After many years of searching, my list of playgrounds on Long Island is ready to go. Similar to my hike and garden roundups, this list is forever evolving.
Playgrounds supply a fantastic opportunity for kids to play, get some exercise, and breathe in fresh air. Equally, it allows parents to take a little rest or catch up with their friends.
We have three kids and ants in our pants, so we go to a lot of playgrounds around Long Island. We don’t mind a drive if it’s worth it, so this list is a nice selection around Long Island in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
What I’ve learned the last eight years on Long Island is sometimes you find an awesome playground in a place you’d never expect. Also, sometimes schools outside of your area are great weekend destinations.
Playgrounds on Long Island: Nassau County
Bethpage State Park Playground – Bethpage
This big playground has lots of high climbing things as well as an equally big playground for big and little kids. There are also fun ride-on animals that bounce back and forth. This is a huge state park with lots of beautiful hiking trails (home to the famous Bethpage Bikeway on the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail) and tons of other stuff as well.
Eisenhower Park Playground – East Meadow
A fun, huge park with tons of playground equipment, mini golf, batting cages, live entertainment, and lots of additional offerings.
Jones Beach State Park Playground – Wantagh
This beachside playground is so much fun in all seasons. I like to stare at the ocean while my kids play on the tremendous variety of activities. Also right there is their mini golf course and WildPlay Jones Beach.
Simpkins Park / Garvies Point Playground – Glen Cove
My kids would vote this as their favorite playground on Long Island. This brand-new park has a high tower slide, balancing and spinning things, climbing things, and everything in between. There are lots of new destinations developing in the area, but one of our favorite museums and Welwyn Preserve (a beautiful hike) remain fantastic places to visit.
Veterans Park / Rockville Centre Recreation Center Playground – Rockville Centre
This is a super fun park with a splash park in the summer. One of the most unique parks we found with lots of fun and interactive climbing opportunities. We have spent hours here with my kids not wanting to leave.
Honorable mention: Haypath Park in Old Bethpage, Tobay Beach Spray Park (awesome on and off season) in Massapequa.
Next on my list: Upland Park in Great Neck
Playgrounds on Long Island: Suffolk County
Andreoli Park Playground – Nesconset
This park is ideal for smaller kids with lots of imagination. There is a lot of unique things to climb on and little houses where they can play. Across the street is Gibbs Pond which my older daughter enjoyed while her little brothers played.
East Quogue Elementary School Playground – East Quogue
We found this impressive elementary school’s playground hiking out east at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. It had some distinctive climbing things I hadn’t seen before which my kids really loved. If you’re a history buff, it’s also located right near the first mailbox in the US – from 1787.
Heckscher Park Playground – Huntington
One of our favorite parks on Long Island for the water and ducks – but also home to a great playground. This park has all kind of events and a great museum. No matter the season, it is a great destination. We love it here so much.
Hermann Griem Park Playground – Wheatley Heights
This park was hidden but so worth the find. It is a big park in an unexpected area and my kids loved it. There was some different equipment that they really enjoyed that reminded me of my childhood.
Lake Ronkonkoma Park Playground – Ronkonkoma
If you want a pretty view while your kids play in a fenced off playground this one is for you! Next to the beautiful Lake Ronkonkoma you will find this great park where all of their dreams will come true, as will yours – because there is a bathroom right there. Such a great spot to spend some time.
Rocketship Park Playground – Port Jefferson
This park has everything one could want in a playground. Waiting for your kids is a pirate ship, rocket slide, endless things to climb and so much more. Located in beautiful Port Jefferson you can make a day of it walking around their waterfront, visiting their great shops and restaurants or enjoying one of their unique festival.
Sweet Hollow Park Playground – Melville
A newer park to the area built over Meyer’s Farm – one of my favorite destinations as a child. This park has spanking new equipment as well as pickle ball courts, shuffleboard courts, and exercise equipment. There is also a Little Free Library here.
Next on my list: Phelps Lane Park in Babylon
Please let me know if your favorite playground is missing, we may not have “found” it yet!
Playgrounds on Long Island 2.0
When you are ready for more elevated climbing, I highly recommend one of Long Island’s Adventure Parks. With ropes courses, ziplines, climbing challenges and elevated excitement, these parks make for a great family outing.
Of course, if you are looking for a special occasion amusement park to visit, there is always Adventureland right in our backyard!
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Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly destinations we’ve researched!
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