Long Island Parks and Nature Preserves

With the change of season comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and the perfect opportunity to spend time with family out in nature. Autumn is a wonderful time of the year to get outdoors and experience all that Long Island has to offer.

Our island is home to over 100 Parks and Natural Preserves, all of which are great, family friendly places to plan a day of hiking, fishing, picnicking, birdwatching, playing sports or utilizing playgrounds. Many preserves even offer engaging educational programs and events for children and adults of all ages that aim to teach about the history and wildlife of the island. Visiting any one of these locations is a great way to connect with your children and help them to understand and appreciate the ecology of the Island they call home.

Your Local Kids has compiled a list of our favorite family friendly parks and preserves so you and your children can get the most out of this beautifully colorful season.

Nassau County

Garvies Point Museum and Preserve

50 Barry Drive
Glen Cove, NY 11542
(516) 571-8010

Centered heavily around education – the museum in a center for research on Long Island geology and Native American Archaeology.
The theater and gallery provide lectures, films and other educational programs for children and families
Age specific birthday party packages are available

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Welwyn Nature Preserve

100 Cresent Beach Road
Glen Cove, NY 11542
Phone: (516) 572-0200

Home to four marked nature trails spanning over 200 acres which provide access to a wooded stream valley, fresh water ponds, and coastline along the LI Sound
Over 100 species of birds inhabit the area, in addition to many small mammals and reptiles
Home to the Holocaust Memorial & Education Center which offers many educational programs

Muttontown Preserve

25A West of Jericho-Oyster Bay Road, Muttontown Lane
East Norwich, NY 11732
Phone: (516) 571-8500

Nassau County’s largest nature preserve consisting of 550 acres of fields, woodlands, ponds, and beautiful and historic estate grounds
Home to the ruins of 60-room granite mansion commissioned for the last reigning monarch of Albania, King Zog
Miles of marked nature trails lined with local wildflowers and trees – maps and brochures are available for self-guided tours

For more information, directions, or Hours of Operation, click here.

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

1395 Planting Fields Road
Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Phone: (516) 922-9200

Composed of 409 beautiful acres of greenhouses, woodland paths, an extensive collection of plant life, and formal gardens including an engaging Sensory Garden where the whole family can enjoy experiences tailored to each of the five senses
Home to original historic estates which you and your children can tour, including the Tudor Revival mansion, Coe Hall
Many educational programs are offered for the whole family

For more information, directions, or Hours of Operation, click here.

Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center

134 Cove Road
Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Phone: (516) 922-3200

Established in 1923 as the nation’s very first Audubon Songbird Sanctuary, it is home to many different species of birds and wildlife
A wide variety of high-quality educational programs and events centered around the importance of conservation are offered to all audiences in an effort to promote a better understanding of nature & an appreciation for the importance of a healthy planet for all its inhabitants
Throughout fall, the TRNC hosts affordable programs for families at Jones Beach – You can find this year’s calendar here

For more information, directions, or Hours of Operation, click here.

Grant Park

Broadway and Sheridan Avenue
Hewlett, NY 11557
(516) 571-7821

Many facilities for sports including 3 basketball courts, 4 tennis courts, 4 handball courts, and 3 baseball fields
Home to a public outdoor roller/skating rink
The playground area has dedicated sections for different age groups – pre-schoolers, 4-8 year olds and 9-12 year olds

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Eisenhower Park

Merrick & Stewart Avenues
East Meadow, NY 11554
Phone: (516) 572-0348

One of the largest public spaces in the NY Metro area with 930 acres of open space and recreation
Picnic areas and grills available for rental – Pavilions are also available by permit
A full range of athletic activities for the whole family are offered in their many facilities including swimming in the indoor aquatic center, ice skating or playing hockey on two NHL-sized rinks, tennis on one of their 16 lighted courts, various sports on one of their 24 fields, walking or jogging on the interactive fitness trail, mini-golf, hitting baseballs the the batting cages, or playing on one of the 3 playground areas

For more information, directions, or Hours of Operation, click here.

Cantiague Park

480 West John St.
Hicksville, NY 11801
(516) 571-7056

127-acre facility offers 5 tennis courts, 6 handball courts, 3 basketball courts, 4 softball fields, and 4 multi-sport fields
Children can play on the 18-hole mini golf course, at the batting cages, at the indoor skating rink, or on the playgrounds.
Two picnic areas are available by reservation

For more information, directions, or Hours of Operation, click here

Bethpage State Park

99 Quaker Meeting House Road
Farmingdale, NY 11735
(516) 249-0701

Made up of 1,477 acres of land, this park is home to world-class golf courses, 14 miles of paved trails suitable for hiking and biking, playgrounds, ball fields and tennis courts
Horseback riding along its many bridle trails is available through Bethpage Stables
The large picnic and pavilion area equipped with grills is perfect for families of all sizes

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Nickerson Beach Park

Lido Boulevard
Lido Beach, NY 11561

155 acres compose this recreational facility with beach front, campgrounds, pinic areas, and fields and courts for various sports
The “Fun Zone” – an area dedicated specifically to family fun – includes a skate park, tennis courts, basketball courts, mini golf, playgrounds, and soccer fields
Visitors are invited to birdwatch and take in nature and the area is home to a number of protected species of birds

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here

Marine Nature Study Area

500 Slice Drive
Oceanside, NY 11572
Phone: (516) 766-1580

52 acres of tidal wetlands are devoted to environmental education and natural history
Equipped with multiple instruction sites that include tanks with live marine life and are staffed by professionals trained in biology & ecology
Home to a beautiful boardwalk for walking & exploring

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Twin Lakes Preserve

Old Mill Road
Wantagh, NY 11793
(516) 431-9200

Composed of 58 acres with many trails through wooded areas and around five fresh water ponds and sections of fresh water wetlands
Many outdoor activities are possible including bird watching, fishing, hiking, or exploring the local flora, fauna, and wildlife along the trail systems
Multiple quaint foot bridges give park goers access to the smaller creeks that run through the preserve

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operations, click here.

Cedar Creek Park

Merrick Road east of Wantagh Avenue
Seaford, NY 11783
(516) 571-7470

This 259-acre facility has many things for families and kids to do, including playing on the playground that was named “Best Playground on LI” by Long Press and News 12
Home to a roller rink, 8 tennis courts, 3 basketball courts, 12 handball courts, multipurpose fields, and nature trails that can be used for walking, jogging, and biking
A picnic area is available on a first-come, first-serve basis

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Tackapausha Museum & Preserve

2225 Washington Ave
Seaford, NY 11783
Phone: (516) 571-7443

This 84-acre sanctuary is home to an array of local plant and wild life all of which can be viewed along 5 miles of clearly marked trails
The Tackapausha Museum boasts 3,000-square-feet of displays and activities for children and adults based around the ecology of Long Island
Many family friendly educational programs are available including exhibitions with live animals that are scheduled monthly – birds of prey, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as rabbits, porcupines, and ground squirrels are just a few of the species featured.

For more information, directions, or Hours of Operation, click here.

Massapequa Preserve

Merrick Road
Massapequa, NY 11758
Phone: (516) 798-0244

3 miles of paved and dirt trails are perfect for hiking and biking for families of all skill levels
Dogs are welcome, although they have to be leashed at all times
Multiple footbridges throughout the park run over freshwater streams and lakes are often used for fishing by park goers

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Suffolk County

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve

25 Lloyd Harbor Road
Huntington, NY 11743
Phone: (631) 423-1770

Located on a scenic peninsula on the Long Island Sound
A diverse array of activities park goers can pursue include fishing, hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding on one of the many bridle paths through services provided by the Lloyd Harbor Equestrian Center
The schedule for the many Fall nature programs offered can be found here

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Hoyt Farm Park Preserve

200 New Highway
Commack, NY 11725
Phone: (631) 543-7804

Baseball fields, horse shoe pits, climbing toys, see saws, and swings are just a few amenities available here for both children and adults
Nature trails, museums with a wide array of educational programs, and seasonal events are also available
Picnic area and pavilion provide for a great space to have a bagged lunch with kids

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve

581 W. Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787
Phone: (631) 265-1054

This 543-acre preserve offers hiking trails lined with rare plants, excellent birdwatching, fishing on Willow Pond for children under 15 through October 31^st
The recently renovated Nature Museum offers an array of natural history exhibits and nature programs, including Tiny Tots programs geared for children from ages 3-5
The schedule for the many Fall nature programs offered can be found here

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Sweetbriar Nature Center

62 Eckernkamp Drive
Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 979-6344

54 acres of gardens, woodland, wetland, and field habitats situated on the Nissequogue River are home to hundreds of species of plants and animals
There are many weeknd educational events for children of all ages available to the general public
Various Birthday Party packages are available, all of which provide an educational experience with live animals

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here

Sunken Meadow State Park

1 Sunken Meadow Parkway
Kings Park, NY 11754
Phone: (631) 269-4333

Sunken meadow boasts one of the most stunning views of the LI Sound, especially from the highest points of the wooded hiking trails – steep inclines on the Greenbelt Trail may only be suitable for older children and adults
Picnicking is very popular for families and group outings as there are grills, ball fields, playgrounds, and open lawn areas to take advantage of
The schedule for the many Fall nature programs offered can be found here

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Avalon Park & Preserve

200 Harbor Road
Stony Brook, NY 11790
Phone: (631) 689-0619

Made up of 140 acres of protected habitats, Avalon Preserve boasts a network of hiking paths designed to access all areas of the park
Youth programs are available for teenaged children based around environmental protection, in addition to yoga classes, meditation classes, and stellar & solar observation programs for guests of all ages
Guided tours for groups of all sizes available – appointments are required for larger groups

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Captree State Park

3500 E. Ocean Parkway
Bay Shore, NY 11706
(631) 669-0449

Home to the largest public fishing fleet on Long Island, families can fish the Great South Bay year round for fluke and other native fish
Picnic tables and playgrounds make for a great place for kids to play and to enjoy lunch
Captree Cove Restaurant is open through November 30^th

For more information, directions and Hours of Operation, click here.

Belmont Lake State Park

Southern State Parkway Exit 38
North Babylon, NY 11703
(631) 669-1000

This all-inclusive park is a wonderful place to plan a day of family fun utilizing the 463 acres of trails, various game courts and fields, playgrounds, and large picnic area equipped with grills and tables overlooking the lake
Horseback riding available through the Babylon Riding Center
The schedule for the many Fall nature programs and special events offered can be found here

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

South Shore Nature Center

130 Bayview Avenue
East Islip, NY 11730
(631) 581-6908

200-acres of forests, wetlands, and a salt marsh with an extensive network of marked trails and boardwalks stretch across LI’s Great South Bay
Many programs are offered for children and families such as the Autumn Family Scavenger Hunt, the Preschool Nature Explorers.
The Orr Wildlife Learning Center, which is open on weekends from 1-4 pm, provides interactive exhibits of both live and mounted wildlife specimens and dioramas.

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Heckscher State Park

Heckscher Parkway Field 1
East Islip, NY 11730
(631) 581-2100

1,600 acres sit on the coast of the Great South Bay with beautiful views of Fire Island and 4 miles of paved trails that are perfect hikers, bikers, birdwatchers and all around nature lovers of all ages
Children will love the many open fields used for various sports and playgrounds on the property
The schedule for the many Fall nature programs offered can be found here

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park

440 Montauk Highway
Great River, NY 11739
(631) 581-1002

The mission of this gorgeous location is “to provide an oasis of beauty and quiet for the pleasure, rest and refreshment of those who delight in outdoor beauty”, and is intended to provide attendees with a relaxing experience
Group tours of the grounds and the various houses on the property are available by reservation
The Hidden Oak Café located in the Manor House is a great place to have lunch and refuel during your visit

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Connetquot River State Park

3525 Sunrise Highway
Oakdale, NY 11769
(631) 581-1005

This expansive park encompasses a whopping 3,473 acres of land and water with a museum and visitors center on the property
50 miles of hiking, horseback riding, nature trails, and fishing (by permit only) on the Connetquot River is what keeps guests coming back
The schedule for the many Youth and Fall nature programs offered can be found here

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Brookhaven Ecology Site, Park & Animal Preserve

249 Buckley Road
Holtsville, NY 11742
(631) 758-9664

This park has a number of amenities and things to do & see including a playground & picnic area, an exercise-trail fitness course, greenhouses, and guided & self-guided tours
Children will love the animal preserve which has many wild and farm animals that are available to view and feed
Home to Safety Town, where children are instructed in pedestrian & bicycle safety using miniature electric vehicles

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Mashomack Preserve

Route 114
Shelter Island, NY 11964
(631) 749-1001

Located on scenic Shelter Island and only accessible by ferry, Mashomack Preserve is edged by 12 miles of coastline
2,039 acres of creeks, woodlands, and fields cover 1/3 of the island and is often referred to as the “Jewel of the Peconic”
Many family friendly tours and programs are available to the public and can be found here

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

Montauk Point State Park

2000 Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-3781

Located on the eastern most point on the South Shore of LI, breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, Block Island Sound, and the Montauk Lighthouse can be enjoyed by visitors young and old
Visitors can take advantage of nature trails, camping areas, picnic areas, horseback riding, playgrounds, and many other amenities and activities this park has to offer
Kids will love watching the seals swim, play and sun themselves on the rocks just offshore

For more information, directions, and Hours of Operation, click here.

We at Your Local Kids wish you a happy and healthy season filled with family fun!