Upcoming events on Long Island
Continuing the list — 263 curated events total. Handpicked by The Editors.
Kayak Nature Tour: Nissequogue Adult Program, $4 per adult upon arrival
Paddle a quiet section of the Nissequogue River with state park naturalists who point out wildlife and native plants along the way. Bring your own kayak or call ahead to ask about rentals. Meet at the Saint Johnland Road entrance at 1 PM.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park, Kings Park
Summer Wildlife Safari - Family program, $4 cash per person upon arrival
Walk the trails at Sunken Meadow with a naturalist to spot active summer wildlife—think nesting birds, turtles, and whatever else decides to show up. It's $4 cash per person at Lot 3. Good for kids who can handle a mile or so of easy terrain.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 3, Kings Park
Bay Walk: Children's Program, $4 per child upon arrival
This guided walk takes you along Fire Island Inlet's shoreline at Robert Moses, where kids can spot shorebirds, explore tidal zones, and learn what makes this barrier beach ecosystem tick. The $4-per-child fee is collected when you arrive at Field 2. Parking is $10 (cash or card) at the main entrance off Robert Moses Parkway.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 2, Babylon
Full Moon Hike: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Connetquot's trails look completely different under moonlight—this ranger-led hike shows you the preserve after dark when nocturnal animals are active and the woods feel like another planet. It's $4 per person at the trailhead, and the preserve entrance is right off Sunrise Highway in Oakdale. Bring a flashlight but expect to use your night vision too.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Passport through Parks: Belmont, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
This monthly hiking series hits a different state park each time, and this late-August edition lands at Belmont Lake in West Babylon. It's a family-friendly trek that starts at 10 AM, costs $4 per person at the trailhead, and you can rack up stamps in a passport booklet if you keep coming back to complete the whole island circuit.
- When
- Where
- Belmont Lake State Park, West Babylon
Fossil Finds: Tiny Tots Program (Ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
This 3-5 year old program at Connetquot introduces preschoolers to ancient fossils and the creatures that left them behind through hands-on exploration and simple science. It's $4 per child when you check in. The preserve has easy parking and clean restrooms near the education center where programs meet.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Trees for You and Me-Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child
This outdoor class introduces 3-5 year olds to tree identification and forest ecosystems at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center. The hour-long program gets kids outside with hands-on activities designed for short attention spans. Meet at Lot 1—the Nature Center building is a quick walk from parking.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Spy Through Parks: Connetquot, Family Program (Ages 10 and up), $4
This spy-themed evening walk through Connetquot is part of the state park system's 250th anniversary events and designed for kids 10 and up who can handle a longer hike with historical clues. Expect code-breaking, nature observation, and Long Island history woven together. It's $4 per person, collected on arrival.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Butterfly and Moth: Children's Program, $4 per child upon arrival
Kids learn to tell butterflies from moths—wing position, antennae shape, flight patterns—then search for both around Planting Fields' gardens and meadows. The $4-per-child fee is paid on-site, and the arboretum's main lot off Planting Fields Road is easy to find. Consider walking the grounds after the program ends at noon.
- When
- Where
- Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay
Insect Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Hunt for beetles, butterflies, dragonflies, and whatever else is crawling or flying through Caleb Smith's meadows and woods. A naturalist leads this morning walk and helps with identification. It's $4 cash per person at the preserve entrance on Jericho Turnpike.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown
Bird and Breakfast: Adult Program, $4 per adult upon arrival
Start your Saturday morning with coffee, pastries, and a naturalist talk about birds migrating through Long Island in September. The session covers what species to look for and how to ID them by sight and sound. Meets at 8 AM at the Connetquot River preserve; park entry is $8 per vehicle.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Trout-Tastic! Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5years), $4 per child upon arrival
This nature program at Connetquot River gets 3-5 year olds outside to learn about trout and river ecosystems in a hands-on format. It's 10:30am on a Wednesday morning in September, so ideal for preschoolers not yet in full-day programs. Free admission, though there's a $4-per-child program fee at the door.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale