10 Best Things to Do With Kids in Nassau County

Finding something fun to do with kids on Long Island can sometimes feel harder than it should. You want something that gets them out of the house, burns some energy, keeps them interested — and ideally doesn't require driving all the way to Manhattan or out to the East End. Fortunately, Nassau County has plenty of family-friendly options ranging from hands-on museums and dinosaurs to beaches, nature preserves, playgrounds and living-history attractions. We looked at local recommendations, Nassau County resources and places that Long Island parents repeatedly mention online. In one popular local Reddit discussion, parents specifically recommended the Long Island Children's Museum, Cradle of Aviation, local libraries, Tanglewood Preserve, Tackapausha and other hands-on activities for younger kids. Here are 10 Nassau County places worth keeping on your family activity list.

1. 1

   Long Island Children's Museum — Garden City

   For younger kids especially, this is one of Nassau County's easiest recommendations. The Long Island Children's Museum is built around hands-on play, learning, creativity and exploration. It's the kind of place where kids can actually touch things, build things and move around rather than being told not to touch the exhibits. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and is located on Museum Row, making it easy to combine with another nearby attraction if everyone still has energy afterward.

   Toddlers through elementary-age kidsHands-on playMuseum Row

   Why go: Hands-on activities that can fill a few hours without feeling like 'school'

   11 Davis Avenue, Garden City (516) 224-5800 Directions Website

   Local parents repeatedly recommended checking library systems for museum passes, which can reduce or eliminate admission costs.

2. 2

   Cradle of Aviation Museum — Garden City

   If your kid likes airplanes, rockets, space or anything that moves, the Cradle of Aviation is an easy win. The museum focuses on Long Island's aviation and aerospace history and includes permanent exhibits, rotating exhibits and a digital planetarium and theater. Because it's also on Museum Row, you can pair it with the Children's Museum or Nassau County Firefighters Museum.

   Plane loversSTEM kidsSchool-age childrenPlanetarium

   Why go: It's one of Nassau County's signature museums — and adults will enjoy it too

   Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City (516) 572-4111 Directions Website
3. 3

   Center for Science Teaching & Learning at Tanglewood Preserve — Rockville Centre

   This is one of those places families sometimes discover by word of mouth and then wonder why they didn't know about it sooner. The Center for Science Teaching and Learning sits inside Tanglewood Preserve and combines hands-on science learning, live animals, nature programming and a dinosaur exhibit. Nassau County describes CSTL as offering interactive exhibits, animal encounters, camps and educational programs for families. The surrounding preserve also gives you trails and outdoor space when the weather cooperates.

   Dinosaur fansScience loversAnimal loversNature trails

   Why go: Dinosaurs + science + nature is a pretty strong kid combination

   1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre (516) 764-0045 Directions Website

   Specifically recommended by Long Island parents in local community discussions as an interactive hidden gem.

4. 4

   Eisenhower Park — East Meadow

   Sometimes the best family outing doesn't require a ticket. Eisenhower Park is enormous and gives families plenty of ways to spend a few hours outdoors. The park has multiple playground areas, and depending on the season there's miniature golf, splash and sprinkler areas and other recreational activities. It's also a good 'we need to get out of the house right now' option because you don't necessarily need an elaborate plan.

   All agesPlaygroundsMini golfSplash pads

   Why go: Lots of open green space and multiple activities in one massive county park

   Merrick & Stewart Avenues, East Meadow (516) 572-0348 Directions
5. 5

   Jones Beach State Park & Energy and Nature Center — Wantagh

   Jones Beach is obviously known for the beach, but families have more to do there than just swim. The Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center at West End 2 has interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits focused on the coastal environment, energy and nature. Admission to the Center itself is free, although parking fees may apply depending on the season. Elsewhere in the park, families can find boardwalk biking, playgrounds, seasonal miniature golf, swimming and other activities.

   Beach daysNature loversBoardwalk walksFull-day outing

   Why go: You can turn one trip into beach, nature center, boardwalk biking and more

   West End 2, Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh (516) 809-8222 Directions Website
6. 6

   Tackapausha Museum & Preserve — Seaford

   Tackapausha is a great option when you want nature without committing to a major hike. The preserve covers 84 acres and includes forests, ponds, streams and roughly five miles of marked trails. There's also a small museum with Long Island ecology displays, animal exhibits and interactive activities for children.

   Nature walksYounger kidsAnimal loversLow-key outing

   Why go: Museum + trails makes it easy to adjust depending on the weather and attention span

   2225 Washington Avenue, Seaford (516) 571-7443 Directions
7. 7

   Garvies Point Museum & Preserve — Glen Cove

   Garvies Point combines a small museum with a much larger nature preserve overlooking Hempstead Harbor. Inside, families can learn about Long Island geology, archaeology and Native American history. Outside, the 62-acre preserve includes forests, meadows, shoreline and about five miles of marked trails. Admission is modest compared with many family attractions, making this a good option when you want something educational without turning it into an expensive day out.

   Curious kidsNature walksGeology & archaeologyHempstead Harbor views

   Why go: Indoor exhibits plus waterfront trails at an affordable price

   50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove (516) 571-8010 Directions Website
8. 8

   Old Bethpage Village Restoration — Old Bethpage

   If your kids think history is boring, Old Bethpage Village Restoration has a better chance of changing their minds than a textbook does. The 209-acre living-history museum recreates a mid-19th-century Long Island village with historic homes, farms and businesses. It also hosts family-oriented seasonal events throughout the year, including the Long Island Fair and holiday programs.

   School-age kidsHistory loversLiving historySeasonal festivals

   Why go: Kids get to experience 19th-century history in person instead of just reading about it

   1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage (516) 572-8400 Directions Website
9. 9

   Sands Point Preserve — Sands Point

   Sands Point Preserve is one of Nassau County's prettiest places for a family walk. The 216-acre former Guggenheim estate includes woodland trails, a Great Lawn, pond areas, historic mansions and a Woodland Playground. The preserve also offers year-round educational and family programming, so it's worth checking the event calendar before you go.

   Nature walksPicnicsWoodland playgroundHistoric grounds

   Why go: Trails, playground, historic mansions and waterfront surroundings all in one place

   127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point (516) 571-7901 Directions Website
10. 10

    Nassau County Firefighters Museum — Garden City

    For kids who light up whenever a fire truck goes by, this is an obvious stop. The Nassau County Firefighters Museum is located on Museum Row near the Long Island Children's Museum and Cradle of Aviation, which makes it easy to combine attractions in one trip. Kids can see vintage fire apparatus, gear and interactive fire safety exhibits.

    Younger kidsFire-truck fansMuseum Row add-on

    Why go: Historic fire trucks and interactive safety exhibits that kids love

    1 Davis Avenue, Garden City (516) 572-4177 Directions Website