Summer is in full swing, and Long Island is packed with activities for you and your family. If your children aren’t in camp or daycare, it might be stressful trying to figure out what to do on hot summer days. Whether inside or outside, in the water or at a museum, there are many places for the entire family to explore. From kid cafés to baseball games, check out the list below for something for everyone to enjoy!
EDUCATIONAL ESCAPES:
- Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave, Garden City, (516) 224-5800
The Museum offers 14 interactive exhibits plus live theater, art spaces and daily activities to provide hours of discovery for children of all ages.
- Nassau County Firefighters Museum, One Davis Avenue, Garden City, (516) 572-4177 (located inside the Long Island Children’s Museum)
Your kids will learn about fire safety and prevention, as well as view historic and contemporary memorabilia related to firefighting.
- Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City
This spacious facility features 75 air and spacecraft from a hot air balloon to an actual Apollo Lunar Module. And don’t miss the Planetarium & Dome Theater!
- Long Island Aquarium, 431 East Main Street, Riverhead, (631) 208-9200
Join the Aquarium for Mermaid Mondays, Yoga “Aquarium Style,” and get free admission on your birthday! Kids will love the touch tank and the sharks (but don’t worry, no shark touching allowed)!
YOU’RE ALL WET!
- Splish Splash, 2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton (631) 727-3600
Ride on slides, tube ride down the lazy river, and much more! Kiddie areas like Monsoon Lagoon and the Octopus Pool are great for younger kids. Don’t forget to rent a cabana for a comfortable and relaxing experience for the whole family.
BATTER UP!
- Long Island Ducks, 3 Court House Drive, Central Islip, (631) 940-3825
A real old-fashioned baseball game, with fun events between every inning! There’s even a Long Island Ducks Kids Club, open to kids 14 and under, and members receive cool gifts and more!
ROLL AWAY THE BLUES
- Roller rinks aren’t just a blast from the past. We’re lucky to have many locations to choose from across Long Island. Just a sample: United Skates of America in Seaford, George D. Costello Sr. Memorial Skating Rink in Greenport, and Skate Safe America in Old Bethpage. For more, click here.
EAT AND PLAY!
- Kids Cafés are interactive, life-size doll houses and entertainment facilities where kids can play, explore and learn in a safe environment. There are many locations across Long Island, including Cup O’ Fun Café in Valley Stream, Liddle Bites Play Café in Long Beach, LolliBop Café and Play in Lawrence, Momo’s Clubhouse in Syosset and Sandbox Playspace in Huntington
WALKING THE WALK
- Many Long Island beachfront towns feature boardwalks, including Port Washington Sound, Long Beach Boardwalk, Sunken Meadow State Park, or make it a day at Coney Island! But don’t forget the sunscreen!
With all these activities and more, this summer can be fun for all ages!
