Fun in the Sun in Long Island
Fun in the Sun: Outdoor Summer Entertainment for Kids FAMILY & PARENTING, SPORTS & RECREATION, COMMUNITY, CHARITY & CAUSE, ARTS & CULTURE, SEASONAL & CURRENT EVENTS By Kelly Tenny Published: May 30 2014 With summer right around the corner it’s time to take the kids out for some outdoor, fun in the sun entertainment The warm weather is here and the kids are ready to get out of the house and spend some quality time playing in the sunshine. Let’s face it, some fun in the sun could do us all some good, not just the kids! A healthy dose of sunshine will help you procure your daily dose of vitamin D (and help you work on your tan!) but as always practice good sun safety and make sure the kids and yourself are wearing sunscreen. Long Island has many outdoor festivities and activities aimed towards kids to pick from this summer. Whether the kids want to pretend they are racecar drivers for a day at the go-kart track, or dress up as pirates and growl their very best, “Arrrr Matey” at the Pirate Festival & Classic Boat Show, you will not be lax on options. Get the kids ready, pack up the car, don a comfortable pair of shoes, and get ready for some fun in the sun with your little ones. Festivals: There are lots of fun festivals and fairs to attend this summer. St. Rocco Festival held in Oyster Bay from July 9th-July13th is free admission for all and Friday night, July 11th, there will be a fireworks show. At the Pirate Festival & Classic Boat Show in West Sayville, held June 14th and 15th, those who dress up as pirates receive a special gift. Admission is $8 and free for children 5 and under. Amusement Parks: Get some thrills by visiting your local Long Island amusement park. Around since 1962, Adventureland off of route 110 in Farmingdale is open daily during the summer. Adventureland has over 30 rides and admission is free, though to go on the rides you must either pay with tickets or buy a bracelet. Swimming: Looking to take a dip and cool off in the water? Long Island has many outdoor swimming locations to take the kids. For a sandy, salt water experience there are many beaches available all over Long Island. If you’re feeling adventurous head over to the Fire Island National Seashore for some fun the sand, swimming and seashell collecting. For those who prefer to bring the kids to the pool, Cantiague Park in Hicksville has an Olympic size swimming pool, diving pool, two water slides, a kiddie pool, an interactive water play area and training pool. Go-Karting: Tiki Action Park in Centereach offers go-kart racing, $7 for the single kart and $8.50 for the double person kart. Country Fair in Medford also offers go-karting at $7 a ride for both single and double rider karts. Start your kart and begin revving those engines! Kayaking: Kayaking is a wonderful way to spend some quality time with the kids while also getting in some exercise, and enjoying the great outdoors. Peconic Paddler in Riverhead is a great place to rent kayaks, spend the day in the sun, and take in the scenic Peconic River. Freeport Kayak Rentals is another good spot to rent kayaks and explore the Long Island waterways. Keep in mind children under 7 are not permitted to kayak. Mini-Golfing: Whether you’re looking for a pirate themed mini-golf course, or a movie themed mini-golf course, Long Island has many miniature golfing venues to choose from. Village Green Miniature Golf in Ronkonkoma has duel putt-putt courses, an easier zoo themed track and a more difficult ‘Wizard of Oz’ themed track. Bayville Adventure and Scream Park also offers mini-golf in a delightful pirate theme. Many of the pirates talk too!
