Top Family Vacation Spots in Brookhaven, New York, United States

Brookhaven, United States, Brookhaven, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Top Family Vacation Spots

Top Family Vacation Spots in Brookhaven, New York, United States

1. Long Island Children's Museum

A hands-on museum for children of all ages with interactive exhibits promoting STEAM learning.
  • Interactive Learning: Children can engage in various activities that teach them about science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
  • Educational Fun: The museum provides an enjoyable learning experience that encourages curiosity and creativity.
  • Accessibility: It offers a family-friendly environment with strollers and changing tables available.

2. Wildwood Interactive Zoo

A unique zoo offering close encounters with animals through hands-on experiences.
  • Up-close Animal Encounters: Visitors can interact with animals like reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
  • Educational Programs: The zoo provides educational programs to teach children about wildlife conservation.
  • Accessible Pricing: Affordable admission fees make it a budget-friendly family destination.

3. Stony Brook Village Center

A charming shopping and dining district featuring local boutiques and restaurants.
  • Local Shopping Experience: Support small businesses while discovering unique items you won't find in big-box stores.
  • Diverse Dining Options: Enjoy a variety of cuisines from casual eateries to upscale dining venues.
  • Community Events: The village center hosts regular events like concerts and farmers markets throughout the year.

4. Tanger Outlets Deer Park

An outdoor shopping mall offering discounts on popular brands for the entire family.
  • Brand Name Discounts: Save money by shopping at outlet stores from well-known brands.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Strollers and family restrooms are available to make shopping more comfortable for families.
  • Year-Round Shopping: The outlets are open all year, making it a great destination for any season.

5. Caleb Smith State Park Preserve

A beautiful park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a lake for fishing and boating.
  • Nature Exploration: Enjoy scenic hikes through woodlands, wetlands, and meadows.
  • Recreational Activities: Offers fishing, boating, picnicking, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Historic Site: Visit the historic Caleb Smith House to learn about local history.

6. Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site

The childhood home of poet Walt Whitman, offering tours and educational programs.
  • Historical Significance: Learn about the life and works of one of America's greatest poets.
  • Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides provide insight into Whitman's upbringing and influences.
  • Educational Programs: The site offers workshops, lectures, and poetry readings for visitors.

7. Mount Sinai-Coram Historical Society Museum

A museum showcasing the history of Mount Sinai and Coram communities.
  • Local History Education: Discover the rich history of Brookhaven's towns through exhibits and artifacts.
  • Community Involvement: The society hosts events, workshops, and lectures that engage the community.
  • Research Opportunities: Visitors can access research resources related to local history.

8. Sunken Meadow State Park

A spacious park with a beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a golf course.
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the beautiful Long Island coastline with clean beaches and lifeguards on duty.
  • Recreational Activities: Offers hiking, fishing, picnicking, golfing, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Large Open Spaces: The park's expansive grounds make it a great destination for outdoor activities.

9. Heckscher Museum of Art

A museum showcasing American art from the colonial period to the present day.
  • Art Appreciation: Explore various artistic styles and movements in American art history.
  • Educational Programs: The museum offers workshops, lectures, and family programs related to art.
  • Community Engagement: The museum collaborates with local schools and organizations for educational outreach.

10. Adventureland Amusement Park

A classic amusement park featuring roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions.
  • Thrill Rides: Experience heart-pounding excitement on various roller coasters and thrill rides.
  • Family Attractions: Enjoy family-friendly attractions like carousels, kiddie rides, and water play areas.
  • Special Events: The park hosts special events like Halloween Haunt and Christmas light shows.

11. Fire Island National Seashore

A barrier island with pristine beaches, dunes, and a lighthouse for exploration.
  • Natural Beauty: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and undisturbed wildlife habitats.
  • Recreational Opportunities: Offers hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and beach activities.
  • Historic Lighthouse: Visit the Fire Island Lighthouse for stunning views of the surrounding waters.

12. Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park and Children's Zoo

A wildlife park featuring over 200 species of animals, including exotic and domestic creatures.
  • Animal Encounters: Get up close to various animals through exhibits and animal encounters.
  • Educational Programs: The park offers educational programs about conservation, wildlife, and husbandry.
  • Family-Friendly Environment: Enjoy a fun and safe environment for families with young children.

13. Setauket-East Setauket Historic District

A historic district featuring well-preserved colonial buildings and a charming downtown area.
  • Historical Architecture: Walk through the picturesque streets lined with 18th-century homes.
  • Community Events: The district hosts events like Christmas house tours and summer concerts.
  • Local Shops and Restaurants: Discover unique local businesses offering gifts, antiques, and cuisine.

14. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

A renowned research institute specializing in genetics, genomics, and molecular biology.
  • Scientific Research: Learn about cutting-edge research in genetics and related fields.
  • Educational Programs: Offers workshops, lectures, and family programs focused on science education.
  • Public Outreach: The laboratory collaborates with the public through exhibits, tours, and online resources.

15. Blydenburgh County Park

A park featuring a nature preserve, hiking trails, sports facilities, and a petting zoo.
  • Nature Preserve: Explore diverse habitats like woodlands, wetlands, and meadows.
  • Recreational Activities: Offers hiking, fishing, sports facilities, and a petting zoo for families.
  • Picnic Areas: Enjoy picnicking in scenic locations throughout the park.