Exploring Family-Friendly Parks on Long Island

Long Island is a haven for families looking to spend quality time together in beautiful outdoor spaces. With a plethora of family-friendly parks to choose from, there's no shortage of options for a fun day out with the kids. If you're looking for the perfect park to explore with your little ones, look no further than our top picks on Long Island.

The playground at Patriot's Preserve in Shirley, NY.

Belmont Lake State Park in North Babylon features two modern playgrounds designed for different age groups, allowing children to enjoy age-appropriate play structures while parents relax nearby. Families can rent pedal boats, rowboats, or kayaks to explore the calm waters of Belmont Lake, offering a unique perspective of the park's natural beauty. The park also provides ample shaded picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, making it perfect for family gatherings and outdoor meals. Additionally, the park hosts seasonal events like egg hunts and fishing expos, adding extra excitement to visits. With its diverse recreational offerings and family-friendly amenities, Belmont Lake State Park provides an excellent setting for creating lasting memories with children.

Patriots Preserve in Shirley boasts wide, paved, and stroller-friendly trails that meander through diverse habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and a serene lake. A boardwalk across the lake offers opportunities for wildlife observation, such as ducks, turtles, and various bird species. Children can enjoy a large playground, while families can take advantage of shaded picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, perfect for outdoor meals. The park's flat terrain and well-maintained paths make it accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. 

Patriot's Preserve in Shirley has nice paved bike paths and a bridge over the lake.

Heritage Park in Mount Sinai offers two expansive playgrounds equipped with slides, climbing structures, and swings, including a wheelchair-accessible swing, ensuring inclusive fun for everyone. For those interested in sports, there are soccer and baseball fields, as well as a paved walking trail that encircles the park, perfect for jogging, biking, or stroller walks. Unique attractions like the Kidz Maze—a privet hedge labyrinth—and a community putting green with a waterfall add to the park's charm. Educational elements such as a planetary walk and displays of antique farming equipment provide learning opportunities amidst play. Seasonal events, including outdoor movie nights and community carnivals, further enhance the family-friendly atmosphere. And, of course, clean facilities and ample parking are big pluses.

The Woodland Playground at Sands Point Preserve in Sands Point is nestled within a shaded forest near the Phil Dejana Learning Center. This fully fenced playground features a custom-designed cedar castle complete with towers, turrets, tunnels, a spiral slide, and climbing walls, sparking endless adventures for young explorers. Additional attractions include a 75-foot zip line, adaptive swings, spinners, a geodesic dome climber, and a four-seat rocker, catering to children of all ages and abilities . The playground also houses a charming English cottage-style quail coop, serving as an educational hub for the preserve's nature programs . With picnic tables just outside the play area and clean restrooms available at the nearby Visitor Center, families can enjoy a comfortable and enriching outing. Admission is $15 per vehicle, granting access to the preserve's expansive grounds, including hiking trails with scenic views and literal castles!

The woodland playground at Sands Point Preserve.

No matter which park you choose to explore, Long Island offers an abundance of family-friendly spaces for kids and parents to enjoy together. So pack a picnic, grab a Frisbee, and head out to one of these fantastic parks for a day of fun in the sun.