Smithtown
Smithtown is the geographic + commercial center of Suffolk County — corporate offices by day, family-restaurant scene by evening. The Bull (the iconic statue) marks the crossroads. Quieter than Huntington, more developed than Northport.
Known for
- The Bull statue
- Smith Haven Mall
- family-friendly downtown
- Caleb Smith State Park
Smithtown is the often-overlooked anchor of central Suffolk — a real commercial center with the practical advantages (parking, accessibility) but quieter than the bigger downtowns to the east and west. Smith Haven Mall is the regional retail draw; the downtown stretch around Main Street has the steady-favorite restaurants.
The signature landmarks:
- The Bull statue at the intersection of Jericho Turnpike + Route 25 — Smithtown’s symbol
- Smith Haven Mall — central Long Island retail, seasonal carnival events
- Caleb Smith State Park — trails, pond, history
Best paired with: an evening at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center or dinner at one of the Main Street family-favorite restaurants.
Upcoming in Smithtown
Hike Through History: Caleb Smith, Family Program, $4 per person
This guided walk through Caleb Smith Preserve ties local history to the semiquincentennial—think colonial-era land use, Indigenous presence, and how the landscape has shifted over 250 years. It's a solid option if your kids are studying early American history or just curious about Smithtown's past. $4 per person when you show up.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown
Bat Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Hunt for bats on an after-dark walk through Caleb Smith's woods and wetlands. The educator brings bat detection gear so you can hear echolocation calls that are normally too high-pitched for human ears. $4 cash per person, and kids are welcome.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown
Insect Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Flip logs, check flowers, and see what's crawling through Caleb Smith on this family-friendly bug hunt. The educator brings magnifying containers so kids can get a close look at beetles, crickets, and whatever else turns up. $4 cash per person at the preserve entrance.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown