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21 Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids in September

Tug of war is just the start of the fun at the Harbes Orchard Apple Festival. Photo courtesy of Harbes Orchard
Tug of war is just the start of the fun at the Harbes Orchard Apple Festival. Photo courtesy of Harbes Orchard
8/27/19 - By Gina Massaro

September brings backpacks, changing leaves, and pumpkin-flavored everything. With kids back at school, maximize the enjoyment of their spare time with these FREE events and activities across Long Island. 

Animal-loving kids won't want to miss touring Catapano Dairy Farm or Dogfest Long Island at the Deer Park Tanger Outlets. The whole family can enjoy one of September's many FREE fairs, such as the Harbes Apple Orchard Festival and the Seaford Harvest Fair.

For more autumn fun with kids, check out our September GoLIst and Fall Fun Guide.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Sunday, September 1

Fireboat Fire Fighter Museum in Greenport

Greenport Harbor, continuing on Saturdays and Sundays all month
Volunteers conduct tours of this unique firefighting museum. Tour the entire ship, visit the engine room, and take in some maritime history. READ MORE
Kids can feed the goats during a family day at Catapano Dairy Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Kids can feed the goats during a family day at Catapano Dairy Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

Wednesday, September 4

Meet the Goats at Catapano Dairy

Peconic
Visit with the kids at Catapano Dairy Farm. New owners Erin and Connor Burke invite you to meet their happy goats, watch a milking demonstration, taste several varieties of delicious goat-milk cheese made on-site, and learn about the farm. READ MORE

Friday, September 6

Friday Night Promenade in Garden City

Garden City Village, also on Friday, September 13
NOTE: 2024 Dates Yet to be Announced Enjoy themed nights every other Friday this summer through mid-September in the heart of Garden City Village. Live music, a family-friendly atmosphere, fun giveaways, and plenty of activities for the kids await, including balloon art and face painting. READ MORE

Sunday, September 8

Colonial Day at Raynham Hall Museum

Oyster Bay
Join in for a family-friendly afternoon as Raynham Hall is filled with costumed Colonial adult and child re-enactors who bring the 18th century to life with period music, Colonial cooking demonstrations, and musket firings. READ MORE

Radio-Controlled Fall Aero Show at Sunken Meadow State Park

Kings Park
Hosted by the Long Island Flying Eagles, this radio-controlled model airplane show is great fun for all. READ MORE

Tuesday, September 10

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Party

Farmingdale
A told B and B told C that Farmingdale Library's alphabet party is the place to be. READ MORE

Thursday, September 12

Stuffed Animal Picnic

Farmingdale
Make a cuddly stuffed animal and enjoy an imaginary picnic at Farmingdale Library. READ MORE
Teams of dragon boats take to the water in Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
Teams of dragon boats take to the water in Port Jefferson. Photo courtesy of the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

Saturday, September 14

Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival

Port Jefferson
Cheer on six decorated dragon boat racing teams as they compete in a 250-meter race along the majestic Port Jefferson Harbor. READ MORE

Harbes Orchard Apple Festival

Mattituck, also on Sunday, September 15
Take a sweet bite of summer fun at the Harbes Orchard Apple Festival. Two fun-filled days of apple activities for the whole family are planned, including apple picking in the 15-acre Riverhead orchard. READ MORE

North Hempstead KidStock

Port Washington
This open-air family festival features musical entertainment kids and parents can enjoy together. The event includes FREE admission to Clark Botanic Garden in Albertson. READ MORE

Late Summer Seasonal Stroll at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve

Lloyd Harbor
Observe seasonal changes on this short stroll. Witness summer's slow, subtle change as she withers and goes to seed. READ MORE

Sunday, September 15

Art In The Park in Farmingdale

Farmingdale
Head to Farmingdale's Village Green for a day dedicated to the arts. This annual fest features more than 20 artists displaying their works.  READ MORE

Seals in New York at Hallock State Park Preserve

Riverhead
Join Atlantic Marine Conservation Society scientists to learn about the five pinniped seal species found in our local waters, the threats that they face during their seasonal time near Long Island, and how we can help them. READ MORE

Thursday, September 19

Bellmore Family Street Festival

Bellmore, continuing through Sunday, September 22
Enjoy crafts, kids and sports expos, home improvement ideas, carnival rides and games, local business booths, radio booths, food, and more at the Bellmore Family Street Festival. READ MORE

Friday, September 20

Movies at South Bay Bible Church

East Moriches, showing Mary Poppins Returns
Bring some snacks and a blanket or chairs to watch a family film at the South Bay Bible Church. READ MORE

Egyptian Festival

Woodbury; Friday, September 20-Sunday, September 22. Also Friday, September 27-Sunday, September 29
This cultural festival features a tour of “Old Egypt,” where visitors experience different regions of the country. Kids can enjoy bouncers, bubble mania, and other games.  READ MORE

Saturday, September 21

DogFest Long Island 2019

Deer Park
DogFest Long Island 2019 is coming to Deer Park. So grab your leash and get ready to have a tail-waggin' good time. Furry friends and their families are invited to enjoy a day of fun, festivities, graduate speakers, dog demonstrations, music, food and more. READ MORE

Greenport Maritime Festival

Greenport, continuing through Sunday, September 22
Greenport's maritime heritage is at the forefront of the Maritime Festival. Saturday morning’s parade kicks off the festival, followed by wood boat displays, water sports demonstrations, wood carving, model ship building, music, children’s activities, and more.  READ MORE

Sunday, September 22

Seaford Fall Fest

Seaford
The Seaford Chamber of Commerce is hosting an afternoon of fall family fun at the train station. From food trucks to pumpkins and everything autumn in between, there's something for everyone. READ MORE
Celebrate the new season with your family at the Fall Into Fun Carnival at Heritage Trust. Photo courtesy of Heritage Trust
Celebrate the new season with your family at the Fall Into Fun Carnival at Heritage Trust. Photo courtesy of Heritage Trust

Thursday, September 26

Fall Into Fun Carnival at the Heritage Center

Mount Sinai, continuing through Sunday, September 29
Fall Into Fun at this carnival hosted by the Heritage Center, featuring rides, games, magic shows, fair food and more.  READ MORE

Sunday, September 29

Traditional Nature Walk at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve

Lloyd Harbor
Take a slow walk of about three miles to explore nature in the woods and the tall grass meadows of the southeastern section of the park. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Shelter Island Ferry Terminal and the Greenport LIRR Station
Port Jefferson Harbor
Hallock State Park Preserve
St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church

About the Author

Gina Massaro
Gina Massaro is a Long Island native who believes in whimsy, fairies, and the idea of never growing up. She’s a mom to 3 young kids and a small zoo, and she has over 8 years of experience and childhood education expertise as a preschool educator. She tries to find time to write and paint between school pickups, diaper changes, and dog walks. For more of her art and writing check out her website: ginamassaro.com.
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