There’s a multitude of options for keeping the kids busy on Long Island during the summer, in addition to simple joys like hitting the beach or relaxing at one of the region’s many parks. For full-day adventures, options include amusement and water parks, nature activities, historical excursions, and much more.
Although we could fill many pages with suggestions, here are some absolute can’t-miss local kid-friendly attractions:
Adventureland
Among the many points of convergence for LI youth, few are as iconic as the classic amusement park Adventureland, in operation since 1962. Relatively small, but diverse, there are rides for all ages and levels of daring, from spinning tea cups and a kiddie carousel for the little ones, to Turbulence Coaster and Pirate Ship for older thrill-seekers. 2245 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale, 631-694-6868, adventureland.us
Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center
The ever-growing LI Aquarium now features more than 80 exhibits, including The Touch Tanks the kids will love. Take in regularly scheduled shows in the outdoor amphitheater, and/or pay the extra fee for a tour on the Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat, which takes guests down the Peconic River into Flanders Bay. 431 E Main St., Riverhead, 631-208-9200 ext. 426, longislandaquarium.com
Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo
Another venerable favorite for families with kids, the LI Game Farm features hundreds of animals, including cougars, red kangaroos, a giraffe, kinkajous, peacocks and the only lemurs native to the Island. There’s a very popular petting and feeding zoo, as well as carnival and pony rides. 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville, 631-878-6644, longislandgamefarm.com
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Take the kids on a journey back in time to the mid-1800s at this meticulously re-created village, featuring genuine historic homes and businesses that were moved to the park’s 209 acres. Visit period shops and see craftsmen in action, learn about the clothing and customs of a bygone era, and peruse a farm stand stocked with local produce. There are even two escape rooms: The Dark Cottage and Detained. 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage, 516-572-8400, obvrnassau.com
Splish Splash
Long Island’s reigning water park is still the summer’s obligatory place to be when the mood hits you to don a bathing suit and shoot down 20 different water slides. The park also features two wavepools, a large kiddie area, lazy river, tropical bird shows and the rides Bombs Away and Riptide Racer, which opened in 2018. 2549 Splish Splash Dr., Calverton, 631-727-3600, splishsplash.com
Related Story: 43 Fun Things To Do With Your Kids On Long Island
