The Best Parks in Long Island to Take Your Kids To

Heading to Long Island? Want to embark on a fun-filled outdoor adventure with your little ones in tow? If so, we have good news: there are all sorts of parks in Long Island that are simply perfect for a family day out. 

In fact, among its metropolitan sights and white sand beaches, Long Island is a treasure trove for fantastic parks of all types that cater to every kid’s fun-seeking curious mind. From sunny playgrounds to interactive nature trails, this list presents the best Long Island parks that tap into everyone’s inner big kid — including our very own Long Island adventure park!

So pack your backpacks, don your explorer hats, and let’s dive into the park wonders that await.

#1 The Adventure Park on Long Island

Park type: Climbing and ziplining

Location: Wheatley Heights

First up on this list of parks in Long Island: our Long Island Adventure Park.

Unleash your inner adventurer and embark on an epic treetop journey through our aerial courses. Climb trees like a pro, swing from ropes, traverse tunnels, and soar through the air on thrilling ziplines. There’s no time like the present for bigger family members to conquer their fears while little ones show off their bravery on the specially designed Adventure Playground.

But hey, we understand that not everyone is a fearless daredevil. That’s why our courses are color-coded based on difficulty levels. Whether you’re a fearless expert or a novice beginner, we’ve got you covered.

Curious about what your day will look like? Here’s a sneak peek of the thrilling adventure that awaits:

• Gear up: Get fitted with all the necessary equipment to make sure you’re ready and safe to climb. Don’t forget to put on your adventure-ready outfit too!
• Safety briefing: Our friendly staff will walk you through the safety protocols and give you essential tips for navigating the courses. Safety first, but fun always.
• Choose your challenge: Pick from the color-coded courses, each one designed with unique elements and challenges that match your level of courage.
• Conquer the course: Climb ladders, navigate wobbly bridges, swing from ropes, and crawl through tunnels. Each step will bring you closer to an adrenaline rush like no other.
• Zipline thrills: Brace yourself for the highlight of the day — gliding through the air on exciting ziplines. Feel the wind in your hair as you soar above the treetops.
• Celebrate your victory: As you complete each course, you’ll celebrate your triumphs with high-fives. You’ve conquered the challenges and created memories that’ll last a lifetime!

#2 Eisenhower Park

Park type: Public park

Location: East Meadow

As one of the biggest open spaces in NYC, Eisenhower Park is an eclectic 930-acre public park with a huge variety of outdoorsy offerings. It’s a Long Island park for anyone and everyone. While toddlers play swing, slide, and climb on the playgrounds, bigger kids and teens can check out the mini golf course for a spot of friendly rivalry. 

There’s also a sensory garden to teach little ones about different plants and flowers, plus plenty of scenic spots to take a leisurely stroll. Our favorite is Salisbury Lake where you’ll watch ducks and geese make a home of the park’s natural setting.

#3 Tanglewood Preserve

Park type: Nature park

Location: Rockville Center

Fancy teaming up with mother nature herself? The Tanglewood Preserve is one of the best Long Island parks for enjoying the great outdoors: a beautiful 11-acre site offering picturesque trails, pond fishing, and a variety of educational STEM-based programs over at the Centre for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL). 

There’s something extra-terrific if you’ve got a few dino fans in the family too: an exciting dinosaur exhibition where you’ll come face-to-face with robotic life-size dinosaurs and have the chance to take part in a hands-on dino dig.

Just FYI: at The Adventure Park we also offer outdoorsy STEM-based activities that aim to take your child’s learning to brave new heights around science, technology engineering, and math subjects. Find out more here.

#4 Jones Beach State Park

Park type: Sandy beach

Location: Wantagh

Say “Shell yeah!” to a beach day and head to the sands of Jones Beach State Park, AKA one of the sunniest things to do with kids in Long Island! Pack a picnic and pick a spot along its beautiful 6.5 miles stretch of sand. Let your little sand architects run wild by building sandcastles all morning long before heading into the salty waves for a refreshing afternoon dip. You’ll also find a variety of family-friendly bars and restaurants along the boardwalk and a playground where imaginations can soar as high as the seagulls! 

#5 Planting Fields

Park type: Historic park

Location: Oyster Bay

Are you looking for the true beauty of Long Island’s parks? If so, check out the next one up on our list of parks in Long Island: Planting Fields. It’s the place to be for outdoorsy types and cultural buffs. As a historic state park stretching over 400 acres, it’s perfect for gentle strollers and keen gardeners who’d love nothing more than a tranquil exploration of its woodland trails or a guided tour around its rose gardens and glass greenhouses.

#6 Heckscher Park

Park type: Public park

Location: Huntington

Last up on our list of the best parks in Long Island is Heckscher Park. Ponds, play areas, tennis courts, a sculpture garden, and breathtaking natural gardens are waiting to be explored amongst this 18-acre park. Known for its local festivals, concerts, and renaissance fairs, this is the best option for cultural families who want to immerse themselves in Long Island’s long-standing history and culture. 

Visit the Long Island Adventure Park!

It’s one of the most adrenaline-fuelled things to do with kids in the whole of Long Island.

Got a big family gathering or special occasion with 10+ guests coming? We’re here to help you save some serious cash! Check out our group ticket rates that’ll make your wallet smile. 

And if you’re thinking of turning our park activities into a weekly or monthly family tradition, how about our ‘Adventure Anytime’ Season Passes? You’ll get unlimited access to all our climbing adventures for a whole year. That’s 365 days of non-stop fun and excitement!

Head on over and explore our ticket options to choose the one that suits your family’s needs and budget. 

We’re thrilled to have you join us and create unforgettable memories together among the parks in Long Island!