Trek to The End for the Montauk Lighthouse tree lighting this weekend. Photo courtesy of the Montauk Lighthouse
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 on Long Island: Turkey Trots, Light Shows, and Santa
LuminoCity returns to Long Island for its fifth year at Eisenhower Park. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities on Long Island
LuminoCity returns to Long Island's Eisenhower Park. Photo courtesy LuminoCity
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows on Long Island
Find the perfect tree for your family at Santa's Christmas Tree Farm.
Your Holly Jolly Guide to Visiting Santa's Christmas Tree Farm with Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Long Island Kids
All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC
During Christmas in NYC, Midtown Manhattan is chock-full of glittery eye candy. Photo by Ally Noel
Christmas in New York: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday with Kids
Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit
15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island
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
25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day
Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author
Best Cute Towns on Long Island with Walkable Main Streets
Photo bt Skyler Ewing via Pexels
GUIDE
LI Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024
A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon
Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Speed down the slides at Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author
Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island
Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.
The Best Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Suffolk County
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids
Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills
GUIDE
Long Island Summer Camp Guide
Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free.
Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Indoor Places to Play on Cold and Rainy Days
Discover the trails at Quogue Wildlife Refuge for a day of free, outdoorsy fun. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
100 Free Things To Do on Long Island with Kids
Free meals for kids are available on Tuesdays at most Moe’s Southwest Grill locations on Long Island.
Kids Eat Free: Top Long Island Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families
Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.
17 Secret Long Island Spots Kids Love
Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things to Do with Long Island Kids
Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum.
Best Science Museums on Long Island for Families
Learn to surf at Montauk's SurfLuca or another surf school. Photo courtesy of the school.
100 Things To Do on Long Island Before Kids Grow Up
Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels
Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals on Long Island
Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.
12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Museums for Kids on Long Island
Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Photo by Dora Somosi via Instagram
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island
Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Top Attractions in Long Island: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

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