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25 Reasons Long Island Is a Great Place To Raise Kids

4/20/15 - By Linda DiProperzio

When my husband and I decided to start a family, there was only one place we knew we wanted to raise our kids: Long Island. From top-rated schools and doctors, to kid-friendly museums and beautiful beaches, everything you need (and want) is right here. Whatever the season, there are a ton of things to do with the kids, and many of these activities are fun for mom and dad, too. And when you want to experience big city life, the Big Apple is a short train ride away.

Need more proof? We've come up with a list of 25 reasons Long Island is a great place for kids and families. To stay on top of what's happening in the area every day, be sure to check out our Event Calendar.

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  1. The Schools: Long Island has some of the top-rated schools in the country, as well as a variety of after-school classes and programs to engage and inspire your child.
  2. Diversity: LI’s diverse population allows kids to have friends with varying backgrounds and nationalities.
  3. The Doctors and Hospitals: Top-rated hospitals and doctors of all specialties practice on LI.
  4. The Beaches: Long Island has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Whether you want to run with the kids on a playground or through a sprinkler, or simply sit back and relax in the sun, you’ll find the perfect spot on one of LI’s beaches.
  5. Parks and Playgrounds: Kids can run around and play at one of the many parks and playgrounds scattered throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.
  6. The Hamptons: Take a drive down the LIE for a family vacation you’ll love out on the East End of LI. Be sure to check out our Guide for plenty of kid- and family-friendly activities and events happening in the area this summer.
  7. Proximity to NYC: Hop on the LIRR for a ride into NYC (what kid doesn’t love a train ride?) to enjoy everything the Big Apple has to offer.
  8. The Museums: From the Long Island Children’s Museum and Children’s Museum of the East End to the Cradle of Aviation and Nassau County Museum of Art (and more), you can spend an entire staycation touring one of LI’s many kid-friendly museums.
  9. The Sports: While the Islanders will soon be departing LI, there is still plenty of opportunities to watch a live sporting event, like the Ducks (baseball), the Rough Riders (soccer), Dragons (football) and Lizards (lacrosse). In addition, there are plenty of sports programs that can help kids hone their own skills and talents.
  10. The Theater: From taking acting classes to enjoying a live performance at the John Engeman Theatre or The Theatre at Westbury, there's no shortage of opportunities to perform and enjoy the arts.
  11. Amusement Parks: You don’t need to go far to get an adrenaline rush on LI. Adventureland has a bevy of rides suited for a wide range of ages, while Bayville Adventure Park has rides, mini golf and more. If your kids love water slides and spray areas, simply take a ride out to Splish Splash.
  12. The Food: Whatever you crave, Long Island is home to some of the best restaurants around. Kids can develop a diverse palate since there is pretty much every type of cuisine available--and some establishments even let kids eat free!
  13. The Farms: LI families can pick their own fruits and veggies year-round at one of the many farms across the area.
  14. Higher Education: While many of us aren’t thinking about our kids going off to college just yet, it can be comforting to know that when they are ready, they don’t have to go very far if they don’t want to. Hofstra University, Adelphi University, Stony Brook and Long Island University are just a few of the higher ed establishments on LI. Even better: Many offer enrichment and summer programs for younger kids.
  15. Camps: Whether it’s for a school break or the entire summer, there is no shortage of camps on LI to keep the kids occupied when they’re not in school.
  16. The Aquarium: Check out a wide array of ocean life out in Riverhead—kids can even enjoy a sleepover at the Aquarium!
  17. The Science Centers: Kids that love getting scientific can explore and learn at many Long Island locations.
  18. Bike Paths: The entire family can take a scenic bike ride on one of the many paths around LI.
  19. Hiking Spots: Enjoy the outdoors with a hike--followed by a picnic--on one of LI's many trails.
  20. Fishing: There are plenty of prime spots to bait a hook and catch some fish—and kids love it!
  21. Celebrate a love of reading: Both Nassau and Suffolk Counties have so many wonderful public libraries with kid-friendly programming, as well as book shops that offer storytime for children.
  22. Concert Venues: You can catch a show under the stars at the Jones Beach Theatre or enjoy your favorite kid-friendly performer at the Theatre at Westbury.
  23. Birthday parties: Whether it's a party place or local entertainers that will come to you, LI kids always have a birthday to remember.
  24. Art & Music: LI kids can explore their creativity with a bevy of art and music classes.
  25. The History: Kids can get a real-life history lesson by experiencing what it was like to walk through Long Island in the mid-1800s at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Visit a hat maker and a blacksmith while volunteers in period costume explain how life was way back then.