Long Island families looking for summer fun face the same challenge every year—how to pack as many adventures as possible into a three-month window. Whether it’s at the beach or a music venue, a park or a museum, here are 101 places to consider…
Bethpage Jones Beach Air Show
Jones Beach State Park. Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
The Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show kicks off the summer season at Jones Beach State Park on May 25 & 26 and celebrates our veterans as well as the show’s 10th anniversary at the park. Then it’s on to summer, when all the usual fun activities like mini-golf, stand-up paddle boarding and outdoor concerts across the street.
300 Long Island
www.300longisland.com
A place that actually encourages kids to knock things over—it’s every parent’s dream! At 300 Long Island kids can bowl for free all summer as part of their Kids’ Club. Sign up at freebowling.3hundred.com. Valid for kids 12 and under, Sunday-Friday through August 30.
Adventureland
2245 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale. 631-694-6868.
www.adventureland.us
The All Star
96 Main Rd., Riverhead.
631-998-3565.
www.theallstar.com
Black lights, movies projected over the back of the lanes, awesome music, glow-in-the-dark lanes and more make The All Star a mind-blowing venue to have fun and bowl with friends and family. Then head over to the arcade for driving games, prize games, basketball, skee ball and more, while collecting redeemable E-tickets on your game card.
American Air Power Museum
1230 New Hwy., Farmingdale.
631-293-6398.
www.americanairpowermuseum.com
Animal Farm Petting Zoo
296 Wading River Rd., Manorville. 631-878-1785. www.afpz.org
Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard
2114 Sound Ave., Baiting Hollow. 631-369-0100.
www.baitinghollowfarmvineyard.com
Bayville Adventure Park
8 Bayville Ave., Bayville.
516-624-7433.
www.bayvilleadventurepark.com
Belmont Park
2150 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont.
516-488-6000.
www.nyra.com
At Belmont, there is plenty for the whole family including the special Breakfast at Belmont, free tram ride through the stables, free Paddock Shows and free Starting Gate demonstrations. Plus, you can step into the Belmont Backyard where kids can use the playground and enjoy the duck pond, while mom and dad can watch and wager upon the races with numerous television and betting windows. There are many picnic tables as well as plenty of food and drink available at concession stands.
Bobb Howard’s General Store
581 Lakeville Rd., New Hyde Park. 516-354-9564.
www.bobbhowardsgeneralstore.com
From old-school games to candy you haven’t had since you were a kid to a warm family feel, Mom Eileen and Pop Ronnie offer a chance to go back in time at their shop Bobb Howard’s General Store with more than 1000 nostalgic candies, toys, memories, giggles, and fun “stuff” from your childhood.
Bollinger’s
282 Main St., Farmingdale.
516-501-4990.
www.bollingers.com
Book Revue
313 New York Ave., Huntington.
www.bookrevue.com
Boomers!
655 Long Island Ave., Medford 631-475-1771. www.boomersparks.com
Boomers! is an amusement park for the whole family. With go karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, batting cages, kiddie rides and a huge and a state-of-the-art game room with virtual reality and prize redemption games, they cater to birthday parties, group outings and families!
Bounce U.
101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale.
631-777-5867.
www.bounceu.com
Bowl Long Island at Patchogue
138 West Ave., Patchogue. 631-475-5164.
www.bowllongisland.com
C&B Archery
11 Commercial St., Hicksville.
516-933-2697.
www.cbarchery.net
Captain Gillen Captree Fishing
Captree State Park., Bay Shore. 621-586-5511.
www.captaingillen.com
Carvel
Multiple Locations. www.carvel.com
Carvel® provides an affordable ice cream experience and family fun for everyone by offering a variety of fresh made cakes, novelties and fountain ice cream products. This all-American favorite is the nation’s first retail ice cream franchise, and has become one of the best-loved and most recognized names in its industry.
The Children’s Safari
6 Rockaway Ave., Valley Stream.
www.thechildrenssafari.com
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium
1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor. 516-692-6768.
www.cshfha.org
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor. 631-367-3418.
www.cshwhalingmuseum.org
Country Fair Park
3351 Route 112, Medford. 631-732-0579.
www.countryfairpark.com
Crow’s Nest Mini Golf
742 S. Ocean Ave., Freeport. 516-223-0497.
Re-opening better than ever after Superstorm Sandy, this 18-hole golf course has life-sized pirates, a cave, waterfall and a host of other buccaneer-themed holes sure to please kids of all ages. Birthday parties and fundraisers welcome!
Dave & Buster’s
Multiple Locations.
www.daveandbusters.com
Discovery Wetlands Cruises
Boatworks Marina, Shore Road, Stony Brook. 631-751-2244.
www.wmho.org
Dix Hills Center For The Performing Arts
305 North Service Rd., Dix Hills. 631-656-2148.
www.dhpac.org
Don Juan Restaurant
4899 Merrick Rd., Massapequa. Park. 516-798-1172; 124 E. Park Ave., Long Beach. 516-442-4944. www.donjuanny.com
This summer hot spot opens its outdoor seating area for the warm weather months, plus a new private party room. Don Juan’s is a family restaurant serving up authentic Mexican cuisine for your next fiesta.
Fire Island Lighthouse
www.fireislandlighthouse.com
Five Towns Mini Golf & Batting Range
570 Rockaway Tpke., Lawrence. 516-239-1743.
www.5townsminigolfbatting.com
Flynn’s Fire Island
Ocean Bay Park, Fire Island.
www.flynnsfireislandny.com
Open weekends beginning May 17; Open daily beginning June 21
Frozen Ropes
Multiple Locations.
www.frozenropes.com
Gateway Playhouse
215 S. Country Rd., Bellport.
631-286-0555.
www.gatewayplayhouse.com
Those cool summer nights are back, with “Grease,” the high-energy stage musical, playing May 22-June 8. A full lineup of Broadway musicals, children’s shows, and special events also highlight this theatre’s 64th season!
Hallockville Museum Farm
6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead.
www.hallockville.com
Harmony Vineyards
169 Harbor Rd., Head of the Harbor. 631-291-9900.
www.harmonyvineyards.com
Their free summer-long jazz series kicks off May 19 on the waterfront with internationally-renowned trombone virtuoso Ray Anderson and an all-star band performing, in their entirety, some of the greatest albums in jazz history.
Heartland Golf Park
1200 Long Island Ave., Edgewood.
631-667-7400.
www.heartlandgolfpark.com
Hicks Nurseries
100 Jericho Tpke., Westbury. 516-334-0066.
www.hicksnurseries.com
Holtsville Park & Ecology Center
Buckley Road, Holtsville.
631-758-9664.
www.brookhaven.org
Iceworks
175 Underhill Blvd., Syosset.
516-496-2277.
www.iceworksli.com
iFly Trapeze
Eisenhower Park, East Meadow.
516-640-6995.
www.iflytrapeze.com
IMAX Dome at Cradle of Aviation
1 Davis Ave., Garden City.
516-572-4111.
www.rosew.imaxtheater.com
Island Rock Climbing Gym
60 Skyline Dr., Plainview. 516-822-7625.
www.islandrock.net
John W. Engeman Theater at Northport
250 Main St., Northport. 631-261-2900.
www.engemantheater.com
Jungle Bob’s Reptile World
2536 Middle Country Rd.,
Centereach. 631-737-6474.
www.junglebobsreptileworld.com
Turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, salamanders, tortoises, scorpions and more—Aside from tons of creatures to keep your family in awe, Jungle Bob’s Reptile World hosts a destination experience, ‘The Outback!,’ a new outdoor educational nature center. It’s also a great place for birthday parties!
Karts Indoor Raceway
701 Union Pkwy., Ronkonkoma. 1-800-718-KART.
www.karts1.com
Krisch’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor
11 Central Ave., Massapequa 516-797-3149. www.krischs.com
Take a walk on the wild side with homemade ice cream that comes in flavors from the traditional vanilla to the innovative rainbow cookie. This fun destination has 1950s-era soda fountains and serves up everything from old-school ice cream sodas and malts to gigantic sundaes.
Landmark on Main Street
232 Main St., Port Washington.
516-767-6444.
www.landmarkonmainstreet.org
Laser Kingdom
Multiple Locations.
www.laserkingdoms.com
Lazerland LI
54A Vanderbilt Motor Pkwy., Commack. 631-543-8300.
www.lazerlandofLi.com
Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center
431 E. Main St., Riverhead.
631-208-9200
www.longislandaquarium.com
Long Island Children’s Museum
11 Davis Ave., Garden City.
516-224-5800.
www.LIcm.org
Long Island Ducks
3 Courthouse Dr., Central Islip.
631-940-3825.
www.LIducks.com
Long Island Game Farm
638 Chapman Blvd., Manorville. 631-878-6644.
www.longislandgamefarm.com
Long Island Laser Bounce
2710 Hempstead Tpke., Levittown. 516-342-1330.
www.LILaserbounce.com
Long Island Maritime Museum
88 West Ave., West Sayville. 631-HIS-TORY or 631-854-4974.
www.LImaritime.org
Long Island Science Center
11 W.Main St., Riverhead. 631-208-8000.
www.LIsciencecenter.org
Long Island Sports Complex
103 Mill Rd., Freeport.
516-546-0900.
www.longislandsportscomplex.com
Mariner’s Cove Marine / Oscar’s Fishing Stations / Jet Ski Rentals
9 Canoe Place Rd., Hampton Bays. 631-728-8060.
www.yachtworld.com/marinerscove
The Melting Pot
2377 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale. 631-752-4242.
www.meltingpot.com
Monster Mini Golf
Multiple Locations.
www.monsterminigolf.com
Nassau Coliseum
1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale.
631-920-1203.
www.nassaucoliseum.com
Nassau County Museum of Art
1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor.
516-484-9337.
www.nassaumuseum.com
Nova’s Ark
30 Millstone Rd., Water Mill. 631-537-0061.
www.thearkproject.com
Nunley’s Carousel Pavilion
Davis Avenue, Garden City. 516-572-4111.
www.cradleofaviation.org
NYCB Theatre at Westbury
960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. 516-247-5200. www.livenation.com
The NYCB Theatre at Westbury continues to present the best in live entertainment including the top names in contemporary pop, classic rock, comedy, country, and rhythm and blues. Summer highlights include George Lopez on May 4; Popovich Comedy Pet Theater on May 11; The Price Is Right Live Show on June 2; Summerland Tour 2013 with Everclear, Live Filter and Sponge on June 12; Long Island Comedy Fest on June 15 and the 2013 Children’s Summer Series.
Visit www.thetheatreatwestbury.com for the complete lineup and new additions!
Old Bethpage Restoration Village
1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. 516-572-8401.
www.restorationfarm.com
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury
516-333-0048.
www.oldwestburygardens.org
Paintball Arena
400 Patton Ave., West Babylon. 631-694-2707.
www.islandpaintball.net
Patchogue Theatre
71 E. Main St., Patchogue. 631-207-1300.
www.patchoguetheatre.com
Peter Pan Diner
999 Sunrise Hwy., Bay Shore. 631-665-1788. www.peterpandiner.com
For more than 40 years, this very popular diner has graced Long Islanders with their signature dinner specials, pancakes and paninis, as well as a family friendly environment both you and the kids will enjoy.
JetBlue Sky Theater Planetarium at Cradle of Aviation
1 Davis Ave., Garden City. 516-572-4111. www.cradleofaviation.org
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay. 516-922-9200.
www.plantingfields.org
This historical park is a great place to spend a warm summer day. With more than 400 acres, the park has numerous nature trails, greenhouses, gardens, and the sprawling Coe Hall, which holds tours from spring until autumn.
Pollock-Krasner House
830 Springs Fireplace Rd., East Hampton. 631-324-4929.
www.pkhouse.org
Pump it Up
135 Dupont St., Plainview. 516-575-2300. www.pumpitupparty.com
Rachel’s Waterside Grill
281 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport.
516-546-0050.
www.rachelswatersidegrill.com
After suffering damage from Super Storm Sandy, Rachel’s is back and better than ever. Located on Freeport’s famous Nautical Mile, Rachel’s Waterside Grill offers a variety of dishes to invigorate any palate. Rachel’s was voted Best Seafood Restaurant three years in a row due to their creative recipes portrayed in their brunch, lunch, and dinner menus.
Raphael Vineyard & Winery
39390 Route 25, Peconic. 631-765-1100.
www.raphaelwine.com
The Rinx
660 Terry Rd., Hauppauge. 631-232-3222.
www.therinx.com
Riverhead Foundation For Marine Research And Prevention
467 E. Main St., Riverhead.
631-369-9840.
www.riverheadfoundation.org
Sag Harbor Whaling Museum
200 Main St., Sag Harbor.
631-725-0770.
www.sagharborwhalingmuseum.org
Shelter Island Kayak Tours
Route 114 at Duvall, Shelter Island. 631-749-1900.
www.kayakSI.com
Shoes I Love
2807 Long Beach Rd., Oceanside. 516-766-2033.
www.theshoesilove.com
Based on Long Island, this fun shoe store sells fashionable shoes, boots, sandals, flip-flops, sneakers and accessories at competitive prices to women of all ages, young and young at heart.
Skate Safe America
182 Sweet Hollow Rd., Old Bethpage. 516-249-1717.
www.skatesafeamerica.pointstreak sites.com
Splish Splash
2549 Middle County Rd., Riverhead. 631-727-3600.
www.splishsplashlongisland.com
Sports Plex
1329 Newbridge Rd., North Bellmore. 516-785-8855.
www.sportsplexonline.com
Staller Center
Stony Brook University, Nicolls Road, Stony Brook. 631-632-2787.
www.stallercenter.sunysb.edu
Stony Brook Village
www.stonybrookvillage.com
Stony Brook Village, overlooking beautiful Stony Brook Harbor, is a picturesque shopping village with 35 stores, seven restaurants and year-round events for the entire family.
Suffolk Theater
118 E. Main St., Riverhead. 631-727-4343. www.suffolktheater.com
Re-establishing the cinema/playhouse tradition in downtown, this art deco cinema has been transformed into a full-service performing arts center, providing diverse programming for all ages, from live entertainment, music and plays to movies and catered affairs.
Sweetbriar Nature Center
62 Eckernkamp Dr., Smithtown. 631-979-6344.
www.sweetbriarnc.org
Tackapausha Museum and Preserve
Washington Avenue (north of Merrick Road), Seaford. 516-572-0200.
www.nassaucountyny.gov
Tanger Outlets at The Arches
152 The Arches Circle., Deer Park. 631-667-0600.
www.tangeroutlet.com/deerpark
Tiki Action Park
1878 Middle Country Rd.,
Centereach. 631-471-1267.
www.tikiactionpark.com
With tropical music, tikis, palm trees and flaming torches set amongst waterfalls, streams, caves and a fish-stocked pond you’ll feel like you’re on vacation when playing Tiki’s mini golf. They are also known for the fastest go-karts and longest races. Tiki’s parties are loaded with so many extras that you’ll wonder how the pricing is so low.
Tilles Center
720 Northern Blvd., Greenvale. 516-299-2752.
www.tillescenter.org
Trainland
293 Sunrise Hwy., Lynbrook. 516-599-7080.
www.trainworld.com
Ultimate Gaga
575 Underhill Blvd., Syosset. 516-921-4242.
www.ultimategaga.com
United Skates of America
1276 Hicksville Rd., Seaford. 516-795-5474.
www.unitedskates.com
Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium
180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport.
www.vanderbiltmuseum.org
Walt Whitman Birthplace
246 Old Walt Whitman Rd.,
Huntington Station. 631-427-5240.
www.waltwhitman.org
Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center
76 Main St., Westhampton Beach.
631-288-1500.
www.whbpac.org
White Post Farms
250 Old County Rd., Melville.
631-351-9373.
www.whitepostfarms.com
Wickham’s Fruit Farm
28700 Main Rd., Cutchogue.
631-734-6441.
www.wickhamsfruitfarm.com
Woodmere Lanes/Backstage
948 Broadway, Woodmere. 516-374-9870.
www.woodmerelanes.com
