The game dates are slightly different this year, and some families are booking private game spaces for their children. Mary Tordesillas of Garden City explained why she chose to take her two children to the Social Play Haus in Plainview as a way to get them out of the house. Credit: Linda Rosier

It takes some time to play as a child, even if it means a lot of social distance this year.

Liddle Bites Play Cafe in Long Beach is one of the local children's activities. They shifted their business plan to provide private game dates instead of the traditionally popular open game courses.

Owner Ingrid Ceniceros said she has noticed that “many families are already developing their own'pods or family groups'” to make it safer to play during the pandemic. In turn, she was inspired to offer private game dates, allowing parents to arrange fun time for a small group of friends or family members, away from others. Ceniceros said that since the introduction of these courses, the response has been positive. For many families, "private games have become [the] regular part of the weekly schedule."

"Once everything returns to normal, we will definitely continue to play private games," she said. "It's great to see that good things can appear in uncertain times."

The following Long Island venues currently offer private game dating:

For private games, a group of up to 6 children can have 90 minutes ($150, any additional children $25 per person) to dine at the reserved table. Food choices include macaroni and cheese bites, chicken nuggets, and nut butter And jelly sandwiches, hot dogs and cheese tortillas. Then, the team will be able to enter the play space, where there are climbing obstacles, toys and constructions, and other interesting attempts. This experience is perfect for children from 6 months to 7 years old.

More information 200 Express St., Plainview; 516-200-6444, socialplayhaus.com

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Popular play space attractions include a corner inspired by a rocket ship and a “doll house” (up to 8 years old) that is big enough for children to explore. Guests can also sample pre-packaged snacks and beverages at the coffee shop on the premises. For private lessons, a group of up to four children can enjoy the entire play space for 90 minutes (homestay $40), three hours ($75) or six hours ($150), each additional child is $12 . Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks or order from local restaurants.

For more information 132 E. Park Ave., Long Beach; 516-442-3131, liiddlebites.com

Little Gym in Smithtown offers private lessons for no more than four children at a time. "We decided to hold private lessons for those who are not used to socializing but still seem to burn energy safely and have some fun," said project director Matt Kovasik. "As winter approaches, interest starts to increase."

Each lesson is 30 minutes long and costs US$79; the time can be extended by 15 minutes and costs US$20. The course is for children from 4 months to 12 years old. The activity will be related to the age of the participants. Children under the age of three must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information 70 E. Main St., Smithtown; 631-360-7777, thelittlegym.com/smithtownny

Children can play in the toy space including a child-sized ice cream shop, then make crafts and make their own sundaes. The venue has been offering private gaming activities in its games room, but the owner, Raffaela Locke, said these days, “we see a steady stream of interest in these private games. When the weather is warm, there are more options, but now it’s getting colder and colder. , The indoor space is limited and there are not many choices, but the family doesn’t want to be trapped in it all winter."

Each lesson lasts for one hour and must be booked in advance for children ($8) and siblings or other children ($6 each); the game room door can be closed upon request. Children can also leave the playroom and draw ceramic crafts on the communal table, where they sit and keep their distance from others. Ice cream is also available-peanuts, nuts, sesame, gluten and eggs free-and dairy-free on request. Crafts and ice cream are purchased separately. Locke continued: "Our private play sessions are a way for parents to feel completely at ease when their children return to normal times, while knowing that we have taken the greatest precautions in terms of cleanliness and COVID safety."

More information 20 S. Village Ave., Rockville Centre; 516-208-6737, onceuponasundae.com

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