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

Great Spring Things to Do With Long Island Kids

1. Climb a lighthouse

There are five different lighthouses to visit or tour on Long Island. Visitors 42 inches and taller can climb the steps of Fire Island Lighthouse, and tour the grounds and keeper’s quarters. 

2. Watch some seals

There’s still time to grab your binoculars and go seal watching. Families can take a guided walk or hop on a boat to spot these lovely creatures all along Long Island’s beaches and shorelines.

3. Take a hike, literally

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

4. Learn about nature

Visit Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, which has several wonderful educational nature programs for kids all year long. 

5. Feed some goats

Visit the farm animals at Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, which is open year-round. Admission is FREE.

6. Visit with the penguins

Head out east to the Long Island Aquarium. Kids will love exploring the new treehouse. For a unique experience, you can even book a penguin meet-and-greet.

7. Travel back in time

The dinosaur safari returns to the Bronx Zoo this spring. 

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 opens for weekend visits starting Saturday, March 26.

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 trip

Searching for a quick escape? Look no further than our roundup of family day trips and weekend getaways.

12. Travel to the city

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

12. Or head east

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.

13. Stay local

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

14. Enjoy a sip

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 wave pool at DreamWorks Water Park, is just over the bridge in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Be sure to bring your own towels.

16. Then explore the mall

In addition to kid-friendly stores like Toys 'R' Us and It's Sugar, American Dream also has 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. Get interactive

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. Explore space

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. Fly high

Get some air at one of these trampoline parks.

22. Lace up

Grab your skates (or rent them) and go roller skating at United Skates of America. For a special treat, the Easter Bunny will be there on Saturday, April 16.

23. Get a strike

Spend an afternoon or evening at a kid-friendly bowling alley for some indoor action the whole family can enjoy.

24. Spend quality time 

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.

A version of this post was published in 2021. It was updated in March 2022.

Unless noted, photos are by the author