Summertime Activities for Families on Long Island 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

-Photo Credit: Splish Splash

As summer begins and businesses and parks begin to open up yet again, families may be stumped as to what they can do. Luckily, Long Island is full of welcoming family activities that can be enjoyed by both the youth and their parents.

Listed below are 10 summertime activities throughout Long Island that are perfect for families.

Splish Splash, Calverton

Splish Splash is a well-known summertime staple on Long Island. As one of the Island’s most trafficked waterparks, Splish Splash is known for its family amenities, its wide variety of water-based attractions, and as a perfect spot for families and friends to enjoy a day out.

Once closed throughout the global pandemic, Splish Splash is back in its usual fashion for 2021. Offered at the park for families is plentiful space to lounge, a lot of rides and attractions to explore, as well as plentiful concessions.

Splish Splash is located at 2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton. Visit their website for more information, and check out their Facebook for updates.

Bethpage Equestrian Center, Old Bethpage

For families wanting to try new outdoor activities, horseback riding centers offer a variety of options for exploratory families. Whether you have equestrian experience already, or it is your first foray into that world, the Bethpage Equestrian Center has something for everyone.

Services that families can take advantage of include trail rides. These guided trails take riders through Bethpage State Park. The Equestrian Center also offers lessons in three categories: private, semi-private, and group. For birthdays, the Equestrian Center hosts fun party events as well.

Bethpage Equestrian Center is located at 499 Winding Road, Old Bethpage. Visit their website for more information, and check out their Facebook for updates.

Garden of Eve Organic Farm and Market, Riverhead

Garden of Eve is an organic farm, founded by two environmental advocates Chris and Eve Kaplan-Walbrecht in 2001. This farm, which practices sustainability and offers organic vegetables, fruits, and more, has become a beloved gathering place due to the various activities on the farm and of course the fruit picking.

Fruit-picking is a wonderful outdoor experience for families, and kids will certainly love the other features that Garden of Eve has to offer. Throughout July and August, the farm hosts Little Farmer Explorers, allowing children aged 4-10 and their families to discover other aspects of the farm.

Garden of Eve is located at 4558 Sound Ave, Riverhead. Visit their website to learn more, and check out their Facebook for updates.

Adventureland, Farmingdale

Adventureland, like most amusement parks throughout the country, was hit hard by the global pandemic. However, with lessening restrictions and a promising summer bringing these parks back to life, Adventureland is a standout for families far and away who have missed the park.

Adventureland has fun activities on every corner, from rides to confections and more. As an outdoor destination full of amusement and fun, Adventureland is known as a great family destination. Having recently opened up to seven days a week, the park and its endless events are well worth exploring.

Adventureland is located at 2245 Broadhollow Rd, Farmingdale. Visit their website to learn more, and check out their Facebook for updates.

Science Museum of Long Island, Manhasset

The Science Museum of Long Island boasts a vast outdoor property as well as notable museum collections, events, and educational family fun not far from home. While the museum is an educational facility, there is a clear emphasis on fun and engagement, with numerous family workshops, summer programs, and birthday parties possible.

As for these workshops, the Science Museum of Long Island hosts several throughout the summer. The workshops they hold, as well as various natural activities like guided nature walks and explorations of wildlife, make the Science Museum one of the Island’s best educational and fun destinations.

The Science Museum of Long Island is located at 1526 N Plandome Rd, Manhasset. Visit their website for more information, and check out their Facebook for updates.

Norman J. Levy Preserve, Merrick

Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve is full of scenic natural sights among plentiful things to do. This award-winning preserve is a plant and wildlife sanctuary that is a favorite among Town of Hempstead residents.

At Levy Preserve, there are many things that families can do. Primarily, it is a great, tranquil location for those families willing to make their own fun. A 500-foot fishing pier is accessible, as well as a kayak launch. This launch brings kayaking or canoeing families right into the great Merrick Bay.

Norman J. Levy Park Preserve can be found at 1600 Merrick Road, Merrick. You can learn more on the Town of Hempstead government website.

Bayville Adventure Park, Bayville

Bayville Adventure Park is another Long Island amusement park with a promising summer season. Visiting families can explore a large number of rides and attractions. This includes perfect water-based activities for the summer.

Summertime attractions include Wild Water Balloon Wars, Boomer’s Bay Water Slide, and perhaps most notable, the popular Bumper Boat Safari that takes adventurers around a manmade bay.

Bayville Adventure Park is located at 8 Bayville Ave, Bayville. Visit their website for more information, and check out their Facebook for updates.

Wildplay at Jones Beach, Wantagh

Wildplay at the popular Jones Beach State Park is one of Jones Beach’s newest attractions. Wildplay has set up a wonderful, boardwalk-side zip-lining and rope course-climbing experience.

At Wildplay, families can take on various different challenges. Zip-lining that takes families high up, and even with the ability to ride down the zipline side by side, is a favorite at Wildplay. There is also the rope course, which sees those willing to take it on high up above Jones Beach, climbing through different levels of courses depending on age group and height.

Wildplay at Jones Beach can be found at the Jones Beach Boardwalk in Wantagh. Visit their website for more information, and check out their Facebook for updates. 

Long Island Game Farm & Children’s Zoo, Manorville

Long Island Game Farm & Children’s Zoo claim to be the largest combined children’s zoo and wildlife park on Long Island. Their mission is to bring their animals into a natural environment where families can enjoy and learn about the wildlife represented on the farm.

Long Island Game Farm’s extensive grounds cover a wide range of different animal enclosures and features. At different price points, families can enjoy up-close and personal tours, including a Wallaby Encounter and a V.I.P Animal Tour, taking families throughout various enclosures to meet and learn about the animals.

Long Island Game Farm & Children’s Zoo is located at 489 Chapman Blvd, Manorville. Visit their website for more information, and check out their Facebook for updates.

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