Mini-golf courses on Long Island may be miniature in size, but they deliver outsize fun. So stop putter-ing around and get on the green.

Miniature golf is one of those outings the entire family can enjoy. Some venues are part of larger amusement parks on Long Island that also offer kid-friendly fun such as arcades. Others are situated in county or state parks or beaches you may already be planning to check out this summer. Whatever the location, these courses offer a wonderful day or night of fun on the cheap.

If your family is ready to graduate to more advanced golf experiences, check out these par-3 golf courses on Long Island where kids can learn the game. Are you looking for other ideas for active family fun? Take a look at our rundowns on biking with the fam and hitting local hiking trails.

You can find more great things to do in the warmer months in our Summer Fun Guide, and be sure to bookmark our frequently-updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar. 

Playland in Rye, New York has been a go-to amusement park for NYC families since 1928. Now operating under new ownership, the picturesque 280-acre park has preserved its rich early 20th century history and charm while serving up modern-day attractions and amenities. From exhilarating new rides great for teens and tweens to fun kiddie rides and new amenities like fancy family-friendly restrooms, it was time to revisit the renovated and restored Westchester gem.

My family headed out to Playland to see what was new and whether it still held the nostalgic fun I remembered. We arrived to sweet picket fences, brightly blooming flowers, lush lawns, and Art Deco buildings really set the scene, and loads of thrilling rides, carnival games, and concession stands made it a day to remember. Below, I’m breaking down some of our favorite attractions, and sharing tips for visiting the park.

Climbing aboard an enchanting Polar Express on Long Island used to be but a dream. Instead, it meant a long road trip to one of these Polar Express and Christmas trains near NYC or setting a calendar alert to grab the tickets to the uber-popular Essex North Pole Express train in Connecticut as soon as they went on sale, but there's a new Polar Express on Long Island that's very close to home, thanks to the newly launched Long Island Polar Express Experience courtesy of the Long Island Airstream Experience.

So, start dreaming of Christmas magic as you read on for details on this Polar Express train on Long Island, which comes straight to you, and say so long gas and tolls—it's a veritable Christmas miracle.