1: See a live show

While there are plenty of free movies and outdoor entertainment happening around LI this summer, there’s something about seeing a live theatrical performance that can really wow your kids. Long Island is home to the Gateway Playhouse, Landmark on Main Street and NYCB Theatre at Westbury (just to name a few), while the Long Island Puppet Theater just celebrated its grand reopening.

2: Visit the wineries

A weekend on the East End can cost a pretty penny, so many families choose to just go out for the day. One activity not to miss is a visit to one of the area’s family-friendly wineries, where parents can sample some delicious wines while the kids can enjoy everything from live music to a petting zoo. If you really feel like splurging, rent a hotel room and make a weekend out of the trip. 

3: Have an Animal Encounter at the LI Aquarium

The Long Island Aquarium is a favorite for most families year-round, and the animal encounters that it offers are worth the splurge, especially if you have a child who is obsessed with marine life. The Penguin Encounter gives visitors a once-in-a-lifetime interactive opportunity to have a close up encounter with an African penguin and learn how the animal experts care for these playful birds. And the Shark Dive is for the truly adventurous—you’ll be inside the cage and right in the middle of the Aquarium’s shark exhibit.

4: Learn how to be a puppeteer at LICM

The Long Island Children's Museum alone is worth the price of admission—there is so much to do there on a regular visit. But this summer, LICM is hosting summer sessions to introduce kids to one of the many styles of puppetry: the moving mouth hand puppet. During a four-day workshop, children will be guided by LICM Theater's Puppeteer-in-Residence, Austin M. Costello and learn how puppets can be used as a tool for expression and storytelling.

5: Paint like Jackson Pollock

Not only can families take a tour of the studio and home of artists Jackson Pollock and his wife Lee Krasner in East Hampton, but kids can finish the tour with a hands-on painting workshop on a canvas they take home. 

6: Attend the largest mobile theme park on LI

Goldfish from Pluto is the largest mobile theme park to come to Long Island and will include live performances, 15 unique bounce houses, puppet and magic shows, a 21 Foot Great White Shark, climbs and slides, sea and space exhibits and more.

7: Eat for a good cause

There are plenty of community barbeques on the East End this summer. You can feed the entire family for as little as $15 per person—and most or all of the money goes to a good cause.

8: Feel the need for speed

Race around the track at places like Pole Position, Tiki Action Park or Boomers, but if you want to see the pros do it, take a drive out to Riverhead Raceway. The raceway has theme nights, fireworks—and plenty of race cars!

9: Go whale watching

There are perks to living on an island, and one is being able to hop on a boat to try to catch a glimpse or two of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Families can book a tour out of Montauk or East Rockaway.

10: Cool off at Splish Splash

A visit to this water park is a must for many LI families. The park has rides for both young and old, a revamped food court and plenty of live entertainment.

Photo: Long Island Aquarium