Seasonal Activities

Below is a listing of some of my favorite seasonal activities and traditions — from spooky walks and pumpkin picking in the Fall to water sports and farmers markets in the Summer and everything in between. If you have a favorite seasonal activity that you think other families would enjoy, please send me an email.
* Jump to: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter

Spring

Botanicals

Clark Gardens

193 I.U. Willets Road, Albertson, NY
www.clarkbotanic.org

Clark Gardens features 12 beautifully manicured acres of labeled gardens, trees, ponds, and streams. See website for special events and childrens programs.

Martin Viette Nurseries

6050 Northern Blvd, East Norwich, New York
www.martinviette.com | 516.922.5530

Gardeners delight! Offers beautiful flowers, outdoor gardening supplies, petting zoo, lectures, and kids garden club. Visit website or call for details.

Old Westbury Gardens

71 Old Wesbury Road, Old Westbury, New York
www.oldwestburygardens.org | 516.333.0048

The former estate of John S. Phipps (director of U.S. Steel and Grace Shipping Lines) offers 200 acres of gorgeous gardens, landscaped grounds, and woodlands. Enjoy a long, leisurely stroll through the gardens, take a tour of the mansion, have a picnic, or enjoy one of their many special events and family programs. See website or call for details.

$10 per adult; $5 per child (7-17); Under 6, FREE

Planting Fields Arboretum

1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, New York
www.plantingfields.org

The former Gold Coast estate of the W.R. Coe family, this property has over 400 acres of rolling lawns, gardens, woodlands, and nature walks. Perfect spot for a picnic. Kids will enjoy the Camellia Greenhouse and running through the grassy lawns, moms will love the flowers — especially the peony garden. There are paved walkways that are perfect for strollers or joggers. Special events include outdoor concerts and family events. See website or call for details.

$8 for parking

EGG HUNTS & EASTER BUNNY SIGHTINGS

Easter Bunny at Hicks Nursery

100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury, New York
www.hicksnurseries.com

Bring your camera to snap photos of your babe with the Easter Bunny and take some time to enjoy the petting zoo.

Easter Egg Spectacular at White Post Farms

50 Old Country Road, Melville, New York
www.whitepostfarms.com | 631.351.9373

Take a family photo with the Easter Bunny, decorate an Easter egg at the craft table, take a ride on the mini train, hop on a pony ride, check out the singing chicken show, visit with some animal farm friends, mine for gemstones, and play the rest of the day in the outdoor animal farm and playground.

ANNUAL EVENTS, FESTIVALS, + TRADITIONS

Brooklyn Flea Market + SMORGASBURG

Various addresses in Brooklyn, New York
www.brooklynflea.com

Open from the beginning of April through November each year, the Brooklyn Flea Market offers part vintage and handmade bazaar, part hipster hangout, and part food bonanza every Saturday and Sunday rain or shine. It’s a great way to kill an afternoon with a stroller or bjorn. See website for details.

Long Island Ducks

3 Court House Drive, Central Islip, New York
www.liducks.com | 631.940.3825

Long Island’s minor league baseball team offers reasonably priced tickets (starting at $11) and great interactive activities for kids at each game. Season starts in April. Visit website or call for details.

Summer

Farmer’s Market

*Long Island Growers Market at Christopher Morley Park

500 Searingtown Road, Roslyn, New York

Every Wednesday morning (7 am – 1 pm) from the beginning of June until the end of November, you can find market items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, artisan breads, seafood, homemade soup, jams, ravioli, honey, pasta, baked goods and more.

Port Washington Organic Farmers Market

347 Main Street, Port Washington, New York
www.grassrootsinfo.org/farm.html

Every Saturday morning (8 am – 12 pm) from the beginning of June through the end of October, stroll the town docks as Famers from the East End bring truckloads of fresh, organic vegetables, fruit, delicious baked goods, organic coffee, and more.
PW Mama Tip: Enjoy a stroll through nearby Mill Pond Park afterwards. Layla loves watching the ducks swim by.

Pools and Watersports

Christopher Morley Park & Pool

500 Searingtown Road, Roslyn-North Hills, New York
www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/parks/wheretogo/active/morley.html

Christopher Morley’s outdoor swimming pool complex includes an Olympic-sized pool, diving tank with boards, and a “kiddie” pool. Swimming pool is open from late June through Labor Day. Day rates available. Park features include a recently renovated playground, fitness trail, golf, athletic fields, and other recreational activities.

Kayak, Paddleboard and Bait & Tackle Rentals from Atlantic Outfitters

405 main Street, #2, Port Washington, New York
www.atlanticoutfitters.us | 516.767.2215

Good for kids ages 4+ and their families, Atlantic Outfitters offers guided kayak tours (and rentals), paddleboard rentals, fishing lessons, bait and tackle and more. Call ahead or visit website for details.

Kids Summer Fishing Adventures

Inspiration Wharf, 405 Main Street, Port Washington, NY

Weekly Sessions All Summer Long for kids 8 and up beginning Monday, June 15!
A fun and exciting hands on approach to fishing, adventures include fishing boat trips, eco tours, fish ID, equipment care and use, boat safety, knot & rig tying, conservation and much, much more!  All equipment, bait and tackle provided!

Long Island Boat Rental

Inspiration Warf | 403 Main Street Port Washington, NY 11050
(516) 761-0840 | www.liboatrental.com

Boat rentals, captained boat rides, boating lessons, yacht charters and more!

 

Manorhaven Beach Park & Pool

Manorhaven Boulevard, Port Washington, New York
www.northhempsteadny.gov/content/7354/7125/7183/7417/default.aspx

The Manorhaven Pool offers both seasonal memberships and day rates. It features a 25,000 square foot main pool area with lap swim area, general swim sections with zero depth entry for children and beginners, and two giant water slides. A state of the art play feature and separate kiddie pool area are also available.

Manorhaven Beach Park provides full outdoor recreation activities. The NEW Sports Education Center allows residents to sign up for lessons in sailing, standup paddle-boarding, kayaking, and fishing. Other highlights include a skateboard park, playgrounds, dog park, and a fitness programs such as yoga and zumba for adults and kids.

Port Sailing School

86 Orchard Beach Boulevard, Port Washington, New York
www.portsailing.com | 516.767.7245

Charters, boat rentals, sailing lessons & camps and more. Call ahead or visit website for details.

Port Washington Water Taxi

46 Corchaug Avenue, Port Washington, New York
www.portwatertaxi.com | 516.767.1691

Manhasset Bay Harbor Tours, Lighthouse Tours, and more, this is a great way to spend an afternoon with your kids, ages 4+. Pack a lunch and enjoy a day on the water. Tickets are $20 per person; $10 per child ages 12 and under. Call ahead or visit website for details.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding + Paddle Yoga

Kostal Paddle, Port Washington, NY
www.kostalpaddle.com
 

Explore the serenity of Long Island’s waterways while getting a total body workout. Stand Up Paddle Boarding has gained massive popularity over the years because it’s a sport anybody can pick up, no matter how young or how old.

 
 

Pick your own Berries

Seven Ponds Orchard

65 Seven Ponds Road, Water Mill, New York
631.726.8015

Pick-your-own raspberries and blackberries, open July-November. Also offers an on-site market with baked goods and jams, children’s play area and corn maze.

Wickham Farms

28700 Main Road (Route 25), Cutchogue, New York
www.wickhamfruitfarms.com | 631.734.6441

Pick-your-own strawberries in June, cherries, raspberries, and blueberries in July, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and apples through August.

Golf

Cantaigue Park

490 W John Street, Hicksville, New York
www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/parks/wheretogo/active/cantiague.html

Features a 9-hole, par-30 golf course and an illluminated driving range.

Christopher Morley

500 Searingtown Road, Roslyn, New York
www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/parks/wheretogo/active/morley.html

Offers an executive-level 9-hole, par 30 golf course. Open year round.

Eisenhower Park

1899 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY
www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/parks/golf/18hole.html

Three 18-hole golf courses: the Red, open spring through fall, and the White and Blue courses, which are open year round. In addition, the park has an illuminated driving range.

Harbor Links

1 Fairway Drive, Port Washington, New York
www.harborlinks.com | 516.767.4816

18-hole championship course and 9-hole executive course available. See website for rates and details.

Annual Events, Festivals, + Traditions

4th of July Fireworks

…coming soon…

HarborFest

Main Street, Port Washington, New York

The annual event is held on lower Main Street and the Town Dock in Port Washington. Enjoy cruises, craft vendors, entertainment, a children’s fun park and fun stage, art in the park, kayaking, trolley rides, a food court and more. See event calendar for date and time.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration

1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, New York
516.572.8400

Historic Old Time Baseball played in traditional uniform and original rules every Sunday through September.

Outdoor Movie Nights

Various locations.

See event calendar for dates and times for a number of outdoor summer movie nights held in Port Washington and surrounding areas.

Summer Concert Series

Various locations.

See event calendar for dates and times for a number of outdoor summer concert series held in Port Washington and surrounding areas.

Fall

Apple, Pumpkin + Veggie Picking

Fort Salonga Farm

30 Meadow Glen Road, Northport, New York
www.fortsalongafarm.com | 631-269-9666

Open late August through mid-October on Saturdays and Sundays. This is a great place to hit if you want a quick (and close) place to pick some apples and get home for naptime. They offer dwarfed trees for kids to pick on and have fresh honey for sale at the farm stand. Don’t expect to find the bells and whistles that other places offer, like hayrides and such.

Hanks Pumpkintown

324 Country Rd. 39, South Hampton, New York
www.hankspumpkintown.com | 631. 726.4667

Pumpkin picking available 7 days per week through October 30th. Features include pumpkin picking, tractor train rides, corn mazes, wagon rides and more!

Herbes Family Farm

715 Sound Avenue, Mattituck, New York
631.298.0800

Farm market full of fresh produce and homemade goods, a wine tasting bar, an interactive Barnyard Adventure, u-pick pumpkin patch, corn mazes and hayrides.

Lawrence Farms Orchard

39 Colandrea Rd, Newburgh, NY
www.lawrencefarmsorchards.com |845.562.4268

Year round fruit and vegetable picking. Apple and pear picking start early September and last through early November with many other fruits and vegetables also available. Kids will enjoy the horse rides, lake with swans, hay maze, petting zoo and “mini village” with a church, school house, jail, etc. Visit website for details.
PWMama Tip: Visit the Woodbury Commons outlets (more extensive then the Riverhead outlets) for a shopping extravaganza while you’re up here.

Lewin Farm

812 Sound Avenue, Wading River, New York
www.lewinfarm.com | 631-929-4327

Open late August though late October, this family-operated farm specializes in several different kinds of apples as well as a wide variety of farm fresh fruits and vegetables. Call ahead for availability.

Maskers

45 Ball Road, Warwick, NY 10990
www.maskers.com | 845.986.1058

Open from September 1 through early November, Maskers offers a 200 acre orchard in the Hudson Valley. Breathtaking views of the Fall foliage. Barnyard animals, pony rides and wagon rides, and face painting are available for the kids. See website for details.

Milk Pail

1346 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, New York
www.milk-pail.com | 631-537-2565

Open daily from September through late October, the Milk Pail offers more than 20 acres of apples and 24 different varieties to choose from. Dwarf trees are available for kids to pick on. See website for details.

Seven Ponds Orchard

65 Seven Ponds Rd, Watermill, New York
631-726-8015

Open daily from late August through November, Seven Ponds features 14 varieties of dwarf trees and offers red radio flyer wagons for you to carry your apples around in, which is charming. Plenty of other activities for kids include: a corn maze, hay rides, and a farmstand with fresh fruit and vegetables.
PW Mama Tip: If you can, visit on a weekday to beat the weekend crowds.

The Milk Pail

50 Horsemill Lane, Water Mill, New York
www.themilkpail.com | 631.537.2565

Picking available through the end of October, The Milk Pail allows visitors to choose pumpkins from various shapes, sizes (they have mini pumpkins up to 150 pound), and colors. They also have orchards of u-pick apples and easy-to-reach dwarf apple trees.

Warwick Valley Winery

114 Little York Road, Warwick, NY 10990
www.wvwinery.com | 845.258.4858

Beginning early September though early November, enjoy u-pick apple and pear orchards at Warwick Valley Winery. Warwick also offers live music, tractor rides, wine tasting and food.

White Post Farms

50 Old Country Road, Melville, New York
www.whitepostfarms.com | 631.351.9373

Starting at the end of September you can enjoy pumpkin picking, roasted corn, kids shows, petting zoo, the free flight aviary, apple and pumpkin pies, and more. Visit website for details.
PW Mama Tip: Make sure to print a coupon from their website before you go!

Martin Viette Nurseries

6050 Northern Blvd, East Norwich, New York
www.martinviette.com | 516.922.5530

Tots can pick their own pumpkins from their grassy patch, which features tiny ‘Jack-Be-Littles’ – perfect for little hands to enjoy, as well as carving pumpkins, display pumpkins and squash. Kids will delight in the petting zoo, complete with: goats, sheep, piglets, cows, and ducks. Fall-themed home decor and flowers, fresh fruit pies, apple crisps and turnovers, jelly apples and pressed apples and more is also available.

Schmitts Farm

26 Pinelawn Road, Melville, New York
www.schmittsfarm.com | 631.271.3276

Beginning at the end of September, visit Schmitts Farm for pick your own pumpkins. Tots will also enjoy the large inflatable slides, hay rides, pony rides, corn maze, farm animals, farm stand, and walk through haunted house. This is a great option full of family fun and is an easy drive. Visit website for details.

Spooky Walks and Haunted House

*Rise of the Jack-O-Lanterns

71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, New York
www.therise.org

An annual Halloween event at Old Westbury Gardens that features more than 5,000 individually carved jack o’lanterns that illuminate a long and winding trail through the majestic grounds.

Bayville Scream Park

8 Bayville Avenue, Bayville, New York
www.bayvillescreampark.com

Seriously, scary. Bayville Scream Park features Bloodworth Haunted Mansion, Uncle Needle’s Fun House of Fear, Temple of Teror, Zombie Pirats and Evil in the Woods. There are also two “not so scary” haunted houses for kids, a pumpkin bounce, Spooky Pirate Minature Golf, and a Creepy Café. See website for details.

Schmitts Farm Haunted Mansion & Haunted Night Time Corn Maze

26 Pinelawn Road, Melville, New York
www.schmittsfarms.com | 631.271.3276

Realistic effects and decor, this haunted mansion and corn maze are not for the faint of heart. See website for details.

Spooky and Not So Spooky Walk at Clark Gardens

193 I.U. Willets Road, Albertson, New York
www.clarkbotanic.org

Ghosts, ghouls, goblins and more descend on you as you meander through Clark Botanic Gardens. During the day, a kindler, gentler, “not so spooky” walk is available. See website for details.

Annual Events & Festivals + Traditions

*Otto the Ghost at Hicks Nurseries

100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury, New York
www.hicksnurseries.com

The FREE not-so-spooky walk-through animated story about Otto the Ghost at Hicks Nursery is a favorite for kids of all ages. Live animals on view, childrens story hours, and hayrides also available.

Garvies Point Annual Thanksgiving Festival

50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove, New York
www.garviesponitmuseum.com | 516.571.8010
 
This celebration of northeastern Native American culture has been held the weekend before Thanksgiving for more than 25 years. Hands-on activities include pottery-making, primitive fire-building, on-site cooking, and face painting with natural pigments. Activities are appropriate for all ages.
 

Port Washington Thanksgiving Day Run

Manorhaven Park, Port Washington, New York

Annual 5 mile race through the streets of Port Washington that draws 2,000+ people. All proceeds benefit the Community Chest of Port Washington.

Winter

Tree Cutting

Darts Christmas Tree Farm

2355 Main Bayview Road, Southold, New York
www.dartstreefarm.com | 631.765.4148

Open the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, this family-run farm offers cut-your-own Fraser and Douglas Firs for $89.95 regardless of height. Like most of the farms on this list, they will help you cut, shake and carry your tree to your car. On Saturdays and Sundays, Santa visits from 12pm to 4pm and free hayrides are available. Hot chocolate, snacks, and freshly baked cookies are offered. Handmade wreaths, sprays, garlands and arrangements are sold in their 18th century barn.
PW Mama Tip: Check their website for coupons!

Elwood Christmas Tree Farm

1500 East Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, New York
www.elwoodpumpkinfarm.com | 631.368.8626

Long Island’s most western cut-your-own Christmas tree farm, Elwood offers a 20 acres of Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, and Scotch Pine trees available for u-cut or pre-cut beginning the day after Thanksgiving. Elwood employees will cut, wrap, and tie your tree to your car at no extra charge. The farm does not provide the extra “amenities” — tractor rides, santa visits, fire pits, refreshments or restrooms but it is a good option if you don’t want a long drive.

Lewin Farm

812 Sound Avenue
, Wading River, New York
www.lewinfarm.com | 631-929-4327


Beginning the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, Lewin Farm offers incredibly low prices for their u-cut and pre-cut Douglas Fir and Blue Spruce trees. Tractor drawn wagons carry families and their freshly cut trees from field to the entrance where trees are wrapped. Hot chocolate, popcorn, pretzels, soda and hot dogs are available for purchase.

Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm

20685 Main Road, Mattituck, New York
www.shamrockchristmastreefarm.com | 631.298.4619

Open daily beginning November 25 through Christmas Eve, Shamrock Tree Farm allows you to borrow a saw to cut your own Douglas, Fraser Firs and Hybrid Balsams or you can choose to let their friendly helpers cut a tree for you at no extra charge. The farm offers live and pre-cut trees, a refreshment stand, an antique sleigh collection, a holiday shop, and on weekends, they light their cozy fire pit and offer free hot chocolate and popcorn. Santa visits the farm on Saturdays and Sundays. See website or call for details.

Zuhoski Farm

11825 Oregon Road, Cutchogue, New York
(631) 734 5036

Open Saturdays and Sundays, this family run farm allows you to cut your own Douglas Fir or Blue Spruce or they will be happy to help you every step away. Prices are reasonable and a flat charge for any size. A tractor-pulled hayride transports you around the farm. Other features include the blazing fire pit and a free cup of hot chocolate, cider, popcorn or a candy cane. Fresh greenery, wreaths and garlands are also available.

Outdoor Skating

Christopher Morley Park

500 Searingtown Road Roslyn, NY 11576
http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/parks/wheretogo/active/morley.html | 516.571.8120

Great hills for sledding and Christopher Morley’s outdoor ice skating rink was named by News 12 Long Islandviewers as the best outdoor skating rink on Long Island. The ice rink opens the Saturday after Thanksgiving through mid-March (weather permitting). Group and private lessons are available.

Holiday Light Displays

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

12th Avenue & 84th Street, Brooklyn, New York

Dyker Heights is uber famous for it’s extravagant holiday light displays — the decked out homes are dressed in over-the-top holiday decor. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this magical neighborhood.

Holiday Lights Spectacular — South Slope

310A 22nd Street (between Sixth & Seventh Avenues), Brooklyn, New York
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Holiday-Light-Spectacular/122191904509549?sk=photos

This house offers homemade decorations and a differnt theme and storyline each year. Past themes have included 1950s style and the Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

Santa’s Corner — Bayside

166th Street and 23rd Avenue, Queens, New York

Here, you’ll find multiple houses completely wrapped in lights, and lawns adorned with figurines, giant inflatable decorations and more. These homes accept donations that go to a local children’s charity.

Santa Sightings

Bayville Adventure Park’s Winter Wonderland

8 Bayville Avenue, Bayville, New York
www.bayvillewinterwonderland.com | 516-624-7433

Meet Santa and enjoy a fun house, train ride, skating, and a light show — all included with admission. See website for details.

*Hicks Nursery

100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury, New York
www.hicksnurseries.com | 516.334.0066

This family-run nursery allows kids to meet Santa AND his reindeer — just remember to bring your own camera. The animated walk through Christmas story is also a favorite among tots. Drop off a self-addressed stamped envelope in the North Pole Mailbox and your child will receive a letter from Santa. For adults, the charming nursery offers a lot of great holiday decor. See website for details.

Old Westbury Gardens

71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, New York
www.oldwestburygardens.org | 516.333.0048

Here, children can meet Santa and enjoy a craft while their parents can admire the magnificent decor in Old Westbury Gardens period rooms. Hot cider and cookies are available on the West Porch. Call or visit website for details.

White Post Farms

250 Old Country Road, Melville, New York
www.whitepostfarms.com | 631.351.9373

Santa and Fluffy the Snowman visit every Saturday and Sunday through the end of December. Admission includes a visit with Santa, the petting zoo, a giant free-flight aviary, a theatrical production of A Christmas Carol and unlimited time in the outdoor bouncy playground. Check website or call ahead for details.

Annual Events & Festivals & Traditions

Bayville Winter Wonderland

8 Bayville Avenue, Bayville, New York
www.bayvillewinterwonderland.com

Step into a magical 3D adventure where you will visit Santa’s workshop, experience a dazzling animated holiday lights show, go iceskating with friendly holiday characters, take a train ride around the winter wonderland, have a special meeting and take a picture with Santa, play in the arcade, or, if that’s still not enough, climb the rock wall.
PW Mama Tip: Check out their website for coupons!

*Candlelit Evenings at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, New York
516.572.8400

One of my favorite traditions, Candlelight Evenings offer a picturesque setting of flickering candles inside the 19th Century Village’s historic homes and period holiday decorations and entertainment, all set within the confines of a rural valley setting. The musical entertainment includes a brass quartet and fiddlers playing popular seasonal tunes as well as music by local schools and organizations. Other features include traditional American dancers and readings of classic holiday children’s stories. Call ahead for details.

Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens

2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, New York
www.nybg.org | 718.817.8700

Within the enchanting setting of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, model trains zip over bridges and past replicas of New York landmarks made of plant parts such as nuts, bark, and leaves. Show favorites include the original Yankee Stadium, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge. See website for dates and pricing.
PW Mama Tip: Remember to buy tickets in advance!

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Radio City Music Hall | 1260 Ave of the Americas, New York, New York
www.radiocitychristmas.com |212.307.1000

One of my favorite traditions as a kid, the Christmas Spectacular is a 90 minute show that is narrated by Santa Claus and features singing, dancing, the famed rockettes, and even a 3-D “sleigh ride” through New York City. Will absolutely get you in the holiday spirit.