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Exploring Long Island Towns, Villages, and Cities

If you're in the market for local itineraries, check out some of our posts on the best things to do in both Suffolk and Nassau counties, including the best things to do in Riverhead with kids, 13 kid-friendly things to do in Garden City, and visiting Long Beach with kids. 

Money-Saving Tips for Having Fun on Long Island

Check out our list of FREE perks from an LI library card, our list of the top Long Island places to play for FREE, and all our top more money-saving ideas in our Guide to Free Fun Things To Do on Long Island with Kids. 

Top Things To Do on Long Island for Visitors

If you've got family in from out of town or you're new to the region, take a look at our Visitors Guide to Long Island, where you'll find our picks for the best family-friendly hotels on Long Island, our list of Long Island's top attractions, and even a complete three-day itinerary for your visit. 

Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids By Age 

Here are some helpful guides featuring great things to do with kids of different ages: 

• 15 Things To Do on Long Island Before Your Baby's First Birthday

• 25 Things To Do with Preschoolers on Long Island

• Best Things To Do on Long Island with Tween

Lighthouses shine a beacon on Long Island's history.

100 Top Things To Do on Long Island With Kids

1. Explore a Lighthouse

Long Island has more than 20 lighthouses. Four of them are open to the public, including Fire Island Light, the tallest in the region.

2. Take a Dip

Long Island has more than 120 miles of coastline. Spend the summer beach-hopping the region’s best beaches and find a new favorite.

3. Explore the Friendly Skies

Discover Long Island’s aviation heritage at the Cradle of Aviation.

4. Visit Another Museum

While visiting Nassau County’s Museum Row, sample the Long Island Children’s Museum and take safety lessons at the Firefighters Museum.

5. Indulge in Strawberry Season

Visit the Mattituck Strawberry Festival, where the shortcake is always homemade, or pick your own strawberries at these local farms. The Historical Society of the Massapequas traditionally sponsors a strawberry festival on Father's Day weekend as well. 

6. Take Flight at Jones Beach

Challenge yourself (if you dare) on the zip line and adventure courses at WildPlay, which sits near Field 4 at Jones Beach State Park. 

7. Celebrate Walt Whitman

The legendary poet, and Long Island native, is memorialized at the state historic site in Huntington Station. Kids can tour the grounds (recently reopened), visit the Interpretive Center, and take a deep dive into the life of this literary icon.

8. Pitch a Tent

Experience outer-beach camping on the Fire Island National Seashore or at one of the region's many campgrounds.

9. Visit the Aquarium

Have an encounter with a penguin or watch the sea lions perform at the Long Island Aquarium.

10. Pose With the Big Duck

Sure it’s kitschy, but the Big Duck happens to be one of the finest examples of roadside art in the nation. Snap a family selfie for your next holiday card.

Choose from a variety of stencils and use graffiti to then decorate your product of choice at Graff Lab Studios. Photo by the Jaime Sumersille

11. Graffiti Artist for a Day

Graff Lab Studio, with locations in New Hyde Park and Holtsville, lets kids channel their inner street artists—legally, of course. Discover spray paint and stencil use through drop-in workshops, classes, and camps.  

12. Catch a Concert

End your visit to Jones Beach with a kid-friendly performance at Northwell Health Theater. The performance season runs from June through mid-September.

13. Visit a Neighboring State Park

Jones Beach may be more well-known, but why not explore its neighbors to the east, Robert Moses and Captree state parks?

14. Calling All Young Inventors ...

Celebrate ingenuity at LI’s largest maker event, Maker Faire Long Island, held in Port Jefferson each June. In-person maker camps are also held throughout the summer. 

15. See the Horse Show

Have a kid who loves horses? Thrill to the world’s best equestrians at the Hamptons Classic horse show.

16. Wander the Boardwalk

Grab an ice cream cone or some cotton candy and take a stroll along one of Long Island’s iconic boardwalks.

17. Visit Nassau Coliseum

The former home of the New York Islanders hockey team, which was remodeled in 2017, hosts family-friendly entertainment, including shows and circuses.

18. Take a Twirl

One last thing before you leave Museum Row: Don’t forget Nunley’s Carousel.

19. Or a Spin

There are several other carousels dotted across the Island, including Mitchell Park in Greenport.

Watch the Golden Knights U.S. Army Parachute Team at the Bethpage Air Show. Photo by Greg Heartsfield/CC BY 2.0

20. Peep the Air Show

Thrill to aviation daredevils at the Bethpage Air Show, held at Jones Beach State Park on Memorial Day weekend.

21. Drink Some Wine

Need some adult unwinding time? Visit these family-friendly wineries on the East End, where kids can play among the vines while you enjoy a merlot.

22. Or Some Beer

If you’re more of a beer person, Greenport Harbor, Blue Point, Great South Bay, Jamesport Farm Brewery and other craft breweries welcome kids accompanied by adults to their expansive grounds.

23. Grab a Sweet Confection

If that doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, check out these LI candy stores for throwback and new treats.

24. Go for a Wild Ride

But those aren’t the only amusement parks on Ll. Here are a few others to sample.

25. Learn About the Environment

Nature-loving children will love the Seatuck Environmental Association’s outdoor classrooms, where kids can play and learn.

26. Celebrate Pride

Celebrate diversity at the mega LI Pride Weekend in downtown Huntington in June, and check out some other community Pride celebrations.

27. Get Creative

Channel your child's inner Picasso at these instructional classes designed to inspire.

28. Explore a WWII Outpost

Young history buffs love Camp Hero State Park in Montauk. It’s a coastal defense facility that during World War II was disguised as a fishing village.

29. All-Aboard!

Little conductor in the house? Join Long Island Live Steamers for a steam-train ride around Southaven County Park.

Cruise down the lazy river at Splish Splash Water Park Photo courtesy of the park

30. Enjoy a Thrilling Ride

Finally dare to hit the big slides at Splish Splash water park or the new Fireball coaster at Adventureland amusement park.

31. Ride a Bike

Learn to ride, and then master a few cycling trails that abound on LI for pedal-urgists.

32. Hit the Trails

Let’s just say we can go stride for stride with the best family trails anywhere.

33. More Domestic Animals

The Holtsville Park Ecology and Wildlife Center is home to “Holtsville Hal,” our very own weather-predicting groundhog.

34. Go Seal Spotting

If you prefer to glimpse your animals in the wild, why not take a seal hike along Long Island’s coastal beaches? Hikes are held regularly on Fire Island, in the Hamptons, and in Montauk.

35. Run Through the Sprinklers

Get totally soaked at one of LI’s sprinkler parks.

36. See the Stars

Gaze at the stars at the Vanderbilt Planetarium in Huntington.

37. Visit Central Park

Eisenhower Park is rightly known as the “Central Park of Nassau County.” Check out its three playgrounds, including one customized for handicapped children, a sprinkler park, a theater, and more.

​38. Take in the View

Climb Jayne’s Hill in Huntington, Long Island’s highest point. Look to the south to see Great South Bay 12 miles in the distance.

39. Swing for the Fences

Sharpen your hitting eye at one of these batting cages perfect for any wannabe Met or Yankee.

Dig into an over-the-top sundae at Krisch's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour. Photo courtesy of the parlour

40. Scream for Ice Cream

Order a sundae to share at one of LI’s vintage ice cream parlors.

41. See Stars-in-the-Making

Then, enjoy top-level amateur baseball on the East End. Hamptons Collegiate Baseball plays games on both forks.

42. Root, Root, Root for the Home Team

Speaking of baseball, attend a Long Island Ducks game in Central Islip. The season runs from late April through September.

43. Tour the Long Island “White House”

Visit President Theodore Roosevelt’s home, Sagamore Hill. Tour the grounds, walk the boardwalk to Cold Spring Harbor Beach, and explore the world of the 26th president.   

44. Watch the Marathon

Cheer on the runners at the Long Island Marathon in May. The Hamptons has its own marathon in September; there is even a triathlon in Montauk in July.

45. Scare up Some Fun

Come autumn, enjoy a “haunted house” tour. How scary it is is up to you.

46. Enjoy a Fall Festival

In fact, Long Island is ripe with fall festivals. Here are a few we recommend to truly revel in the season.

47. Pluck a Perfect Apple

Apple picking is a prime autumn activity. Here are our picks for the best places to pick your own.

48. See the Islanders

October is the start of the hockey season. Go see the hometown New York Islanders, who moved into their state-of-the-art arena in Elmont in 2021.

49. See "A Christmas Carol"

It's the best of times: Celebrate the great Charles Dickens in Port Jefferson with dramatic readings, gingerbread house contests, and, of course, period costumes. It's a great way to usher in the holiday season.

Get up close to the friendly giraffe at the Long Island Game Farm. Photo courtesy of the game farm.

50. See Exotic Creatures

Meet the bison, lemurs, and kangaroos at the Long Island Game Farm in Manorville.

51. Find the Perfect Pine

Cut your own holiday tree at one of our favorite LI tree farms.

52. Spot Spectacular Displays

If it’s Christmas, it must be holiday lights. Here are some of our favorite displays.

53. Roller Skate

LI has several roller skating rinks, including in Seaford.

54. Enter a Fishing Competition

Test your skills with the rod and reel at one of several kids’ fishing tournaments.

55. Study Marine Ecology

While we are on the subject of fish, kids can play marine biologist for a day at one of these aquatic facilities.

56. Go on a Hot Chocolate Crawl

When you’ve put your skates away, sample a hot chocolate from one of these original local vendors.

57. Slip and Slide

We couldn’t overlook sledding, could we? Brave the outdoors at our favorite Long Island sledding destinations.

58. Explore a Preserve

For a more tranquil outdoor experience, visit one of LI’s 50-plus nature preserves. Here’s just a sample.

59. Learn About LI's First Inhabitants

Celebrate the cultural diversity of LI’s indigenous peoples at the annual Shinnecock Powwow, held over Labor Day weekend in Southampton. 

For a memorable day, hit the ice at a seasonal rink.

60. Hit the Ice

Enjoy a spin on the ice at one of these indoor skating rinks. Take the fun outdoors, or even to one of these seasonal pop-up rinks.

61. Outdoor Adventures

Two recent additions should delight outdoorsy kids. Take a bike ride, rollerblade, or just walk along the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway, near Jones Beach, or the North Shore Rail Trail, near Wading River.

62. Wind in Your Sails 

Ocean breezes and manageable waves make Long Island a perfect place to learn to sail as a family. Once the kids gain experience, they can join others in a friendly race around Robins Island.

63. An Old-Time Ballgame

Return to a simpler time when the national pastime was played without gloves. That’s “Old Time Base Ball” at Old Bethpage Village Restoration.

64. Explore More at Old Bethpage

When the game is over, kids can learn about 19th-century life, sustainable farming, and more at Old Bethpage, Nassau County’s popular living history museum.

65. Learn and Play at the Long Island Science Center

While on the subject of museums, the Long Island Science Center is worth a visit.

66. See More Culture Spots

Explore as many of the 100-plus museums on Long Island, not just those aimed at kids. Here are just a few.

67. Sail Away to Fire Island

Fire Island is a world unto itself. The most family-friendly community is Ocean Beach, but why not explore the entirety of the barrier island?

68. Escape to Shelter Island

Shelter Island is much quieter and is accessible from both the North and South Forks via ferry. In fact, for an inexpensive East End afternoon, hop on the ferry with your bike and ride from one end of Shelter Island to the other. You can cross from Greenport to Sag Harbor in about 90 minutes.

69. A Seafood Fest

Introduce your kids to chowder and lobster rolls at the Long Island Maritime Museum's Seafood Festival in West Sayville in August. For added fun, come in a pirate costume and enjoy face painting, sand art, and more. 

Get a dose of cuteness with your coffee at Little Bites cafe. Photo courtesy of the cafe.

70. Refuel at a Play Cafe

Relax with a cup of joe while your tot explores one of a handful of great play cafes around Long Island.

71. Make the Shore a Jumping-Off Point

Explore Orient Point. From there, take the ferry to New London for a day. If you’re more adventurous, connect in Connecticut for ferries to Block Island, RI. Or walk a block to the New London Amtrak station and hop aboard the train to Boston.

72. Enjoy a FREE Lunch

Pack in the FREE restaurant meals while the kids are still underage.

73. See the Cherry Blossoms

Stony Brook University’s Sakura Matsuri festival celebrates Japanese culture and the arrival of cherry blossoms on Long Island.

74. Embark on an Egg Hunt

Where can you find a better Easter egg or seasonal scavenger hunt? Here are some of our favorites.

75. Explore the Nautical Mile

Freeport’s renaissance continues. Take the kids to one of its outdoor festivals, walk the Nautical Mile, and enjoy some fresh seafood.

76. Enjoy a Day at the Races

You might not think so, but Belmont Park is technically in Nassau County. Watch the majestic thoroughbred racehorses compete.

77. Go for a Paddle

Rent a canoe and enjoy a relaxing day of paddling or kayaking on one of LI’s kid-friendly waterways.

78. Dive in the Local Pool

Take a dip at one of Long Island's year-round public pools.

79. Enjoy a Floating Party

Pack your gear and experience deep-sea (well, not so deep) fishing on one of LI’s party boats.

RELATED: Guide to Long Island Fairs and Festivals

Enjoy food, rides, and games at LI's many summer carnivals. Photo courtesy of Dreamlands.

80. Join the Carnival

Carnival season on Long Island typically begins in late April and continues through the summer.

81. Sit on the Dock of the Bay

Pass some time sitting on the dock of the bay at one of LI’s public marinas.

82. Catch a Wave

LI surf schools can teach your kids to ride the waves. Here are some of our favorites.

83. Head to Connecticut

Ride the ferry to Bridgeport, Connecticut, for an action-packed day of exploring.

84. Go Deep Sea Diving

Looking for a graduation gift? Introduce your teen to diving at one of several Long Island diving schools. Some even offer scuba parties.

85. Come Face to Face with Sharks

For a fee (and it’s not cheap), the Long Island Aquarium will let your family (12 and older) have an underwater encounter with its sharks, in a protective cage, of course.

86. Visit the Racetrack

What kid would not get excited over a school-bus demolition derby? That’s one of the featured attractions at Riverhead Raceway.

87. Visit Cold Spring Harbor

Cold Spring Harbor is always worth a day trip. Enjoy the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, the DNA Learning Center, and more.

88. Learn About Whales

Cold Spring Harbor also hosts one of Suffolk County’s two whaling museums. The other is in Sag Harbor.

89. Deep Dive into American History

Explore Revolutionary War history at the William Floyd Estate, the former home of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Enjoy the thrill of the chase at RPM Raceway in Farmingdale. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway

90. Fuel Your Need for Speed

Race each other at one of several Long Island go-kart courses, where kids can be in the driver’s seat.

91. Watch the Fireworks Fly

Speaking of Independence Day, Fourth of July fireworks shows start early on Long Island. That’s not a surprise since LI is the home of the famous Grucci fireworks family.

92. Play Putt-Putt

Try your hand at a different kind of miniature golf at Glowgolf at Roosevelt Field Mall.

93. A Futuristic Driving Range

Even if your kids have never gripped a golf club, they're sure to enjoy TopGolf in Holtsville, which offers a new spin on the "royal and ancient game." 

94. Hit the Greens

Have a kid who’s bored with mini golf but not quite ready for the big course? Experiment on one of LI’s shorter, par-3 courses.

95. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Long Island's St. Patrick's Day parades bring bagpipers, step dancers, and more to processions from Manhasset to Montauk. Huntington's is the largest.

96. Jam at Great South Bay

Enjoy a host of headliners at the Great South Bay Music Festival in Patchogue, where rock, jazz, and funk mix with a host of kids' acts.

97. Follow the Food Trucks

Foodies in the family? Enjoy food and fun at these food truck festivals across Long Island.

98. Hit the Bounce House

Bounce yourselves silly at local bounce houses, and LI has plenty of them—in Nassau and Suffolk.

99. Celebrate Italian Culture

Food, carnival rides, and children's entertainment are on tap at Glen Cove's Feast of St. Rocco. Don't miss the traditional procession of the statue of the patron saint.

100. Set Fido Free

Let your furry friends run free at one of Long Island’s dozens of dog parks.

A version of this article was first published in 2012. It was updated in July 2023.