Save on summer fun: 20 free activities on Long Island
Spending a day out doesn’t have to mean spending money. Across Long Island, there are many activities to enjoy this summer without ever reaching for your wallet. From live music and outdoor movies to nature walks and splash parks, free fun is never far away. Local parks, beaches, libraries and more are bursting with zero-cost events, perfect for all ages.
Whether you’re looking to cool off, get active, or just soak up the scenery, there’s something for everyone. Here are 20 ways to make the most of your summer months, at no cost.
1 Catch a concert at the Jones Beach Bandshell
1 Ocean Pkwy,, Wantagh, 516-785-1600, thebandshell.com
Concertgoers listen to the Echoes of Eagles tribute band at Jones Beach Bandshell in July 2024. Credit: Howard Simmons
From tribute bands to kids’ nights and line dancing, the bandshell hosts free shows all summer long at Field 4 of the boardwalk. Just bring a chair and enjoy live music by the ocean.
2 Watch a movie under the stars
Grab a blanket and settle in for an outdoor film screening at one of Long Island’s many free summer movie nights.
Enjoy an outdoor movie night at Eisenhower Park at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Locations and info:
- Eisenhower Park, Park Blvd, East Meadow, 516-572-0348, nassaucountyny.gov
- Huntington’s Movies on the Lawn, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington, 631-351-3000, huntingtonny.gov
- Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Rd., Mount Sinai, 631-403-4846, heritagecenternsyc.com
3 Go fishing at Norman J. Levy Park
1600 Merrick Rd., Merrick, 516-804-2000, hempsteadny.gov/
A man fishes in Merrick Bay at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick. Credit: Uli Seit
With a 500-foot pier into Merrick Bay, this spot is ideal for those who love to cast a line. Just make sure to bring your New York State fishing license, and you'll have a peaceful day full of bay views and birdwatching and maybe even hook one. "Whether you’re looking for an early morning walk, a school class tour, or simply want to unplug and reconnect with nature, Levy Preserve is a perfect escape," Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said.
4 Stroll the outdoors of the Nassau County Museum of Art
1 Museum Dr., Roslyn, 516-484-9338, nassaumuseum.org/the-outdoors/
Outdoor sculptures at the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn. Credit: Nassau County Museum of Art /NCMA
With 145 acres of grounds outside of the museum, there's no shortage of opportunities for exploration. Open daily from 9 a.m. to dusk, the area is full of trails, gardens with more than 40 outdoor sculptures and an arboretum.
5 Attend a Main Street block party
Many downtowns across the island come alive at night, hosting events with live music, food trucks and games. Farmingdale's Music on Main starts up in July, and President of Marketing Masters NY, Dave Saul, said they helped start Farmingdale's event with the goal to bring people together. "It's a big party. There's something for everyone," he said. "This year it will be bigger than ever."
Nancy Jean DeNapoli, holding grandaughter Aurora DeNapoli, 11 months, takes her singing to the street outside of Lily’s Bar on Deer Park Avenue during the Babylon Block Party. Credit: Linda Rosier
Locations and info:
- Wantagh’s Thursday Night Live, Railroad Avenue, Wantagh, 516-679-0100, wantaghchamber.wildapricot.org/
- Farmingdale's Music on Main, Main Street, Farmingdale, farmingdalemusiconmain.com/home.html
- Patchogue’s Alive After Five, Main Street, Patchogue, 631-207-1000, patchogue.com/alive-after-five/
- Massapequa's Park After Dark, Park Boulevard and Front Street, Massapequa, oysterbaytoday.com/obt-event/park-after-dark-2025/
6 Celebrate a birthday at the Long Island Aquarium
431 E Main St., Riverhead, 631-208-9200, longislandaquarium.com/
Dalilah Stiles, 2, of Greenport enjoys a show at the front of the Long Island Aquarium with Rachel Grupp and Buddy in Riverhead. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
If your birthday’s coming up, the Long Island Aquarium already has a present for you. Bring a valid ID and you will get in free within seven days of your big day. You'll see sea lions, sharks and the butterfly garden; no party package required.
7 Play a game of pickleball
Several locations offer free use of pickleball courts. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Several locations offer free pickleball courts, including Forest City Community Park in Wantagh and Centereach Park. You may have to wait in line, but bring your gear and show up ready to rally.
- Centereach Complex, 34 Stonehurst Circle, Centereach, 631-451-8696, brookhavenny.gov
- Forest City Community Park, 3099 Morgan Dr., Wantagh, 516-783-2513, hempsteadny.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Forest-City-Community-Park-54
8 Spend a day at Quogue Wildlife Refuge
3 Old County Rd., Quogue, 631-653-4771, quoguewildliferefuge.org/
Vlad, a turkey vulture, is handled by Don Lanham, an education volunteer at Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Credit: James Carbone
Here you can explore seven miles of nature trails while enjoying the scenery and spotting local wildlife. You may even come across the center's new turkey vulture, Laura, as you make your way. Be sure to experience the center's storybook walk, where families can read a children's nature book together as they hike a short trail with book pages posted along the way. "It's a sweet experience for people who like to read and be out in the forest," said assistant director Marisa Nelson.
9 Walk your favorite beach boardwalk
Families stroll down the Long Beach boardwalk. Credit: Jeff Bachner
A stroll with ocean views down one of Long Island's boardwalks will turn around any typical evening. Should your go-to be Long Beach, be sure to bring your bike for a ride while you watch the sunset. If your evening brings you to Jones Beach, you might come across live entertainment. More info: longbeachny.gov
10 Visit the animals at Suffolk County Farm and Education Center
350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank, 631-852-7850, ccesuffolk.org/
Rachel Harrison-Smith holds a baby goat at Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank. Credit: Morgan Campbell
From goats, cows and pigs to peacocks and horses, the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center has an abundance of animals for visitors to meet. Operations Coordinator Kaylyn Reynolds, called it "a really great resource for local families."
"As a local mom on Long Island my biggest thing is you can pack a lunch, come to the farm and spend an entire day with your kids and not really spend anything," she said.
11 Explore the grounds of Sagamore Hill
20 Sagamore Hill Rd., Oyster Bay, 516 922-4778, nps.gov/sahi/planyourvisit/fees.htm
A footbridge leads to a beach on the Cold Spring Harbor shoreline from the trail at the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. Credit: Johnny Milano
If you're a history lover, or simply want to get in touch with Long Island's past, the grounds of Theodore Roosevelt's former home are free to explore. With a nature trail, beach, picnic area and the Old Orchard Museum, there's no shortage of things to do.
12 Browse for items at Arts in the Plaza
Kennedy Plaza, 1 W. Chester St., Long Beach, 516-476-2473, artsintheplaza.com
A weekly Saturday arts festival that runs into the fall, this event features vendor booths hosted by local artists and live music, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 25. Attendees can shop for jewelry, artwork, photography, home decor, accessories and clothing.
13 Burn off energy at an outdoor playground
Dante Lopez, of Port Washington, plays in the firefighter-themed playground at Firefighters Park in Great Neck. Credit: Linda Rosier
Kids have lots of energy, and Long Island has an abundance of playgrounds to keep them active, while having fun. Gerry Park in Roslyn (10 Paper Mill Rd., Roslyn, 516-869-6311, gerry-park.com-place.com) has open play areas and shaded benches for when a snack break is needed. Raynor Beach County Park in Lake Ronkonkoma (Ronkonkoma Ave, Lake Ronkonkoma, suffolkcountyny.gov) is another local favorite. Many of these parks also feature walking paths and fields nearby, perfect to keep everyone in the family busy.
14 Stroll down Freeport’s Nautical Mile
300 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport, 516-377-2200, freeportny.com/922/Freeport-Nautical-Mile-Live
Mark Livingston and Nadine Thompson, of Queens, watch the sunset along the Nautical Mile in Freeport. Credit: Linda Rosier
There's nothing better than a waterfront stroll, and this mile-long waterfront stretch is the place to do it. As you walk along the marina, you’ll pass fishing boats and seafood spots and hear live music. Some weekends feature street festivals or pop-up events.
15 Use your library card for museum and park passes
Use your library card to reserve free entry to museums and other attractions. Credit: Barry Sloan
Your local library may be a free ticket to new summer adventures. Many Long Island libraries offer free museum passes, Empire Passes to state parks, and even lend out items like camping gear and lawn games. At Hicksville Public Library (169 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville, 516-931-1417, hicksvillelibrary.org/museum-passes), for example, patrons can reserve entry to Harbes Family Farm, the Cold Spring Harbor Firehouse Museum and more. Library director at Hicksville Public Library, Roseann Acosta, said the library "is happy to provide easier access to summer fun and recreation." Riverhead Free Library (330 Court St., Riverhead, 631-727-3228, riverheadlibrary.org/passes) offers access to the Montauk Lighthouse, the Fire Island Lighthouse and more. Read the guidelines on your library's website and bring your library card when accessing these perks.
16 Ride the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway bike path
Bikers ride along a section of the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway near the path's end at Tobay Beach. Credit: Danielle Finkelstein
Stretching 13.7 miles from Jones Beach State Park to Captree State Park, this paved path offers sweeping views of the ocean, marshes and dunes. Pack water and sunscreen, and enjoy the ride through Jones Beach Island. It connects with the Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway at Jones Beach (1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, 516-785-1600, parks.ny.gov) to Cedar Creek Park in Wantagh (3500 Ocean Pkwy, Bay Shore, 631-669-0449, parks.ny.gov).
17 Join the Long Island History Hunt
Stop at the historic Ketcham Inn in Center Moriches. Credit: Baker House 1650/Ian Stark
This summer-long challenge turns a day of sightseeing into a free interactive adventure. Starting July 1, you can explore 12 museums, historical sites and landmarks — from Montauk to Brooklyn — and complete selfie challenges at each. Complete one stop to be eligible for a prize, or visit all 12 to earn the title of “Revolutionary Trailblazer” and a shot at a $500 grand prize, museum memberships and more. “By engaging visitors in interactive experiences, we’re helping to ensure Long Island’s past resonates with new generations,” said Kathryn M. Curran, executive director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, in a news release. Stops include the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary (134 Cove Rd, Oyster Bay), East Hampton Historical Society (151 Main St, East Hampton), the Ketcham Inn (81 Main St, Center Moriches) and more. To register, participants can visit app.otocast.com/guide/LIHistoryHunt
18 Spend an evening at the beach
Lazaro Perez and John Castillo, both of New York City, sit at the beach dining area at the Salt Shack at Cedar Beach in Babylon. Credit: Morgan Campbell
After lifeguards go off duty, many beaches remain open to the public for free. Head to Cedar Beach (Ocean Pkwy., Babylon, 631-893-2100, townofbabylonny.gov/437/Cedar-Beach) after 5 p.m. or Jones Beach after 4 p.m. on weekdays (6 p.m. on weekends or holidays) for a quiet sunset, a game of volleyball, or a dinnertime picnic in the sand. It's a low-key way to end a summer day.
19 Commune with nature at a local preserve
Explore Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island. Credit: Randee Daddona
Scenic trails across Long Island offer a peaceful escape into nature. You'll find forest paths at Welwyn Preserve in Glen Cove (100 Crescent Beach Rd., Glen Cove, 516-572-0200, https://glencoveny.gov/beaches-parks), wetlands at Connetquot River State Park in Oakdale (4090 Sunrise Hwy., Oakdale, 631-581-1005, https://parks.ny.gov/parks/8) and coastal views at Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island (79 S Ferry Rd., Shelter Island, 631-749-1001, nature.org). Keep an eye out for native wildlife as you wander through these spaces.
20 Cool off at a splash park
From left, Valerie Nunez, of Rockville Centre, Brittany Escobar and Samantha Valesquez, both of Oceanside, cool off at Bay Park in East Rockaway. Credit: Danielle Silverman
You don't need a pool to beat the heat. Free splash pads are open across the island, offering an easy, family-friendly way to stay cool on a hot day. Bay Park in East Rockaway (198 1st Ave., East Rockaway, 516-571-7245, liparks.com) and Clark Street Playground in Long Beach (100 Clark St., Long Beach, 516-431-1000, longbeachny.gov) are two must-try spots.
