Your Indispensable A Year’s Fun Guide! Worth of Fun Our top 20 family must-do’s for every season—consider it your annual bucket

list, and refer to it often! By Niko Vercelletto

Beyond the Page Explore our catalog of outings—venues within approximately an hour’s drive or train ride—at: nymetroparents.com/outings Find great family day trip options at: nymetroparents.com/daytrips Scroll through our most popular where-to guides—including everything from carousels to nature centers, berry picking to mini-golf—at: nymetroparents.com/where-to Browse or search our calendar of events, updated daily, for something to do any day of the year at: nymetroparents.com/calendar Subscribe to our popular weekend activities newsletter at: nymetroparents.com/register Inside: Summer Fall Winter Spring Seasonal Fun!

1. Crafty Kids outing will leave your kids wanting to grow their Beach State Park in Wantagh offers 6.5 miles of With so much handiwork, the Harborfest craft fair own. ocean beach and two swimming pools, perfect at the Town Dock in Port Washington in early June for relaxing and enjoying the precious summer is the perfect place for a family looking to admire 7. Oldie but a Goodie months. Don’t go home without trying your hand (and create) crafts alongside musical performances   Take a spin on the historic Heckscher Carousel at shuffleboard. and a pretty park on the Manhasset Bay water- in Hempstead Lake State Park in West Hemp- front. Visit pwguide.com for details. stead. A timeless classic that only gets better 13. Quack! Home Run! with age, this carousel has a charm that families   Catch a Long Island Ducks minor league 2. Sailing the High Seas will find irresistibly fun. Get details and find game at Bethpage Ballpark in Central Islip Arrr, Matey! Head to The Pirate Festival at the more carousels in the area at nymetroparents. throughout the summer. With individual game Long Island Maritime Museum in West Sayville, a com/li-carousels. tickets being very well-priced (up to $15 each), Top 20 Things to a Ducks game is an affordable way to enjoy weekend-long event in early to mid-June. Treasure hunts, a pirate costume contest, and lively live 8. Giddyup! America’s pasttime with the family. Plus, mem- musical performances send everyone home yo-    Take a horseback riding lesson or ride a pony at bers of the Long Island Ducks’ Kids Club (for ho-happy. Check nymetroparents.com/calendar for Island Hills Stables in Middle Island. Island Hills ages 14 and younger) are invited to Kids Club info closer to the event. offers lessons that encourage children to build Day, when they can tour the ballpark, run the Do in Summer relationships with the ponies on-site. Visit nyme- bases, and meet some of the Ducks as well 3. Amityville History troparents.com/horseback for details on more as the mascot, QuackerJack. Find more minor Amityville Historical Society’s Annual Heritage Fair horse stables on Long Island. league teams at nymetroparents.com/bball. in mid-June is a celebration of Amityville’s long and surprising history. Bring the whole family 9. Lighting Up the Sky 14. Barnyard Bash and enjoy trolley rides, food, music, and a host of   Get a front-row seat for the Fourth of July fire-   What kid doesn’t like critters? At the Animal Farm enlightening activities geared toward kids. Visit works via the Freeport Water Taxi. The kids won’t Petting Zoo in Manorville, yours will love spending amityvillehistoricalsociety.net for details. soon forget seeing the night sky light up directly time with, feeding, and yes, petting exotic and overhead, reflecting off the water. barnyard buddies. Find even more furry and 4. It Never Gets Old feathered friends at nymetroparents.com/zoos. 12 Celebrate the start of summer near the end of 10. Rubber Ducky, You’re the One…. June as Long Islanders have done for decades:   Head to the One Million Dollar Duck Race at Camp 15. Musical Bliss at Adventureland Amusement Park in Farmingdale. Pa-Qua-Tuck in Center Moriches in mid-July to   At the Great South Bay Music Festival in Ride roller coasters, play in bumper cars, get watch 7,000 small rubber ducks in a race for Patchogue’s Shorefront Park in mid-July, there chills in the Ghost House, and hang in the arcade. the top prize. They’re faster than you’d think! is something for everyone. With more than Find a full list of amusement parks in the area at Cheer on your favorite quacker and stay for the 50 established and emerging performers, a nymetroparents.com/amusementparks. family-style duck barbecue afterward. Proceeds petting zoo, arts-and-crafts stations, and other from this event benefit the children with special enticements, this festival is the place for music 5. Fore! needs who attend Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck. lovers of any age. Before you go, read about Go miniature golfing at Boomers Family Fun Center how to make the most of your child’s live music in Medford. Finish off the day racing in the go 11. On-Board Learning experience at nymetroparents.com/live-music. karts, practicing your swing in the batting cages,   Hop aboard the Atlantis Explorer and become battling it out in the game room, or jumping on one Scientists for a Day at the Long Island Aquarium & 16. The Name Says It All of the kiddie rides with the littlest member of your Exhibition Center in Riverhead (nymetroparents.   With a name like Summerfest, how could you not family. Find more miniature golf courses in the com/li-aquarium). Collect and analyze data on want to go? At the Sayville Summerfest in Down- area at nymetroparents.com/minigolf. local marine wildlife, just like a real marine biolo- town Sayville in early August, families will have a 13 gist would, throughout the summer. blast seeing the live musical performances, eating 6. Sweet Summer international food, checking out the car show, and Pick your own berries throughout the summer at 12. Islander Standby much more. Check greatersayvillechamber.com Patty’s Berries & Bunches in Mattituck or another   Head to a nearby beach (nymetroparents.com/ for details. berry farm on Long Island (go to nymetroparents. beaches), soak up some rays, and enjoy the com/berries for our guide). This fun (and healthy) cool ocean (just don’t forget the SPF!). Jones 17. Kicking Up the Kilts   The Scottish Games at Old Westbury Gardens (nymetroparents.com/owgardens) in late 6 August is a great way to learn about Scottish culture. Enjoy pipe bands, taste shortbread, peruse stained glass and other craft displays,

5 Island Ducks Long Courtesy and compete in highland games. 18. Something Fishy 4   Turtles, snakes, trout, oh my! Many Long Island parents have fond memories of going to the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium in Cold Spring Harbor on a grade-school field trip. It’s still around, and more interactive, educational, and fun than ever. 19. We All Scream for Ice Cream   A hand-dipped cone is a staple of summer, and we think no place does it better than Gooseberry Grove on Main Street in Oyster Bay. With video games and a player piano to go along with the shakes, floats, and crazy number of homemade flavors, this is a kid’s ice cream paradise. 20. Come Pow Wow   Shinnecock Indian Nation Pow Wow, held at the Shinnecock Indian Reservation in Southampton, allows visitors to learn about the culture of Long Island’s Native Americans. Traditional dances and a drum performance are only two of the entertaining, educational activities offered over the weekend-long festival, typically held in late August or early September. Visit nymetroparents. com/festivals for details on this and more cultural celebrations in the area. 20Cliff Matias Courtesy Adventureland Seasonal Fun! 7. Boo-tiful Jack O’ Lanterns 11. Shell Game   The Rise of the Jack O’   In Theodore Roosevelt Park Lanterns at Old Westbury in—where else?—Oyster Bay, Gardens (nymetroparents. you can shuck yourself silly com/owgardens), presented (while the kiddos will find more throughout October, showcases kid-palatable fare) at the Oyster the amazing work of dozens Festival (theoysterfestival.org). 17 of local artists. Spend an hour And it’s not just shellfish. Find walking through the trail and see pirate shows, tall ships, and Top 20 Things to more than 5,000 hand-carved midway rides in mid-October. Search Long Island family activities at: nymetroparents.com/calendar Jack O’Lanterns light up the night. 12. Spooky Museum Party   The Ghostly Gala Halloween tion has been going on since Pumpkin Picking Pleasure party at Long Island Children’s Ciao, Bella! 8. Do in Fall 1. 1842 (yes, really!), making it the   Pick your own pumpkins at Museum in late October is a Grande Festa Italiana, held annu- longest-running county fair in Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm in Aque- fun, safe, and festive way to ally in early September at North state. Happening in bogue and enjoy a brisk walk enjoy the holiday. With face Hempstead Beach Park in Port late September and early Octo- through the 26-acre pumpkin painting, gallery trick-or-treat- Washington, is both the largest ber, the fair features traditional farm throughout October. With ing, and a costume party, this is and oldest Italian feast on Long music, wagon and pony rides, more than 18 varieties of pump- one event you’ll remember well Island. Along with the rides, farm animals, fair food, and kins to choose from right off the past the spooky season. fireworks, and live music, kids more. Find more info at lifair.org. vine, this pumpkin and gourd can enjoy sampling a variety paradise is well worth the drive. Autumn Landscapes of Italian foods and watching 13. Southampton of Olde Head to nymetroparents.com/   Long Island has many beautiful cooking demonstrations. Get 5. Southampton embraces fall pumpkins for details and to find hiking trails (nymetroparents. 7 details at nymetroparents.com/ with a full weekend of art, more you-pick pumpkin farms in com/hike-li), and one of the festivals. music, food, entertainment, the area. best is Garvies Point Museum and 19 and history near the end of Sesame Street on Stage Preserve in Glen Cove. Leading 2. September. The aptly named Perfect Fall Festival down to a quiet beach, this easy- The Sesame Street Live tour 9. Southampton Septemberfest   The Long Island Fall Festival at for-kids trail is one of the most (sesamestreetlive.com) stops allows residents and visitors Heckscher Park in Huntington is serene on the island. at the Nassau Coliseum in to explore Southampton’s rich an ideal way to spend a sunny Uniondale for a few days in cultural heritage and its close afternoon. Held in early October, Haunted Halloween September and is the place to 14. connection to agriculture and families come from all over the   If you have older kids who are bring your little one. Sesame the sea. Adding to the entertain- island for the carnival games, over the trip to the pumpkin Street characters are loved by ment are volunteers dressed in farmer’s market, old-time rides, patch, take an afternoon outing every child, and seeing them live traditional outfits who sell locally and yummy homemade treats. For to one of the most haunted adds that extra bit of fun that grown produce, teach traditional details, visit lifallfestival.com. places on Long Island. A ride your child will always remember. crafts like basket weaving, and down Sweet Hollow Road

Mike Pollock even hold class in a one-room Great Catch! in Huntington (just south of Bushels of Fun 10. 3. schoolhouse.   For family-friendly fishing, check Jericho Turnpike), infamous for Pick fresh apples (along with out the Fall Family Fishing and its ghost spotting, will be a many other fruits and veggies) A Good Cause Children’s Festival at Hempstead creepy good time for all. Find in September at Lewin Farms 6. Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Lake State Park in West Hemp- many more ghoulish activities in Wading River. The first “pick Jones Beach in Wantagh in early stead in mid-October. Lessons in for all ages at nymetroparents. your own” farm on Long Island, October is an amazing way to fly fishing and fish-cleaning, plus com/halloween. Lewin Farms is the place to be amazed by the inspiring Reptile World raise money for this increasingly pumpkin decorating, pony rides, 18. make a childhood memory. Bake sculptures created by   If your kids think cute and cuddly prevalent condition. Your whole and a magic show make this one Outdoor Sculpture Garden a pie with the bounty! And head 15. established artists. And if you’re is boring, Jungle Bob’s Reptile World family can do a good deed for of the most popular fall festivals    Take a stroll through the 145 3 to nymetroparents.com/apples looking to do some leaf peeping (nymetroparents.com/jungle-bob) in a great cause—and get some in Nassau. For updates on the acres of fields, woods, and for more picking places. outside the area, head to Centereach is sure to please them. exercise while you’re at it. Find next festival, search nysparks. ponds at The Nassau County nymetroparents.com/leaf for our And the fact that there’s no charge more ways to get moving for a com. Museum of Art (nassaumuseum. A Walk through History suggested locations. for admission will please you! This 4. reason at nymetroparents.com/ org) in Roslyn Harbor and The iconic Long Island Fair at unique showroom allows you to walks. Old Bethpage Village Restora- 16. Who Needs the Everglades? see unusual creatures living in their   Relax, sit back, and enjoy as own habitats. the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Discovery boat 19. The Island Is Alive with Art takes you for a cruise through Long   From visual, musical, and Island’s wetlands (offered select performing arts to community dates, May through October). festivals and epicurean delights, Learn about the history, geology, the annual Arts Alive LI festival and ecology of the gorgeous in October is a month-long area we call home. The pontoon tribute to Long Island’s arts and departs from Stony Brook entertainment world. It takes 2 Harbor and cruises through the place on stages, in galleries, at organization’s 88-acre wetlands film houses, and in neighborhood preserve for a 1½-hour tour. Find restaurants across the island. For details at stonybrookvillage.com/ a full calendar of events and to the-discovery-wetlands-cruise. purchase tickets, visit artsaliveli. org. 17. Get Lost in a Corn Maze   With the exception of pumpkin 20. Old-Fashioned Turkey Day picking, nothing says fall like   The Thanksgiving Celebration at a romp in an old-fashioned Old Bethpage Village Restoration corn maze. One of the bigger in late November is as traditional examples on the island is as it gets. Brimming with good- the Maise at Fairview Farm ies such as decorated pumpkin 8 (nymetroparents.com/li-maze) pies and turkey roasted over an in Bridgehampton. The site also open fire, this is a novel way to has a corn cannon and yes, it is celebrate America’s heritage. For as cool as it sounds. Dawn Roode details, keep an eye on nymetro- parents.com/calendar closer to 13 the holiday. ©2013 Sesame Workshop/VEE Corporation 9. Ghost of Christmas Present 12. Frosty Adventure 15. Polar Bear Super Bowl Splash case of cabin fever. Have the   The Dickens Festival in Port   Head to a nearby mountain for   Watch the most hardcore kids jump off the stir-crazies Jefferson in early December is skiing and snowboarding. Bel- people jump into the freezing at Bounce! Trampoline Sports in Top 20 Things to Syosset (nymetroparents.com/ a holiday treat that celebrates leayre Mountain in Highmount Atlantic Ocean on Super Bowl the author of A Christmas Carol. is great for families because of Sunday when the Long Beach bounce-syosset). Aside from From costumed characters to its Learning Zone, a designated Polar Bear Club raises money for plain old jumping, they can Victorian entertainment and retreat for first-timers ages 8 to charity. Maybe you’ll even want play trampoline , food, this event will surely bring adult. Visit nymetroparents.com/ to join them! dodgeball, and fly into Do in out the Christmas spirit. Check ski to find more nearby slopes. ginormous foam pits. Talk about Winter a cure for cabin fever! portjeff.com for updates on the next festival. 16. Lights, Action! 13. Heroes Near Home   Any kid will say lasers are   House fires peak in December awesome. So Long Island Laser 19. D reaming of Summer in a 10. Nutty for ‘The Nutcracker’ and January. Honor our everyday Bounce in Levittown is a no-fail Treehouse   It’s not hard to find performances heroes (and learn essential fire way to thrill the kids on cold   A real eucalyptus tree brought 1. Charlie Brown Would Approve of The Nutcracker in Decem- safety) at the Nassau County winter days. The arcade includes in from California stands at a  Cut your own Christmas tree at Mike’s Christmas Tree ber (nymetroparents.com/ Firefighters Museum and Educa- a laser tag arena filled with glow- height of 18 feet in Once Upon A Farm in Manorville, late November through Christ- li-nutcracker), but there’s only one tion Center in Garden City. This in-the-dark obstacles and cool Treetop in Plainview. Playing in mas Eve. Choose your favorite tree and chop it down version done by the Long Island destination teaches all about the special effects lighting systems. the treehouse makes summer yourself, making it feel like a country Christmas. Find Ballet Theatre. Savor the local work and sacrifices of firefight- seem that much closer. Little details on Mike’s and more tree farms near you at spin on this classic ballet in Port ers by letting visitors put on ones can also roam around in a nymetroparents.com/xmastrees. Washington in early December. actual firefighter uniforms and 17. Soaring to New Heights pint-size village complete with a Tickets are much less expensive go through obstacle courses.   Highlighting Long Island’s train station, grocery store, and 2. Historic Christmas than Lincoln Center, too! contributions to flight, which other interactive “stops.”  Hallockville Christmas at Hallockville Museum Farm many people don’t know much in Riverhead sets a scene that will take your whole 14. Harbor History about, The Cradle of Aviation family back to a simpler time. In early December, you 1 1. It’s All Downhill from Here   The Harborfrost festival in Sag Museum (nymetroparents.com/ 20. Old-Time Memory can tour historic homes decorated in Victorian and   When the snowflakes fly, take Harbor in early February is a aviation-museum) in Garden   The Long Island Puppet Theatre Depression-era style, try your hand at old-fashioned advantage by going sledding. celebration of the maritime his- City aims to get kids excited in Hicksville gives your kids baking techniques, and take part in traditional chil- The hill in Eisenhower State tory of Sag Harbor. There will be about the science and beauty of a taste of entertainment you dren’s Christmas games and traditions. Park in East Meadow is ideal whaleboat racing, clam chowder flying planes. Make a day of it probably enjoyed all the time because of its gentle slope and tasting, underwater archaelogi- by stopping by the nearby Long as a kid. The shows use both 3. To Seal the Deal thrilling length—perfect for the cal exploration, and many other Island Children’s Museum and marionettes and traditional  Seal Cruises in Freeport, aboard the Captain Lou Fleet, littlest snow bunnies. Find more acitivies in which the whole Historic Nunley’s Carousel. hand puppets. Craft work- show families these beloved creatures in their natural sledding spots at nymetropar- family can partake. shops are also available. habitat. Bundle up: January is when the sightings are ents.com/sled-long-island. best. Learn about the biology and behavior of seals 18. Cabin Fever Cure and other marine life on this scenic junket. Cruises are   By the time February rolls presented by The Riverhead Foundation and board on 1 around, everyone is getting a select weekend dates through April. 4. Plugged In  Watch little eyes light up with holiday joy during a com- munity tree or menorah lighting, such as the Ronkonk- oma Menorah Lighting at Raynor Beach Park, where families can enjoy potato latkes, chocolate gelt, and holiday togetherness to kick off the festival of lights. 7 Check nymetroparents.com/calendar for more holiday lightings. 11 18

5. Nothing Else Holds a Candle  Love the old-fashioned, understated look of a single candle lighting each of your home’s windows during the holidays? Head to Paint a Piece in Commack to create your choice of scented candle (the pottery and glass cre- ations make great holiday gifts, too).

6. Disney Magic  The Disney on Ice tour stops by Nassau Coliseum in January and is sure to wow with its trademark top- notch costumes, sets, music, and talent. Disney lovers

and fans of ice-skating in general will enjoy seeing Islanders York New Courtesy their favorite characters fly around the gigantic rink. Visit disneyonice.com for updates. 6 7. Island Natives  A (islanders.nhl.com) game at Nas- sau Coliseum, especially in January or February as the final games are approaching, is nonstop excitement. Support the sport of hockey and our local heroes by snagging one of the center-ice ticket packages. Who needs to schlep into the city to see that other team?

8. Blade Runners  Go ice-skating at Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn, voted best outdoor skating rink on Long Island by the viewers of News 12 Long Island. Enjoy the 200-foot rink, surrounded by forest, from November through March (weather pending). And find more indoor and outdoor rinks in the area at nymetroparents.com/ ice-skating. Joel Darelius Joel 12 MSG Entertainment Courtesy 4 Top 20 Things to Do in Spring 1. Sweet Satisfaction Maple Sugaring Day at Benner’s Farm in East 2 8 Setauket is an experience to remember for anyone with a sweet tooth. Nobody but Mother Nature knows exactly when the sap will run, but the four-to-six-week season typically starts in late 4 February. Learn how to make maple syrup, candy, and other sweets from the farm’s maple trees. Where else can you find the sweet stuff? Check nymetroparents.com/maple-sugaring. 2. Under the Big Top The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus stops at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale for a few days in March. This tour brings the kooky clowns, cool stunts, and awe-inspiring creatures that thrilled

you as a kid and (admit it!) still do. For details, visit Entertainment Feld Courtesy ringling.com.

All About the Kiddos 4. On the Hunt Island Live Long SteamersCourtesy 3. Orient Beach State Park’s annual Easter Egg Hunt is The All Kids Fair at the Melville Marriott in April is Nature Calls Chocolate Lovers Unite mid-May—recently relocated to Planting Fields half resource expo, half fun family outing that de- worth the trip for the novelty of hunting seaside. The 5. 11.   The Arbor Day Family Festival in late April at   April showers bring….a need for rainy-day ideas Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay livers a trove of educational vendors for parents. Big Rabbit himself will be there to greet the wee Coe Hall Mansion in Planting Fields Arboretum for kids. And what’s better than eating chocolate? (nymetroparents.com/planting-fields)—features Kids get to enjoy balloon-twisting clowns, kiddie hunters, ready to hand out prizes for those who dis- State Historic Park (nymetroparents.com/plant- Making your own fresh. Krön Chocolatier in Great a breed showcase and a “My Dog Can Do yoga classes, and magicians while you peruse the cover the special eggs at this event, which changes ing-fields) in Oyster Bay is a combo of learning Neck (kronchocolatier.com) allows you to do That” event. Bring your own talented pooch! offerings. dates according to when the holiday falls; check nymetroparents.com/li-easter for updates. and fun. With plenty of space for wiggly kiddies just that. From chocolate popcorn to chocolate to romp, they’ll go home happy and tired—and truffles, a visit to this old-world candy crafter will 18. In Teddy’s Footsteps with a better understanding of the importance satisfy the biggest sweet tooth.   Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center of trees. in Oyster Bay (ny.audubon.org/trsanctuary) 12. Strolling Along comes to life in spring. You’ll find birds of prey 6. Tiptoe through the Tulips?   As the weather warms, thoughts turn to stroll- as well as reptiles and amphibians native to our   Huntington Tulip Festival at Heckscher Park (ny- ing—and Downtown Glen Cove is a really good area. Consider an Owl Prowl or other guided metroparents.com/heckscher) in early May is a place to do just that. Meander past boutiques, hike. family-oriented, floral bonanza that showcases restaurants, specialty food markets, a movie more than 20,000 tulips. Hands-on children’s theater, and a marina. And don’t miss Justin’s 19. Plant Yourself Here activity booths, art exhibitions, and musical en- Toys (justinstoys.com), a store that offers work-   The Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River is tertainment are all featured among the blooms. shops in which kids create their own playthings. awash with color in May. Five different nature 10 walks are available next to the Connetquot 7. To the Moms! 13. Mother-Daughter Date River. Kids will surely stop at the duck and   The Mother’s Day Picnic at Belmont Park in Elmont   Spring is the start of pedicure season! Looking for chicken pens. Find more info on Bayard and over Mother’s Day weekend is a unique way a bonding experience with your little girl? Lipstick other nearby nature centers at nymetroparents. to celebrate the special ladies in your life. Pack & Lollipops (lipstick-and-lollipops.com) has you cov- com/zoos. your own picnic and watch the horse races with ered. Located in Mount Sinai, this one-of-a-kind spa Mom and Grandma before heading over to the not only offers all the latest in toe chic, but glitter 20. Ah, the Golden Ring! playground and petting zoo. Check nyra.com for tattoos to show off with tank tops, too.   Remember Nunley’s Carousel in Baldwin? A details on this event. historic landmark and place of fondest childhood 14. Swinging through the Treetops memories for many of us, the amusement park 8. All Aboard!   If your family is on the adventurous side, take a closed in 1995. But the cherished carousel con-   Around mid-May, Long Island Live Steamers in trip to The Adventure Park (nymetroparents.com/ tinues to spin in a beautiful dedicated building at Brookhaven kicks off its seasonal Public Run li-adventure-park) in Wheatley Heights. Consisting Museum Row in Garden City. Go to nymetropar- Days, when train lovers (aka kids) can catch a of eight different ropes courses amidst 5 acres of ents.com/carousels for more info. ride Harry Potter-style. Relive the glory days of trees, this park will satisfy any andrenaline-fueled the railroad as you chug along 8 acres of tracks. family. And in honor of National Train Day, which typi- cally coincides with Mother’s Day weekend, 15. Landmark Worth a Stop check out our full list of train rides and exhibits in   A calming and relaxing experience, visiting the the area at nymetroparents.com/trains. Fire Island Lighthouse is a must for any Long Island family. Walk the scenic boardwalk, 9. Asian Influence visit the museum, and climb to the top   The Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival at the of the tower that’s become one of Charles B. Wang Center at Stony Brook Univer- Long Island’s best-known symbols. sity in May is a wonderful way to learn about Japanese culture. With workshops in origami, 16. From Farm to Fitness martial arts, taiko, dance, and painting, this fest   Where can you find exotic ani- will wow kids as well as grown-ups. mals, a fitness trail, an ecology center, a picnic area, and three 10. Flying High pools? Only at the Town of   The Bethpage Air Show (bethpageairshow.com), a Brookhaven’s Ecology Site, Park Memorial Day staple at Jones Beach in Wantagh, & Animal Preserve in Holtsville. is a can’t-miss Long Island event that showcases Find more nature sites at world-class military and civilian fliers. Pack a lunch nymetroparents.com/zoos. and some sunscreen, and witness the incredible feats of amazing pilots and parachuters (be sure to 17. Woof! bring earplugs for the youngest in your brood and   Sure to bring a smile to your for kids with sensitivities). child’s face, the Long Island Kennel Club Dog Show in Courtesy Bethpage Credit Union Courtesy 7