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After a winter spent cooped up inside, it’s time for you and the kids to get out of the house.
And while there’s so much to do on the North Fork. Here are some ways to discover some fun places and activities the whole family can enjoy “off the fork” this spring.
Annual Arbor Day Family Festival
The Planting Fields Arboretum at Coe Hall in Oyster Bay is an oasis of greenery and growth. So it makes sense that its historic gardens play host one of the most notable family-friendly Arbor Day festivals on Long Island.
The two-day long event is Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It features a host of children’s crafts and activities, such as tree climbing, tree planting with Smokey the Bear, live music from Peat Moss & the Fertilizers, seedling giveaways, caricaturists, and more.
If you can’t make it to the Arbor Day celebration, you can still enjoy the grounds. Planting Fields Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 1.
Annual Arbor Day Family Festival, 1395 Planting Field Rd, Oyster Bay; 516-922-8600
Long Island Ducks Fan Fest
On Saturday, April 20 The Long Island Ducks baseball team hosts its 7th annual Fan Fest at Bethpage Ballpark beginning at 10:30 a.m. Not only is it the first opportunity for fans to watch the team take the field in advance of its 20th anniversary season, the brand-new Ducks inflatables are being debuted. These include a bounce house, slide and an obstacle course. Complimentary face painting and other family-friendly activities will also take place.
Long Island Ducks Fan Fest, 3 Court House Dr, Central Islip; 631-940-3825
Annual Astronomy & Space Day
There’s a celebration of stars and science at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in honor of Astronomy & Space Day on Wednesday, April 24. The Garden City museum is teaming up with The Amateur Observer’s Society and other local astronomy clubs for a day packed with hands-on science activities. This year, there’s an immersive exhibit called Space: A Journey to Our Future & Apollo Artifacts, which will remain at the museum through August. There’s also opportunity to create your own puzzles, trace the stars, put together a book of constellations, and more.
Annual Astronomy & Space Day; Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City; 516-572-4111
Long Island Game Farm
Celebrating its 50th season, The Long Island Game Farm in Manorville reopens Friday, April 19. The petting zoo and wildlife park is adding a new attraction to check out this year, in addition to its regular exhibits, amusement rides and pony rides.
Squawk! The Amazing Bird Showstarts Thursday, May 23 and runs through Labor Day. Squawk! has been featured on hit TV shows America’s Got Talent and Animal Planet’s Pet Star. There are two show times on weekdays and three show times on weekends and holidays.
Hosting a party? The Long Island Game Farm also has mobile zoo where animals such as Suzie the wallaby and Gabriella the giant Flemish rabbit can come to you.
Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd, Manorville; 631-878-6644
