If you're looking to add a little indulgence to your day, why not visit one of these Long Island restaurants serving up decadent desserts sure to hit your sweet spot. From groovy, tie-dye milkshakes to larger-than-life sundaes, here are 11 family-friendly restaurants on Long Island serving outrageously over-the-top sweet treats.

For more dessert finds, check out our list of old-fashioned ice cream parlors on Long Island and find more all-occasion eats in our Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants.

Whether you are looking for a low-key petting zoo near you or a more exotic experience with wild animals, there's no shortage of places on Long Island where children can interact with nature's noble creatures. If they want to, Long Island kids can do everything from feed a giraffe to visit an alpaca and even ride a safari train.

Be sure to check our directory of zoos and gardens on Long Island, and peruse our Pick-Your-Own Guide for more local farm fun. Many outdoor petting zoos operate on a seasonal schedule, opening in spring or summer, and closing in fall before the snow arrives.

Whether you're a family of expert outdoorsmen or are just looking for a relaxing nature walk with your little ones, Long Island is home to an abundance of family-friendly hiking trails. Not only do the local Long Island hiking trails offer a chance for exercise and quality time with your kids, but they also provide an opportunity to learn about Long Island's diverse natural landscape. From toddlers to teens, these hiking adventures offer all-ages fun for your family.

Find even more outdoor destinations to explore on Long Island in this list of 15 state parks worth visiting and bookmark our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks on Long Island for more fun.

If your adventuresome little skater likes to carve and ollie and has started turning your furniture and household items into a skating playground, we've got a better idea. Take them to one of these skate parks in Long Island, where roller skaters, bladers, skateboarders, trick bikers, and more daredevils show off their stunts, fully padded and protected of course.

Find more action-packed outings in our guide to Sports Centers and Fun Zones on Long Island.

Long Island lighthouses are a beacon into the past. To explore them is to immerse yourself in the history of the region, from the Revolutionary War to the whaling age and the great steamship era of the 19th century.

There are about 20 lighthouses on Long Island, from New York Harbor to Montauk and the North Fork, but just five—Bug Light, Fire Island, Huntington Harbor, Horton Point, and Montauk Point—are open for public exploration.

Read on for our guide to visiting these incredible lighthouses on Long Island. A word of advice before you go: Limber up, as some of these lighthouses boast steep climbs, although we think you’ll agree the panoramic views are worth the effort.

It’s been a long, cold winter on Long Island, but it's time to put away those scarves and mittens and start planning some springtime fun. Here is our 2022 roundup of 25 great spring activities for Long Island kids.

Our picks range from spring break camps to fun in our favorite playgrounds and parks and even some quick day trips and getaways.

April showers? No problem. We've included plenty of indoor and virtual activities as well. You can find more seasonal happenings in our Spring Fun Guide or our always updated Event Calendar.