15 Free Things To Do On Long Island With Kids This Summer

7/9/13 - By Denise

School's out; the days are long, and it's time to get out and enjoy summer. Watch a movie under the stars; see a live performance; learn about local history, or curl up with a good book. Whether indoors or out, we've compiled a list of some of Long Island's coolest places for family fun. The best part is, all of the activities on this list are completely free. Be sure to check our events calendar for even more free events.

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  1. Dig Into Reading, is the theme for Long Island's 2013 summer reading programs. Libraries throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties offer incentives to get kids reading this summer. Signup for the program takes place at every library. While there, be sure to pickup an events calendar for information about children's programs. 
  2. Visit a botanical garden. A botanical garden feels like walking right through an artist's canvas, with the colors, textures, and sizes carefully correlated. Check out the Hofstra University Arboretum in Hempstead and the LIU Post Community Arboretum in Brookville.
  3. Enjoy Summer Sundays at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton. Topics change weekly and include a series of hands-on interactive science workshops recommended for children ages 10 years and up.
  4. Enjoy a classic car show. Cruise Nights take place Tuesdays on Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay, Fridays at the Massapequa Long Island Railroad Train Station, Wednesdays at the Broadway Mall in Hicksville, and Wednesdays at Independence Plaza in Selden.
  5. Hike to Suffolk County's highest point, Jayne's Hill, which is located in West Hills County Park in West Hills. Pickup a map for suggestions on navigating the hill at the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site and Interpretive Center.
  6. Visit the Rock Hall Museum in Lawrence, which features a fully furnished Georgian Colonial Landmark house, along with a permanent archeology exhibit, and an 18th century warming kitchen. 
  7. Attend an outdoor performance at Eisenhower Park's Lakeside Theater in East Meadow. Highlights include Children's Day on July 28, 2013 and The Sound of Music on July 19, 2013.
  8. Family Movie Night begins at dusk and takes place July 11-August 22, 2013 at various Nassau County Parks.
  9. Catch a children's show in Port Jefferson. Children's shows take place at the Kip Lee Park Barn at 6:30 pm through August 22, 2013.
  10. Learn about local history at the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society Museum, which features more than 1,000 arrowhead artifacts.
  11. Take a class at The Disney Store. Disney Store's offer classes based on popular television shows. Programs include the Princess Academy and the Monster Scare Class. Store locations include Roosevelt Field in Garden City, Broadway Mall in Hicksville, South Shore Mall in Bayshore, and Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove.
  12. Enjoy nature with the staff from the 4-H Peconic Dunes Camp on a guided hike or canoe trip at various locations throughout Suffolk County.
  13. Visit the Big Duck Museum in Flanders, which is listed on the national register of historic places.
  14. Visit the Suffolk County Police Museum in Yaphank or the Nassau County Police Museum in Mineola for a look at vintage police cars and the history of the police force. 
  15. Visit the Town of Brookhaven's Longwood Estate, which is located in Ridge, and is comprised of 35 acres of land, including the manor house, a one room school house, and barns.

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