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Free Things to Do on Long Island in May

Moms enjoy free admission to Harbes Family Farm on May 11 and 12. Photo courtesy of the farm
Moms enjoy free admission to Harbes Family Farm on May 11 and 12. Photo courtesy of the farm
4/30/19 - By Jaime Sumersille

Keep your wallet tucked away when you head out for these FREE fun family activities in May.

Enjoy nature walks, cultural celebrations, Mother's Day activities, even the start of a three-day celebration of Long Island's favorite sons, legendary poet Walt Whitman.  

For more fun activities that won’t cost you a penny, check out our lists of biking trails; restaurants where kids can eat free; and even the best places kids can get a free birthday treat on their special day. And we didn't forget Mom: See our annual list of Mother's Day freebies and giveaways. And don’t forget to check out our events calendar and May GoList for more seasonal inspiration.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Wednesday, May 1

Mother’s Day Mugs at the Farmingdale Library

Farmingdale
Make a mug and coaster set for mom. Please dress for a mess. READ MORE
Kids can get up close to one-of-a-kind vehicles at Touch-A-Truck at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum. Photo courtesy of the event
Kids can get up close to one-of-a-kind vehicles at Touch-A-Truck at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum. Photo courtesy of the event

Saturday, May 4

AMF Kids Fest

Wantagh
Kids can enjoy one hour of FREE bowling and shoe rental plus an arcade game card worth $5. READ MORE

I Love My Park Day

Various Locations
I Love My Park Day, held annually on the first Saturday in May, attracts thousands of volunteers to help clean, improve, and beautify New York's state parks and historic sites. READ MORE

Touch-A-Truck at the Nassau Coliseum

Uniondale
WBAB and WBLI present Touch-A-Truck Family Health Fair at the NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum. Visitors can get up close to unique, one-of-a-kind vehicles, including big trucks. READ MORE

Star Wars Truck Day at the Farmingdale Library

Farmingdale
Saber Guild-Endor Temple will be here for a meet-and-greet. Also enjoy a Metrocade retro video game truck, Kidz Hits karaoke van, and an activity bus for the little ones. READ MORE

Long Island Beltaine Festival

Huntington
Enjoy vendors, performers, readers, workshops, and a kids craft table. You can even dance the maypole. READ MORE

Sag Harbor 4th Annual Cultural Heritage Festival

Sag Harbor
Enjoy live Colonial music by Three Village Chamber Players and traditional boat building demonstrations on the front lawn with East End Classic Building Society.  READ MORE
Israelfest is the largest celebration of Jewish and Israeli culture in Nassau County. Photo courtesy of Israelfest
Israelfest is the largest celebration of Jewish and Israeli culture in Nassau County. Photo courtesy of Israelfest

Sunday, May 5

Town of Huntington Annual Tulip Festival

Huntington
The Tulip Festival at Heckscher Park is a FREE, family-oriented event that features more than 20,000 tulips, hands-on children’s activity booths, and more. READ MORE

Dandelion Festival at KK's Biodynamic Farm

Southold
Adorn yourself with dandelions and celebrate this golden friend of the farm at KK's Biodynamic Farm. READ MORE

Fall Bike Ride at Jones Beach

Wantagh
Bring your bicycles and binoculars and join in this morning ride. READ MORE

Saturday, May 11-Sunday, May 12

Mother’s Day Festival at Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard

Mattituck — Moms are free!
The Harbes Family Farm celebrates mothers and its season opening this weekend. As a special gift, moms enjoy FREE admission to the Harbes Barnyard Adventure all weekend long.  READ MORE

Saturday, May 11

Toddler Triathlon at Bayville Library

Bayville
Join Miss Jill on the village lawn for stories, snacks and games.  READ MORE

Sunday, May 12

Oyster Bay Town Walk with a Ranger at Sagamore Hill

Oyster Bay
Join on an easy mile-and-a-half stroll through time as park rangers interpret the points of interest significant to Theodore Roosevelt, his family, and presidency. READ MORE

Long Island Museum Honors Mom

Stony Brook
The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook pays tribute to moms of all ages by offering FREE admission to all mothers and grandmothers. A leisurely stroll through the beautiful grounds and galleries is a perfect way to spend the day with mom. READ MORE

Mother’s Day Fun Beach Stroll

Shirley
Bring the family for a short beachcombing stroll on the wilderness beach, then create a work of art in celebration of moms, the sand, shells, and the sea. READ MORE

Saturday, May 18

SoFo's Young Birders Club

Bridgehampton
The South Fork Natural History Museum's Young Birders Club meets on the third Saturday of each month and is open to anyone ages 8-18 interested in learning about birds. READ MORE

Sunday, May 19

Spring Festival at the Thomas School of Horsemanship

Melville
Celebrate spring at the Thomas School with a fun carnival, including pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatables, face painting, and more. READ MORE

Huntington Waterfront Festival & Craft Fair

Huntington
The Greater Huntington Council of Yacht and Boating Clubs starts off Huntington Safe Boating Week with its 7th annual Huntington Waterfront Festival. Enjoy professional artists, photography, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, antiques, gift items, recreational equipment, boats, boating supplies and more. READ MORE
The annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach promises more thrills in 2019. Photo courtesy of Bethpage Federal Credit Union
The annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach promises more thrills in 2019. Photo courtesy of Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Friday, May 24-Sunday, May 26

2024 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach

Wantagh
The Bethpage Air Show returns to Jones Beach on Memorial Day weekend, featuring performances by its showstopping headliners, the United States Navy Blue Angels. READ MORE

Monday, May 27

Memorial Day Open House at Raynham Hall

Oyster Bay
Raynham Hall will host a costumed, historical parade through town.  READ MORE

Friday, May 31-Sunday, June 2

Walt Whitman’s Bicentennial Birthday Weekend

Huntington Station — Adults are Free
Celebrate the beloved poet's bicentennial birthday weekend at the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site. Enjoy scholarly lectures, birthday parties for kids and adults, and readings of Whitman’s most celebrated works. High school and college students deliver presentations of their poetry, and docents in mid-19th century dress circulate with visitors. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

NYCB LIVE! Home of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
UU Fellowship of Huntington
Wilderness Visitor Center Shirley