Now that my son is a toddler, we’ve been exploring new and exciting places to go on Long Island. I’ve organized a week full of activities for you to check out based on what we have loved doing. Pack the kids in the car and check out these family-friendly places in the suburbs of Manhattan!
8 Great Places To Go with Babies on Long Island
Playing in Plainview
Head to the largest interactive, inside, playground on Long Island: Once Upon a Treetop in Plainview. Once Upon a Tree Top is an interactive city for kids; parents must supervise, but feel free to bring as many adults as you need to (they’re free), as well as any infants are free. With a cafe inside and the option of bringing your own lunch, you can stay here all day long on a cold winter day, or a rainy summer day.
Their open playtime is Mondays and Thursdays, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM.
Walk Cold Spring Harbor
Head over to Cold Spring Harbor and check out a few places: The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, The Fish Hatchery, and The Firehouse Museum.
Stop at the Hatchery first, as it’s not within walking distance to the other two locations. Toddlers will love to see all the fish, and there are always events happening there. Head into Cold Spring Harbor, and park in the free lot.
The town is charming and walkable. The Whaling Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 PM-4:00 PM in winter and is open daily 11:00 AM-5:00 PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day. With lots of fun boats to see, even toddlers will enjoy browsing; they often have toddler and kid craft time, as well.
Walk over to the Firehouse Museum and see old fire trucks and gear. Toddlers will love to see the big trucks! Need a snack? Walk over to Sweetie Pies on Main for home-baked treats and coffee for mama.
Spend Time Together at Lolli Bop
Lolli Bop is an awesome play space for kids and a cafe for moms or dads. Your kiddo will definitely be able to find something to do in the play space from rock climbing to playing with American Girl Dolls. Plus, the food is kosher and delicious. If this sparks your interest, make sure to reserve a playtime in advance!
Long Island Aquarium
Gather the family up and head out East on the Island to The Long Island Aquarium; open Monday-Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM. The Aquarium has indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as adventure and interactive experiences. Visit on your birthday week and get free admission, too!
There is a cafe within the museum, as well as many restaurants in Riverhead.
Garden City and the Children’s Museum
Get over to Garden City (mid-west-Island), for the Long Island Children’s Museum. They’re open Tuesday-Sunday, from 10 AM-5 PM. They have a ton of rotating exhibits and hands-on activities for children; they also have a room just for toddlers! If your toddler can sit through a show, they have daily performances, as well.
White Post Farms in Melville
Check out White Post Farms in Melville; featuring an animal farm and petting zoo, it’s a great way to expose your children to new animals. Dating back to 1886, this farm has a giant aviary (the largest on Long Island), and children can hand and bottle feed animals! It’s a great experience for the whole family. Their website often has coupons, so check in before you head there with the kids.
Pin for Later- 8 Fun Places to Go With Babies on Long Island!
[All photos by Olivia Howell except the penguins from Long Island Aquarium]
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