Things to Do on Long Island
By Dawn Rosenberg McKay, About.com Guide to Long Island, NY
Because Long Island is a suburb of New York City, some people believe you have to go into "the city" to find something fun and interesting to do. That's a misconception. There are a lot of things to do right here on Long Island. For example, you can visit a museum, eat in a fine restaurant or stay in a luxurious hotel. Plus, you can take advantage of all the great activities that are unique to small towns, like seasonal festivals, fruit picking and parades. Before you set a foot off the Island, find out what's happening right here in your own backyard.
- Museums and Attractions
- Holiday Celebrations and Seasonal Events
- Parks and Beaches
- Sports and Recreation
Museums and Attractions
Are you looking for a fun or educational way to spend the afternoon? Long Island is home to many museums, botanical gardens and nature preserves.
- Botanical Gardens and Arboretums
- Concert Venues
- Ice Skating Rinks
- Indoor and Cold Weather Activities
- Museum Memberships
- Top Kid Friendly Attractions
- Top 10 Things to Love About Long Island
- Weird and Wacky Sightings
- Atlantis Marine World
- Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery
- Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
- Long Island Children's Museum
- Long Island Museum of American Art, History and Carriages
- Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Holiday Celebrations and Seasonal Events
Every season brings with it some special events. Those events may include holiday celebrations, family activities, or educational opportunities.
- 4th of July
- 9/11 Memorial Observances
- Black History Month (February)
- Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa
- Earth Day
- Fall Activities
- February Break Activities
- Labor Day Weekend
- Martin Luther King Day
- Memorial Day
- New Year's Eve Celebrations
- Spring Events and Celebrations
- Spring Recess Activities
- St. Patrick's Day
- Strawberry Festivals
- Strawberry Picking
- Summer Concerts
- Thanksgiving
- Valentine's Day
- Winter Holiday Recess (December)
Parks and Beaches
There's nothing like spending time outdoors when the weather is sunny and warm. Enjoy one of Long Island's beautiful parks or beaches.
- NYS Parks Empire Passport
- Nassau County Leisure Pass
- Suffolk County Green Key Card
- Camping in NY State and County Parks
- Reserving Picnic Areas in State and County Parks
- New York State Parks and Beaches
- County Parks and Other Local Parks on Long Island
Sports and Recreation
Find out how to stay fit with walking, running and biking resources and information on local recreation.
Restaurants and Dining
Whatever type of cuisine you're in the mood for, you'll find it on Long Island. Looking for a restaurant to go to with the kids, on a date, or to celebrate a special occasion? Read our restaurant reviews. Celebrating a holiday? Find out what restaurants offer special holiday menus for dining in or taking out.
- Passover Dinner to Go
- The Best Breakfasts on Long Island
- The Best Sunday Brunches on Long Island
- Irish Pubs
- Long Island Restaurant Reviews
- Where Kids Can Eat Free on Long Island
- Discounts and Deals for Long Islanders
- Suffolk County Restaurant Reports
- Christmas Dinner: Restaurants
- Christmas Dinner and Hanukkah Dinner to Go
- Easter Dinner: Restaurants
- Easter Dinner to Go
- Mother's Day Brunch and Dinner
- Thanksgiving Dinner: Restaurants
- Thanksgiving Dinner to Go
- Valentine's Day Dinner
Hotels / Travel / Tourism
Whether you are coming to Long Island for a vacation or for an event, or if you live here and just want to get away for a few days, there are some lovely places to stay.
- Fire Island Travel Guide
- Greenport Photo Gallery
- Hamptons Travel Guide
- North Fork Winery Tour
- Port Jefferson Visitor's Guide
Month-by-Month Event Calendars
Peruse these monthly calendars to find events that occur annually.
