Toes in the sand, waves crashing against the shore, what can be better? Long Island is the perfect destination for families looking to enjoy beautiful beaches, outdoor adventure, and unforgettable coastal experiences. With so many exciting Long Island family activities to choose from, you will not be disappointed!
We were surprised at how beautiful some of the beaches were during our trip, and were impressed with the many other options for family fun there were. We have created a list of some of the best Long Island family activities to help you plan your family vacation!
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
About Long Island
Long Island is located in Southeastern New York, stretching off of New York City 118 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. On the Northern end lies the Long Island Sound, a tidal estuary, with the Atlantic Ocean on the Southern end.
It splits into two distinct areas on the Eastern end, the North Fork and the South Fork. The North Fork is well known for its wineries, farm stands, quaint towns, and charming B&B’s. Sitting at the end point of the North Fork you will find Orient Point, where you can access a ferry to Connecticut or board a cruise to view Long Island’s lighthouses.
The South Fork is most marked by the Hamptons, the upscale getaway destination of affluent New York residents.Along the Southern shore of Long Island you can find stunning, clean, and family friendly beaches with plenty to pick from for your relaxing family getaway.
Long Island Family Activities
Enjoy a North Fork Lighthouse Cruise
The North Fork Lighthouse Cruise was one of our favorite Long Island family activities. For the cruise you will board a high speed catamaran with an outdoor seating deck and two indoor levels if you prefer to sit inside.
The cruise begins with views of the Orient Point Lighthouse before heading out to see 7 other lighthouses in Long Island and along the shore of Connecticut, Great Gull Island, the ruins on the Block Island Sound, the remains of Gardiners Island Lighthouse, and Fort Tyler.
If you are looking for something to snack on, there is a concession stand onboard with snacks and drinks, a small gift shop, and you can even pick up a complimentary coloring book for the kiddos from the gift shop featuring the lighthouses of Long Island!
Long Island Family Activities: Spend the Day at the Beach
Long Island is one of New York’s best destinations for a beach getaway and is home to world class beaches. The area has white sand beaches with sweeping dunes and plenty of waves.
Robert Moses State Park offers some of the best beaches on Long Island. Field 5 has a large selection of snacks and drinks, a boardwalk trail to the Fire Island Lighthouse, and a white sand beach. Jones Beach, although popular and sometimes very crowded, is another of Long Island’s best beaches, with calm waves and white sand. Here you will find a 2 mile boardwalk with food vendors.
Hither Hills State Park is another great destination located on Long Island’s South Fork. The sand is smooth and the waves are calm enough for the young ones to enjoy walking along and playing in the shore line. If your family is the outdoorsy type, you can also find camping sites here, but be sure to book way in advance!
Tip: Before visiting any of Long Island’s beaches be sure to do some research! There are many that are only accessible for local residents and others that may require high parking fees.
Climb to the Top of the Fire Island Lighthouse
During our visit to Long Island, we chose to climb to the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse. The lighthouse is reached along a boardwalk, a 3/4 mile walk from the parking lot at Robert Moses State Park (field 5). While the walk may be a little challenging on a hotter day with the sun beating down on you, the walk is generally easy and doable for the young ones in your group. The boardwalk is flat with no elevation gain.
Once you arrive at the lighthouse you can enjoy the Fresnel’s Lens Building, where you can see the original lens. This was a fun experience for the kids as the guide placed us on opposite ends of the lens so that my daughter could see a projection of me through the lens, much like a camera lens!
After this, continue on to the lighthouse museum and keeper’s house, where you can purchase tickets to climb to the top. The climb to the top is 182 steps, although not overly difficult and well worth the views! When walking back, you can choose a return trip along the boardwalk or walk along the beach.
Visit the Montauk Point Lighthouse
The Montauk Point Lighthouse, located at the Eastern most point of Long Island, is another great option for climbing a lighthouse. The historic lighthouse was the first lighthouse built in New York State. It was commissioned by George Washington in 1792.
The lighthouse is open for tours and climbing, and once you reach the top you will be treated to views of the Block Island Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and nearby Camp Hero State Park. The Montauk Indian Museum is also onsite for those interested in the history of the area.
If you are looking for a good walk, there is a trail near the lighthouse that goes down to the shoreline, a good spot for a relaxing walk or sitting and watching the waves crash against the shore.
Go On A Whale Watching Adventure
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Going on a whale watching adventure is one of the best Long Island family activities for viewing wildlife in their natural habitat. Tours leaving from Freeport give you the opportunity to see a variety of different species in the waters surrounding Long Island, including humpback whales, fin whales, North Atlantic right whale, and dolphins.
Whale watching cruises are available in the summer and fall months. The cruise is about four hours long. Be sure to bring your camera and some binoculars for spotting the whales. Children must be at least 3 years old to join a whale watching tour.
Long Island Family Activities: Go On A Seal Cruise
A seal cruise is another option to spot wildlife in its natural environment! The seal cruise leaves from Freeport and takes you to Hempstead Bay, giving you the chance to observe the large seal population in the area. Long Island is home to five different species of seals, including the harbor seal, harp seal, hooded seal, gray seal, and ringed seal.
The cruise is approximately 2 hours long. Seal watching cruises are available in the winter and spring months, so be sure to bring layers, hats, and gloves as it can get cold. Children must be at least 1 year old to join a seal cruise.
Visit A State Park
There is no shortage of outdoor activities in the area and for adventure loving families, visiting a state park is one of the best Long Island family activities. Spread across the island are 37 state parks, each unique in its own way, from ocean front parks, to highly wooded areas, to gardens and arboretums.
Visit Montauk Point State Park for stunning Atlantic Ocean views combined with lighthouse views and the opportunity to climb to the top of the Montauk Point Lighthouse. Neighboring Camp Hero State Park will take you to the ruins of an air force station, views of the Montauk Point Lighthouse, hiking trails, and ocean side bluffs.
For golfers, Bethpage State Park features a world-class golf course, hiking and biking trails, and areas for picnicking. For families looking for plenty of outdoor activities in one place, Hempstead Lake State Park has hiking, basketball courts, tennis courts, and playgrounds for the kiddos.
For a little bit of a change of scenery visit Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, where you will find a plethora of public gardens, woodlands, and trails to explore, lined with colorful displays. On the North Fork, visit Orient Beach State Park, where you will find a swimming area, hiking trails, a maritime forest, and views of the Orient, Plum Island, Long Beach Bar, and Cedar Island lighthouses.
Walk Amongst Wild Flowers
If you or the little ones enjoy walking through fields of flowers (or trees), be sure to check out one of Long Island’s many botanical gardens and arboretums. Scattered across Long Island, you will find bright, colorful displays, nature trails deep through the woods, and even the ruins of past estates can be found at the preserves.
The Bailey Arboretum is a 42 acre botanical garden with the Children’s Habitat that is designed with families in mind. At the Children’s Habitat the kids can enjoy digging, collecting, building, and climbing while enjoying animal and plant life.
Clark Botanical Gardens are another option, featuring a variety of plant and flower species, including conifers, roses, perennials, daylilies, wetland plants, rock garden plants, herbs, butterfly plants, and medicinal plants. You will also find interactive workshops perfect for families.
At the Old Westbury Gardens you can combine a tour of the mansion and 200 acres of gardens. Hop on over to the Muttontown Preserve for a nature experience with fields, woodlands, ponds, nature trails, and even the ruins of the mansion of King Zog of Albania who once lived in the area.
Sayville Falls Mini Golf
A traditional family friendly activity everyone will love, Sayville Falls Mini Golf is located on the Southern end of Long Island. The mini golf course has 18 holes with waterfalls throughout the entire course along with fish filled ponds. The Sayville Falls Beer Garden is also on site and gazebos are available for rent.
Go For a Hike
While hiking may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the New York City area, there are plenty of opportunities for family-friendly hiking on Long Island. Hiking options allow you to explore beaches, forests, wetlands, dunes, and coastal bluffs.
Popular hiking destinations include Montauk Point State Park, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, Avalon Preserve, Sunken Forest on Fire Island, and the bluffs at Camp Hero State Park. A unique hike featuring some ruins is the Muttontown Preserve hike. The hike is around 3 miles out and back and is rated as easy to moderate. The Welwyn Preserve also offers a family friendly hike with some ruins onsite.
No matter the environment/type of hiking trail you are looking for, you can likely find it on Long Island!
Visit the Vanderbuilt Museum and Planetarium
The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium in Centerport is a historic estate that combines science, history, and astronomy in one destination. The property was once the home of William K. Vanderbilt II and now features museum exhibits focused on marine life, natural history, cultural artifacts, and Long Island history.
During your visit you can explore the mansion, waterfront grounds, and scenic overlook areas around the estate. One of the biggest highlights is the planetarium, which offers space and astronomy shows throughout the year. The museum regularly hosts educational programs, seasonal events, and family-friendly activities.
Long Island Family Activities: Take the Ferry to Shelter Island
Shelter Island is a small island located between the North and South Forks of Long Island and is accessible by ferry. Known for its quieter atmosphere, the island offers beaches, nature preserves, waterfront restaurants, and scenic roads that make it popular for relaxing family day trips.
Families visiting Shelter Island can explore Mashomack Preserve, kayak along the shoreline, visit local beaches, or bike through the island’s wooded roads. The ferry ride itself is often part of the experience for children.
Go Bird Watching In Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of the best birdwatching locations on Long Island. Located within Gateway National Recreation Area, the refuge features salt marshes, ponds, trails, and observation points that attract hundreds of bird species throughout the year. Visitors commonly spot herons, egrets, osprey, hawks, and migratory shorebirds depending on the season, making it one of the best Long Island family activities.
The refuge has easy walking trails and flat paths, making it family-friendly and accessible for beginners. In addition to birdwatching, visitors can enjoy photography, nature walks, and scenic views of the wetlands. Spring and fall migration seasons are considered the best times to visit for wildlife activity.
Enjoy Family Fun at an Arcade
Visiting an arcade is one of the best Long Island family activities for a rainy day! Try your hand at some classic arcade games, zoom around a go-kart track, or gear up for some laser tag at the many arcades found on Long Island.
The Laser Bounce Family Fun Center features not only an arcade, but you can also have a blast with laser tag, bounce houses, play area, a laser maze, and bowling. Q-Zar is another option for an arcade and laser tag combo.
The Tiki Action Park is a go to spot for those looking for some go-karting. You will also find a mini-golf course and classic arcade games. The Safari Adventure has an arcade, large playground, smaller toddler play area, inflatables, an interactive hands-on educational play area, and even a sensory calming room.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Long Island has plenty of quaint villages with the small town charm you would expect to find throughout New England. You will find plenty of streets lined with the perfect combination of fine dining restaurants, quick service restaurants, and local shops to keep you busy all evening!
If you take the Lighthouse Cruise in Orient Point, be sure to visit Greenport Village, where you’ll find local shops, ice cream, seafood restaurants, a historic carousel, and scenic streets to explore.In Downtown Riverhead you will find a mix of local clothing and jewelry shops, tasty dining options, and plenty of family friendly events.
If you are visiting the South Fork, visiting Southampton’s downtown for more quaint and local shops and plenty of dining options. Sag Harbor is another picturesque small town perfect for finding locally made items. In downtown East Hampton you can find many high-end stores such as Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren, and Cole Haan.
Nassau Museum of Art
The Nassau County Museum of Art is located in Roslyn Harbor on Long Island’s North Shore and features a mix of permanent collections, rotating exhibits, and outdoor sculpture gardens. The museum is set on a large historic estate surrounded by wooded walking trails and landscaped grounds, making it both an art destination and outdoor attraction. Exhibits often include modern art, photography, and family-friendly seasonal displays.
Visit A Long Island Children’s Museum
The Long Island Children’s Museum is perhaps one of the best options for Long Island family activities. The museum features plenty of indoor hands-on exhibits, regular children’s programs, a climbing sculpture, and an outdoor water play area in the warmer months.
On the East end of Long Island you can find the Children’s Museum East End, which offers many hands on exhibits, activities and family themed workshops, and a mini-golf course. The museum also offers different workshops and classes for kids.
Long Island Science Center
The Long Island Science Center is a great option for STEM and hands on learning (and of course fun!). Located in Riverhead, this museum focuses on natural history with magnetic experiments, an illumination station, construction zone, 3D doodling, and more!
The museum combines the use of technology with learning and fun, with things such as virtual reality, 3D printing, and augmented reality. The museum is located within easy access to other Riverhead attractions, including dining and shopping.
Catch a Sunrise at Montauk Point
Watching the sunrise from Montauk Point is one of the most iconic experiences on Long Island. Located at the easternmost point of New York State, Montauk Point offers unobstructed ocean views as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean. Many visitors gather near the Montauk Point Lighthouse or along the rocky shoreline before dawn to watch the changing colors over the water.
Sunrise at Montauk Point is especially popular during the summer and fall, so don’t expect to be alone. Visitors often combine sunrise viewing with hiking, photography, or exploring Montauk Point State Park afterward.
Long Island Family Activities: Cradle of Aviation Museum
The Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City highlights Long Island’s major role in aviation and space exploration history. The museum features more than 75 air and spacecraft exhibits, including historic aircraft, military planes, replicas, and interactive displays covering the early days of flight through the Space Age.
The museum’s hands-on exhibits, flight simulators, and educational programs designed for children make this one of the best Long Island family activities. One of the biggest highlights is the large dome theater and planetarium, which shows immersive science and space films.
Visit Coney Island
Coney Island is one of the classic Long Island family activities (although technically located in Brooklyn). Located on the Southwest end of Long Island, it is home to two amusement parks-Deno’s Wonderwheel Park and Luna Park. Enjoy classic attractions at Luna Park, including the famous Cyclone roller coaster and Wonder Wheel, or spend the day enjoying carnival-style games, arcades, and seasonal events.
The wide beach and boardwalk also provide space for swimming, biking, and relaxing along the ocean. Grab a classic Nathan’s Hotdog along the boardwalk. During the summer, visitors can enjoy fireworks, festivals, and seasonal events along the boardwalk
Spend the Day At Adventureland
Adventureland is another great theme park option on Long Island. The park has a good mix of thrill rides, with 2 roller coasters, kiddie rides, and a couple of water rides. You will also find arcade games scattered around the park.Take a break from the beaches and hiking trails and enjoy some classic amusement park rides.
Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding
Kayaking and paddle boarding is one of the best outdoor Long Island family activities. Families can rent equipment or join guided tours in areas such as Port Jefferson, Montauk, Peconic Bay, Hempstead Harbor, and the Great South Bay. Many locations offer calm water conditions that are beginner-friendly for families and children.
Stony Brook Harbor offers kayak rentals and SUP rentals for self-guided tours along Long Island’s North shore. Rental hours vary based on tide changes, so be sure to check the schedule before heading out for your adventure!
JK Kayak and SUP offers guided family kayak and paddleboarding tours. Tours leave from Cold Spring Harbor, the Connetquot River, and Southhampton. The tours include all needed equipment and professional guides. Tours are great for beginners and family, make it a great option when visiting Long Island with kids.
Visit the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in Oyster Bay was the home of President Theodore Roosevelt and is one of Long Island’s most important historic attractions. Visitors can tour the historic house, museum exhibits, and surrounding grounds while learning about Roosevelt’s life, presidency, and conservation efforts. The site also includes walking trails and scenic views overlooking Oyster Bay.
The site also features outdoor trails, with salt marshes, meadows, and beaches where wildlife are abundant. The easy walking paths and open lawns make the property accessible for children, while educational junior ranger programs help bring the history of the site to life. Sagamore Hill is also located close to beaches, restaurants, and other North Shore attractions.
Splish Splash Waterpark
For some water fun be sure to check out Splish Splash water park. Here you will find a combination of kiddie water rides and splash areas with some larger water slides for thrills. There are also shopping and dining options in the park.
The park hosts neon nights on Friday and Saturday evenings in the summer. Kahuna Bay comes to life with a live DJ and lights while you enjoy the wave pool and water slides. Space is limited, so be sure to book in advance!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Long Island a good family vacation destination?
Yes. Long Island offers beaches, parks, museums, amusement parks, hiking trails, and family-friendly towns, making it a great destination for kids of all ages.
What is the best time to visit Long Island with kids?
Summer is the most popular time to visit for beaches and outdoor activities with the best weather, while fall is great for pumpkin patches, festivals, and fewer crowds.
How many days should you spend on Long Island with kids?
While a couple days will allow you to experience a lot that Long Island has to offer, a week or more will allow you to experience beaches, villages, museums, parks, and day trips across the island.
Are there indoor activities on Long Island for rainy days?
Yes. Families can visit the Long Island Aquarium, Cradle of Aviation Museum, Long Island Science Center, indoor play centers, arcades, and children’s museums.
Are there kid-friendly hiking trails on Long Island?
Yes. Long Island offers many easy hiking trails and nature preserves, including trails at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, Avalon Preserve, and Montauk Point State Park.
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
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