Sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

Why Summer on Long Island is Perfect for Free Kid Activities

We always say summer is the season of free on Long Island. Local parks and cultural institutions host tons of free summer programming from morning to way after dark (free summer movies and music, anyone?) There's also tons of free fun to be enjoyed at local playgrounds, splash pads, and Long Island's many green spaces. So, fill up those water bottles, pack some snacks and sunscreen, and get ready to explore all the free activities for kids in Long Island this summer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Summer Activities on Long Island

How do I find out about free events happening each week?
Bookmark this list, plus our Long Island Kids' Guide to Free Fun, and our constantly updated Family Activity Calendar. We'll add new events as we find out about them all summer long.

Are these activities suitable for all ages?
We've included a variety of free kids' activities on our list below and have tried to target a wide range of ages. Some are suitable for toddlers to teens, while others may cater to one age group or another. Be sure to click through to each listing for more details and age recommendations.

What should I bring to a free outdoor event?
Pack for a day of outdoor adventure. We never leave home without a water bottle, a stocked snack bag, hats, and sunscreen. A light towel or a change of clothes is helpful on hot days, when the allure of a playground sprinkler might be hard to pass up. 

How early should I arrive for popular free events?
Free events tend to draw a crowd, so arrive early for popular events or risk being turned away.

100 Unforgettable FREE Summer Activities for Kids on LI

1. Free Summer Movies

The Town of Islip hosts a summer movies in the parks series, and several other localities offer free summer movie nights as well. Bookmark our post so you catch all the fun, free flicks. 

2. Picnic in Greenport

Pack a picnic to take to Greenport's harbor-front Mitchell Park, which boasts misting stations that will keep you cool. Make sure to explore the rest of the fun in the village, too. 

3. Lakeshore Learning Stores Activity Guides

Pick up a free summer activity guide at a store, complete the activities, and return to collect a prize. Free, monthly STEAM-related events return in September to Lakeshore Learning Stores. 

4. Home Depot Kids Workshops

Prefer using a hammer? Home Depot has kids workshops on the first Saturday of every month.

5. Explore Riverhead

Waddle over to Riverhead and visit the iconic Big Duck. It's a prime family selfie location.

6. Romp on a School Playground

School's out, and your local elementary school building's grounds have unique playground equipment, fitness stations, swings, and more to explore. If you are trying to beat the heat, check out these cool playgrounds with shade. 

RELATED: Best Things To Do in Long Beach with Kids

Go fishing on Long Island this summer for free. 

7. Go Fishing

Cast a line and catch some fun as you fish from these Long Island piers and beaches.

8. Listen to a Free Story

Barnes & Noble locations in Bay Shore, Smith Haven Mall, Carle Place, and Manhasset host free weekly storytime sessions.

9. Make a Craft

Our list of boredom busters is chock-full of recipes, games, crafts, and more using commonly found household items.

10. Discover Sagamore Hill

Visit the lush grounds of Sagamore Hill, the former home of Teddy Roosevelt. The 366-foot Eel Creek Boardwalk leads to expansive views of Centre Island and Lloyd Harbor. After your trip, stroll through historic Oyster Bay.

11. Catch 4th of July Fireworks

It's not Independence Day without fireworks. Read our story to see where you can get the best views.

12. Suffolk County Farm and Education Center

The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank is a fun farm with free admission for everyone.

13. Feed the Wild Birds

Go on a kid-friendly nature walk at the Elizabeth A. Morton Wildlife Refuge. Pack birdseed and watch these feathered friends nosh right from your hand.

14. Enjoy a Day in Port Jefferson Village

Stroll around Port Jefferson village and make a stop at Rocketship Park.

15. Eisenhower Park

This lush Nassau County green space is a bevy of activity in every season, from parks and playgrounds to pools, splash pads, and more.

16. Summer Birthday Freebie

Have a summer birthday in the house? Visit the Long Island Aquarium for FREE within a week of your special day. Note: adults must show a valid photo ID, and children need a copy of their birth certificate or passport. Plus, for its 25th anniversary, the Aquarium is offering $25 admission on the 25th of each month.

RELATED: Awesome Amusement Parks on Long Island for Families

Jump on a train to NYC for a free museum day. Photo by Gina Massaro

17. Visit an NYC Museum for Free

Take the LIRR into the city and visit these NYC museums on free admission days. Once you're there, stick around and enjoy some of these other free things to do in NYC with kids.

18. Explore a Free Nature Center

Check out one of the free nature centers on long island, like the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve, Sweetbriar Nature Center, or Garvies Point Preserve, which charges admission to the museum, though its walking trails are free and open for all.

19. Splash at a Free Spray Park

Cool off at a free Long Island spray park. Favorites include Blumenfeld Family Park in Port Washington, Clark Street Playground in Long Beach, and Port Jefferson Harbor.

20. Search for Seashells

Most state parks and beaches are free after 6pm on weekends and holidays, and after 4pm on weekdays. Go for an evening stroll along the shore and see what sea treasures you can find.

21. Discover Art

Local libraries offer free daily passes to the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn and others. Just reserve online in advance; some are even downloadable.

22. Explore Shelter Island

While you have to pay for the ferry ride to Shelter Island, there's plenty to explore for free once you arrive. Try hiking the majestic Mashomack Preserve.

23. Hit the Trails

Long Island has many family-friendly hiking trails, including some that offer beautiful views of Long Island. Pack some cash for parking, though.

24. See a Live Show

The Huntington Summer Arts Festival brings a roster of exciting performing artists to the Chapin Rainbow Stage in Heckscher Park each year.

25. Wander Through a Sculpture Garden

Experience colorful works of art at the always-free sculpture gardens at the Nassau County Museum of Art, the Parrish Art Museum, or the Hofstra University Museum, which provides free kids' activity packets.

RELATED: Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island

See where two wheels take you this summer.

26. Hit the Bike Trails

Pack up the bikes and see where two wheels can take you.

27. Alive on 25

Riverhead's Main Street is the place to be for Alive on 25, an annual street fair with music, food trucks, kids' activities, and more on select dates this summer. Bonus: A free fireworks show is held the first evening.

28. Explore a Living Museum and Garden

Take a stroll through a flourishing garden. Alberston's Clark Botanic Gardens is a 12-acre living museum and educational facility that is completely free.

29. Free Passes From Your Library

Many libraries offer free museum passes and other perks to their members, where families can check out places like the Long Island Children's Museum and Cradle of Aviation, both in Nassau County. Some even lend out Empire State Parks passes to our local beaches.

30. Explore a New Playground

Check out a new-to-you playground on Long Island, such as this all-inclusive one in Rockville Centre, this Garvies Point Playground in Glen Cove, Long Beach's new Magnolia Playground, or one of these recently debuted parks and playgrounds. Plus, check out our review of this hidden gem at Wantagh Park. 

31. Or...Revisit a Classic Romping Spot

These are our top playgrounds on Long Island, which are worth visiting and revisiting all summer long.

32. Camp Creatology

Join Michaels' free Camp Creatology program, in which kids and adults learn how to do different crafts. 

33. Kids Bowl Free

The Kids Bowl Free summer bowling program is open to all school-aged kids. Several Long Island bowling alleys are participating.

34. Southampton History Museum

Step back in time to the Southampton History Museum. It offers free programs and activities at various times each week. After your history lesson, enjoy the kid-friendly activities this beach community has to offer.

RELATED: 100 Free Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

Explore wetlands like the Marine Nature Study Area.

35. Marine Nature Study Area

The Marine Nature Study Area in Oceanside has boardwalks that meander throughout a 52-acre marshland. Look down for marine life and up for cranes and osprey, who call this waterfront oasis home. Plus, last year they added a new research building.

36. Strawberry Festival

Celebrate the season's sweetest fruit during the Historical Society of the Massapequas Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

37. Quogue Wildlife Refuge

Take a short hike among the pine barrens and stop in to visit the animals at Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Don't forget to check out the Fairy Dell Boardwalk across the street.

38. Spend the Day on Fire Island

Head out to Fire Island, where the visitor center hosts free hikes and other family-friendly nature education programs. You can even hoof it from Field 5 at Robert Moses State Park!

39. East Ending

Play hooky from work and book it to Orient Beach State Park for the sun, sand, and sweeping LI Sound vistas.

Meander around Goodale Farms and catch up with some friendly farm animals. Photo by the author

40. Goodale Farms

Head to Goodale Farms in Riverhead and pal around with goats, cows, and chickens before heading inside for some farm-fresh goodies. It even has milk bottles and feed for your little farmer to get some hands-on experience.

41. Riverhead Cardboard Boat Races

With cardboard, tape, and paint being the only allowable materials, see how durable the entrants in the Riverhead Cardboard Boat Races really are on Saturday, August 9, 2025.

42. Nautical Mile Festival

Celebrate Freeport Village's seaside history during its annual Nautical Mile Festival on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

43. Shop Local

Visit your local farmers' market to see what's in season. Many markets offer free entertainment and music. At Cornell Cooperative's East Meadow Farm, you can also explore the grounds.  

44. Old Time Baseball

Travel back in time and see how athletes used to play baseball in the 19th century. Catch a practice or home game for the NY Mutuals Ball Club on Long Island this summer. 

RELATED: 24 Best Things To Do in Southampton, NY, with Kids

Walk, ride, or scoot along one of the many boardwalks on the Long Island Shore.

45. Walk on a Boardwalk

Stretch the family's legs and take in the sea air on these Long Island boardwalks.

46. Go Skateboarding

Carve an ollie or pop a wheelie at one of these local Long Island skate parks. Tell mom not to look!

47. Discover Aztec Culture

The Paumanauke Pow-Wow returns to Babylon Township this year, and kids under 12 are free.

48. Camp at Home

Plan a backyard camping trip. Don't forget the s'mores!

49. Romp on a Ropes Course

Sure, you could shell out some big bucks to explore these local ropes courses and adventure parks, but did you know Captree State Park debuted a cool playground with a pint-sized ropes course last year that is perfect for little kids, and it's completely free?

50. Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

The Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is free to explore. Plus, its walk-in Touch Tank hours and Storytime Corner events are free. It also offers other programs for a nominal fee.

51. Wednesdays on Wellwood

These fun, free block parties in downtown Lindenhurst include food, drinks, family-friendly activities, live music, and more.

52. Try Out a New Thing

Most local libraries have amassed quite a collection in a Library of Things. From karaoke machines and oversized lawn games to sand castle molds and movie projectors, your family can plan a lot of fun times for free.

53. Go Birding

Print out a local birder's guide and set off with some binoculars to see which feathered friends you can check off the list. There are decent peeping spots along the shorelines. The South Fork Natural History Museum also hosts free monthly birding club sessions for kids ages 8-18.

54. Pitch in for Beach Clean Up

Give back to the community and Mother Earth as Hallock State Park Preserve hosts weekly cleanups each Saturday morning.

55. Babylon Block Party

The Babylon Block Party is set for multiple evenings this summer, offering games, vendors, food trucks, fun, and more.

56. Long Island Live Steamers

Chug on down to Long Island Live Steamers' twice-monthly Sunday public run days in Southaven Park. While rides are free, this volunteer program does accept donations.

57. Master Massapequa

58. Peconic River Herb Farm

Peconic River Herb Farm is an idyllic, serene 14-acre preserve with rolling hills, a picturesque pond, resident animals, and lots of photo-ops. Pack a picnic and settle in for a peaceful afternoon.

59. Love Lane

Mattituck's Love Lane closes to traffic for the first Friday evening of each month through early autumn.

60. Music on Main

Swing and sway under the stars along Farmingdale's Main Street.

61. Summer at WMHO

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization hosts free concerts on the village green on weekends.

62. Explore a Labyrinth

Open to the public year-round, the Avalon Nature Preserve in Stony Brook is in full bloom in the summer months. Explore trails, two ponds, a labyrinth, and much more.

63. Red Barn Fairs

Get up close and personal with the farm's resident alpacas during Red Barn's monthly fairs.

64. National Parks Days

On Thursday, June 19, and Monday, August 4, 2025, admission is free to National Parks.

65. Broaden Your Palate

The Stew Leonards locations in East Meadow and Farmingdale host weekly sample days. Bring your appetite as you peruse the store, and be sure to press the interactive buttons to catch animatronic shows. 

66. Nesconset Day

Enjoy bounce houses, food trucks, face painting, music, crafts, games, and prizes during Nesconset Day on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

67. Grumman Memorial Park

Grumman Memorial Park in Calverton celebrates the corporation's aviation achievements. View warplanes like the F-14A Tomcat and the A-6E Intruder on display, all for free.

68. Uplands Farm Sanctuary

Explore the nearly 2 1/2 miles of marked trails at this local sanctuary, and meander through bird and butterfly meadows, forests, and a shaded ravine. The west loop connects to the Nassau-Suffolk Trail.

69. Juneteenth

Huntington, Hempstead, and the Cradle of Aviation are just some of the towns/venues hosting Juneteenth events across Long Island. 

70. Levy Preserve

Be sure to check in with the resident goats at the mountain-like, 52-acre, Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve. Choose from three miles of trails plus a 500-foot fishing pier that juts into Merrick Bay. At the park's highest point, make yourself a human sundial to check the time.

71. Prosser Pines

The tall trees of Prosser Pines—Long Island pine barrens—make this Long Island spot particularly unique.

72. 67 Steps Beach

Just below the rolling grounds of the Horton Point Lighthouse is 67 Steps Beach. It's a steep walk down the rocky shoreline of the Long Island Sound, but totally worth it. You'll quickly grow your beach glass collection while down there. Just be careful about parking rules!

73. Stroll Garden of Zen

A quick jaunt through the foothills of Mill Neck brings you to an authentic tea house in the middle of the John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden.

75. Bailey Arboretum

From running through fields to hiking around the pond, this North Shore oasis boasts loads of family-friendly fun finds, like oversized lawn chairs for photo-ops, an imaginative play space, nature-made instruments, a see-saw, and more.

75. Kids Eat Free

We've rounded up a bunch of dining spots that let kids eat free.

76. Pride Parades

Spread love at a local Pride festival or parade throughout June, like the Long Island Pride Festival in Huntington.

77. Vintage Car Show

This Vintage Antique Care Show on Sunday, June 8, 2025, is open to any make of vehicle, including classics, antiques, customs, hot rods, and trucks, all on the historic grounds of the Rock Hall Museum.

78. Summer Kick-Off

This Summer Kick-Off at The Shoppes at East Wind includes plenty of free family fun, such as live music, a touch-a-truck show, and more.

79. Wet Paint Festival

Gallery North hosts its annual plein air painting event, which also boasts live music, food, and children's activities.

80. Story Time

The Next Chapter, a local bookshop in Huntginton, welcomes little readers up to age 4 for a free weekly story time on Mondays.

81. Grooves on the Green

The newly-opened Station Yards mixed-use complex includes an open space green area, restaurants, and more. This summer, Grooves on the Green takes over this Ronkonkoma space on select Wednesdays. 

82. Thursday Night Live

Thursday Night Live in Wantagh boasts live music, local vendors, bounce houses, food and dessert trucks, and more family fun on select evenings during the summer.

83. Father's Day Freebies

Dads get free admission to special spots across Long Island, such as The Whaling Museum and The Adventure Park of Long Island. 

84. Free Puppet Shows

Goat on a Boat hosts free puppet shows and other activities each Saturday in June in Sag Harbor.

85. Park After Dark

The Village of Massapequa shuts down Park Boulevard to vehicular traffic on specific evenings so that folks can walk, shop, dine at restaurants, visit a food truck rodeo, and enjoy live music.

86. Concerts at Hoyt Farm

Bring chairs and pack a picnic dinner to enjoy this free concert series at the bucolic Hoyt Farm.

87. Oyster Bay Music Festival

88. Great Neck Promenade Nights

During the Summer Promenade Series in Great Neck in July, live music fills the streets. 

89. Arts in the Plaza

90. Alive by the Bay

The streets of Bay Shore are lined with vendors, and Main Street restaurants serve specials during this event. 

91. Movie Night in a Barn

Rock Hall Museum hosts a family movie night in the barn this summer, showing Encanto. A visit to this Revolutionary War-era home with an interesting history is free regularly, too!

92. Family Fridays at The Common Ground

93. Summerfest

94. Shakespeare in the Park

95. Family Night on the Harbor

96. Tilles Jazz Fest

97. Darlene Graham Shows

98. KerboomKidz Shows

99. Port Promenade

100. Cold Spring Harbor