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Easy and FREE Things to Do With Your Baby

1. Middle Country Public Library – Centereach 

The Centereach children's library location of Middle Country Public Library is arguably one of the best on Long Island. The Museum Corner has rotating, interactive exhibits. Be sure to check out the perks at your local library, too. Many have small play spaces, museum pass programs, and discounted tickets to attractions. Register for library events in advance, as most spots tend to fill quickly.

2. Barnes & Noble Storytime – Islandwide

Barnes & Noble offers free storytime multiple times a month at participating locations. Each location's day and time of storytime varies, so you will want to check with your local store. The event typically includes a book read aloud, discussion, and craft, so bring older siblings as well.

3. Wantagh Park Marina Playground – Wantagh

This is my family's favorite playground. It was recently renovated, and there are a lot of interactive features in the baby/toddler section. There are tunnels to crawl through, little knobs to move and turn, plus cute animals to climb on. For families with mixed-age siblings, this playground is perfect. My 8-year-old tackles the large treehouse structure while my 5-year-old sticks to climbing the whale or helping her baby sister with equipment. Sightlines throughout the playground make it easier for me to keep track of everyone. Wantagh Park is free for Nassau County residents.

4. Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve – Merrick

In the spring and fall, this is such a nice loop to walk. The goats are usually in their grassy knoll out front, or sometimes walking the trail, mowing the grass. The lower path is stroller-friendly, but it's a bit of a hike up to the top, where you can see the NYC skyline. Outdoorsy and athletic parents would do better to wear the baby up the path than push a stroller. There is no admission fee for Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve.

After a walk around the lake, send baby for a ride on the swings at Belmont Lake State Park.

5. Belmont Lake State Park – West Babylon

In the off-season from mid-October to April, there is no parking fee for state parks, including Belmont Lake. The lake is a beautiful backdrop for a spring or fall walk. Plenty of waterfowl call the lake home. You can also take a pedal boat onto the lake, though it's best not to bring baby. The playground has a smaller side for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, as well as one across the way for older kids. If you go in the summer months, there is lots of shade on both the walking path at Belmont Lake State Park and the playground. Just remember, state parks begin collecting weekend fees in early April and daily fees come Memorial Day Weekend. Daily fees last until Labor Day, after which weekdays become free again. 

6. Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center – Wantagh

Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center has free admission, but the Jones Beach State Park parking fees apply the same as Belmont Lake's above. While the center is small, a lot is packed into the space. There is a touch tank and what I feel is the biggest draw for babies, a giant light bright. Put the pegs on the side for the baby to play with. 

Suffolk County Farm is a perfect spot for little animal lovers to meet barnyard pals.

7. Suffolk County Farm and Education Center – Yaphank

Suffolk County Farm and Education Center is free year-round. For a couple bucks, you can buy animal feed in the main office. The farm has so much to explore for new walkers, and lots of chances to interact with farm animals like sheep and goats. The natural playground is a great place for babies to explore the grass while older ones play on some of the wooden structures. 

Outdoor Fun With Your LI Baby

8. Old Westbury Gardens – Old Westbury

I force my kids to go to a garden every Mother's Day to take pictures without complaining. Old Westbury Gardens is my favorite. There are so many spots to get gorgeous photos, and with the quality of most phone cameras, you can easily have the photos blown up and printed to hang on your wall. All of my kids love flowers and gardens, and maybe this tradition is why.

9. Fink's Country Farm – Manorville 

Fink's has the best of both worlds when it comes to farms. The play area is robust with equipment for multiple ages. Babies can crawl through tunnels, explore the wooden ship, or marvel at the giant firetruck. Best of all, each season different elements are added to the playground. For my daughters and me, the barnyard is the main event. Animal food is affordable, and you can get both food for birds and goats/pigs etc. You never know what babies will be over in the nursery. One time we went and there were tiny piglets. The kids went cuckoo. Another thing I love about this farm is that the baby goats escape all the time, so they come right up to you looking for food. Plus, unlike some more popular petting zoos on Long Island, Fink's County Farm does not nickel and dime you for every attraction. Admission gets you the play area and barnyard, and animal food is just a couple of bucks. 

10. Jones Beach – Wantagh

This is something we did with our first two, and didn't get a chance to with our youngest. It's always amazing to see how little ones react to the sand. My son is a sensory-seeker, so he loved it. My daughter hated it. I recommend going to Zack's Bay, which is Field 5. Zack's Bay is perfect for babies, since there are no waves to knock them over. The Cove has beach eats just feet from where you've set up shop on the sand. If you're a family with mixed ages, older kids can entertain themselves by catching fish and crabs. One time, we even found a baby horseshoe crab. If Jones Beach isn't convenient, check out these other family-friendly beaches here. Just be careful with Sunken Meadow State Park, as it's a very rocky beach. 

11. Shipwreck Cove – Bay Shore

This is my family's favorite splash pad on Long Island. It's zero entry, and has enough water for babies to splash around in but not be overwhelmed by. There is a little slide and a larger one, plus lots of waterfalls and spouts. When it's crowded, be careful, as big kids could knock over and splash the baby. For a complete list of splash pads, click here.

12. Splish Splash – Calverton

Splish Splash just added a whole new water playground in the summer of 2025. There are baby swings at the octopus pool, plus slides at the yellow submarine and pirate ship. The new playground Stingray Bay has dump buckets, sprinklers, and a climbing structure. 

13. Byron Lake Park – Oakdale

We made a visit here before the big renovation, and it's such a beautiful complex. With the new renovations, there is a kiddie pool and a splash pad for babies to cool off in. If Byron Lake Park isn't convenient, check out one of these other outdoor pools on Long Island.

Top Museums for Baby

The bubbles are everyone’s favorite at the Long Island Children’s Museum.

14. Long Island Children's Museum – Garden City

There is so much for the baby to experience at the LICM, and with the baby's shorter time frame before getting tired and melting down, you'll be hard-pressed to finish it all in one visit. All of my kids love the bubble room, and honestly, so do I. The best exhibits for babies are TotSpot, Bubbles, Sandy Island, Your House, My House, and Saltwater Stories. 

15. Children's Museum of the East End – East Hampton

The Children's Museum of the East End is so impressive. It offers a very different vibe than the LICM and is more than worth a visit. There is lots of room for babies to explore in each exhibit, but if bigger kids are around, you might want to avoid the open play area with the climbing structure. Next to the farm stand is a gated area where crawlers can explore safely, and a rocking chair for nursing moms. Go when the weather is nice to see the rainbow music garden and the new playground.

16. Cradle of Aviation Museum – Garden City

Let's face it, as parents we are living vicariously through our kids. We subtly, and not-so-subtly, introduce them to things we ourselves enjoy now or enjoyed as children. The Cradle of Aviation Museum is a perfect way to introduce planes, rocketships, and more to your little one. Exhibits are hands-on, and even though the baby will have no clue what switches they are flicking or what it's supposed to do, there is so much for them to touch and see here. 

17. Long Island Aquarium – Riverhead

For me, Long Island Aquarium is one of the single most important visits to get done with your baby. Babies love aquariums and fish. You can even take them to Petco, and they'll be enamored. The colors of the coral, the way the fish swish through the water, it's all mesmerizing for them. Memberships are well worth the price. We are not a butterfly family, so we always get the membership that includes the aquarium only and is cheaper. Children under 2 also get free admission. 

18. Center for Science, Teaching and Learning – Rockville Centre

CSTL has a mix of live animal exhibits, fossils, and dinosaur animatronics. I love seeing babies' reactions to the animatronics for the first time. Will they be terrified? Will they not even react? Will they think they're real and try to interact with them? My youngest is terrified of moving toys, but the dinosaurs do not affect her. After seeing all the dinosaurs, head outside to pet some animals or take a walk along the trail, though it's not very stroller-friendly. 

Indoor Activities for Babies

Babies love the ball pit at Nana's Wonderland.

19. Nana's Wonderland – Massapequa

We've been to a lot of play cafes and play spaces, but Nana's Wonderland might be my top pick for babies and toddlers. The pastel colors are so inviting. The giant ball pit is center stage, and the tiny trampolines in the corner were my littlest's favorite part. She just sat there and went for a ride as other kids bounced her around. The layout is just aesthetically pleasing and easy to locate other siblings while you're with the baby. 

20. Liddle Bites Cafe – Long Beach

Liddle Bites Cafe is a favorite amongst many South Shore parents. Babies can have fun opening and closing all the cabinets in the play kitchen or moving trains along the train table. Liddle Bites Cafe also offers mommy-and-me classes and birthday parties. 

21. La La Land – Babylon

La La Land has lots of open space between play structures and activities, so the baby can explore safely. Ride-ons, a train table, a play kitchen, and a small wooden climbing structure are some of the baby-friendly features here. La La Land also offers classes and birthday parties. 

22. A Latte Fun – Huntington, Hauppauge

The Hauppauge location boasts the same soft play area for babies, featuring a carousel, climbers, and slides. It also has a larger play structure for older siblings. The Huntington location is best for babies to preschoolers. A Latte Fun is another indoor play place that hosts birthday parties.

23. Xplore – Commack

Xplore makes the list because it's perfect for families with older siblings. Parents can stay with the baby in the toddler zone while still being able to keep sight of older siblings in the bounce houses and play structure. The toddler zone has busy boards, giant foam blocks, and a smaller climbing structure, though it's still too big for baby.

Seasonal Fun With Your Baby

24. See the Easter Bunny at White Post Farms – Melville

I have a love/hate relationship with White Post Farms. It's such a great petting zoo, and we love the giraffe but, not only is admission expensive, there are also a lot of extras that add up. Unlike The Bronx Zoo or Long Island Aquarium, membership is exorbitant, so we leave White Post Farms to a once-a-year trip. If you're going to go once, go in the spring. Babies can pet real bunnies, take a picture with the Easter Bunny, and take part in an egg hunt. 

25. Jones Beach Air Show – Wantagh

If planes are your family's thing, you won't want to miss the Jones Beach Air Show, which usually features the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds. You'll want to get to the beach super early to get in, as the parking lots fill up. Don't forget to bring protective headphones for the baby, as it can get pretty loud. 

26. Tulip Festival at Waterdrinker Family Farm – Manorville

Waterdrinker has a few flower festivals, but the Tulip Festival in the spring is such a great photo op for babies. We usually go on dig day, which I don't recommend for photos, but I do recommend it if you want to build your own tulip garden. You can also check out the Winter Wonderland festival.

27. Apple Picking at Windy Acres Orchard – Calverton

My husband prefers apple picking at Lewin Farms because it's no frills, but the kids and I love Windy Acres Orchard. Trees are clearly labeled, so you know what apple type you're picking. There is a grassy play area that entertained all my kids, and food stands with delicious ice cream options as well as snack offerings. 

Brightwaters Farms is a great spot to pick pumpkins with babies and young kids.

28. Pumpkin Picking at Brightwaters Farms – Bay Shore

Brightwaters Farms is great for pumpkin picking with babies because it's not large and overwhelming. There are still the same features of a larger farm, like a playground, inflatables, and roasted corn, but in a smaller and more digestible package. 

29. Trick-or-Treat – Islandwide

Picking babies' costume is so exciting. It's such a short window of time that we as parents get to choose what they dress as for Halloween before they start having opinions. Enjoy it while it lasts and take lots of photos while trick-or-treating. If you're looking to venture outside of your own neighborhood, we have a guide to the best neighborhoods to trick-or-treat in.

30. Visit Santa at Hick's Nurseries – Westbury

There are lots of places to see Santa, but what's nice about Hick's is that it's easy for one family member to wait in line while the others look around the nursery and take in the holiday splendor. 

Memorable Moments for Baby

31. First Haircut

Not all of us can go to Walt Disney World and get our first haircut on Main Street USA, though I would have loved to for my kids. Lots of parents like to have the first haircut around the first birthday. At one of the salons listed here, your child will likely sit in a race car and watch TV to distract from the process. My babies didn't have a head full of hair, so I opted to wait a while before the first snip.

The first birthday photoshoot is a tradition almost every parent participates in. Photo by Photography Sisters

32. First Birthday Photoshoot

You can go to a chain studio or find a local photographer to capture the momentous occasion. When booking a local photographer, the first place to start is in your local Facebook mom and dad group. Ask for suggestions, and you'll get a slew. I wasn't happy with the first photographer I used for my oldest, but both my younger kids had the same photographer. It's great when you find someone who clicks with you, as they will likely capture special moments as your family grows throughout the years.

33. First Birthday Party

The first birthday is a huge milestone for the baby and you. It's such a bittersweet moment. You've survived the first year, but now baby is becoming more independent and toddler-like every day. We've done both a party at home, where we had a petting zoo, and a party at a venue. If you don't want to go the restaurant route, the Long Island Aquarium is a great option for guests of mixed ages. 

Honorable Mentions Just Outside of Long Island

Every trip we have to get a picture in the stump of the Children’s Zoo at the Bronx Zoo.

34. The Bronx Zoo – The Bronx

If I were to pick one thing on this list as a must-do, it would be this. Babies love animals, and the Bronx Zoo is full of them. It's always amazing to see which animal they gravitate towards. This zoo is huge, so you want to make sure you have a good stroller. Bring one that reclines so baby can nap more easily, and if baby is small, bring a baby carrier to strap to your chest. Some of the exhibits don't allow strollers, so you'll have to carry the baby. While the winter has cheaper admission, the petting zoo and monorail are closed. For the best experience, go in the spring, summer, or fall on a cool day so animals are more active. If your baby takes a pacifier, pack a backup! On one trip, my daughter threw her Wubbanub right at the start of our trip, and the rest of the day was miserable. Children under 3 are free.

35. American Museum of Natural History – NYC

The American Museum of Natural History is one of my oldest kid's favorite places to visit, and if you've got a dino lover, or you're a dino lover yourself, this is the place to take baby. There is so much for them to see and take in here. Start first with the most important exhibit for your family to see, whether that's the Blue Whale, Tyrannosaurus Rex, or butterfly vivarium–you'll want to go before the baby gets exhausted and falls asleep. We learned that the hard way. Children under 3 receive free admission, and New York residents can pay-what-they-wish, though it doesn't include special exhibits.

36. New York Aquarium – Coney Island

While the Long Island Aquarium has more sensory experiences, the New York Aquarium has more impressive exhibits. The "Ocean Wonders: Sharks!" exhibit has a crawl-through tunnel, so if your baby is brave, he or she can journey among the sea life. There is also a walk-through tunnel leading into the exhibit where small sharks and fish swim all around you. Unlike the Bronx Zoo, the aquarium isn't an all-day trip, but in the summer it's easy to make a day of it, strolling the Coney Island boardwalk and getting some ice cream or hot dogs. Children under 3 receive free admission to the aquarium.

Baby Activities on Long Island FAQ

What are the best things to do with a baby on Long Island?
This answer really depends on what type of family you are. Do you love the outdoors? Animals? Food? Maybe you want the baby to experience a little bit of everything. 

What are the best activities for first-time moms?
Any activity that brings you into contact with other moms. Being a mom is hard; being a first-time mom is even harder. Sometimes you feel alone or overwhelmed. Free stoytimes at Barnes & Noble and libraries are a good place to start. Sign up for a mommy-and-me class to meet other moms. Creating your own village is super important as a mom.

Where can I find free baby-friendly activities on Long Island?
Local libraries have lots of free events throughout the year, but sign up as soon as registration opens, as these programs fill fast. Barnes & Noble has a free storytime event. There are also free indoor play spaces that are baby-friendly at South Shore Mall in Bay Shore and Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove.

What indoor activities are good for babies on Long Island?
Classes at local indoor play cafes and spaces, or gyms like My Gym and The Little Gym. Indoor playgrounds and museums are also great for rainy days.

What outdoor activities are good for babies on Long Island?
Babies get so much stimulation just from the sights, smells, and sounds of being outside. Go for a walk at a stroller-friendly park, visit a playground, or, my personal favorite, head to a petting zoo. 

How can I make baby outings easier?
Have everything pre-packed in your baby bag; snacks, bottles, diapers, wipes, and Band-Aids. Plan your outing around nap schedules and avoid high-traffic times so you don't wind up with a screaming baby while bumper to bumper. If you're out and about and not near a changing area, don't be afraid to change the baby right in the stroller. I've done this countless times at zoos, farms, and on long walks. I just toss the diaper in the bottom of the stroller until I find a proper garbage can to dispose of it in. 

Except where noted, all photos by the author