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How to Choose Activities Everyone Will Enjoy

My kids always get excited to try a new experience, visit a new spot, or revisit a favorite activity they loved. When planning an adventure for a family with children of various ages, look for attractions with multiple types of activities. Locations with food options and rest areas are always at the top of the list, and they check off the convenience factor for parents.

Many spots offer interactive play areas or hands-on activities for younger children, as well as immersive experiences for older kids and teens. Younger kids often enjoy spending time with older siblings or watching them do a new activity, and they may even be inspired to try it next time or in the future. 

Tips for a Stress-Free, All-Ages Long Island Day 

• Always have snack and bathroom break options planned out 
• Mix active time with rest breaks
• Pick 1-2 major stops per day to avoid burnout 
• Bring water and sunblock if you plan to spend time outdoors
• Pack a change of clothes, just in case, to leave in the car for the kids

Outdoor Adventures for All Ages on Long Island

1. Eisenhower Park – East Meadow 

Kids from toddlers to teens love a visit to this massive park in Nassau County, often called the "Central Park" of Long Island. Playgrounds, mini-golf, basketball courts, hiking trails, and more are available for families to enjoy together. 

For Toddlers: Young kids can enjoy playground time and a snack or lunch in one of the picnic areas. 
For Big Kids: Older kids will want to play a sport, try some mini-golf, and explore the park together. 
For Teens: Hiking trails, pickleball courts, baseball fields, and more offer endless activities for teens to get into the action. 

Harbes Family Farm has playgrounds for the little ones. Photo courtesy of Harbes Family Farm

2. Harbes Family Farm & Winery – Mattituck

Harbes Family Farm & Winery is a great way to get the entire family out to enjoy the outdoors and some farm fun. The farm hosts different festivals depending on the season. Kids can take on the Barnyard Adventure for a few hours with the family, and then everyone can head over to the vineyard's beautiful wine barn for parents to relax with a glass of wine. 

For Toddlers: The Barnyard Adventure attraction has adorable playgrounds, farm animals, hay rides, and more. 
For Big Kids: Bigger kids will love the sports zone, slides, and pig races, to name a few activities. 
For Teens: The corn mazes and apple blaster are perfect for the older crowd, and the farm stand offers delicious snacks, homemade ice creams, donuts, and more!

3. Jones Beach State Park – Wantagh

This beautiful Long Island state park and beach offers activities and fun for all ages throughout the year. The Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is indoors and perfect for families to visit in any season for free. Toddlers will love the hands-on activities and touch tank at the nature center, while older kids and teens can learn about how nature and energy connect in the adjacent gallery. 

For Toddlers: Little ones will love the playgrounds in cooler months at this state park and in the summer splash pad fun and the beach. 
For Big Kids: Older kids can always enjoy a walk or bike ride on the boardwalk or some beach time in the summer months. 
For Teens: Teens and older kids can visit WildPlay Adventure Park for some daring action in the warmer months or enjoy the boardwalk and park with family during the colder months.  

4. Quogue Wildlife Refuge – Quogue 

This wildlife refuge on the East End is a perfect way to teach kids of any age all about zoology and nature. The refuge has 7 miles of trails to explore, plus an outdoor area housing permanently injured wildlife that have been rescued. Kids can see and learn about animals like owls, foxes, hawks, and more. 

For Toddlers: A butterfly garden and greenhouse with four tortoises to visit is another highlight for little ones. 
For Big Kids: Inside the nature center, kids will find even more wildlife exhibits to explore and learn about animals and their habitats. 
For Teens: Teens can take a hike with the family to explore the beautiful grounds, learn about wildlife preservation, and practice their photography skills. 

5. Long Island Ducks Game – Central Islip

Take in a baseball game and cheer on the local Long Island baseball team with the whole family. Kids and teens of all ages will love a day at the ballpark.

For Toddlers: There is a bounce house area set up for little ones to get active before and during the game. Kids will also love seeing the mascot, Quacker Jack! 
For Big Kids: Older kids will love watching the game and visiting the souvenir shop. 
For Teens: Teens can take in the game and grab food and treats during a great family night out. 

6. Montauk Point Lighthouse – Montauk

A visit to the Montauk Point Lighthouse is fun for all ages. My little ones climbed to the top at ages 7 and 4 and loved it! A visit to the town of Montauk in-season or off is always a treat as well. 

For Toddlers: Little ones can get active on the beautiful grounds and check out the interactive undersea screen in the second museum house. 
For Big Kids: Kids can learn lighthouse history, visit the souvenir shop, and, of course, challenge themselves to climb to the top! 
For Teens: Teens can learn all about the history of lighthouses across Long Island while taking in the stunning views. 

Long Island Museums & Cultural Spots that Wow All Ages

7. Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium – Centerport

A visit to the Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium offers an exciting adventure for the whole family. Kids can tour the Habitat and Stoll Wing, see planetarium exhibits, walk the beautiful grounds, and even grab a bite to eat at the cafe. 

For Toddlers: The Planetarium runs family programs throughout the year with shows for kids ages 2-8. 
For Big Kids: Guided mansion tours are available and recommended for kids ages 8 and older. 
For Teens: Teens will appreciate some of the special themed planetarium shows featuring pop music from Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and more.

8. Cradle of Aviation Museum — Garden City

Kids of all ages will enjoy a visit to the Cradle of Aviation, which celebrates Long Island’s aviation history. Exhibits feature airplanes and space vehicles, a hot air balloon, and even an Apollo lunar module.

For Toddlers: The Junior Jet Club, a soft play area designed for kids ages 2-6. 
For Big Kids: Hands-on exhibits will entertain kids who love exploring and aviation. 
For Teens: The planetarium includes an immersive theater experience that's great for older kids and teens. 

Entertainment Everyone Can Get Into on LI

9. United Skates of America – Seaford 

This roller skating rink is extremely popular for kids of all ages on Long Island. It offers open skate times, glow skating, and different themed events throughout the year. Parents can rent skates or bring their own for a spin around the rink or to help teach little ones the basics. There's also a skate school for kids with lesson options for all levels.

For Toddlers: The rink has adjustable skates and skate mates for little ones to use.
For Big Kids: Big kids will love skating, the music, and the arcade games. 
For Teens: Teens can enjoy skating, grab food with friends, sit in the rest area to chat, and attend special themed events. 

10. Bounce! Family Entertainment Center – Syosset 

Bounce! is an ideal family-friendly trampoline destination for kids of all ages. Kids can navigate zip lines, a ninja net course, climbing structures, trampoline dodge ball, bumper cars, and more.

For Toddlers: The toddler area for 6-year-olds and younger is perfect for little ones. 
For Big Kids: Big kids will love the bumper cars, rock climbing walls, trampolines, and ninja course action. 
For Teens:  Teens can take on the elevated net course, a game of trampoline dodgeball, the arcade, and more.

Bounce! is a trampoline destination for kids of all ages. Photo by the author

11. Xplore Family Fun Center – Commack, Port Jefferson

These popular family fun centers offer an awesome range of action for all ages, from toddlers to teens. Parents won't be left out either and are welcome to jump into the fun. 

For Toddlers: Little ones will have a blast in the soft play area. 
For Big Kids: The Commack location has an incredible indoor mini-electric go-kart track for kids
For Teens: Laser tag, go-karts, and immersive arcade games will entertain the teens. 

12. Dave & Buster's – Various locations 

Families with gamers, both big and small, will enjoy a fun time at this spot. Hop into a racing game with your toddler, introduce older kids to the arcade classics, or catch a game on one of the big screen TVs while you order some food and drinks. 

For Toddlers: Parents can play video games with the little ones, and they will love a fun meal out. 
For Big Kids: The arcade play will keep kids happy and occupied! 
For Teens: Teens can play the immersive games and laser tag. 

13. Monster Mini Golf – Various Locations

You are never too old to play a round of mini golf at this cool indoor mini golf spot that's perfect for the whole family. All ages will love the challenge of a game at this spooky mini golf spot. 

For Toddlers: Little ones will have fun learning mini golf and some arcade games. 
For Big Kids: Laser tag and bowling for the older kids. 
For Teens: Virtual reality for the teens is available. 

Long Island Seasonal Favorites for All Ages

Fall 

Everyone can get into apple picking at Seven Pond Orchard. Photo courtesy of the orchard

14. Seven Pond Orchard – Water Mill 

Apple picking is a fall activity that kids (and adults) of any age can enjoy. There are snacks to buy and Instagram-worthy photos to be taken for kids of all ages!

For Toddlers: Little ones will love pulling the apple wagon and picking some of their own apples, as well as visiting the play area. 
For Big Kids: Older kids will love apple picking and a tractor ride in the fields. 
For Teens: Teens can explore the apple orchard, sunflower fields, vegetable fields, and check out the country store. 

15. White Post Farms – Melville

This farm offers a lot of family fun for the fall season. The fall festival has hayrides, pumpkin picking, shows, food stands, and more. 

For Toddlers: Young kids will love meeting all the farm animals and fun shows. 
For Big Kids: Older kids can feed the farm animals, feed the resident giraffe, and pick their own pumpkins. 
For Teens: Teens who love animals will enjoy a visit with the family, and they can pick a pumpkin to carve into their own spooky creation.

Winter

16. Iceland – New Hyde Park

Iceland is a great indoor ice skating rink to enjoy with the whole family year-round, but especially in the winter months. There are public skate sessions, lessons, and even birthday party options. 

For Toddlers: Toddlers can learn to skate at this local ice rink with parents or older siblings. 
For Big Kids: Older kids can meet up with friends, learn to skate, and grab a snack. 
For Teens: Teens can meet up with friends and enjoy ice skating. 

17. Santa's Christmas Tree Farm – Cutchogue

This farm is an enchanting experience at Christmastime. 

For Toddlers: Toddlers can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, play on the wooden train, and ride ponies at this fun outdoor tree farm. 
For Big Kids: Older kids can take Santa pictures, skate around on the small rink, and climb on the tractors for a fun photo. 
For Teens: Teens can enjoy visiting the Christmas shop, hanging out, having hot chocolate, and making s'mores with the family. 

Spring 

18. Waterdrinker Family Farm Tulip Festival – Manorville, Riverhead

This seasonal tulip festival offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy, from toddlers to teens to the adults. 

For Toddlers: Toddlers can see farm animals, jump on the bounce pad, and play at the playground area. 
For Big Kids: Older kids can explore the farm, pick tulips, play mini golf, and more. 
For Teens: Teens can enjoy a day outdoors at the festival, live music, picking tulips, and taking photos 

There are photo-ops galore at Waterdrinker Farm's tulip festival. Photo courtesy of the farm

19. Hicks Nurseries Flower and Garden Show – Westbury

Spring is always in the air at this annual flower show at Hicks Nurseries, which is perfect for all ages to stop and smell the flowers. 

For Toddlers: Younger kids love to see the theme come to life each year with vibrant flowers and fun decor. 
For Big Kids: Kids can enjoy an interactive scavenger hunt to find certain items hidden in the flower show. 
For Teens: Teens can learn all about the annual theme and about the kinds of flowers that make up the elaborate designs. 

Summer

20. Splish Splash – Calverton

Splish Splash is a must for families looking to cool off in the summer months while enjoying amazing rides and slides. 

For Toddlers: Toddlers can cool off in the kiddie area and on some water rides with adults. 
For Big Kids: Water rides, the lazy river, and some water slides are perfect for the older kid crowd to enjoy. 
For Teens: Teens and adults will love some of the wild slides and rides designated as "not for kids." Teens will also like special themed Neon Nights with a DJ spinning tunes and lots of glow lights. 

21. Adventureland – Farmingdale 

Families will love exploring the park's rides and attractions, like bumper cars, the Ferris wheel, the Fireball ride, roller coasters, and more. 

For Toddlers: There are plenty of adorable rides for the little ones to enjoy. 
For Big Kids: The coasters are best for middle school-aged kids and bigger kids and, of course, parents! 
For Teens: The water rides are perfect for the teen crowd to experience. 

LI Food Stops That Make Everyone Happy

22. Maureen’s Kitchen – Smithtown

This "utterly" adorable cow-themed restaurant is a family-run staple that kids and adults of any age love. It is so popular that people often line up to eat. The cash-only spot offers great portions and a big menu with lots of kid-friendly breakfast and lunch options. 

23. Hildebrandt’s – Williston Park

Travel back in time with a visit to this nostalgic ice cream parlor and eatery. Grab a table or dine at the old-fashioned soda shop stools and counter serving up homemade ice cream treats and an expansive menu of diner fare that the whole family will love. 

24. Benihana – Westbury, Manhasset

This hibachi restaurant knows how to put on a show for the whole family. Kids 12 and younger can choose a meal from the children’s menu while wearing a cute Benihana kiddie hat. 

25. Haunted House of Hamburgers – Farmingdale

This Halloween-themed restaurant serves up a spooky time in a glowing decor for the whole family all year long. Kids who love a scare, from toddlers to older kids, can dine off the little haunters' menu.