BEST BATTING CAGES
The Cage Sports Development Center
The Cage Sports Development Center is more than just a batting cage, it’s a place to hone athletic skills and a love for baseball. The center is owned and operated by Joe Cuccia, a professional baseball scout and pitching and hitting instructor, and Pat, an experienced coach. Both are trained to coach anyone who walks through the door on hitting skills and are available to teach lessons on all the basics of baseball. The center offers batting cage rentals in the indoor, climate-controlled space, as well as group packages, training camps and clinics, and private lessons. 419 Osborn Ave., Riverhead, 631-591-9091, cagesportsny.com
BEST BOWLING ALLEY
Herrill Lanes – New Hyde Park
Herrill Lanes is an all-ages bowling alley that has served New Hyde Park for more than 40 years and features a weekly rock ‘n’ roll bowl as well as delicious pub grub to enjoy with each frame. A variety of mixed, seniors, ladies, juniors, and adult/child leagues allows everyone to enjoy the lanes. Regardless of someone’s skill in bowling, fun is always guaranteed whenever children, teens, adults, and professionals come to Herrill Lanes. The venue offers 36 lanes, a full-service pro shop, and even an arcade. Moreover, every Saturday after 10:30 p.m., Herrill Lanes offers the beautiful and mesmerizing Cosmic Bowl — which makes the bowling experience even more special with atmospheric lighting. 465 Herricks Rd., New Hyde Park, 516-741-8022, herrilllanes.com
BEST DRIVING RANGE
Heartland Golf Park
The Heartland Golf Park in Edgewood has been the go-to golf park for Long Islanders since 1994, and many enjoy it for the driving range, which features an automatic-tee system and account cards. Golf enthusiasts especially love this driving range for the automatic tee, which you can’t find anywhere else on Long Island. When you visit the park, you can rent any amount of golf balls and grab an account card. Then you’ll go to your booth, simply install the card, and the ball is teed up automatically. And it does not have to be a warm day for you to use this driving range, as it’s heated and open all winter. The range also features a course-like target, and players can hit from a ground-level booth or an elevated booth. 1 Executive Dr., Edgewood, 631-667-7400, heartlandgolfpark.com
BEST EXTREME SPORTS FACILITY
Team Extreme X-Training
It’s time to get extreme about fitness. For a unique exercise program that will get you into shape, there’s Team Extreme X-Training. The trainers at Team Extreme X-Training craft personal training sessions specifically with your needs and abilities in mind, so no matter what your skill level is, they will help you make sure you don’t get hurt while you get stronger. Plus everything is tailored to your preferences as well, so if there’s a particular exercise that doesn’t feel right for you, you won’t have to do it. The best part is that the workout facility is brought right to you. All sessions take place in your home, outside in your yard, or at a local park, and the trainers bring their own equipment with them so you can work out effectively. Islip Terrace, 917-771-7389, teamextremextraining.com
BEST GOLF COURSE
Bethpage State Park Golf Course
Fore! Hailed as one of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest, Bethpage State Park Golf Course is the prime place for golfers of all skill levels to test their mettle on back nine or play all 18 holes. A mecca for golfers, the golf course, which includes a nearly 7,500-yard brute known as Bethpage Black, hosted the United States Open Championships in 2002 and 2009. It was also the site of The Barclays PGA Tour events in 2012 and 2016 and the PGA Championship in 2019. And get ready for 2024, when Bethpage Black will host the Ryder Cup. For even the most seasoned professional, it’s been referenced as “one of the hardest, but fairest, courses” in the country. 99 Quaker Meeting House Rd., Farmingdale, 516-249-0700, bethpagegolfcourse.com
BEST INDOOR TENNIS FACILITY
Sportime
Game, set, and match! For the best game of indoor tennis, Sportime is the place to be. With locations all over Long Island, there is no reason why you can’t check this place out. Sportime’s indoor tennis courts are state of the art and provide the best space to work on your serve, your backhand, or your approach, or have a friendly match to get those competitive juices flowing. With indoor courts, you can play rain or shine and not have to sacrifice your practice time because of bad weather. Plus Sportime has various indoor tennis programs so you can keep your skills nice and sharp. So what are you waiting for? Grab your racquet and make your way over to Sportime. Multiple locations, 888-NY-Tennis, sportimeny.com
BEST WATER SPORT RENTAL
Empire Kayaks
Looking to have some fun or a relaxing day in nature? Empire Kayaks is the best place to find top-notch and reliable water sport rentals. They don’t only have easy-to-use single and double kayaks. There are also pedal Hobie Outback models, which are great for fishing. They’ve also got stand-up paddleboards if you want to try something new and put your balance to the test. Last minute planner? Empire Kayaks doesn’t even take reservations so you don’t need to put this adventure on your calendar. Basic instruction is provided with every rental. Begin your wildlife-filled journey from the beach and explore the friendly Middle Bay waters and surrounding creeks and marshes, either solo or with friends and family. 4 Empire Blvd., Island Park, 516-889-8300, empirekayaks.com
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