Not only does August mark the last month of the beautiful summer weather for the year, but it also marks the last month of summer vacation before your kiddo(s) go back to school. During this last hoorah, be sure to get in some more moments of quality time with your little one(s) before the hustle and bustle of school life starts again. Here is a list of kid-friendly places you can visit for a fun day, and yes, they are accessible too. Read on to discover the accessibility features and amenities of these places, things you need to know before going, and what you and your family can do there.
Long Island Children’s Museum
Located in Garden City, NY, the Long Island Children’s Museum is a must-go for you and your family. The two-floor museum is fully accessible, and the paths and walkways are smooth, flat terrain. There are four accessible parking spots right near the entrance. The museum also has accessible restrooms on each floor, as well as a family restroom on the main floor. This highly-rated children’s museum offers plenty of entertainment options for the whole family, including interactive exhibits and an accessible theater. They host monthly “Friendly Hours,” museum time designed for families with children with disabilities. The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00am to 5:00pm, and you can purchase admission online before you go.
Long Island Aquarium
Those who enjoy marine life will love a visit to the Long Island Aquarium. Located in Riverhead, NY, the Long Island Aquarium offers a plethora of indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as several interactive displays. Say hello to marine animals at the Otter Falls, Penguin Pavilion, Sea Lion Coliseum. You can also gaze at beautiful sea creatures in the massive 20,000-gallon coral reef display tank. There is even a river tour you and your kiddos can take in an accessible boat. The aquarium is also fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible entrances throughout the facility, as well as accessible restrooms available near the café. The aquarium is open weekends from 10:00am to 5:00pm and weekdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm and you can purchase admission online before you go.
Adventureland Amusement Park
If thrill and adventure is more your family’s speed, then you and your kiddos must make a trip to the Adventureland Amusement Park. Located in Farmingdale, NY, it offers over 30 rides and attractions for both adults and kids, as well as an arcade, a sweet shop, and outdoor/carnival games. Take a spin on the crowd-favorite spinning coaster, “Turbulence,” or go for a classic round of good old bumper cars. Younger kiddos can visit Kiddie Land, where there are youngster-friendly rides like “Helicopters” and “Viking Voyage.” There are accessible parking spaces and restrooms, and wheelchairs are available to rent on-site. Both season passes and daily tickets can be purchased online. As opening times and dates vary, be sure to check their website for the full schedule before you go.
Eisenhower Park
A park can be a great place to bring kids to if you’re seeking some tranquility and peace. Eisenhower Park, located in East Meadow, NY is a 930-acre area of open space—even larger than Central Park in Manhattan! The accessible park offers a range of family-friendly recreational and athletic activities like the state-of-the-art Nassau County Aquatic Center, dozens of athletic fields and courts, playgrounds, a highly-rated 18-hole mini golf course, and lots of paved trails, just to name a few. Accessible parking spaces can be found in all of the parking lots, and accessible restrooms can be found all over the park. Eisenhower Park also features an accessible playground, aptly named the Let All the Children Play Playground, and it comes complete with a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round and adaptive swings. The paved paths on the flat terrain allow for greater accessibility.
Don’t miss out on all of the summertime family fun across Long Island!