The best part of the beach isn't always sand and water. Sometimes, it's a quaint stroll along the boardwalk. And Long Island has plenty of these planked paths dotting its shores.

Gone are the splinter fears and potential pitfalls of yesterday; most Long Island boardwalks have been refurbished with less flammable, sustainable woods. These boardwalk spots offer something special for kids and adults alike. Best of all, besides a nominal parking fee for some, these are FREE. 

Here are a half-dozen of our favorite Long Island boardwalks, including a few you might not immediately associate with the ocean. From Nassau County to Suffolk and the East End, they are yours to explore.

For more seasonal fun, be sure to see our Summer Fun Guide, our list of the best beaches, water parks, and sprinkler parks and perhaps even our guide to LI beach playgrounds and outdoor music.

And for FREE summer fun, check out our list of 50 FREE things to do with Long Island kids this summer.

Get wet 'n wild at Long Island's East End waterpark, Splish Splash, this summer with the addition of two new high-speed thrill rides, Riptide Racer and Bombs Away.

Looking for more ways to soak up fun in the sun? Check out these Long Island sprinkler parks, pools, water parks, slides and beaches. As always, our Summer Fun Guide has you covered for more seasonal fun. If you're looking for added inspiration, see our list of 25 must-do activities with kids on Long Island this summer; 50 great things to do on the East End with kids; and our guide to summer day trips in and around Long Island.

On a budget? Take a gander at our list of 50 FREE things to do with kids on Long Island this summer.  

If you haven't spent a minute thinking about summer camp this year, there's no need to panic. There are Long Island summer camp programs that have spaces available. Of course, if you've been too busy to book a camp for your kids, you might not have time to call around now. That's why we did the work for you. Here are several Long Island camps that as of early June still have spots for summer 2018.  There are over 20 locations across Long Island. To search by location, open the map at the bottom of the page. To find about more Long Island-based camps, check out our comprehensive Summer Camp Guide and Directory. 

If your dream vacation is one where the kids are out of their minds with fun, while you sip piña coladas by your private plunge pool, have I got a place for you. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, gives little ones all the fun of a theme park visit while providing adults with a luxurious, all-inclusive vacation that doesn’t leave you needing another getaway when you get back.

From the best rooms, pools, experiences, and eats, read on for our review of everything you need to know to enjoy your Caribbean family vacation at Nick Resort Punta Cana.

Ring in the holiday season by taking in a theatrical performance. Kids of all ages will enjoy the magic of music, storytelling, and dance in a classic performance of The Nutcracker or another holiday show.

Here are some amazing holiday shows for families on Long Island. Be sure to check out our calendar for more holiday family fun.

You know what they say: Birds of a feather flock together. Well, on Long Island they seem to flock to nature preserves, centers, sanctuaries, and farms. Flutter around our area and you can get up close with some beautiful butterflies, too. But don't just wing it — we have the skinny on hoo to see and where.

Need another animal fix? Visit our zoos and gardens guide. Many outdoor petting zoos operate on a seasonal schedule, opening in spring or summer, and closing in fall before the snow arrives.

Dare to compare footprints with fantastic beasts who roamed the Earth long before us at the Dino Trail at Sands Point Preserve.

It's one of six trails ripe for strolling, hiking, jogging and exploring at this sprawling Gold Coast estate turned public sanctuary. And that's not all: There's so much more to explore, including 200 acres of trails, a pond, beachfront, woods and native habitats.

There are so many sweet spots to soak up nature on Long Island. Get out and get exploring. Looking for more North Shore shenanigans? Check out our Mommy Poppins visitors guide to nearby Port Washington, a family-friendly Long Island destination.

With Peter Cottontail hopping into town this weekend, there are plenty of Easter celebrations across Long Island. Dine with the Easter Bunny at these breakfasts and brunches or go on one of these ultimate egg hunts. 

For more activities to complete Easter or Passover weekend, pop over to our April GoList or Spring Fun Guide. Of course, our Event Calendar is loaded with fun, daily events for Long Island kids. Don't see a great event here? Add it to our calendar yourself. 

Note: Easter weekend breakfasts and brunches are quite popular on Long Island. Call ahead or check venue websites to be guarantee availability.