Summer on Long Island and around NYC is full of adventure for families. From charming coastal towns and sandy beaches to sunflower fields, zoos, vineyards and local family owned farms, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season together. Whether your family loves slow mornings by the water, outdoor exploring or discovering hidden gems close to home, these summer day trips offer something for everyone. Read on for seven of the best family-friendly day trips across Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island to add to your summer bucket list.
Queens & Brooklyn
FLUSHING MEADOW CORONA PARK
Location: Queens Zoo, Fantasy Forest Amusement Park, New York Hall of Science
Why go: While smaller than some of the area’s other zoos, the Queens Zoo offers plenty for younger families to enjoy, including animal exhibits, a petting zoo and a playground all included with admission. Located within Flushing Meadows Corona Park and next to Fantasy Forest Amusement Park, it’s easy to turn your visit into a full day of family fun. Don’t forget to stop by Corona Ice King nearby for a classic Italian ice afterward.
Location: Prospect Park Zoo, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Museum and more
What to do: The Prospect Park area is one of Brooklyn’s best family day trip destinations, centered around Prospect Park. Start your morning at the nearby Prospect Park Zoo, stroll over to the gardens for a peaceful, scenic break, then head into the park for a picnic, playground time, splash pads for kids to cool off, and plenty of trails and open fields to explore. If you have older kids, rent a pedal boat on the lake for a fun, relaxed way to end the day on the water.
Nassau County
Location: Long Island Children’s Museum, Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City
What to do: Whether your child is fascinated by firefighting, airplanes or hands on exploration, there’s something for every age along Museum Row. It’s the perfect family outing for both sunny and rainy days, with Nunley’s Carousel open Fridays through Sundays for even more nostalgic fun.
Location: Jones Beach Island, Wantagh, Nassau
What to do: With 6.5 miles of sandy shoreline, Jones Beach State Park offers far more than just a beach day. Families can enjoy the fishing pier, mini golf, shuffleboard, paddle tennis, pickleball courts and the interactive Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center. Whether you want to spend the day swimming, exploring nature or keeping active, there’s something here for every kind of summer outing.
OYSTER BAY
Location: Oyster Bay, Nassau
What to do: This is a great casual day trip on the north shore centered around Oyster Bay’s Main Street, filled with local cafes, restaurants, boutiques and ice cream shops. Families can spend a few hours browsing the downtown area before walking down toward the waterfront for harbor views and a relaxed stroll by the docks maybe even putting their feet in the sand.
Suffolk County
WATERDRINKER FAMILY FARM & GARDEN
Location: Manorville & Riverhead (multiple locations)
What to do: There’s no shortage of things for families to, from visiting barnyard animals and playing on the giant jump pad to mini golf, wooden playgrounds and greenhouse shopping. Parents can also enjoy the on-site brewery with food trucks and live music on the weekends. Summer brings even more to experience with favorites like the Lavender Festival, Sunflower Festival and the Honey Festival.
NORTH FORK WINERIES
Location: NY25 from Riverhead to Orient Point
What to do: With over 40 wineries on the North Fork of Long Island, you are destined to find a location (or two) that fits your family. Some vineyards offer a quieter, laid back atmosphere, while others feature live music, food trucks, lawn games, farm stands and open space for kids to run around.
End any of these day trips with a family photoshoot. With so many beautiful locations nearby, we can find the perfect setting to document your family. That may be the beach, an open field, a sunflower farm or somewhere a little more unique. Family photos should be more than just the final images. The entire day should feel like a memory worth holding onto. Get in touch today to start planning your family or maternity summer session.
Erica Ruvio Photography LLC is a Queens NYC based lifestyle newborn, family and maternity photographer serving Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau, Suffolk and up through lower Westchester counties. Learn more about Erica here.
5/24/26
