Monday, April 2, 2012

40 Things To Do With a Toddler on Long Island

It will be beach weather before I know it, and that is when I am happiest to live on Long Island.  And besides the gorgeous beaches, Long Island is full of so many awesome outdoor activities and hidden gems.  Even on rainy days, there are dozens of things to do with toddlers.  I hope the following list gives you every reason you need to come visit me.  And if you already live on LI, let me know if I missed anything!


40_things_to_do_with_a_toddler_on_long_island

  1. Go camping on the beach. (We love Smith Point Park)
  2. Play make believe at Once Upon a Treetop.
  3. Enjoy the Long Island Aquarium (especially the butterfly exhibit)
  4. Hit the BEACH! (Bonus tips 1 & 2)
  5. You can't go wrong with the Long Island Children's Museum.
  6. We can't wait for Eisenhower Park's "Let All the Children Play" inclusive playground to officially open.
  7. Bounce & climb at Safari Adventure.
  8. LI is famous for its stunning golf courses, but don't forget Mini Golf!
  9. Eat at a diner.
  10. Visit the Big Duck.
  11. Root for the home team at a Long Island Ducks game
  12. Picnic & enjoy live music at a winery (Most are totally kid & pet friendly!)
  13. Sit under the stars at the summer series of free concerts (Many are on the beach.)
  14. Shop till you drop at Roosevelt Field Mall (one of many on LI, but one of the best in the country)
  15. Explore the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
  16. Ride the antique Greenport Carousel.
  17. Visit with the animals at the Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo.
  18. Get wet at the Splish Splash water park.
  19. Take in the view from the Montauk Point Lighthouse.
  20. Stroll through a state park or two.
  21. Get a great deal at the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead or Deer Park.
  22. Get back to nature at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.
  23. There are huge Street Fairs & Festivals every weekend.
  24. Find a shady spot at Old Westbury Gardens.
  25. Go for a ride at Deep Hollow Ranch. (It's the nation's oldest cattle ranch. You can take trail rides on the beach!)
  26. Take a break thanks to Hampton Kids. (activities, drop-in care, & family fun center)
  27. Run off some energy at a soccer class with Shooting Stars Sports at Fundamental Sports Training. (shameless plug for our family business)
  28. The Railroad Museum sometimes hosts Thomas the Train events.
  29. Pick your own peaches, berries, or apples.
  30. One of our favorites is the Animal Farm Petting Zoo.
  31. Step back in time at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration.
  32. Try to visit the Children's Museum of the East End on a weekday when it is less crowded.
  33. Nassau County Firefighters Museum is small but great for fire truck fans.
  34. Watch the horses at Belmont Raceway.
  35. Dance at the Shinnecock Pow Wow.
  36. See the singing animals at White Post Farm.
  37. Watch some surfers.
  38. Take a playground tour.
  39. Go fishing.
  40. Check out a local Children's Theater.
(I left off the art museums and science centers that may be of interest to older kids, but let me know if you need ideas.)

3 comments:

  1. Wow. Now I REALLY want to go to Long Island. I have tons of great memories of the Montauk light house from when my dad was stationed out there years and years ago.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great list of things to do. Thanks for posting these reminders.

    ReplyDelete

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