Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox. 

Best Things To Do in Stony Brook with Kids

1. The Village Center

At the heart of the village you'll find the center. There are boutiques such as the adorable Cottontails, where you can find children's clothes and toys, as well as restaurants and a bakery. Try to get there just before the hour strikes to see the eagle atop the post office flap its wings. 

2. Wetlands Cruise

Embark on an hour-and-a-half tour along the 88 acres of wetland preserve. The cruise's pontoon boat holds 27 passengers and departs from May through October. While on board, a naturalist will describe the nature surrounding you, as well as the history of humans in the area. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended, though you can walk on if capacity permits. 

3. Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals 

Stony Brook Harbor Rentals, which offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, is right in the Village Center. The rentals are available from May through November, allowing for scenic trips around Stony Brook's harbor during the different seasons. Sunset rentals and paddleboard yoga classes are possible. 

RELATED: Best Family-Friendly Boat Rides on Long Island

Feed the ducks some corn from the grist mill and spot other wildlife at the village's pond. 

4. Stony Brook Grist Mill

Tour the village's historic grist mill, where grain has been ground into flour for 300 years, on Sundays from 1pm-4pm. Admission is very affordable, at under $5 per person. A miller will give you the history of the mill as well as educate the tour group on the inner workings of the mill. A country store is also open during tour times. 

5. Long Island Museum

There are multiple rotating exhibits as well as permanent exhibitions in the museum. See historical structures like the one-room schoolhouse, built in 1877, or the Williamson Barn, which was built in 1794. The Carriage Museum is a must for those who love history, with carriages from New York and Europe on display. The museum offers 2-for-1 Fridays where you get free admission with the purchase of one admission.

6. Bike Rentals

Pedal through Stony Brook's historic village to see historic homes, museums, churches, and Stony Brook Harbor. 

7. West Meadow Beach

This north shore beach has relatively calm water, though water shoes are recommended due to the rocky shore. Hermit crabs, horseshoe crabs, sea birds, and more call this beach home. Facilities include restrooms and a small playground. Residents of the Town of Brookhaven with a sticker get in free, nonresidents pay a daily rate Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

Fun Free Things To Do in Stony Brook with Kids

8. T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond and Park 

Take a relaxing walk along this beautiful pond near the Stony Brook Grist Mill. Watch the waterfowl, such as ducks, swans, and more. If you're planning on fishing, the pond–which is strictly catch and release–is stocked with trout. 

9. Avalon Nature Preserve

Contemplate the Prometheus statue in the labyrinth, smell the wildflowers, and walk the trails, observing the natural wildlife that calls the preserve home. Art lovers will want to check out Felicia Framis' installation of a mirror sphere. The preserve's interactive map can be found here. 

RELATED: Where to Enjoy Kayaks, Rowboats, Pedal Boats, and More With Kids on Long Island

The figurehead of the Greek god Hercules, which once adorned the USS Ohio, now sits in a harborside pavilion in Stony Brook. Photo courtesy of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization

10. Kiss Hercules

To be more specific, visit the Hercules Pavilion in the Village Center. See the USS Ohio's figurehead, a giant bust of Hercules. Legend says if you kiss the brow of Hercules, you will be married within a year. 

11. Stony Brook Village Audio Experience

On this audio experience, which is available here, you can scan QR codes during a walk and hear the history of Stony Brook and its structures. There are 14 stops along the trail, including the Hercules Pavilion. The Grist Mill and Mill Pond also offer audio experiences available here. 

Where to Stay in Stony Brook with Kids

12. Three Village Inn 

The historic Three Village Inn is just across the street from Stony Brook's Village Center. The original Old Homestead building of the inn was built in 1751, though it didn't become an inn until 1929. The inn has 21 guest rooms and offers multiple packages, from romantic getaways to adventure packages that include kayak rentals. 

13. Hilton Garden Inn Stony Brook 

Located on Stony Brook University's campus, this hotel is right across the street from the medical center. It has an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant on site. 

Family-Friendly Stony Brook Restaurants

14. The Country House Restaurant

The building that houses The Country House Restaurant was once the home of a famous 19th-century English actor, Thomas Haddaway. Seances used to be held in the building that supposedly conjured up the spirit of the home's original owner. Many spirits are thought to still visit, including a young woman murdered in their Old Field Room in the 1700s. The restaurant embraces the history of the building, including the spirits. There is both a brunch and dinner menu. The restaurant was once voted "The Most Romantic Restaurant on Long Island."

15. Robinson's Tea Room

Get fancy with a visit to Robinson's Tea Room. Enjoy an afternoon of high tea with delicious finger sandwiches and pastries. Tea, iced tea, and coffee are unlimited, with 40 loose teas to choose from. The tea room also hosts special events, and it's perfect for a baby shower or a child's birthday. 

16. Sweet Mama's

At Sweet Mama's, delectable options include the hot honey chicken and waffle, french toast with bananas, and cookies and cream pancakes. Kids' offerings include Belgian waffles, chicken fingers, penne pasta, and more.