Long Island

Best Science Museums on Long Island for Families

Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum.

From astronomy to zoology, Long Island science museums offer something for seemingly every STEM-minded child. At these great destinations, kids on Long Island can enjoy hands-on exhibits, workshops, and even classes. 

So why not spend a few hours at one of these 10 science museums that are sure to spark curiosity in your child? That might be all he or she needs to one day become the next Albert Einstein or Nikola Tesla.

For more ways to get kids excited about STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), check out our Long Island classes and enrichment guide. Our rundown of Long Island family-friendly museums offers something for kids of all interests. 

Cooking Classes on Long Island for Kids

Kids can create homemade bread or pasta at the Flour Shoppe Bakery in Rockville Centre.

Local cooking classes on Long Island may be just the ticket if you can’t fry up cutlets without a few mini-folks scrambling into the kitchen. 

These are some of the best cooking schools for kids on Long Island, all of which help little cooks hone their skills under the direction of experts.

If you’re exploring various creative outlets for kids, check out these 10 drop-in art locations for Long Island kids and our LI Classes and Enrichment Guide.

Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids on Long Island

Zip through the air at WildPlay at Jones Beach. Courtesy WildPlay

Extreme sports aficionados on Long Island don't have to go far to get their adventure on, because both Suffolk and Nassau counties offer plenty of businesses catering to thrill-seeking kids.  

Want to go for a spin? Long Island go-kart tracks put kids in the driver’s seat, while ropes courses and axe-throwing venues provide an enduring adrenaline rush. However your child prefers to get his or her adventure fix, you'll probably find it on Long Island. So ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. 

In the meantime, check out our Long Island Guide to Play Spaces and Fun Zones. If your kids prefer to pedal, our guide to Long Island biking trails offers great rides in Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End.

17 Things To Do on Long Island with Teens

Teens can zip around the go-kart track at Country Fair Entertainment in Medford.

We've scoured Long Island for things to do in Nassau and Suffolk that are sure to keep tweens and teens happily occupied–and so much easier to live with.

When your kids are young, it’s easy to keep them entertained. But what about the older kids, the ones who say “I’m bored” way too often? The next time they start to whine about having nothing to do, hand them this list and calmly walk away!

Find our rundown on the best pre-college summer programs for high school students and more in our Teens & Tweens Guide to Long Island

25 Things To Do in Montauk with Kids

The beaches in Montauk are among the nation's best. Photo by Joe Shlabotnik via Flickr

If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, Montauk, on the extreme East End of Long Island, is the place to be. Montauk has things to do for everyone in the family, whether you crave excitement, exercise, or just want to read a book on the sand.

From the western edge of the community to the lighthouse at Montauk Point, Montauk boasts more than 5,000 acres of parkland, a host of surf schools, fishing and camping adventures, and more. It's a welcoming destination with a host of diverse activities sure to entertain kids of all ages.

Stopping off in the Hamptons along the way? Check out our list of great East End activities for families and our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide

Family-Friendly Wineries on Long Island's East End

Grab some apple crisp ice cream from the ice cream shop and a bottle of dry rose from wine barn at Harbes Family Farm.

With so many wineries on Long Island's East End now welcoming children, Long Island wine country has become a huge destination not just for couples and bachelorette parties, but for families with kids, too.

From picnic areas to live music and fun annual events, we’ve rounded up a host of kid-friendly wineries on Long Island's East End—many of which are family-owned and operated—offering the best experiences for little visitors. In addition to wine, most tasting rooms at these Long Island vineyards offer light snacks and nonalcoholic beverages, and some even allow outside food and drink in designated picnic areas. Of course, kids must be supervised, and any pets must be on leashes. Be sure to check individual websites for specific rules. And be responsible if you're driving.

Top Beach Playgrounds on Long Island

Explore the playground before hitting the beach at Jones Beach State Park. Photo courtesy of Jones Beach

Long Island beaches offer the opportunity for memory-making experiences. Some of the best include time frolicking on the playground to the soundtrack of crashing summer waves. We've rounded up some of the best beach spots with playgrounds in Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End. So pack a lunch and plan to spend the day enjoying these destinations. Make sure to snap pictures of the smiles from a fun day in the sun.

And remember Long Island has plenty of family-friendly beaches. While you're at it, check off a few activities on our list of 25 things we can't wait to do with Long Island kids this summer and see more great ideas in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

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