Summer is brimming with fun activities on Long Island. While vacations and travel are fantastic, there are wonderful experiences waiting right in our backyard!
Town of Oyster Bay or Town of Babylon Splash Parks/Beaches
These resident-only splash parks and beaches are perfect for family fun. My kids love starting at the spray park to cool off, then heading to the bay to catch minnows, and finishing at the beach to ride the waves. It’s a full day of excitement that usually ends with a car nap for the little ones. Since moving to Suffolk County, we’ve discovered stunning beaches like Cedar Beach, where we found massive seashells to take home and paint. Resident passes range from free for seniors to $60 for residents.
Heading Out East: Mattituck, Greenport & Shelter Island
Explore the east side of the island with visits to places like Harbes Farm in Mattituck. It’s filled with activities for kids, including a race track with bikes, various lawn games, giant slides, multiple playgrounds, an obstacle course, and sports stations. With a local library pass, you can enjoy all this for free. Growing up, my family had a summer home on Shelter Island and we owned a movie theater in Greenport. These are cherished family memories. We haven’t yet taken Ben or Charlie, but we’re hoping to this summer. The beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, and nostalgic charm make these towns special.
Adventureland
We’re fortunate to have Adventureland nearby, a nostalgic amusement park I’ve been visiting since childhood. My neighbor, Eva, would take us every year, managing four kids alone! We’ve continued the tradition with our boys, making it a full day event from opening to closing. We bring our own lunch and grab a quick dinner at Wendy’s before heading back for more rides. This tradition is a constant in our kids’ lives, and they look forward to it every year. We’re considering season passes for next year, which are surprisingly affordable and pay for themselves after a few visits.
Heading West to NYC
We have several family members in NYC, and our boys love visiting the city. They enjoy the fast pace, the buildings, taking the train, and seeing family. We’ve taken trips to the Bronx for Yankee games, Astoria to visit my brother, Manhattan to visit Will’s brother, and more. Our last visit to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan was a blast, with free passes from the library. We haven’t yet ventured to Broadway due to their ages, but we hope to soon. We’ve also visited all five borough zoos, with the Queens Zoo being our favorite. It’s next to the NY Hall of Science, another great museum for kids. Another memorable trip was to the Intrepid, which we hope to visit again soon.
Camping
I recently tried camping for the first time and loved it! Being in nature, letting the kids run free, cooking with what we had, and spending time with great people was wonderful. Despite the discomfort of side sleeping and the rainy weather, the experience was worth it. We camped in Wading River for Cub Scouts and enjoyed activities like archery, shooting BB guns, boating, fishing, and playing games. I’d definitely camp again!
Your Own Backyard!
Some of the best summer memories are made right in our backyard. Whether it’s a restful day to recoup or entertaining friends and family, these moments are precious. I love hosting, sometimes to a fault, but these home memories make childhood special. Spend the day outside, BBQ, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
