Explore tranquil Fire Island and climb the stairs of the Fire Island Lighthouse. Photo courtesy of the Fire Island National Seashore

Spring Activities to Do With Long Island Kids

1. Climb a lighthouse

Long Island is home to five different lighthouses to visit or tour. Visitors 42 inches and taller can climb the steps of Fire Island Lighthouse or head to Montauk ahead of the crowds to explore the stunning Montauk Lighthouse.

2. Go seal watching 

There’s still time to grab your binoculars and plan a day of seal watching. Families can take a guided walk or hop on a boat to spot these adorable creatures along Long Island’s beautiful beaches and shorelines.

3. Take a family hike

The scenic paths and trails of Long Island’s many beautiful state parks are perfect spots for a nature hike. If you're bringing a baby, check out these stroller-friendly options. 

4. Visit a nature preserve 

Plan a day at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, which has several wonderful educational nature programs for kids all year long or Garvies Point Museum and Preserve in Glen Cove for some fun nature exploration. 

5. Feed some goats

Spend time with farm animals at Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, which is open year-round with free admission or plan a day at the Long Island Game Farm to see baby goats, lemurs, zebras and more. 

6. Visit with the penguins

Head out east to the Long Island Aquarium where kids will love exploring the treehouse exhibit and learning all about different sea animals. For a unique experience, you can even book a penguin meet-and-greet!

7. Take a trip to the zoo

The Bronx Zoo is perfect place for animal-loving little ones to spend the day. The zoo offers a Wednesday admission deal with a pay-what-you-wish donation, making a visit more affordable for the family. 

RELATED: Animal Farms and Petting Zoos for Kids on Long Island

Enjoy a thrilling day trip to Adventureland in East Farmingdale. 

8. Ride a coaster

Adventureland has been bringing joy to Long Island kids for generations. The iconic amusement park re-opens for the season Saturday, March 22, 2025, with new fun planned for the season.

9. Get scientific

Center for Science Teaching and Learning educators host a variety of workshops each week. Classes are held outdoors if weather permits.

10. Take a day trip

Hop in the car and plan a springtime adventure to one of our top, nearby family day trips and weekend getaways. 

11. Travel to the city

 New York City makes for an easy weekend trip, and there are plenty of spring activities and family-friendly hotels to choose from. 

12. Head to the East End 

If your brood is more at home in the country, take a drive out east and spend a day in the lovely village of Greenport where you can take a spin on the antique carousel. 

13. Explore a new town

There are many charming communities to explore right on Long Island, including Glen Cove, Port Jefferson, and Northport, to name just a few.

14. Family fun at a vineyard

Take a leisurely ride out east and stop at one of the many family-friendly wineries that dot Long Island’s East End. But please do be responsible if you're driving.

RELATED: Where to See Cherry Blossoms and Other Blooms on Long Island

Splash around at DreamWorks Water Park. 

15. Tackle the waves

North America's largest indoor water park and wave pool at DreamWorks Water Park, just a day trip away and over the bridge in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Be sure to bring your own towels for the fun. 

16. Explore the mall

American Dream offers even more fun than just the water park, kid-friendly stores like Toys 'R' Us and It's Sugar are popular spot to visit, while it is also home to an aquarium, ice rink, Angry Birds mini-golf and indoor theme park Nickelodeon Universe.

RELATED: Long Island Arboretums and Botanical Gardens for a Family Day Trip

Fill 'er up at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the Museum

17. Learn and explore

Head to the Long Island Children’s Museum, where there is always something new to see and oodles of interactive exhibits to explore. 

RELATED: Gorgeous Spring Day Trips for Long Island Families

Pretend to soar through the sky at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

18. Take flight

Visit the Cradle of Aviation Museum to see all things air and space exploration.

19. Enjoy Easter festivities

Celebrate the Easter holiday with brunch at the Milleridge Inn or lunch at Eric’s Italian Bistro.

20. Go for a birdie

Grab a club for a game of miniature golf. You’ll find fun courses throughout Long Island. Two—Monster Mini Golf and Glowgolf—are indoors for those rainy spring days.

21. Bounce and Climb

Get some air and stay active even on a rainy spring day at one of these trampoline parks or family fun centers. 

22. Lace up

Grab your skates (or rent them) and go roller skating at United Skates of America. For a special egg-citing treat, the Easter Bunny will be there on Monday, April 14, 2005. 

23. Get a strike

Spend an afternoon or evening at one of Long Island's kid-friendly bowling alleys for some indoor action the whole family can enjoy.

24. Take a class 

Sign up for a mommy-and-me class for some special one-on-one time with your little one.

RELATED: The Best Children's Playgrounds on Long Island

Enjoy an imaginative day of fun at Xplore indoor play space.

25. Run, play and jump

These indoor play spaces for toddlers are a great option for safe and imaginative playtime for little ones even on a rainy spring day.

A version of this post was published in 2021. Writer Jennifer Voit updated this article n March 2025.

Unless noted, photos are by the author