Long Island

Free Things to Do in June With Kids on Long Island

Celebrate Long Island's diversity at LI Pride Weekend at the boardwalk in Long Beach. Photo courtesy of the event

Free things to do in June with kids on Long Island will be welcome by anyone keen on celebrating the start of summer without breaking the bank. With school events and activities winding down, families have more time to spend together ahead of summer vacation, and it's definitely possible to enjoy this last month of school and stay on budget. We’ve rounded up a list of the best FREE things to do on Long Island in June. 

We've got info on fun things to do all across the region, including must-visit parks and playgrounds, spraygrounds, and outdoor eats. It's also high season for strawberry picking.

There are plenty more things to check out on our Event Calendar and you can find more seasonal happenings in our Summer Fun Guide.

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlors in Long Island That Kids Will Love

Coyle’s serves a side of nostalgia along with its sweet treats. Photo courtesy of Coyle’s Homemade Ice Cream

There's never a bad time to enjoy a creamy serving of ice cream and there are tons of ice cream parlors in Long Island where local families can enjoy a scoop—or two—of the sweet stuff.

We’ve rounded up some the best ice cream parlors in Long Island for a family-friendly treat. These destinations create yummy flavors from scratch and have a nostalgic feel that makes the experience extra special.

If ice cream is not your thing, check out our roundup of other decadent desserts on Long Island, and bookmark our Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants on Long Island for more dining inspiration.

Drive-In Movie Theaters in and Around Long Island for Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids

Enjoy a drive-in movie on Long Island this summer.

Go back in time and enjoy a drive-in movie theater on Long Island this summer. Put on your PJs, grab a cozy blanket, pack some snacks, and pull up to a big-screen flick under the stars. This old-school activity continues to have new life. 

We've curated a list for Long Island families looking for an evening of summer fun that will also suit anyone who is still focused on social distancing. While you're out, you might want to check out our guide to outdoor restaurants on Long Island or our roundups of great places to grab a pint of ice cream or decadant desserts to enjoy along with the flick. 

Visiting Adventureland on Long Island With Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Enjoy a thrilling ride on the twisty Turbulence roller coaster at Adventureland in Farmingdale. Photo courtesy of the amusement park

Whether you love to get your adrenaline pumping with high-speed roller coasters or take things slow with train rides and antique cars, Adventureland on Long Island is a fun, family-friendly destination. The amusement park's rides and attractions have created smiles for 60 years, and Adventureland is still a great place to spend a day with the family.

Here are our favorite things to do at Adventureland, plus the six attractions you can’t miss at this Long Island amusement park. Read our tips for visiting before putting on your comfortable shoes and heading out the door. You'll find more thrilling amusement parks nearby in our Guide to Amuseument Parks and Water Parks.

Best Summer Camps on Long Island for Teens and Tweens

Quinipet Camp offers both day camp and sleepaway camp options in a scenic, Long Island Sound location. Photo courtesy of the center

Long Island families are blessed to be surrounded by great options for summer camps, but when kids outgrow the local summer day camp, finding the perfect summer camp program can prove challenging. We've done the legwork for you, though, and found 15 summer camps on Long Island catering to teens and tweens. These summer camps keep big kids' interests at heart and their inventive programming is practically guaranteed to get your teens and tweens out the door daily, no nagging necessary.

For more summer camps in Long Island, including picks for everything from preschool summer camps on Long Island, to our top picks for summer camps in Suffolk County and Nassau County's best summer camps, be sure to bookmark our Long Island Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town.

Where to Find Decadent, Over-the-Top Desserts at Restaurants on Long Island

Manny's Sweet Treats in Mineola serves a sundae big enough for a bathtub.

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.

Find an Amazing Petting Zoo on Long Island Where Kids Can Meet the Animals

Enjoy quality time with the animals at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center.

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.

Where to go Hiking on Long Island: 11 Family-Friendly Hiking Trails to Explore

The Mashomack Preserve preserve has 11 miles of coastline and acres of creeks, woodlands, and fields. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

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.

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