Upcoming events on Long Island
Continuing the list — 256 curated events total. Handpicked by The Editors.
Basketry for Beginners
Tina Pearsall and Carol Losquadro from BWGELI teach you how to wrap a basket over a glass vase using basic weaving techniques. Landcraft's gardens in Mattituck make a solid backdrop for learning something you can actually use at home.
- When
- Where
- The Landcraft Garden Foundation, Mattituck
- Price
- See ticket page
Passport through Parks: Belmont, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
This monthly hiking series hits a different Long Island state park each time, and August's stop is Belmont Lake in West Babylon. It's designed for families and costs $4 per person at the trailhead. Meet at 10 AM near the Belmont Avenue entrance—easy parking and restrooms on-site.
- When
- Where
- Belmont Lake State Park, West Babylon
Bay Walk: Children’s Program (ages 8+), $4 per child upon arrival
Kids 8 and up can explore the bay side of Robert Moses during this guided walk that covers coastal ecology and marine life. Meet at Field 2 (the less crowded section) at 10 AM—it's $4 per child when you get there. Wear shoes that can get wet and sandy.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 2, Babylon
Whales of the Deep Blue Sea: Tiny Tots (ages 3-5), $4 per child
This 10:30 AM program at Connetquot introduces 3-to-5-year-olds to whales through hands-on activities and age-appropriate exploration. It's $4 per child at arrival, and the naturalist-led format keeps little kids engaged without dragging on too long. Park at the main Sunrise Highway entrance in Oakdale.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Build-a-Bug-Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child
Preschoolers craft their own insect creations at this nature program designed for 3-5 year olds at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center. Bring $4 cash per kid—no advance registration listed, so show up early if your toddler's into bugs. Park entry fee applies separately.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Nighttime Sensory Walk: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Connetquot River State Park opens its trails after sunset for a guided sensory walk through the preserve. You'll tune into the sounds, smells, and nighttime activity most visitors never encounter. Park entry is $4 per person at arrival.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Kayak Nature Tour: Adult Program, $4 per adult upon arrival
Paddle through the salt marshes of Great South Bay with a ranger-led kayak tour launching from Heckscher's Field 5. You'll explore the marsh ecosystem up close while learning about the wildlife that depends on it. Park entry is $4 per adult.
- When
- Where
- Heckscher State Park Field 5, East Islip
200 Plant Challenge, Family Program, $4 pp cash upon arrival
Help plant 200 native wildflowers at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center—bring the kids and get your hands dirty for a good cause. $4 cash per person when you arrive. Park at Lot 1 off Route 25A in Kings Park.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Beginning Birding: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Planting Fields Arboretum hosts a beginner-friendly birding program that covers identification basics and spotting techniques. Bring binoculars if you have them—the grounds attract dozens of species year-round. Park entry is $4 per person.
- When
- Where
- Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay
Bat Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
NYS Parks leads an after-dark walk through Wildwood State Park to spot bats in action. It's $4 per person when you arrive, and the program starts at 7:30 PM. The park entrance is on Sound Avenue in Calverton.
- When
- Where
- Wildwood State Park, Calverton
Hike Through History: Caleb Smith, Family Program, $4 per person
This guided hike through Caleb Smith ties the preserve's history to America's semiquincentennial, tracing 250 years of local land use and conservation. It's $4 per person at arrival and runs about 90 minutes through wooded trails. The preserve sits just off Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown with decent parking and a nature museum worth checking out.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown
Bat Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Head out after dark at Caleb Smith Preserve to track down Long Island's native bats with an educator who knows where to look. Bring a flashlight and $4 cash per person. The preserve is on Jericho Turnpike just west of Smithtown.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown