10 Great Outdoor Activities for Kids on Long Island

-Photo Credit: Quogue Wildlife Refuge

With so many exciting outdoor possibilities opening up for summer 2021, it can be hard to decide what to do.

This is especially true for those with kids. Long Island, however, is full of fun opportunities that can have a real positive effect on children and young teens after a year of being cooped up indoors.

Below is a list of some of the Island’s greatest outdoor activities for kids. Whether they are educational, or simply an excuse for kids to be out in nature, there is much to do in these bustling communities and natural areas.

-Photo Credit: Quogue Wildlife Refuge

1. Quogue Wildlife Refuge: Quogue Wildlife Refuge is a place of natural beauty that makes for a perfect family outing. Events for young children include their socially distanced Tree Time Toddlers program, in which kids ages 2-4 can enjoy games, songs, crafts, and stories, alongside at least one adult. Tree Time Toddlers, among many other outdoor events including family pond paddling, are both educational as well as fun.

You can find Quogue Wildlife Refuge at 3 Old Country Road in Quogue. Visit their website for further information, and visit their Facebook for updates.

-Photo Credit: Children’s Museum of the East End

2. Children’s Museum of the East End: The Children’s Museum of the East End contains a multitude of family programs, classes, and events. The museum is a perfect blend of educational and fun, with activities that can be enjoyed alongside parents and guardians. Older children may enjoy taking part in their famed mini-golf course, while others can participate in summer classes such as Messy Play, an outdoor painting and gardening activity.

The Children’s Museum of the East End is located at 376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton. Reservations are required to enjoy the museum. Visit their website for information on reservations and events, as well as their Facebook.

-Photo Credit: Long Island Aquarium

3. Long Island Aquarium: Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, which we have written about here, is one of the Island’s premier family destinations. Their Atlantis Tour Boat Adventure, which has recently opened up for the summer, is a perfect way to get your kids out into nature. The tour lasts two hours, exploring the natural scenery and wildlife of the Peconic River and Flanders Bay.

Besides activities such as the tour boat, plenty of outdoor and indoor exhibits make the Long Island Aquarium an amazing visit for kids and families.

You can find the Long Island Aquarium at 431 E Main St. in Riverhead. Visit their website for further information, as well as their Facebook.

-Photo Credit: Bailey Arboretum

4. Bailey Arboretum: Nature Adventures: Yet another Long Island locale that emphasizes the Island’s natural beauty, Bailey Arboretum is a wonderful, safe place to explore with the family. Gentle, relaxed nature walks and weekly family adventures are just some of what’s offered. There are guided walks as part of their Pop-Up Series, as well as their Nature Kids program. This is all just some of the adventures and activities families can take advantage of at Bailey Arboretum.

Bailey Arboretum can be found at 194 Bayville Road in Locust Valley. Visit their website for further information, as well as their Facebook.

-Photo Credit: Long Island Game Farm

5. Long Island Game Farm: When it comes to outdoor family attractions, Long Island Game Farm has it all. Considered the largest wildlife park and children’s zoo on Long Island, this farm is an outdoor treat for kids, complete with pony rides, animal encounters, and a wide variety of exhibits. Private parties and tours, special events, and more are available at LI Game Farm.

Visit the farm at 489 Chapman Blvd, Manorville. Their website contains plenty more information, and do not forget to visit their Facebook for updates.

-Photo Credit: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

6. Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium houses the largest collection of New York State reptiles, amphibians, and freshwater fish. Complete with scenic natural areas and many distinct exhibits, the aquarium is a great treat for families, and certainly kids, to explore.

During the summer, the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery hosts hands-on natural programs, as well as plenty of activities for families.

You can find Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium at 1660 NY-25A, Cold Spring Harbor. To learn more, visit their website, and visit their Facebook for updates.

-Photo Credit: The Adventure Park at Long Island

7. The Adventure Park at Long Island: A visit to The Adventure Park at Long Island is certainly an adventurous one. The grounds are full of spectacular outdoor activities and views, nestled within Wheatley Heights. Activities available include zip-lining and rope-course climbing, all of which have varying levels of accessibility depending on age. Safety is a priority, and instructors and staff are there to make sure families enjoy themselves.

The Adventure Park’s family activities and events all make use of their unique facilities, such as their themed event Glow in the Park Long Island, and many others.

Visit The Adventure Park at Long Island at 75 Colonial Springs Road Gate #3, Wheatley Heights. Visit their website for further information, as well as their Facebook.

-Photo Credit: White Post Farms

8. White Post Farms: Melville’s White Post Farm has been a popular family destination for years. The farm contains hay rides, special events, and petting zoos, and has become especially popular during the fall months. However, White Post Farm hosts plenty of summer activities as well.

Magic shows are performed every Saturday and Sunday by Long Island magician Jim McClenahan. There are also, of course, animals. From birds at Ronnie’s Bird Landing to Lemurs at the Primate Enrichment Barn, there is a little something for everyone.

White Post Farms is located at 250 Old Country Road, Melville. You can visit their website to learn more, as well as their Facebook.

-Photo Credit: Sweetbriar Nature Center

9. Sweetbriar Nature Center: Another Long Island Locale meant to instill a love of nature in children and adults, the Sweetbriar Nature Center is a family-friendly location with purpose. They are a not-for-profit natural center with 52 acres of preserved land, meant to educate as well as enrich those who visit.

Sweetbriar Nature Center hosts seasonal Children’s Discovery Weeks that bring kids out into nature. The programs vary throughout the year, with many having an emphasis on getting up close with nature, whether this be through nature walks or meeting animals.

The Sweetbriar Nature Center is located at 62 Eckernkamp Dr. in Smithtown. Their website as well as their Facebook contains plenty more information as to activities and events.

-Photo Credit: Long Island Children’s Museum

10. Long Island Children’s Museum: The Long Island Children’s Museum was established in 1993 and has since become a beloved destination for families. Catering mostly to youth, the museum is full of an array of activities and events, plenty of which take place outdoors.

Notably, the museum exhibit Our Backyard provides an exploratory outdoor space that children will love. The interactive exhibit includes a maze, a weather boat, gardens, picnic tables, and even a water play area.

Visit the Long Island Children’s Museum at 11 Davis Ave., Garden City. Their website, as well as their Facebook, contains further information on events and activities. 

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