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As always, click through to the websites or call before heading out to check reservation or advance ticketing requirements.

1. Scream for Ice Cream

Treat dad to a sweet, out-of-this-world treat at Milky Ways Ice Cream and Cereal Bar, or check out one of these old-fashioned ice cream parlors.

2. Delight in Fresh Strawberries

Enjoy four days of shortcakes, fireworks, carnival rides, and more at the Lions Club Strawberry Festival in Mattituck. The event ends on Father’s Day, when dads and granddads are admitted for FREE when joined by a paying child. Proceeds benefit the Lions Club’s North Fork charities.

RELATED: Best Things to Do on Long Island in June With Kids

Step into prehistoric times at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning. 

3. Get Prehistoric

Visit the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning to go back in time to the age of dinosaurs. Animatronic dinosaurs plus fossils, models, live animals, and interactive features round out this small but spectacular exhibit. New dinosaurs and exhibit features were added again in 2023.

4. Dinner With a View

Dine al fresco at one of these great, family-friendly outdoor restaurants across Long Island.

Dad can dive with sharks or admire the sea creatures at the Long Island Aquarium.

5. Dive With the Sharks

If dad is the adventurous type, head to Long Island Aquarium, where patrons ages 12 and older can participate in a shark dive. Before dad goes nose to nose with the sharks, he’ll receive instruction and safety tips. Meanwhile, the kids can check out the eye-opener play structure.

6. Conquer a Coaster

Have a rollin' good time with dad on the rides at Adventureland in Farmingdale.

7. Charter a Boat

Enjoy the ocean breeze and board a family-friendly boat on Long Island. If big boats aren't dad's thing, try out kayaking or paddle boats.

8. Hit the Road

Pack up the car and head out on the open road for the day or weekend. Head upstate to see sights beyond your neighborhood. Or, if you're near Port Jefferson, hop on a ferry and spend the day in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

RELATED: Go Strawberry Picking on Long Island at These Strawberry Farms and Festivals

Find a fishing spot to drop a line on Father's Day. 

9. Go Fishing

Hook a line and throw it into a pond stocked with trout at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, or drop a line at one of these other local fishing holes.

10. Head for the Hamptons

Spend the day exploring Long Island's beautiful east end. If you're not sure where to start, check out our list of the top things to do in the Hamptons and North Fork for some fun ideas.

11. Indulge Dad's Wild Side

Spend the day at the Bronx Zoo. There’s so much to see and do at this iconic spot for the whole family.

Have a swimmingly fun day with dad at the DreamWorks Water Park. 

12. Make a Splash

If dad loves the water, let him get an early taste of summer by visiting DreamWorks Water Park at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It can be done in a day trip, or spend the weekend exploring everything the mall has to offer, including Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park.

13. Take a Hike

Get active in nature and go for a family hike. Even little ones can get in on the fun with a toddler-friendly trail.

14. Enjoy Fire Island's Biodiversity

Visit the Fire Island Lighthouse. You can explore the Keeper’s Quarters and exhibit center, then take the 182-step tour of the tower. Then, check out the Sunken Forest or go fishing at the Fire Island Seashore.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Hiking Trails on Long Island

Throw axes and discover your inner artist at a paint splatter session at Axe & Smash. Photo by Jaime Sumersille 

15. Stage a Family Battle

Embrace dad's competitive fire and take him axe throwing at one of these LI venues.

Hit the driving range at Top Golf. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

16. Practice Your Swing

Tee off at Top Golf, Long Island's upscale driving range. If dad is looking for something smaller, take him to a local mini-golf course, or try a local par-3 course.

17. Explore Space

The Cradle of Aviation Museum takes visitors on an aviation journey from first flight to space exploration. Gamer dads will especially love visiting the Arcade Age exhibit, which features classic arcade games they may remember from their childhoods. 

18. Enjoy a Family Play Date

Visit the Long Island Children's Museum for a day of hands-on family play.

19. Grab a Pint

Visit one of Long Island's family-friendly breweries. Many have outdoor seating, so the family can enjoy the weather while dad sips an IPA or two.

20. Zip Through the Trees

Visit one of Long Island's adventure parks. These ropes courses include bridges, zip lines, and even a mini-adventure park for smaller kids.

21. Build a Campfire

Take the weekend to decompress and escape the bustle of everyday life by pitching a tent and roasting some s'mores at one of these Long Island campsites.

22. Head for the Shore

Hit the beach. Long Island is home to some gorgeous shorelines, so pick one and plan a day of family fun in the surf and on the sand.

23. See the Stars

There’s lots going on at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, including the live shows at the Reichert Planetarium and tours of the mansion.

24. Big Apple Magic

Ride the LIRR into NYC to check out Harry Potter New York, the 21,000-square-foot store that will delight the whole family.

25. Morph Into Mini-Figure Form

Take a drive to the Hudson Valley to visit the Legoland New York Resort and ride the only-in-NY ride that lets you see the world from the point of view of a Lego mini-figure.

This post is updated annually.

Unless noted, photos by Gina Massaro