Long Island has much to offer visitors and residents with young children. In this beautiful part of New York State you will find a wealth of attractions to keep the whole family entertained. Family favorites include an aquarium, outdoor water park and children’s zoo to name just a few. Here is a mini guide to some of the best children’s attractions that Long Island has to offer.
The Big Duck
Long Island has a long history of ducks and it was this association which inspired two brothers to commission a larger than life duck shaped building. Yes, you read that right, the duck shaped building in Riverhead stands 20 feet tall and 30 feet long and it’s his job to attract customers to buy real ducks at the store. Kids and adults will love this unique building which now houses a gift shop selling ‘duck-a-bilia’ and The Big Duck is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Long Island Farm, Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo
This fun, family wildlife park and zoo is located in Manorville and has been entertaining families for over 40 years on Long Island. Kids can meet hundreds of animals including cougars, giraffe, lemurs, peacocks, kangaroos and more. At the petting zoo, children and adults can get up close to touch and feed the baby animals which always proves a big hit with families. At Long Island Farm, Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo you will also find various carnival and pony rides along with a full schedule of daily activities to keep the children entertained.
Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Centre
Formerly Atlantis Marine World, Long Island Aquarium is a place that all the family can enjoy. With over 80 exhibits, a selection of ‘touch tanks’ and scheduled shows, the Aquarium is a place where children and adults can learn all about the marine world. Enjoy exhibits of colorful fish as they swim amongst living coral reefs and view the magnificent sharks through huge glass walls. Kids will be delighted to watch the penguins waddling along and the sea lions swimming. To round off a perfect day, hop on board the Atlantic Explorer Tour Boat which takes you on a journey down the Peconic River to Flanders Bay beach in search of sea creatures and adventure.
Adventureland
Adventureland has been entertaining families since 1962 and today it continues to do just that. This family friendly amusement park has rides and attractions to suit all ages. Young children will love rides like the Tubs of Fun and exciting water rides such as Adventure Falls – great fun on hot summer days. Older kids and adults can take a thrilling ride on John Silver’s Twister or the Hurricane ride and of course, there’s always the traditional Merry Go Round and Ferris wheel for more traditional fun.
Splish Splash Water Park
On those hot summer days there is nothing more fun than heading on down to a water park. Splish Splash is perfect for a summer day filled with water themed enjoyment for all ages. Voted one of the top ten water parks by the Travel Channel, Splish Splash Water Park is filled with slides, pools and thrilling rides like Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror. Not for the faint hearted, visitors are catapulted down a 40 foot drop and complete 360 degree spins… all in complete darkness! Share an adventurous raft ride with the whole family down Mammoth River or slide and twist your way through the Giant Twister… it’s all in a day’s fun at this brilliant water park.
There’s so much to see and do on Long Island that we may have missed your favorite family day out. If we have, drop us details in the comment box so we can add them to future articles.
David Wilson is a writer for AreaVibes, a website which helps American families choose the best places to live across the country.
