By Isabel Prontes
Long Island,
New York is known by many as a tourist destination for adults--particularly the lovely
beach resort areas of the Hamptons--but it also has a lot to offer for children on vacation as well. From museums to children's recreational centers, Long Island offers kids both exciting and educational activities to enjoy.
Children's Museum of the East End
Located in Long Island's historical East End, the aptly named Children's Museum of the East End is full of interactive, educational exhibitions for children. This museum is an excellent place to jog the imagination of a child, with exhibits including the Magical Forest and Legacy Family Tree Gallery. There are also a lot of athletic and physical activities available for children here, that exercise both the body and the mind. (376 Sag Harbor Turnpike, East Hampton, NY 11937; (631) 537-8250)
Long Island Adventureland
The Long Island Adventureland has been in existence since 1962, and is full of entertainment and recreational fun for children and families alike. Children will be able to spend hours playing games in arcades, enjoying miniature golf and even going on rides--theme park style (from the Hurricane Coaster to the Viking Voyage and Kiddie Carousel). This is a wonderful place for the whole family to unwind and enjoy a day of fun and adventure. (2245 Route 110, Farmingdale, NY 11735; (631) 694-6868)
Long Island Game Farm
The Long Island Game Farm is full of hiking and exploration trails, as well as an abundance of both domestic and exotic creatures. Children can experience up close views of animals, including giraffes, ostriches, lemurs, squirrel monkeys and alligators. There is also a petting zoo where children can even feed some of the smaller animals that are on display. The nursery allows children to view all of the newborn animals. (Chapman Blvd., Manorville, NY 11949; (631) 878-6644)
Fun4All, Inc.
Fun4All is an indoor recreational center for children. The age range for this center is children between the ages of 1- and 12-years-old (with parental or adult supervision). There are a lot of diverse activities for children to enjoy, including a basketball court, towers, slides, walls for rock climbing, a massive indoor sandbox, tunnels, ball pits and video game rooms. (200 Wilson St., Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776; (631) 331-9000)
Resources
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
