Long Island

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

Spend a day at a Long Island beach with your baby during their first year.

A baby's first year is full of memorable firsts and, on Long Island, there's always something new to experience and explore with your little one. From a baby's first dip of their tiny toes into the ocean to their first play cafe fun to a first barnyard adventure, we have you covered.

The photo-worthy moments we've listed below will be plentiful. so be sure to have your phone or camera ready for some great pictures. 

For more new parenting tips, check out our Baby Guide for New and Expecting Long Island Parents

Dive Into the Whaling Museum's "Monsters & Mermaids" Exhibit in Cold Spring Harbor

At Monsters & Mermaids explore how human interest in mermaids is timeless.

A visit to the Whaling Museum & Education Center in Cold Spring Harbor is nautical fun for the whole family. This Suffolk County gem is home to historical Long Island maritime exhibits and whaling industry artifacts dating back to the 19th century.

The museum's new exhibition, “Monsters & Mermaids,” transports kids and adults into a mythical world of mermaids, sirens, and legendary deep-sea creatures. Mermaid-loving kids and aspiring ocean explorers, like my little ones, were dazzled by the exhibit's hands-on crafts, interactive oceanic folklore fun, scavenger hunt, and more. 

Read on for details that will help you plan your family’s Whaling Museum adventure, and check out our Guide to the Best Museums for Kids on Long Island for more tips on visiting LI's top cultural instituations. 

Best Mommy-and-Me Classes on Long Island for Families

Stroller Strides is all about self-care in a supportive and encouraging environment. Photo courtesy of FIT4MOM/Stroller Strides.

When it comes to mommy-and-me classes on Long Island, families have plenty of choices. Whether you want to stay fit, learn a new craft, take a splash in the pool, or do something else entirely, we've rounded up the best parent-and-me classes on Long Island.

These Long Island classes let you and your baby get out, have fun, meet other moms and tots, and spend precious time together. Of course, these cool classes are open to dads, grandparents, and other caregivers, too.

For more class suggestions to keep you busy as your baby grows, be sure to bookmark our Guide to Classes and Activities on Long Island.

Trunk or Treats on Long Island for Kids to Collect Candy

Take your costumes for a test drive at the family-friendly Trunk or Treat at Hauppauge Library. Photo courtesy of the library

Trunk or treats offer Long Island kids a safer alternative to trick-or-treating. Instead of wandering door to door, young trick-or-treaters can load up their Halloween bags with candy from decorated cars.

These trunk or treats—many of which are FREE—take place in parking lots or parks. They sometimes include parades, costume contests, and other Halloween activities. Another bonus for sugar-crazed kids: Many take place before Halloween. That means double the loot if you plan right!

For more boo-tiful Halloween fun, check out our Halloween Guide for Long Island Families

Columbus Day Weekend on Long Island: Best Things To Do with Kids

Experience a giant inflatable adventure at Bounce the City in Huntington. Photo courtesy of Bounce the City

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Columbus Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the long weekend.

Take advantage of the long weekend with a Not-So-Scary Hike at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary. Or be spellbound by the enchanting world of Beauty & The Beats, a fairytale tribute show.

For active kids, Bounce the City also opens for its Long Island run and sports a 600-foot-long obstacle course. 

See Stunning Fall Leaves on a Long Island Nature Walk

The Quogue Wildlife Nature Preserve is open daily and is free of charge. Photo courtesy of the Quogue Lake Wildlife Refuge

Looking for the best nature walks to go see fall leaves on Long Island with kids? Read on for our top picks for reveling in magnificent autumn colors across LI. 

Fall on Long Island is perfect for memory-making with kids. The fall leaves and colors lend themselves to great family photos that will put you ahead of the game for holiday cards. 

So, grab your hiking shoes, pack some snacks, and enjoy a family day at one of these destination nature walks. Be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide for more kid-friendly activities this season. 

25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day

The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel

Fun things to do indoors with kids on rainy days are crucial when it's pouring, cold, or even just drizzling outside. We've rounded up 25 rainy-day activities and adventures across Long Island that can keep kids occupied for hours. Our list includes Long Island’s best indoor play spaces, sports centers and fun zones, museum exhibits, and the newest area attractions to visit. 

For even more things to do indoors with kids, check out our Indoor Fun Guide for Long Island Kids and our constantly updated Event Calendar

Long Island Libraries with Great Play Spaces and Children's Rooms

Westbury Memorial Public Library has a separate children's library building with play spaces. Photo by the author

Libraries across Long Island provide incredible opportunities for kids to learn, play, read, and explore. Parents can entertain kids for hours in any season and weather with a visit to one of the fantastic, hands-on, FREE play spaces and children's rooms many Long Island library branches offer. 

From building blocks galore to exciting nature discovery zones to wooden trains to board, Long Island libraries offer kids a place to let their imaginations soar. We’ve rounded up a list of destination-worthy Long Island libraries with memorable play areas, both indoors and outdoors. For more family adventures as the weather cools off check out our Free Things to Do Indoors on Long Island and 15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island

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