Things to Do in Wantagh

Inspired to share the experiences and camaraderie of Rockaway Beach's tightly knit surfing community, three friends launched Locals Surf School to do just that. Developing surfer technique for riders of all levels, the trio leads instruction that ranges from small-group beginners' lessons to one-on-one coaching. Each lesson takes place along Rockaway Beach, whose lively boardwalk affords diversions such as taco stands and pizza joints. The staff also claims lifeguarding experience, which includes CPR and first-aid training, and maintains an FAQ page to anticipate questions such as, "Do I have to get wet?"

Muses flit among Riebe's Artist Materials Inc's bouquets of brushes and kaleidoscopic sprays of pastels, whispering lore accumulated during the shop's 89 years in business. Managers Bob Riebe and Bryan Di Bartolomeo pilot artists of all levels through a sprawling prairie littered with gear including drawing tables, easels, and brushes. After spotting acrylic paints from brands such as Golden Artist Colors, Inc. and Liquitex, rainbows rush off to change outfits, stomping past an armory of clay-modeling tools and drafting templates.

Maggie Salomon’s lifelong passion for dance came crashing to a premature halt after a severe car accident. Her years as a professional dancer seemed all but lost before she discovered the restorative power of hot yoga. The gentle movements, coupled with the loosening heat, helped Salomon rebuild her strength and range of motion until she was fit enough to dance again and continue her wide range of physical hobbies. After this experience, she decided to become a yoga instructor and share this beneficial practice with others.

Today, Salomon teaches groups of yogis how to unfurl knotted tendons during 60- to 90-minute yoga classes within her heated studio. She also whips bodies into shape with nonyoga offerings, including Pilates, tai chi, Zumba dance fitness, and belly dance.

At Movie World Cinemas, a recently added café draws in early arrivers with sandwiches and fresh cappuccinos. Patrons can linger there before heading to one of seven handsome screening chambers with projection capacity for traditional film and 3-D movies. Newly installed digital projectors show crystal-clear images while digital surround-sound speakers shake seats with the screeches of onscreen car chases and the weeping of James Bond’s dry cleaner. In the large main lobby, the digital burble of a small arcade stirs air scented heavily by sunshine-hued popcorn. The staff has spent the past few years working on a series of updates and improvements, and the movie palace regularly hosts special events and children’s parties.

A sleek, modern entry area welcomes guests into Vitality Yoga's contemporary space. Atop the studio's dark, hardwood floors, seasoned yogis lead students of all skill levels through 70-minute classes in a variety of yoga styles designed to improve bodies' strength, flexibility, and posture. Most of the studio's sessions incorporate a combination of hatha and Vinyasa yoga, which focus on gentle stretching or athletic pose progressions. Each class wraps up with a seated meditation, during which participants can achieve a zen state of mind comparable to spending a day at the beach with Phil Jackson.

Katrina Wells was frustrated. The new mother loved spending time with her child but still longed for a place to relax and sip coffee. Family-friendly play centers had been widespread when she lived in South Florida, but they seemed entirely absent from her new home in Long Island. Undeterred, Wells took initiative and designed a business that would cater to children and their parents.

Across Le Play Cafe Indoor Play Area & Coffee Lounge's 2,000 square feet, imaginations spring to life at performance stages, dress-up areas, and pretend kitchens. A climbable play structure helps little ones to develop gross motor skills, and age-appropriate toys delight toddlers. On the other side of the play center, scents of fresh roasted coffee fill the café as parents relax, socialize, and share photos of their baby dolls. In addition to cheering children and adults, Wells' brainchild also puts a smile on Mother Nature's vine-covered face. Her eco-friendly facility boasts LED lighting and oversize windows that help to reduce energy costs.