Summer, to me, means a lot of things. It means spending free time outside. It means friends. It means beaches, barbecues and picnics. Long Island is chock full of parks where you can enjoy each and every one of these activities simultaneously. Perfect for children and adults alike, many of Long Island’s parks have playgrounds, picnic areas, nature trails and bicycle paths, and much more for visitors to utilize. Some of these parks also include popular beach areas and even campgrounds for weekend getaways. For more information on the amenities and activities available at these parks please visit the links to their websites.
1. Belmont Lake State Park
Southern State Parkway Exit 38, North Babylon – (631) 667-5055
2. Blydenburgh County Park
Veteran’s Memorial Highway, Smithtown – (631) 854-3713
3. Caleb Smith State Park Preserve
581 West Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown – (631) 265-1054
4. Captree State Park
Ocean Parkway, Babylon – (631) 669-0449
5. Hoyt Farm Park Preserve
New Highway, Commack – (631) 543-7804
6. Sunken Meadow State Park
Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park – (631) 269-4333
7. Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site
246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station – (631) 427-5240
8. Orient Beach State Park
Nevada Avenue, Long Beach – (516) 431-1021
9. Wildwood State Park
North Wading River Road, Wading River – (631) 929-4314
10. Hempstead Lake State Park
Eagles Avenue, West Hempstead – (516) 766-1029