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Best Activities in Port Washington for Kids

1. Visit HarborFest

A great family-friendly event in Port Washington is the annual HarborFest Dock Day and Craft Fair, which will be held this year on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Kids and their families can enjoy interactive activities like games, sports, crafts, watching the model boat regatta, and more. There are exhibits to see, fire boat demonstrations, a family fun stage, music, and food trucks. Admission to HarborFest is FREE!

2. Take a Walk on the Wharf

Inspiration Wharf in Port Washington offers visitors and locals a place to take a walk in warmer months and check out the marina. People can shop, grab a snack, and peep the boatyard. 

3. See a Show

Plan for a family visit to the Landmark on Main, a performing arts center in the heart of Port Washington. From a Broadway family favorites show to a Taylor Swift tribute concert, the Landmark on Main offers a variety of different show options for families. Check the website for the latest show schedule and tickets prices. 

4. Go Fishing 

Enjoy the outdoors in his scenic waterfront town with some local fishing fun for the kids. Plan a day on the water with one of Port Washington's fishing charter boats. Some of the charter boat companies in Port Washington, like The Angler Fleet, even offer summer camp options for kids who can't enough of casting a line. 

RELATED: The Best Parks in Nassau County for Kids

Enjoy a water taxi ride through Port Washington harbor. Photo courtesy of Port Water Taxi

5. Ride the Port Water Taxi

Hop on the Port Water Taxi for an adventure on the water with the kids. This water taxi operates from April to November for tourists looking for some sightseeing or locals who just want to enjoy a ride in Manhasset Bay. Check the website ahead of planning your ride for hours of operation, tickets and prices. 

Top Parks and Preserves in Port Washington for Kids

6. Blumenfeld Family Park 

Blumenfeld Family Park on Main Street offers a green space for the kids to run around and lots of playground equipment for climbing and sliding fun. Blumenfeld also hosts the community’s holiday celebration in December. In the summer, this family park transforms into a sprinkler park for residents and visitors alike to cool off. The sprinklers' gentle sprays are especially popular with toddlers. 

7. Manorhaven Beach Park

Manorhaven Beach Park is a great spot in Port Washington for families to visit. It offers beach access to Town of North Hempstead residents, as well a town pool, playground, tennis courts, and more. The views from this park and playground cannot be beat. 

8. North Hempstead Beach Park

The waterside North Hempstead Beach Park, a Town of North Hempstead facility, is open to non-residents willing to pay the daily fee. Formally known to residents as Bar Beach, there is 34-acres of sandy beach and activities, including access to boat ramps, playground fun, basketball, handball, and volleyball courts, stand-up paddle boarding, picnic areas, concert stages, and more. Arrive early on summer weekends.  

9. Explore Sands Point Preserve

Sands Point Preserve sits along Route 101, Port Washington’s primary north-south access road. This nature preserve is filled with scenic hiking trails , beautiful gardens, and a woodland playground to spend an afternoon with the family. Nature-loving kids will appreciate the option to sign up for weekly kid's programs that are held outdoors. Admission to visit  the preserve is $15 per car. 

Fun Indoor Things To Do with Kids in Port Washington 

10. Port Washington Skating Rink

The community’s indoor ice rink is a favorite choice for public skating and pickup hockey. Port Washington Skating Center holds public skating sessions during the week and weekends and clinics during school vacation weeks. The skating center is open all year long and has skate rentals, plus offers skating lessons for those looking to learn. Check the website for times and prices ahead of your visit. 

11. Visit a Play Cafe

Little ones will love a visit to Oh My Goodness Kids Play Cafe in town. This modern indoor play cafe space features a fun organic cafe, class options for little ones of all different ages, and birthday party options. Families can purchase smoothies, almond flour waffles, avocado toast and more at the organic cafe. 

12. Explore the Library

A visit to explore a new Long Island library is always a fun adventure for kids and the Port Washington Library will not disappoint. The library owns one of Long Island’s largest book collections and historical archives, and its children’s section is a modern delight with an adorable play area, a Lego building table, books and nooks for reading, toys galore and computers. There is also an outdoor space adjacent to the kid's area to explore with large animal figure decorations and tables to enjoy a snack or lunch break in the sunshine. 

13. Get Creative 

Art-loving kids will love to visit Haven Art Studio for a fun class and to bring home their very own work of art. They offer summer camp options and birthday party packages as well for those who live in the vicinity to check out. 

14. Jump and Play

The Little Gym of Port Washington offers classes for kids 4 months old to 12 years old to get active and into the action. This spot offers gymnastics classes for Pre-K age through grade school with different levels to learn how to jump, flip and master the balance beam. 

Family-Friendly Restaurants in Port Washington 

15. Dinner with a View

Waterside dining in Port Washington is always fun for the family, especially at Louie’s Oyster Bar and Grille, a harborside restaurant dating back to 1905, and Butler's Flat, where you can grab some lobster rolls and burgers. 

16. Local Favorites

Finn MacCool’s on Main Street is a local landmark that pays homage to the community’s Irish heritage. Salvatore’s Coal-Fired Pizza is also a popular spot, as is Diwan, where you can grab Indian food and enjoy water views. Harbor Q is known for, you guessed it, old-fashioned barbecue, and The Wild Goose is a restaurant and pub with a lot of options and even a take out family meal menu for those who want to dine at home. 

17. Breakfast and More

Let There Be Bagels on Port Washington Boulevard is a community staple, but be prepared for a line outside the door on weekend mornings. Harbor Deli, also on Main, is a popular choice for locals. 

Sweet Treats in Port Washington for Kids

17. Port's Pastry Shop 

Saint Honore Pastry Shop on Port Washington Boulevard is a favorite in the community for baked goodies. From breads to pastries to specialty cakes and cookies this local shop is worth adding to any Port Washington tour itinerary. 

18. Grab a Cone

Head to the harbor for a dessert at Sweet Treats on the Wharf for homemade ice cream (open seasonally), or stop by Smusht Ice Cream Shop for an ice cream sandwich made with freshly baked cookies and homemade ice cream flavors. Port also has some chain options, including Baskin-Robbins and Carvel.  

19. More Cool Treats

If ice cream isn't your favorite, Port Washington has a 16 Handles for yogurt and a Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices that is open seasonally. 

Hotels In and Near Port Washington for Families

20. Boutique Hotel

This Fathoms Hotel & Marina is a boutique hotel in Port Washington that is located on Manhasset Bay. It boasts an intimate setting by the water and six guest rooms. Visitors can walk around the area to explore the town from the hotel or grab the water taxi to head to a different part of the area or a restaurant with the family. 

21. Larger Hotels

A short drive from Port Washington, families can book a room at The Roslyn,Tapestry Collection by Hilton or at the Hilton Garden Inn Roslyn for the weekend.