Who can resist a giant duck? Photo by Matt Slavin.

The Big Duck Museum (Flanders)
This museum--and a historic landmark--is shaped like a big, friendly duck and is a must-see for the little animal lover in your life. It's also no surprise that it's a popular photo spot for families coming out to the Hamptons and North Fork. Nestled on beautiful greenery, where locals and guests alike like to picnic, inside The Big Duck is a cute gift shop that sells a plethora of whimsical duck-themed memorabilia such as magnets, stickers, tote bags and T-shirts. There's a large on-site bathroom, too.

Long Island Game Farm (Manorville)
Move over, Sophie, there's a new giraffe in town: Clifford is the newest--and tallest--resident at the Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park and Children's Zoo. The Farm's Giraffe Encounter features a short presentation, followed by the opportunity to feed Clifford from an elevated platform overlooking Clifford’s corral, located in the center of the park. Guests will be able to attend this experience on a first-come, first-serve basis daily at 11:30 a.m., weather (and animal) permitting. The park is also home to camels, goats, deer, emu and more. Don't forget about the carousel and "teacup" rides, too.

Safari Adventure (Riverhead)
More than just a drop-in play space for young kids (check site for times), Safari Adventure has recently adapted some new changes. Kids are welcomed to use the inflatable bounce slide, jungle gym and bounce house. However, there's now a new state-of-the-art arcade section with games such as Jurassic Park and skee-ball, a sensory calming spa (to help children that get overstimulated by the loud noises and bright lights in the facility), a sensory sandbox, enlarged toddler play area, character appearances every Friday night (such as Peppa Pig), healthier menu options at the cafe and more.

Roam the grounds at Peconic River Herb Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm.

Peconic River Herb Farm (Calverton)
​It's common to find children exploring the grounds at this 14 acre riverfront plant nursery and unique garden shop. On-site, parents can shop and browse the property while kids are encouraged to explore the eight greenhouses and the two-story barn. There's also a large shop, Outside In, which sells vintage clothes, toys, furniture and decor. If your family is drawn to live music, in the fall there is a family-friendly Americana music concert series, Roots Along The River; and you can also set up a picnic lunch overlooking the beautiful Peconic River.

Cupcake Girlz (Farmingville)
​If there's a girly girl in your life, she may love the deliciousness (and pinkness) of this charming bakery that makes custom birthday cakes, and of course, carries more than 90 types of cupcakes, including gourmet flavors such as Coconut Rum Raisin, Lemon Delight and Bon Bon Surprise. Cupcakes range in size from mini to jumbo, and are baked fresh daily. Brownies, tarts, cookies and cake pops also available. Check the shop's Website or Facebook page for a Cupcake Girlz Decorating Class, where participants learn how to use fondant to decorate cupcakes.

​Second Star to the Right (Bridgehampton)
This toy store and more sells all the new toys on the market, from Thomas The Tank Engine Trains to art kits to mermaid attire, as well as stuffed animals, board games and sand toys. They have free in-store art classes on weekends where kids make Rainbow Loom jewelry, Rainbow Sand Art and more, lead by an employee and art educator. They also have an active Pokemon Club that meets on Fridays, where a Pokemon enthusiast and store employee oversees and engages in Pokemon-related card games with the kids.

Animal Farm Petting Zoo (Manorville)
Many Long Islanders know this is, obviously, a petting zoo, but what they don't know is that this 10 acre non-profit also takes animals in and adopts them out. The farm has a little bit of everything, including goats kids can feed with bottles, pigs, bunnies, chicks, guinea pigs, monkeys, deer, parrots, you name it. There are free pony rides on location and also a playground. Kids also love the farm's puppet show (it's been the same one for years) and the bubble machine. There's also a picnic area at the farm that sells burgers, hot dogs, and the usual BBQ/park fare.

Go for a canoe ride at Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Photo courtesy of the refuge.

Quogue Wildlife Refuge (Quogue)
This non-profit nature preserve with seven miles of walking trails is free to visit (donations are encouraged), and celebrates the beauty of nature and animals that are native to Long Island, such as the bald eagle, fox and owl. This summer, kids are enjoying live owl programs and can also get up-close-and-personal with chinchillas, lizards and snakes. The nature center overlooks a pond and has free kid-friendly activities.

Air Trampoline Sports (Ronkonkoma)
Run and operated by a father/son duo, this is basically a bunch of mini (but quite sturdy) trampolines in a row, which make for one giant trampoline and lots of smiles. The indoor trampoline park is 26,000 square feet and includes three special courts for dodgeball. There's also a basketball slam dunk trampoline, foam pit and a designated kid's area with soft blocks, balls and climbing structures. The trampoline courts for younger kids is in a separate area away from the adults and older kids. Toddler Time for kids under age 5 is on Saturdays. Waivers are a must-sign before jumping.

Top image: Long Island Game Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm.