Filled with residents from all walks of life, Long Island is a place where those of any age can find activities that satisfy their needs. Whether you’re looking for a quiet stroll on a nature trail or an art class to display your creativity, Long Island’s perfect location has you covered all year round.
1. Spend a day at the beach
If you’re looking for a relaxing day in the sun, look no further than Nassau County’s many beautiful beaches. Whether it’s Morgan Memorial Park Beach in Glen Cove, Ransom Beach in Bayville, Nickerson Beach in Lido Beach or the famous Jones Beach in Wantagh, Nassau County has dozens of great beach locations to choose from. Pull up a lounge chair for a day of reading or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy by the water’s edge. The options are endless when it comes to the beach, just be sure to bring some sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses along with you.
2. Paint a masterpiece
Art classes throughout Long Island offer the perfect spot to relax and exercise your creative muscles as you paint brilliant pieces that you can use to decorate your home or give as a gift. The Nassau County Museum of Art, located in Roslyn, offers adult art classes ranging from beginner drawing to landscape and pastel painting throughout the week, along with discounted private museum tours for seniors. Other venues like Muse Paintbar in Great Neck and Garden City offer painting classes paired with food and drinks in a laid back, fun setting.
3. Take a hike
Enjoy the great outdoors by strolling through some of Long Island’s family-friendly hiking trails. Make sure to pack water and snacks, then head out to explore trails like those at Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, Sands Point Preserve in Sands Point, the Massapequa Preserve in North Massapequa or the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay. For those interested in frequent hiking trips, the Nassau Hiking and Outdoor Club offers hikes to dozens of locations around Long Island, along with bicycling, picnicking and conservation activities for both individuals or families.
4. Create your own book club
If you love reading and have always wanted to discuss your favorite books with others, look no further than creating your very own book club with the help of your nearest library. Many libraries around Long Island, including the Manhasset, Port Washington, Farmingdale, Massapequa, Syosset and East Meadow Public Libraries, offer a program called “Book Club in a Bag,” where the libraries give you 10 copies of a title, along with discussion questions and suggestions for running the club. If your local library has the program, you can scroll through the many titles available for your “Book Club in a Bag” and soon you and your friends could be discussing your favorite novel.
5. Shop to your heart’s content
With outlets big and small, Long Island boasts some of the best shopping venues in the country. Roosevelt Field in Garden City stands as New York’s largest shopping mall, but smaller shopping centers like the Americana Manhasset, along with local town shops throughout Nassau County, can provide you with endless hours of shopping opportunities. Go at your own pace and find the household necessities you need or the next great outfit to wear on a night out—not to mention the array of food choices you’ll find from fast food to fine dining experiences.
