Long Island is at its peak beauty in the fall as the leaves change. And you're in luck, Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End have some of the best nature trails around, ideal for looking at that gorgeous fall foliage. These lovely backdrops lend themselves to great family photos that will put you ahead of the game for upcoming holiday cards. Strike a pose and take some candid shots of the kids. Fall on Long Island is perfect for memory-making. 

So, strap on your hiking shoes, pack a few snacks and head out to one of these destinations for fresh air and splendid fall oranges, reds, and yellows. For more kid-friendly activities, be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide.

Long Island beaches offer the opportunity for memory-making experiences. Some of the best include time frolicking on the playground to the soundtrack of crashing summer waves. We've rounded up some of the best beach spots with playgrounds in Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End. So pack a lunch and plan to spend the day enjoying these destinations. Make sure to snap pictures of the smiles from a fun day in the sun.

Long Island families often look to public swimming pools to cool off in summertime. But when the kids are bored with the municipal pool down the street, maybe it's time to check out a family-friendly pool or water park in another community.

We’ve done the research and put together a list of swimming pools, water playgrounds, splash pads, and kiddie pools that anyone can visit, even if you’re not a resident of that municipality. Fees to enter the pools are often higher for nonresidents, but it might be worth it as a once-in-a-while boredom buster.

If you’re exploring a different area of Long Island, use our guides to Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End to find more fun things to do and make an adventure of it all. And don't forget our guide to summer fun for all the best things to do on Long Island during the school break.