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When you hear “Long Island,” your mind probably jumps to beaches, Billy Joel, and the Hamptons.
You’re not wrong.
But there’s way more to explore — especially if you’ve got little ones, tweens, or teens in tow.
Yes, moms might say there’s “nothing to do,” and teens will absolutely complain about it. Unless your backyard has a trampoline and a pool, you’re probably spending weekends dropping them off at the outlets or one of the few malls that still exist.
That said, there are plenty of great places to go with kids on Long Island — from toddler-friendly libraries to full-on water parks. We tapped into the real experts (moms) and compiled this roundup of top picks across Nassau and Suffolk.
Featured photo: One of the country’s largest indoor surf pools is at Scott’s Pointe in Calverton. (GLI file photo/Andrew Theodorakis)
For the littles
From children’s museums to animal encounters, here are some of the best ways to entertain younger kids on Long Island.
Once Upon a Treetop
PLAINVIEW
This hidden gem in Plainview is a go-to for parents with toddlers, preschoolers, and kids up to 8 years old. Even tweens might get nostalgic in the giant play area, which includes a “Little City” and Toy Boutique for imaginative fun.
They’ve been around for 17 years and offer open play most weekdays. You can also book a private group playdate or themed birthday parties for up to 75 guests.
My Gym
WEST BABYLON
Looking for an activity that keeps kids moving but isn’t too rigid? Try a Guest Experience at My Gym in the Great South Bay Shopping Center. You’ll get unlimited classes and free play sessions for a week before enrolling.
Bonus: After hours of zip lines, ball pits and obstacle courses, you’re steps away from Alitalia or Panera for a quick lunch.
Long Island Children’s Museum
GARDEN CITY
Located on Museum Row, LICM encourages self-guided play — which really means your kids run the show. Expect to get your steps in.
Little ones love TotSpot, Sandy Island, and the ever-popular Bubbles room. There’s also a cafeteria, and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks to accommodate allergies or picky eaters.
Public Libraries
ISLANDWIDE
Long Island’s public libraries are an underrated goldmine. Most have play areas, story times, arts and crafts, and free movie screenings.
Even if you’re not a resident, you’re usually welcome to visit the children’s areas. Great for rainy days and making new mom friends.
White Post Farms
MELVILLE
This local landmark is a family favorite year-round. Feed a giraffe, ride a train, pet animals, and explore a village of playhouses.
White Post also hosts seasonal events like the Fall Festival and Santa visits, plus the farm market and garden center are open most of the year.
Fun all ages
Whether it’s a stay-close-to-home kind of day or a full-on weekend adventure, these spots work for toddlers, teens, and everyone in between.
Adventureland
FARMINGDALE
Since 1962, Adventureland has been a rite of passage for Long Island families. Today, it’s still delivering thrills — with a few new rides to boot.
Heads up: It’s no longer a pay-per-ride model. Everyone pays an entry fee now. But the experience? Still worth every penny.
P.S. Remember the Lady Bug ride? It’s now called Rattlesnake.
Monster Mini Golf
DEER PARK, GARDEN CITY
Black light mini golf, an arcade, and a solid playlist make this a go-to for rainy-day fun. The vibe is fun but not overstimulating — and great for all ages.
Still, we’re wondering: With 2.8 million Long Islanders, why are there only two of these?
GameOn Retro Arcade
LAKE GROVE, RIVERHEAD
Step into 1980s heaven. For $15, you can play unlimited vintage video games and pinball until the mall closes.
Riverhead even features Super Smash Bros. on a giant screen. At Smith Haven, hit Ford’s Garage after for burgers and more nostalgia.
Long Island Aquarium
RIVERHEAD
Ranked a top 10 aquarium for kids by Parents magazine. Say hi to sea lions, pet stingrays, explore the butterfly garden — and yes, you can swim with a mermaid.
Riverhead is quickly becoming the East End’s family day trip capital.
Splish Splash
CALVERTON
This is the water park on Long Island — and the largest in the tri-state area.
Splish Splash features 30 attractions across 96 acres, including the new Stingray Bay water playground for smaller kids.
Scott’s Pointe
CALVERTON
This indoor-outdoor adventure park is packed with attractions: a floating Aqua Park, indoor surf wave, go-karts, mini golf, axe throwing, rock walls — the list goes on.
There’s also a restaurant, bar, and lakeside deck for parents to unwind while the kids go wild.
Venetian Shores
LINDENHURST
Forget the big-name beaches for a sec.
Venetian Shores is a bay beach with calmer waters, a playground, hoops, and a spray pad — perfect for kids.
At night, grab dinner or ice cream at Katch, right on the sand.
Update: The Town of Babylon has since made Venetian Shores a residents-only park at all times through Labor Day, citing traffic and safety concerns.
Bayville Adventure Park
BAYVILLE
This place has been around since 1853 and still packs in the fun. Think: mini golf, bumper boats, bungee bounce, ropes courses, water slides, fun house, and more. You can then hang at the Shipwreck Tavern or Tiki Bar while the sun sets.
Bonus: Two-day passes are just $41.75.
Trampoline Parks
ISLANDWIDE
Urban Air (Lake Grove, Dix Hills) and Sky Zone (Deer Park) offer way more than trampolines.
Expect ropes courses, zip lines, slides, foam pits, and mini obstacle courses. Great for high-energy kids — and yes, parents can join in for a discount (and a workout).
Tiki Action Park
CENTEREACH
One-stop fun in Centereach with outdoor go-karts, mini golf, an arcade, and even a laser maze.
Skip the snack bar if you want to, though — you’re right on Middle Country Road with plenty of food options nearby.
Local + State Parks
ISLANDWIDE
When your kids were little, remember how easy it was to kill an afternoon at a park?
You can still do that. Take a nature walk, let them ride scooters or bikes, then sit back with your Stanley or Owala while they tear up the playground.
Top picks include Rocketship Park (Port Jeff), Sunken Meadow, Belmont Lake, and Babylon Town Park.
For the teens
Keeping teens entertained and off their phones? Challenge accepted.
United Skates of America
SEAFORD
Roller rinks are making a comeback. Teens can skate to today’s hits or join themed nights like Glow Skate or $5 Wednesdays.
Drop them off or make it a throwback night for the whole family.
Cradle of Aviation Museum
GARDEN CITY
With 75+ air and spacecraft, interactive exhibits, and a planetarium, the Cradle of Aviation is a rainy day winner.
Afterward, swing by Roosevelt Field for dinner and shopping.
American Airpower Museum
FARMINGDALE
This nonprofit aviation museum is located at historic Republic Airport and brings Long Island’s aviation legacy to life. Teens with a curiosity for history and flight will love it.
Exhibits are run by passionate volunteers who know their stuff.
RPM Long Island
FARMINGDALE
This place is fast — literally.
Teens can race electric go-karts on a 3,600-foot multi-level MegaTrack that reaches speeds over 45 mph. There’s also an arcade, VR games, claw machines, and more.
Got a favorite spot we missed?
Drop it in the comments — and don’t forget to tag us on your next family adventure.
