Long Island

17 Things To Do in Garden City, New York with Kids

Garden City's quaint downtown makes for a great stroll with kids. Photo courtesy of the Village of Garden City

Garden City is one of Long Island's most desirable communities, with tree-lined streets, a vibrant downtown, highly-rated schools, and plenty of green space. Take a stroll down historic Seventh Street, which plays host to family-friendly events all year round; spend the day learning on Museum Row; or shop till you drop at the area’s largest shopping mall, Roosevelt Field.

It’s no wonder so many families enjoy living and visiting this village. We've rounded up the top things to do on a visit to Garden City with kids. 

Be sure to check out our posts on the best parks in Nassau County for kids and the best indoor play spaces in Nassau County for more great activity ideas in the area. 

Holiday and Thanksgiving Volunteering Opportunities for Kids and Families on Long Island

Long Island Cares food banks are a great way to give back to those in need this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Long Island Cares

Volunteering opportunities on Long Island show your children how rewarding it is to make someone’s holiday a little brighter by simply giving a little of your time. Volunteering also offers a way to break free from the gift-getting, list-making, shop-till-you-drop frenzy of the holidays. 

From fundraising to turkey and book drives to helping make wishes come true, we’ve pulled together this list of a dozen Long Island organizations looking for volunteers this holiday season. Most welcome help at other times, too.

Read all our best tips for the holidays–like the best seasonal day trips near Long Island–in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Long Island Kids

Best Museums for Kids on Long Island

Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM

Long Island is home to a host of museums that cater to a younger crowd, giving you many fun ways to introduce your kids to culture. In fact, many of the institutions we've rounded up below offer hands-on, interactive activities that can be enjoyed by children of all ages.

From air and space to science and trains, these spots offer special exhibits and programs to keep children engaged, entertained, and educated. So why not visit? In the meantime, check out our Guide to Museums and the Arts on Long Island.

New Long Island Parks and Playgrounds You Probably Haven't Visited Yet But Should

Sayville's new Marina Park playground offers gorgeous views and tons of romping space. Photo courtesy of the Town of Islip.

When it comes to Long Island parks and playgrounds, the landscape is ever-changing. A handful of local Long Island parks have recently opened or undergone renovations making them worthy of visiting or re-visiting. Families can do much more than just play at these Long Island parks, too! There are animals to meet, paths to traverse, picnicking spots to enjoy, and more perks at these new and newly renovated Long Island parks. From upgrades to overhauls, we've dug up the details on these latest outdoor play spaces Long Island families will love.

For all our favorite playgrounds and parks on Long Island, be sure to check out our Guide to Long Island Parks and Playgrounds, which includes our picks for everything from the best playgrounds for Long Island kids to our top Long Island parks for a leaf-peeping hike this fall and more.

Halloween Haunted Houses on Long Island From Scary to Not so Spooky

Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck is home to a 45-minute haunted walk-through during two October weekends. Photo courtesy of the camp

Whether you're looking to get spooked this Halloween or are searching for a milder thrill, Long Island is home to many haunted houses that are up to the task. We've rounded up the scariest spots delivering Halloween thrills for teens and not-so-spooky events and displays that are suitable for younger kiddos.

If you're looking for something more low-key, there is plenty of Halloween-themed fun at LI pumpkin patches, and we've got tons more seasonal fun in our Long Island Halloween Guide.

23 Things To Do in Port Jefferson with Kids

You'll find plenty of photo-ops while exploring Port Jefferson with your family.

Port Jefferson boasts great parks, a Main Street that's lined with kid-friendly restaurants and unique shops, and plenty of things to do year-round. 

Located on Long Island’s North Shore, Port Jefferson is about 50 miles east of Manhattan and its port welcomes daily ferries to and from Connecticut. Whether you're spending the day or planning a fun night on the town, this picturesque harborside village offers something for everyone. To help you get the most out of your visit, we’ve rounded up the best of Port Jeff for you and your family.

Still got that day-trippin' itch? Check out our rundown on what to do in nearby Stony Brook with kids, and be sure to explore our Visitor's Guide to plan your next Long Island adventure close to home.

Not-So-Scary Halloween Events on Long Island for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Follow your guide on the Enchanted Forest Trail at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge and meet whimsical, fun, and educational characters. Photo courtesy of the refuge

Looking for the best Halloween events on Long Island for toddlers and preschoolers? Read on for our top picks.

Halloween can be uber exciting, but also completely overwhelming for little revelers. With that in mind, we've rounded up several Halloween events across Long Island perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. These events promise plenty of fun with very little in the way of fright.

We've got tons more Halloween picks in our Long Island Halloween Guide. Whether you're looking for free events and activitiestrunk-or-treats, inspiring pumpkin carving ideas, or a family-friendly Halloween movie, we've got it all. Of course, before you can carve your pumpkin, you're going to need to pluck it from the vine at one of these top-notch Long Island pumpkin patches

Best Fall Day Trips to Take from Long Island with Kids

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, which returns to Old Bethpage Village Restoration, is worth the drive this fall. Photo courtesy of Historic Hudson Valley

With fewer crowds, more comfortable temperatures, and a pageant of seasonal colors, fall day trips are a great option for Long Island families.

Whether your idea of an autumn getaway involves brightly-hued foliage or an adventure in the urban jungle, we've rounded up 30 fall day-trip ideas from Long Island for families. Some are close by, while others require a few hours in the car or Long Island Rail Road. Some even require a ride on a ferry. But no matter where you go or how you get there, you're sure to create some lasting memories from these fall day trips.

If you're craving an extended adventure, consider one of these nearby destinations for a weekend visit. And, of course, we've got plenty of seasonal fun ideas in our Fall Fun Guide and all-season day-trip inspiration in our Day Trips Guide for Long Island families.

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