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Top Things To Do on Long Island with Your Baby

1. First Beach Trip

A baby's first summer trip to one of Long Island's beautiful, family-friendly beaches is jam-packed with memorable firsts. Small things parents take for granted, like the feeling of sand between our toes, are mind-blowing experiences for babies. My son was amazed as he grabbed the sand in his hand. He lifted it to his face, but by the time it got there the sand had vanished, as if by magic. If you plan on taking your baby in the water, don't forget to invest in a life vest and remember sunscreen.

2. First Holiday Traditions

A baby's first fall season is perfect for visiting some of Long Island's best pumpkin patches, apple-picking farms, and baby's first trick-or-treating. Winter holidays are magical for making memories with kids, from meeting Santa to holiday light shows to a baby's first tree lighting. The wonderment of making holiday traditions is contagious, and the whole family will enjoy revisiting them each year. 

RELATED: Where to Play on Long Island for FREE with Toddlers and Babies

Pack up your little one for a stroller-friendly hike. Long Island has a number of four-season trails. 

3. First Nature Stroll

Fresh air is good for the baby and for you. Whether you're taking a nature walk in fall, spring, or any other season, a stroll is perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of the outdoors. Some spots even have stroller-friendly park walks worth exploring. 

4. First Library Visit 

A baby's first visit to a local Long Island library play space is about exploring new toys, interactive playtime with new friends, and reading your little one's favorite new books. Many Long Island libraries also have fun events such as classes and other perks for you and your baby. 

5. First Animal Encounter

There will be a first time for everything your baby sees and experiences, including animals. Cuddles with baby goats, bunnies, and more furry friends are priceless moments. Long Island is home to great petting zoos, and unique animals adventures like a visit to the Long Island Game Farm where you can see zebras, lemurs, alpacas, and more. 

6. First Day Trip

Just because you have a baby doesn't mean you can't visit the Long Island communities you used to enjoy. Experiencing old favorites with your baby will bring you a new perspective. See our guides to family-friendly day trips to Port Washington, Port Jefferson, Glen Cove, Stony Brook, and more. Who knows, you might even learn something new about your old haunts.

7. First Play Cafe

Long Island's play cafes and indoor play spaces are perfect for rainy, cold, or snowy days. You can indulge in sweet treats and a beverage and enjoy time with your baby while they explore new surroundings. Play spaces have everything from colorful ball pits to slides to imaginary play fun. 

8. First Class

Consider signing up for a mommy-and-me class. Dads, grandparents, and caregivers are also welcome at these classes. Many offer a FREE trial class, so there's nothing to lose. Classes are a fun way to meet other parents while your baby develops new skills.

RELATED: Best Spots for a First Birthday Party on Long Island

Babies can enjoy the beach at the Long Island Children’s Museum even on a rainy day.

9.  First Museum Visit

The Long Island Children's Museum has interactive exhibits even the littlest ones can enjoy. There is also a tot spot—a small indoor play space equipped with a play supermarket–where toddlers and crawlers can explore. If you're on the East End, make a day trip to the Children's Museum of the East End. Babies' senses are ready to absorb everything. Many of Long Island's best museums for kids offer activities and learning opportunities for any age. 

10. First Swim & Splash

A baby's first swim in a pool is a memorable moment. Some Long Island pools are open to anyone regardless of residency, and indoor swim schools offer classes for babies as young as a few months old with a caregiver. Spray parks can also be an option for little ones looking to cool off on a hot day if you can't make it to a pool.

11. First Playground Visit 

The first trip to one of Long Island's best playgrounds is an exciting one. How will your baby react to the swings? The slide? Playgrounds allow your baby to explore and burn off some of that endless energy. Some of Long Island's top playgrounds for toddlers, like the one at Eisenhower Park, are good for crawlers, and most parks have baby swings.

12. First Ice Cream Parlor 

Plan a visit to one of Long Island's old-fashioned ice cream parlors for baby's first scoop of homemade ice cream. The whole family can enjoy a delicious dessert, and you can capture some cute photos. Don't forget to order yourself a well-deserved treat with extra whipped cream.  

13. First Family-Friendly Brewery & Vineyard

The first year of a baby's life is full of sleepless nights and seemingly endless diapers, so treat yourself. These family-friendly breweries and beer gardens are perfect for babies, too. Parents can relax while the baby enjoys an afternoon out. If you prefer wine, check out one of these family-friendly Long Island wineries.

14. First Sea Friends Adventure

The Long Island Aquarium is a great place to introduce your little one to the magnificent world of sea animals. The aquarium's layout is stroller-friendly, with lots of stunning fish tanks, a sea lion show great for all ages, and adorable penguins to meet. You can even stop at the gift shop for a first aquarium visit souvenir! 

15. First Dinner Out

Long Island has many family-friendly restaurants to choose from for a baby's first dinner out. Whether you're looking for outdoor dining or fun-themed restaurants, the whole family will love sharing in a baby's first dining-out experience. 

RELATED: Long Island Cafes With Kids' Play Spaces

A first birthday shoot is a must for many Long Island parents. Photo by Photography Sisters

16. First Photo Shoot

Baby photos are a keepsake you'll treasure forever. Babies grow so much in their first year that capturing it on camera is part of the fun. Professional photographers can set up a shoot in-studio or go on location. Newborn and first-birthday smash cake shoots are particularly popular, but a photo session with your little cutie is great at any age. 

17. First Friends

Being a new parent isn't always easy. It can help to have some other friends who are going through all the same firsts. There are many ways to meet other parents on Long Island, like social media or parents groups and your little one will make new friends too. 

18. First Spring Festival

Spring is a perfect time to get your baby outdoors for some of Long Island's best spring festivals after the cold winter months. Babies can see beautiful flowers in bloom, meet barnyard friends, listen to music outdoors, and enjoy family-friendly activities. 

19. First Shopping Spree

A baby grows so fast in their first year that it is hard to keep up with all the changing clothes sizes. Now that your baby is here, you can take them along for some shopping fun and pick out cute new outfits at some of Long Island's best baby stores. 

20. First Haircut 

The wispy hair and tiny curls have finally grown in, and it's time for a big first, a baby's first haircut. Plan a visit to one of the best places for kids' haircuts on Long Island, and let the cuteness overload begin. Your baby will likely sit in a kid's seat, like a race car or princess vehicle, watch a show to relax, and get a first haircut certificate, picture, and a balloon. 

21. First Birthday Party

Baby has made it to the ultimate first-year milestone—the first birthday celebration. Whether you want a small, inspired party at home or a big get-together at a party venue, this day will be one you won't forget. It's not just a celebration of the baby, but all you have accomplished as a parent. Don't be afraid to reward yourself with an extra birthday cupcake! 

Originally published in 2018. Writer Jennifer Voit contributed to the 2024 update. Unless noted, photos by the author