Long Island Day Trips for Kids

The Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center

• Head out east, to the town of Riverhead, which is nestled right at the head of the Peconic Bay between the two forks, and you will find the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center. This child-, and adult-friendly location is ideal for a day trip on Long Island. A large variety of aquatic species, many of which are native to Long Island, are on display here. Your kids will have the opportunity to touch sting rays, crabs, horseshoe crabs and even sharks in the aquarium's three touch tanks. The whole family will delight at one of the largest natural coral reef displays in the country. The shark tank is as sure to be a big hit. To add to the experience, interactive shows, shark dives and opportunities for snorkeling are also available. Head on over to the Exhibition Center, where you can get close to butterflies and exotic birds.

The Long Island Game Farm

• Regarded as Long Island's zoo, Long Island Game Farm is home to a large variety of species of land animals, including a giraffe, alligators, lemurs, camels, gibbons, emu, peacocks, zebras, red kangaroos, llamas, goats and monkeys. Not only do you have the opportunity to view these animals, but you can feed several of them, too. And, if you're feeling a little daring, you can take a ride on the back of a camel. Live shows, rides and presentations add to a day trip at the Long Island Game Farm.

The Long Island Children's Museum

• Head west to Nassau County, and you will find the Long Island Children's Museum (LICM.) Located in Garden City, right next to the Nassau Coliseum, this museums is designed for children. It features several interactive exhibits that are meant to spark your children's curiosity, wonder and imagination, and make them want to get involved. A beach area kids to learn about the importance of this ecosystem on Long Island. A bubble exhibit invites children to get wet and blow bubbles with various tools. In the News 12 exhibit, kids can pretend they are on the news. There is even an exhibit that replicates the Long Island Railroad.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration

• Travel back the mid-19th century right in Nassau County. Located in the town of Bethpage, the Old Bethpage Village Restoration is a bustling Colonial village brought to life. Made up of restored buildings that were erected before the Civil War, you and your family will have the opportunity to stroll through the buildings, talk to costumed actors and really learn and gain an appreciation for what life was like on Long Island during that period. Attend a class at the Old School House, purchase old fashioned sweets at the General Store and try some birch beer and tasty treats at the tavern. Special events include a Colonial Halloween celebration, an 1863 Thanksgiving, candlelight tours, complete with carols during the Christmas season and a St. Patrick's Day extravaganza.