Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Family Packages Overview
- Top Cities and Places on Long Island
- Recommended Tourist Circuits for Families
- Best Family Activities and Attractions
- Festivals and Best Time to Visit
- Sample Itineraries for Families
- Budget and Cost Guide
- How to Reach Long Island
- Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Accommodations
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Long Island is New York’s easy-breezy beach escape, perfectly tailored for families. Think lifeguarded sandy shores, classic amusement parks, aquariums, lighthouses, farm stands, and walkable harbor towns—all within a couple of hours of New York City. Whether you’re planning a weekend splash or a weeklong wander through the Hamptons and North Fork, family packages help bundle stays, transport, and kid-approved attractions for stress-free fun.
Family Packages Overview
Family packages on Long Island typically combine hotel stays with attraction passes and optional car rental. Many focus on beaches and nearby kid-favorites like aquariums, water parks, and museums. Expect better value in spring and fall shoulder seasons.
What’s usually included
- 2–5 nights at a family-friendly hotel or resort (often with pool)
- Continental breakfast or dining credits
- Car rental or rail/bus add-ons (e.g., LIRR, Hampton Jitney)
- Attraction passes (e.g., Long Island Aquarium, Adventureland, Splish Splash)
- Beach parking/amenity credits where available
Sample family packages and indicative pricing (family of 4)
- Beach & Theme Park Weekend (3 days): Jones Beach + Adventureland + Long Island Aquarium. From approx. $850–$1,400 including 2 hotel nights, 2 attraction entries, and 2 days car rental. Peak summer higher.
- Hamptons & Montauk Explorer (4 days): Hamptons beaches + Montauk Lighthouse + coastal dining. From approx. $1,400–$2,200 with mid-range hotel, car rental, lighthouse tickets.
- North Shore History & Science (3 days): Cradle of Aviation + Long Island Children’s Museum + Sagamore Hill + Old Westbury Gardens. From approx. $900–$1,500.
- Fire Island Car‑Free Escape (3 days): Ferry + beach hotel/house near Ocean Beach or Watch Hill. From approx. $1,000–$1,800 (no car on most of Fire Island; ferry and wagon rentals extra).
Note: Prices are indicative, vary by season and availability, and typically exclude airfare and some local fees.
Top Cities and Places on Long Island
- Jones Beach & Robert Moses (South Shore): Iconic lifeguarded beaches, boardwalks, playgrounds, bike paths.
- Montauk: Lighthouse climbs, surfing, whale-watching in season, wide beaches at Hither Hills and Ditch Plains.
- Hamptons (South Fork): Family-friendly strands in Southampton, East Hampton, Amagansett; farm stands and nature trails.
- North Fork: Greenport’s harbor village, carousel, ferries, u-pick farms, calm bay beaches.
- Riverhead: Long Island Aquarium, Splish Splash Water Park, Tanger Outlets.
- Garden City (Nassau): Long Island Children’s Museum and Cradle of Aviation Museum.
- Oyster Bay: Sagamore Hill National Historic Site and waterfront parks.
- Port Jefferson: Walkable harbor, ice cream stops, boat cruises.
- Fire Island: Car-free communities like Ocean Beach; Watch Hill and Sailors Haven within the National Seashore.
- Long Beach: City by the sea with a family-friendly boardwalk and surf schools.
Recommended Tourist Circuits for Families
1) South Shore Beaches Circuit (1–2 days)
- Morning at Jones Beach (splash pads, boardwalk)
- Afternoon at Robert Moses or Field 6 for calmer surf
- Optional: Evening show at Jones Beach Theater (check age suitability)
2) North Shore History & Science (1–2 days)
- Long Island Children’s Museum + Cradle of Aviation
- Sagamore Hill for history walks and picnics
3) East End Hamptons & Montauk (2–3 days)
- Family beach time in Southampton/East Hampton
- Montauk Lighthouse + seal/whale-watching in season
- Nature trails at Hither Hills
4) North Fork Farms & Harbors (1–2 days)
- U-pick farms, petting zoos (seasonal)
- Greenport carousel and waterfront
- Ferry to Orient Point outlooks
Best Family Activities and Attractions
Outdoors and beaches
- Lifeguarded ocean beaches: Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Long Beach, Cupsogue, Coopers, Main Beach, Ditch Plains
- Bay beaches with gentler waves: North Fork coves, Sag Harbor
- State parks and hikes: Caumsett, Sunken Meadow, Hither Hills, Connetquot
Theme and water parks
- Splish Splash (Calverton): Slides for all ages, lazy river
- Adventureland (Farmingdale): Classic rides, kiddie zones
Wildlife and learning
- Long Island Aquarium (Riverhead)
- Cradle of Aviation Museum and LICM (Garden City)
- Sagamore Hill (Oyster Bay), Old Westbury Gardens, Planting Fields Arboretum
On the water
- Family fishing and seal/whale-watching (seasonal from Montauk and surrounding harbors)
- Kayak/SUP rentals on bays and calm inlets
Rainy-day ideas
- Museums, bowling alleys, indoor play centers, and cinema complexes around Nassau/Suffolk
Festivals and Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit
- Late May–June and September: Warm, fewer crowds, better rates
- July–August: Peak beach season; book early and budget for higher prices
- October: Foliage, harvest festivals, pumpkin picking
- Winter–early spring: Quiet, best hotel deals; limited beach services
Family-friendly events
- Jones Beach Air Show (Memorial Day weekend)
- Mattituck Strawberry Festival (June)
- Alive on 25 (Riverhead) summer street nights
- Oyster Festival (Oyster Bay) and Long Island Fall Festival (Huntington) (October)
- Winterfest (Feb–Mar) with music and family activities across the East End
Sample Itineraries for Families
3-Day Classic Weekend
- Day 1: Arrive; Jones Beach swim + boardwalk bikes; sunset ice cream
- Day 2: Adventureland rides; afternoon at Old Westbury Gardens; Garden City dinner
- Day 3: Long Island Aquarium; outlet stop at Tanger; depart
5-Day East End Explorer
- Day 1: Riverhead base; Splish Splash
- Day 2: North Fork farms + Greenport carousel
- Day 3: Move to Montauk; lighthouse + beach
- Day 4: Hither Hills hike; optional whale-watching
- Day 5: Hamptons beach morning; local bakery stop; depart
Rain plan swaps
- Trade beach time for LICM, Cradle of Aviation, or bowling/arcades
Budget and Cost Guide
Typical daily spend (family of 4, excluding flights)
- Budget: $250–$400 (moderate hotel, public transit or limited car use, casual dining)
- Mid-range: $400–$700 (mid-range hotel/resort, car rental, attractions)
- Upscale: $700–$1,200+ (Hamptons/Montauk resorts, premium dining, private tours)
Line-item estimates
- Hotels: $180–$350 (mid-range); $450–$900+ (peak Hamptons/Montauk)
- Vacation rentals: $250–$600+ per night; weekly minimums common on East End
- Car rental: $60–$120/day; parking at NY State Parks ~$8–$10/vehicle
- Attractions: Aquarium $30–$45 pp; Adventureland ride bands ~$40–$50 pp; Splish Splash ~$50–$80 pp (seasonal)
- Meals: $12–$20 pp casual; $25–$45 pp sit-down
- Ferries: Fire Island adult one-way roughly $10–$15; Cross Sound Ferry (car) varies by season
- Tolls: Expect tolls from NYC/bridges; use a toll pass where possible
Money-saving tips
- Travel midweek or in June/September for lower rates
- Bundle aquarium/park tickets; look for online combo deals
- Use LIRR or Hampton Jitney to avoid summer traffic and parking fees
- Picnic lunches from farm stands and markets
How to Reach Long Island
- By air: JFK and LGA (major hubs), Long Island MacArthur (ISP) for regional flights
- By train: Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from NYC to Nassau/Suffolk; Montauk Branch for the Hamptons/Montauk; Ronkonkoma Branch for ISP
- By bus: Hampton Jitney/Luxury Liner to North and South Forks
- By car: I-495 (Long Island Expressway), Southern/Northern State Parkways
- By ferry: New London, CT ↔ Orient Point; multiple ferries to Fire Island communities (passenger only)
Note: Many Fire Island communities are car-free; plan to ferry and walk or use wagons.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Accommodations
Best areas for families
- Garden City/Mineola (Nassau): Easy museum access; good for short stays
- Riverhead: Near Aquarium, Splish Splash, outlets; central for East End
- Montauk/Hamptons: Beachfront resorts and motels; book early for summer
- North Fork (Greenport/Southold): Quaint inns and rentals; calmer vibe
- Fire Island: Beach hotels and rentals; car-free convenience for families
Amenities to look for
- Pool, free breakfast, kitchenettes, laundry
- Proximity to lifeguarded beaches and playgrounds
- Parking permits or beach passes where offered
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
Food to try
- Lobster rolls, clam strips, chowder shacks
- NY bagels, Italian bakeries, farm-stand pies and corn
- Ice cream stands and waterfront seafood spots
Shopping
- Tanger Outlets (Riverhead) for deals
- Americana Manhasset for luxury browsing
- Village boutiques in Greenport, Sag Harbor, and Port Jefferson
Culture
- Gold Coast mansions and gardens (Old Westbury, Planting Fields)
- Lighthouses (Montauk, Fire Island)
- Summer concerts and outdoor movies in parks and beaches
Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
For families
- Packing: Sun hats, SPF 30+, rash guards, quick-dry towels, insect repellent (ticks), reusable water bottles
- Safety: Swim near lifeguards; mind rip current flags; do tick checks after hikes
- Logistics: NY child seat laws apply; some town beaches require resident permits—seek state parks or day-pass beaches
- Strollers: Boardwalks and many village centers are stroller-friendly
For honeymooners
- Choose midweek stays in September for quiet beaches and warm water
- North Fork sunsets, winery picnics (designated driver or tours)
- Spa hotels in Montauk/Hamptons; book in advance
For friends
- Plan brewery/cidery trails; arrange transport
- Surf lessons at Ditch Plains; kayak/SUP on sheltered bays
- Share a rental for better value; check parking rules strictly
FAQs
Q: When is the best time to book a Long Island family package?
A: Book summer (July–August) at least 8–12 weeks ahead. For value, target June or September and book 4–8 weeks in advance.
Q: Do we need a car for a family trip to Long Island?
A: Not strictly—LIRR and Hampton Jitney reach many towns—but a car is very helpful for beaches, parks, and the East End. Fire Island is largely car-free.
Q: Which beaches are most kid-friendly?
A: Jones Beach (Fields 4 or 6), Robert Moses (Field 5), Long Beach, Coopers Beach, and bay beaches on the North Fork and Sag Harbor for gentler water.
Q: How much do Long Island family packages cost?
A: Weekend bundles start around $850–$1,400 for a family of four; 4–5 day East End packages often run $1,400–$2,500+, higher in peak summer.
Q: Is Fire Island suitable for kids?
A: Yes—car-free communities, lifeguarded beaches, and calm bay areas are great for families. Pack light and use wagons; check ferry schedules.
Conclusion
Long Island blends classic beach days with hands-on museums, lighthouses, farm fun, and charming harbors—ideal for families seeking variety without long travel times. With smartly planned packages, shoulder-season timing, and a mix of South Shore sands, North Shore history, and East End adventures, your trip can balance value, comfort, and kid-approved excitement.
