. The aerial ropes course includes obstacle climbing and zip lining. $40 ages 7 and older for two hours of climbing; 631-983-3844; climbli.com
Bowling: Bowlero in Sayville and Commack
Credit: Getty Images for Bowlero/Eugene Gologursky
It’s black-light bowling all the time at Bowlero in Sayville and Commack. Pins are white; balls are orange, green, blue and other bright colors. Monitors above lanes play cartoons and sporting events. Games range from $4.84 to $8.84 a person. 5660 Sunrise Hwy., Sayville; 631-567-8900; bowlero.com
Dance party: Active Kidz in Jericho
Credit: Active Kidz Long Island
Active Kidz in Jericho offers glow-in-the-dark dance parties during open play. The staff leads kids ages 2 and older in dance games such as freeze dance, limbo and The Hokey Pokey and plays Disney and Kidz Bop tunes. The schedule changes week-to-week. $10-$12; 516-621-6600, activekidzlongisland.com.
Minigolf: Glowgolf in Lake Grove and Garden City
Credit: Glowgolf
Glowgolf offers courses at Roosevelt Field in Garden City and at Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove. Players use fluorescent golf balls and clubs. The Roosevelt Field course features 27 holes in an aquatic theme, with sea turtles, sharks, octopuses and ocean fish. Play through twice for $12 ($10 ages 5 to 12 and $7 ages 4 and younger); 516-747-3682. The Smith Haven Mall location features 18 holes in a jungle safari theme. Play up to three times for $12 ($10 ages 5 to 12, $7 ages 4 and younger; 631-265-0218, opryglowgolf.com
Monster Mini Golf
Credit: Uli Seit
The glow-in-the-dark décor at Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park has a spooky feel. “It’s kind of like if Tim Burton did the old-school fairy tales,” says manager Mark Maurice of wall art including, for instance, Humpty Dumpty leaking his yolk. “They’re not frightening, but they’ve got that little dark twist.” The columns have quotes on them from scary movies such as “Nightmare on Elm Street.” $11 for 18 holes ($10 kids under about 5 feet tall) 631-940-8900; monsterminigolf.com
