Even if it’s sizzling outside, there are plenty of cool things to do in Long Island. From going in the gorgeous waters and catching premiere flicks to wandering through fascinating museums and spooning up Italian ice, this place has it all.

Check out these ways to have fun in or out of the sun.

Relax at the Beach

Catch the breeze and take a refreshing dip at any of Long Island’s stunning beaches, where soothing waves and foaming surf break and recede along miles of white sand.

The world-famous Jones Beach State Park is a must not only for its Atlantic Ocean shoreline but for historic landmarks and a boardwalk as well. Other stunners include Robert Moses State Park, Orient Beach State Park, Montauk and Fire Island beaches.

Coopers Beach, with its backdrop of mansions, and Main Beach, filled with celebrities, make the coveted Top 10 U.S. Beaches list by “Dr. Beach.”

Make Memories at the Water Parks

For a thrill while you chill, race down waterslides, plummet into pools, and get into some water fights at Long Island water parks devoted to getting you delightfully drenched.

Splish Splash Water Park is the largest with 20 attractions from a water coaster with heart-stopping drops to a lazy river. Others include a splash pad at Jones Beach State Park and Shipwreck Cove spray park.

Take a Swim at a Public Pool

Dog paddle and dive at Long Island pools at Cantiague Park, Montauk Downs State Park, and Hidden Pond Park. Each has more than one way to enjoy the water, from Olympic-sized pools to sprinklers. At Holtsville Pool, you get free admission to the ecology center and preserve next door which has 100 animals, including a bobcat and bald eagle.

Enjoy a Movie or Show

Long Island is loaded with air-conditioned cinemas and, with its proximity to Broadway talent, live performances at venues such as The Suffolk and John W. Engeman Theater.

On a smaller scale, the sun and the mercury go down as the big screen lights up at free, kid-friendly summer movies in the park in communities such as Babylon and Islip. 

For music lovers, check out acts at The Paramount. While it’s an open-air venue, the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Amphitheater gets ocean breezes while legends perform, with this season’s lineup including James Taylor, Megadeth and Alanis Morissette.

Get Inspired at the Museums

Long Island is a hotbed for all types of history be it local, entertainment, or maritime. There are plenty of opportunities for you to step out of the heat and into a local museum.

Marvel at Long Island museums, such as the Vanderbilt Museum or the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Learn about how the “Long Island Sound” isn’t just a body of water at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame or about Long Island history at The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor. Visit Montauk Point Lighthouse, one of the island’s famous landmarks.

Savor Refreshing Flavors

Scoop up some frosty delights at old-fashioned parlors, Italian ice trucks and more. Some of the best ice cream on Long Island can be found at Tweets Ice Cream Cafe at the Shoppes at East Wind. Blueberry pie and Fruity Pebbles are among the shake flavors or try affogato and Dole Whip.