Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Child-Friendly Beaches in Long Island
- Activities for Kids on the Beach
- Nearby Family Attractions
- How to Reach Long Island’s Beaches
- Where to Stay (Family-Friendly Stays)
- Budget Tips & Estimated Costs
- Local Food, Shopping & Culture
- Festivals & Seasonal Events
- Suggested Family Itineraries
- Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Long Island is one of the Northeast’s best playgrounds for families, with miles of soft-sand Atlantic shoreline, calm bays on the North Shore, and plenty of lifeguarded swimming areas. This guide highlights the most child-friendly beaches in Long Island—from stroller-ready boardwalks to gentle, shallow waters—plus how to get there, where to stay, and smart money-saving tips for a smooth, sun-soaked escape.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak beach season: mid-June to early September, when lifeguards, concessions, and rentals are fully operating.
- Water temperature: warmest late July through early September.
- Shoulder months: late May and mid-September offer quieter sands and easier parking; some services may be limited.
- Best times of day: mornings for lighter winds and gentler surf; arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends to avoid parking queues.
Top Child-Friendly Beaches in Long Island
These beaches balance safety, amenities, and family-friendly vibes. Always swim where lifeguards are on duty and heed posted flags.
Jones Beach State Park (Field 6 & West End 2)
- Why families love it: wide, soft sand with a gentle slope; excellent facilities; iconic boardwalk that’s perfect for strollers.
- Good to know: Lifeguards in-season, restrooms, showers, food stands; paid parking (state park fee).
- Tip: Field 6 is popular for families; arrive early on summer weekends.
Robert Moses State Park (Fields 3 & 5)
- Why families love it: a slightly quieter alternative to Jones, with lifeguarded areas and wide sands.
- Good to know: From Field 5 you can walk a boardwalk to the Fire Island Lighthouse—great mini-adventure for kids.
Sunken Meadow State Park (Kings Park, North Shore)
- Why families love it: calmer Long Island Sound waters, picnic areas, and a long, stroller-friendly boardwalk.
- Good to know: Pebbly patches—water shoes help little feet.
Nickerson Beach Park (Lido Beach, Nassau County)
- Why families love it: lifeguarded ocean beach with family zones, playground areas, and seasonal amenities.
- Good to know: County park fees apply; check day rates and capacity limits on peak days.
Long Beach (City Beach & Boardwalk)
- Why families love it: a lively, walkable city-by-the-sea with an excellent boardwalk for scooters and strollers.
- Good to know: Day beach passes required; surf can be stronger than bay/Sound beaches. Easy access via LIRR.
Coopers Beach (Southampton)
- Why families love it: pristine, well-maintained oceanfront with seasonal chair/umbrella rentals and facilities.
- Good to know: Nonresident parking can be pricey; arrive early for closer spots.
Meschutt Beach County Park (Hampton Bays, Peconic Bay)
- Why families love it: calm, shallow bay waters ideal for younger swimmers; seasonal snack bar and family atmosphere.
- Good to know: Lifeguards in season; check schedule for occasional family-friendly evening events.
Orient Beach State Park (North Fork)
- Why families love it: shallow, often warmer bay water; nature trails and shaded picnic spots.
- Good to know: Some pebbly sections—bring water shoes; lifeguarded swimming area in season.
Wildwood State Park (Wading River, Sound)
- Why families love it: campground plus beach time; great for a budget-friendly family camping-beach combo.
- Good to know: Sound-side shore can be pebbly; check lifeguard hours.
Town Bays and North Shore Pocket Beaches (various)
- Why families love them: often calmer waters and tide pools at low tide (e.g., West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook, Crab Meadow in Northport).
- Good to know: Many town beaches have residency-based parking rules. Nonresidents may have limited day-pass availability or higher fees—verify current policies before you go.
Activities for Kids on the Beach
- Sand play and shelling: North Shore/Peconic Bay beaches are great for shell collecting; bring a small mesh bag.
- Beginner-friendly swimming: Choose lifeguarded, calm-water areas (Sound/bay) for toddlers.
- Nature walks: Boardwalks at Sunken Meadow and the Fire Island Lighthouse trail near Robert Moses Field 5.
- Picnics and kite flying: Open sands like Jones Beach and Long Beach are perfect on lighter-wind mornings.
- Simple water sports: Where permitted and conditions allow, try SUP/kayak rentals at select bayside parks; always use life jackets.
Nearby Family Attractions
- Long Island Aquarium (Riverhead): indoor/outdoor exhibits and touch tanks; easy pair-up with North Fork beaches.
- Cradle of Aviation Museum (Garden City): aerospace exhibits; a great cloudy-day backup.
- Adventureland (Farmingdale): classic family amusement park; short hop from South Shore beaches.
- Montauk Point Lighthouse: educational and scenic; combine with Hither Hills beach time.
- Sag Harbor and Greenport villages: ice cream strolls, small museums, and marina views.
How to Reach Long Island’s Beaches
By Train (LIRR)
- Long Beach: LIRR to Long Beach Station; walk/bus to the boardwalk and beach entrances.
- Jones Beach: LIRR to Freeport and seasonal bus/shuttle to Jones Beach (check current schedules).
- Babylon/Robert Moses: LIRR to Babylon, then taxi/rideshare to the park.
- North Fork: LIRR to Greenport/Riverhead for access to nearby bay and Sound beaches by taxi/rideshare.
By Car
- Main routes: Long Island Expressway (I-495), Northern/Southern State Pkwys, Meadowbrook/Wantagh Pkwys (to Jones), Robert Moses Causeway (to Robert Moses/Fire Island), Sunrise Hwy (Route 27) to South Fork.
- Parking: State/county parks typically allow nonresident parking for a day fee. Many town beaches restrict or price nonresident parking higher—check policies before departure.
Where to Stay (Family-Friendly Stays)
- Long Beach & South Shore hotels: Beachfront and near-boardwalk properties; convenient for car-free families using the LIRR.
- Montauk & Hamptons resorts/motels: Beachy stays with pools and easy ocean access; book early for summer.
- North Fork inns & vacation rentals: Quieter base near bay/Sound beaches, wineries (for parents), and farm stands.
- State/county park campgrounds: Hither Hills, Wildwood, and select county parks offer camping; reserve far in advance.
Budget Tips & Estimated Costs
- Parking/day-use fees: State parks often $8–$10 per vehicle in season; county/town beaches can range ~$10–$50+ for nonresidents.
- Train fares: LIRR off-peak to beach stations typically ~$10–$20 one way from city hubs (varies by origin and time).
- Beach passes: Some municipalities require daily wristbands or passes in addition to parking—check official sites.
- Gear rentals: Seasonal umbrella/chair rentals at select ocean beaches; expect ~$10–$25 per item where available.
- Food: Boardwalk and concession snacks ~$8–$15 per person; save with a picnic and reusable water bottles.
- Savings tips:
- Arrive early to avoid premium or overflow parking.
- Consider weekday visits for lower crowds and easier access.
- Pack water shoes for pebbly North Shore beaches to avoid last-minute purchases.
- Look for train-and-beach package deals where offered.
Local Food, Shopping & Culture
- Beach eats: lobster rolls, clam strips, and fish tacos along the South Shore and East End; Italian ices and soft serve near boardwalks.
- Family-friendly spots: casual clam shacks and pizza joints are plentiful near most beach towns.
- Markets & farm stands: North Fork produce stands for picnic supplies; weekend farmers markets in many villages.
- Shopping: surf shops for last-minute rash guards and toys; Tanger Outlets (Riverhead) for broader shopping.
- Culture: lighthouses, small maritime museums, and seasonal outdoor concerts on select beaches and village greens.
Festivals & Seasonal Events
- Jones Beach Air Show (late May): kicks off summer with flight demonstrations (expect heavy traffic; arrive very early).
- Oyster Bay Oyster Festival (autumn): food, crafts, and maritime fun—pair with a calm North Shore beach day if weather allows.
- Local beach concerts and kite days: many towns host family-friendly events in summer—check local calendars.
Suggested Family Itineraries
1 Day: Easy Car-Free Beach Day
- Take the LIRR to Long Beach → stroll the boardwalk → lifeguarded swim → ice cream on the way back.
2 Days: Mix Ocean and Calm Water
- Day 1: Jones Beach early; afternoon lighthouse walk from Robert Moses Field 5.
- Day 2: Head to Sunken Meadow or Meschutt Beach for calmer waters and a picnic.
3 Days: East End Family Escape
- Day 1: Coopers Beach (Southampton) with rentals and facilities.
- Day 2: Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead + afternoon at Wildwood State Park.
- Day 3: Orient Beach State Park and a stroll through Greenport.
Tips by Traveler Type
Families with Toddlers
- Choose bay/Sound beaches (Sunken Meadow, Meschutt, Orient) for gentler waters.
- Bring shade (compact umbrella) and a light blanket; confirm any tent/canopy restrictions.
- Pack water shoes, swim diapers, and baby powder for easy sand removal.
Families with Tweens/Teens
- Ocean fun at Jones, Robert Moses, or Long Beach under lifeguard supervision.
- Add variety with a lighthouse walk, bike rides on boardwalks, or a museum stop on a cloudy day.
Honeymooners/Parents’ Mini-Break
- Time sunset views on the North Shore or Peconic Bay beaches; ocean sunrises on the South Shore.
- Consider a North Fork inn with nearby calm beaches and dinner in Greenport or Sag Harbor.
Groups of Friends
- Pick beaches with ample facilities and transit options (Long Beach, Jones Beach).
- Respect local rules on alcohol, glass, music volume, and beach fires (often restricted or prohibited).
Safety & Packing Essentials
- Swim near lifeguards; watch flags and rip current advisories on ocean beaches.
- Rash guards, reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brim hats, and plenty of water.
- Bug spray for dusk near marshy areas; check for ticks after dune trails.
- Have a simple first-aid kit and vinegar/safe wipes for minor jellyfish stings; seek lifeguard assistance if stung.
FAQs
Q: Which Long Island beaches have the calmest water for young kids?
A: Bayside and Sound beaches are best, including Sunken Meadow State Park, Meschutt Beach County Park, Orient Beach State Park, and many North Shore town beaches (check access/parking rules).
Q: Do I need a permit to park at Long Island beaches?
A: State and county parks generally allow nonresident day parking for a fee. Many town beaches restrict parking to residents or sell limited, higher-priced nonresident passes—always verify current rules before heading out.
Q: Are Long Island beaches stroller-friendly?
A: Yes. Boardwalks at places like Long Beach and Sunken Meadow are ideal for strollers. Some parks also install seasonal beach access mats; ask attendants about availability.
Q: When is the water warmest for swimming?
A: Late July through early September typically offers the warmest ocean and bay temperatures on Long Island.
Q: Can I bring my dog to the beach?
A: Policies vary. Many guarded swimming beaches restrict pets during the summer season. Check each park’s official pet rules before visiting.
Conclusion
From the classic ocean dunes of Jones and Robert Moses to the gentle, kid-approved shallows of Sunken Meadow, Meschutt, and Orient, Long Island makes family beach days easy. With lifeguarded swimming, stroller-friendly boardwalks, nearby attractions, and a range of stays—from campgrounds to beachfront hotels—you can tailor the perfect trip for toddlers, teens, and everyone in between. Plan around peak hours, pick the right water conditions for your family, and you’ll find sunny, stress-free beach time across the Island.
