Planning a trip with kids in tow can feel like organizing a circus (with Cheezits). But Long Island is jam-packed with everything from wild animal encounters to hands-on museums and outdoor activities that kids will love. So, get out and explore your own backyard, or come visit via Long Island Macarthur Airport, the LI Rail Road, or by car, and ensure everyone has a good time. Whether following one day from this list or combining a few days for the ultimate kid-friendly long weekend, you can’t go wrong with these family-oriented Long Island itinerary ideas!
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South Shore
Morning:
Head east to Manorville and explore the Long Island Game Farm, where kids can bottle-feed baby goats, meet exotic animals, and maybe even pet a capybara.
Lunch:
Pack a picnic and eat in the grass. Consider buying bagels or sandwiches to-go from Bagel Boss. Don’t feel like packing? The Long Island Game Farm offers a snack bar.
Afternoon and Dinner:
Unwind for the evening at Lily’s Seaside at Silly Lily Fishing Station in East Moriches. This waterfront eatery is kid-friendly, dog-friendly and casual with retro window service. Plus, they offer motorboat, sailboat and kayak rentals, perfect to end the day with fishing, clamming, beachhopping or just soaking up the sun ‘til sundown with the fam.
Train Tip: Utilizing the LIRR? Stop at Speonk on the Montauk Branch. Learn more here. From there, utilizing local rideshares like Ubers are an easy way to get around.
North Shore
Morning:
Wake up and eat a hearty breakfast at Hatch in Huntington, known for larger-than-life brunch dishes and diner classics with a modern twist.
Afternoon:
For some fun in the sun, head north to Crab Meadow Beach in Northport. The calm waters, wide stretch of sand and shallow shoreline make it ideal for younger swimmers. Pack sand toys or a beach ball and let the kids run wild while you enjoy the scenic views of the Long Island Sound.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to beat the heat or avoid sand in your shoes, the nearby Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium offers a mix of history and space-age excitement. While the mansion tours might be better suited for older kids, the planetarium shows offer a fascinating break indoors.
Lunch:
Grab a casual lunch at a local deli or diner, Long Island local style.
Dinner:
Cap off the day at Del Vino Vineyards in Northport. This vineyard is family-friendly with outdoor seating, spacious lawns, and live music on many evenings. Parents can enjoy a glass of wine and wood-fired pizza, while kids have room to roam and soak in the sunset.
Train Tip: Utilizing the LIRR? Stop at Huntington and Northport on the Port Jefferson Line. Learn more here. From there, utilizing local rideshares like Ubers are an easy way to get around.
North Fork
Morning:
Pip’s Café & Provisions is tucked in the heart of Greenport on Long Island’s beautiful North Fork. It’s a local favorite with delicious pastries baked from scratch, and sandwiches, soups and salads made with care.
Afterwards, stroll around town and don’t miss out on Mitchell Park, where kids can play on the grass while overlooking the marina. The antique carousel at the park is a must-ride. It’s over 100 years old and is open daily during the warmer months.
Afternoon:
Set off for a FINtastic adventure at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. View one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in the hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark tank, sea lion shows, numerous touch tanks, a butterfly exhibit and more. Join in on the summer deals as the Aquarium celebrates its 25th anniversary this year!
Lunch:
Eat lunch at The Aquarium Café located inside the aquarium, that way you can hop right back into the exploration when finished.
Dinner:
Southold Social is a farm-to-table bistro sharing fresh flavors of the North Fork. Low-top tables and half-booths are perfect for dinner with kids.
Train Tip: Utilizing the LIRR? The train stops at Greenport and Southold, both on the Ronkonkoma Line. Learn more here. From there, utilizing local rideshares like Ubers are an easy way to get around.
South Fork
Morning:
Beach day! Pack up the buckets, shovels, snacks, and throw on your suits. Head to Coopers Beach in Southampton, ranked as the #1 top beach in the country! Expect white sand, clean water, and fun in the sun. Coopers Beach has a food shack that serves breakfast so you can pack light.
Lunch:
No East End experience is complete without a trip to Lobster Roll, aka LUNCH, which now has a location in Southampton. Though the original location is in Amagansett, you can expect the same craveable flavors. The kids menu has everything from chicken tenders and hot dogs to lobster salad and flounder, covering both land and sea options.
Afternoon:
Either head back to Coopers Beach to catch a summer sunset, or stay in and see a movie at the historic Southampton Playhouse, where an IMAX screen and butter popcorn offer the perfect chill, end-of-day activity.
Dinner:
Nearby, Calissa Hamptons has a huge focus on Mediterranean style dishes and locally caught fish, but there is a kids menu available with options more appealing to little ones. It’s a win-win!
Train Tip: Utilizing the LIRR? Stop at Southampton on the Montauk Branch. Learn more here. From there, utilizing local rideshares like Ubers are an easy way to get around.
Montauk
Morning:
Get out to Montauk early and skip the crowds. Have your pick at either Anthony's or John's Pancake Houses, two competing restaurants for over 70 years.
Afternoon:
Visit Deep Hollow Ranch, the oldest operating cattle ranch in the U.S., and take the family for a beginner trail ride on the horses, or pony rides. Trail rides are on a white sand beach!
After the saddle, head to the Island's eastern-most point, and probably one of the most recognizable lighthouses in the country, the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum. Join staff for a tour, climb up the steps, and then let the kids roll down the grassy hill beside it.
Grab a pizza pie from a local pizzeria to hold the family over until dinner. Eat like a local and order a "Grandma Pie."
Dinner:
Navy Beach Restaurant in Montauk is the perfect combination of breathtaking views, casual seating and delicious food that make it perfect for families. Overlook the Fort Pond Bay and enjoy coastal cuisine.
Train Tip: Utilizing the LIRR? Stop at Southampton on the Montauk Branch. Learn more here. From there, utilizing local rideshares like Ubers are an easy way to get around.
Farmingdale
Morning:
Grab a late breakfast at Tap Room Farmingdale to fuel up for the day. The restaurant offers a brunch menu on weekends, and a kids-eat-free special every Tuesday!
Afternoon:
Spend the day at Long Island staple, Adventureland! With everything from rollercoaster rides, to the swings to a ferris wheel, family fun lasts all day long.
Dinner:
If you’re not already filled up by the concession stands and treats from Adventureland, stop in for a meal at The Villager in Farmingdale. The menu boasts handcrafted American classics, a taco bar, savory sandwiches, salads and a kids menu of course.
Train Tip: Utilizing the LIRR? Farmingdale conveniently has a stop on the Ronkonkoma Line. Learn more here. From there, utilizing local rideshares like Ubers are an easy way to get around.
Western Long Island
Morning:
Soar into your day with a trip to the Cradle of Aviation in Garden City. Learn about American aviation and space history, catch a show in the planetarium, and watch your little ones marvel at vintage aircraft.
Lunch:
Save yourself a trip and eat lunch at the museum’s Red Planet Cafe. You will be transported to a space station on Mars in the year 2040 and look out on the “Martian landscape” while lunching. The cafe offers wraps, salads, sandwiches, fruit, hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken fingers, pizza and more, perfect for even the pickiest of eaters.
Afternoon:
Consider biding time and burning off extra energy at nearby walking trails and playgrounds. Or, visit the Pine Lawn Arboretum and wander around the beautiful gardens.
Dinner:
Hop over to Pietro’s of East Meadow for dinner. Reserve a cozy, airconditioned igloo and eat pizza, pasta and all the classic Italian staples with your family. For parents wanting to cool off after a long day, try a “popsecco,” a Prosecco popsicle!
Train Tip: Utilizing the LIRR? Garden City conveniently has a stop on the Hempstead Branch. Learn more here. From there, utilizing local rideshares like Ubers are an easy way to get around.
