Our Epic Summer Bucket List of Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

Cool down with the family this summer at Calverton's Splish Splash Water Park. Photo courtesy of the park

There's no shortage of incredible things to do all summer on Long Island.

From swimming at beautiful beaches to taking a family-friendly road trip to the East End or exploring Long Island's many excellent parks and playgrounds, you shouldn't have to hear the words “I’m bored!” from your kids this epic summer. To help your family get the most out of this season, we’ve put together this list of 35 summer activities we can’t wait to do on Long Island.

Be sure to bookmark our Ultimate Long Island Summer Vacation Guide for plenty of other things to do.

75 Free Things To Do on Long Island this Summer with Kids

Riverhead's Main Street is the place to be for Alive on 25, an annual street fair with music, food trucks, kids activities, and more. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

Looking for FREE things to do on Long Island this summer? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Does the thought of summer vacation make you dread an ever-diminishing bank account? From summer camps to weekend trips, the next three months can be costly. But summer doesn’t have to drain your wallet. We've compiled this list of 75 free things to do on Long Island this summer with kids. From free outdoor concerts and free summer movies to free museums, classes, and festivals, Long Island offers tons of free activities all summer long.

Find even more bucket list seasonal fun in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, including our picks for top beach playgrounds and the best family-friendly outdoor restaurants on Long Island.

Have a Bashing Good Time at Farmingdale's iSmash

The rage rooms at iSmash in Farmingdale can be booked for 20-minute sessions.

Whether you're looking to destroy and decompress or get crafty and creative, iSmash in Farmingdale has your crew covered. This smash-and-splatter paint space brings a unique experience to the heart of downtown Main Street. 

After smashing up a bunch of stuff, my teenage boys said it was the best activity they'd ever done, so this place definitely appeals to a certain audience! 

If you're looking for more out-of-the-box party ideas, check out our Birthday Party Guide for Long Island Kids.

Best Amusement Parks on Long Island for Families

Adventureland in Farmingdale has thrilling rides. Photo by Gina Massaro

Amusement parks on Long Island are ready to welcome you and your thrill-seeking family for summer fun. Whether your kids are eager to check out the latest rides and attractions, or you can’t wait to make new memories with your family at the amusement parks you enjoyed as a child, now is the perfect time to make plans to visit these LI theme parks.

Read on for details on how to enjoy our favorite amusement parks on Long Island this summer and for more entertainment inspiration, bookmark our Guide to Amusement Parks and Water Parks Near Long Island.

Jones Beach Air Show: Guide to Visiting with Kids

The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels headline the Jones Beach Air Show for the first time since 2004. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ian Cotter

The super-popular Bethpage Air Show returns to Jones Beach this Memorial Day weekend, featuring show-stopping aviation acrobatics. Hundreds of thousands of visitors attend this unofficial kick-off to summer, so we've put together the guide below to help make your visit to the Jones Beach Air Show as smooth as possible. 

For other open-air cultural offerings, check out our rundown of the best beaches and pools in the area, and bookmark our comprehensive Guide to Summer Activities.

24 Best Things To Do in Southampton, NY, with Kids

The beaches in Southampton, NY, are some of the finest beaches in the country.

Southampton Village sits along a stretch of shoreline on the South Fork of Long Island's East End. Nestled between Hampton Bays and Water Mill, sandy beaches and celebrity sightings are where it's at, especially in the summer. Southampton, NY, is an ideal destination for a family day trip, and visiting on weekdays or getting an early-morning weekend start saves you hours in Hamptons traffic.

Read on for our family-friendly guide to the best things to do in Southampton, NY, with kids, including which beaches to visit, and where to eat and play. And for more kid-friendly activities on the East End, check out our roundup of 55 things to do with kids in the Hamptons and North Fork, or head over to our local Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways to find more enclaves to explore.

27 Spring Staycations and Day Trips from Long Island for Families

Get off Long Island and explore Governors Island.

We've found 27 ideas for a spring day trip from Long Island, a perfect time to escape now that the weather is warming up and we have more daylight hours to work with. 

Living on Long Island, we’re lucky to have amazing parks, attractions, and quaint seaside towns for springtime day trips. We’re also lucky to be within driving or ferry distance of New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey. 

Find more inspiration in our Long Island Spring Fun Guide and our Day Trips and Getaways Guide.

Adventureland Debuts New Rides and Announces Multi-Year Expansion

The thrilling Moon Chaser spins, twists, dips, and inverts riders at heights up to 45 feet in the air.

Long Island's favorite amusement park Adventureland delivered big news ahead of its 2024 season by announcing new rides and a multi-year, multi-million dollar expansion plan.

Boasting a variety of thrill, kiddie, and water rides—plus arcade and carnival-style games, this action-packed park is an all-ages pleaser. Get a sneak peek at the plans below, and bookmark our Long Island Amusement Park and Water Park Guide for more attractions nearby.

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