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Family-Friendly State Parks in Nassau County

1. Bethpage State Park - Farmingdale

Perhaps best known for its world-class golf courses, this park also has great hiking and biking trails and is the starting point for the bike path that leads to Jones Beach along the Wantagh State Parkway. Families can enjoy the picnic grounds, watch a polo match from June through October, or go sledding or cross-country skiing in the winter.

2. Hempstead Lake State Park - West Hempstead

This large park seems to have it all, including multiple tennis courts, playgrounds, basketball courts, horseback riding and hiking trails, and picnic areas. Three ponds for fishing—McDonald Pond, South Pond, and Hempstead Lake—are stocked with trout in the fall and other species throughout the year.

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The expansive grounds of Planting Fields Arboretum attract visitors from all across Long Island. 

3. Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park - Oyster Bay

Family-friendly events abound at this state park and nature preserve with more than 400 acres of public gardens, woodlands, and nature trails. Take a guided tour of historic Coe Hall or check out Camellia Greenhouse, which boasts the largest collection of camellias in the Northeast. There are also educational programs for kids plus rotating exhibitions.

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4. Valley Stream State Park - Valley Stream

Although smaller than other state parks, there still is plenty to do here, with picnic areas, playgrounds, and field space for activities like volleyball, horseshoes, and baseball. The Squirrel Nut and Hickory Nut nature trails are great ways for kids to explore the outdoors.

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5. Belmont Lake State Park - North Babylon

If you frequently drive on the Southern State Parkway, you've probably noticed this wonderful family-friendly facility on the westbound side of Exit 38. Families can enjoy softball fields, hiking and biking trails, a bridle path with stables, rowboats and paddleboats for rent, and freshwater fishing (license required). There are also exercise and picnic areas.

This scenic nature preserve at Caumsett State Park is has a variety of things to do for all ages.

6. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve - Huntington

Trails for hiking, horseback riding, running, cross-country skiing, and more can be found at this scenic nature preserve. Historic buildings house equestrian services as well as environmental education programs for kids. Fishing and scuba diving (by permit) are also available.

7. Cold Spring Harbor State Park - Cold Spring Harbor

Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird-watching, kayaking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing at this state park, which offers beautiful views of Cold Spring Harbor. It also marks the north end of the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail, which leads hikers to Bethpage State Park.

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Highlights of Heckscher State Park include a series of paved hiking trails.

8. Heckscher State Park - East Islip

Situated on Great South Bay, this park offers swimming, boating, kayaking, and other water sports. There are also picnic areas, sporting fields, 4 miles of paved walking and biking trails, and 15 campsites.

Collect seashells as the family walks along the shore of Sunken Meadow State Park. Photo by the author
 

9. Sunken Meadow State Park - Kings Park

There are 3 miles of beautiful, sandy beach at this Long Island Sound spot, not to mention a boardwalk, restaurant, picnic areas, and ballfields. Cross-country running trails, a greenbelt hiking trail, boat launches, and golf are also available.

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10. Camp Hero - Montauk

There are 415 acres waiting to be explored here, including maritime forests, beachfront, wetlands, and bluffs. Trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, along with surf fishing (with permit), picnicking areas, and bird-watching vistas make this park a hit with families. A former World War II military base and coastal defense facility, Camp Hero is registered as a National Historic Site.

11. Hallock State Park Preserve - Jamesport

This North Fork park offers a mile-long beach along Long Island Sound as well as hiking trails, nature walks, and plenty of spots for bird watching. 

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Hither Hills in Montauk is a beachfront camper's paradise.

12. Hither Hills State Park - Montauk

This state park's oceanfront campground is a favorite of Long Island families. Picnic areas, playgrounds, sporting fields, and fishing add to its popularity. Walk along the dunes of Napeague Harbor and enjoy its woodlands. It also offers trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.

13. Montauk Point State Park - Montauk Point

Families can enjoy beautiful views of Block Island Sound along with hiking and cross-country skiing trails. And, if you're lucky, you may spot seals sunning on the rocks. Surf fishing is also available. The Montauk Point Lighthouse, commissioned in 1792, is a short walk away.

14. Orient Beach State Park - Orient

There is plenty to explore at this National Natural Landmark. You'll find a maritime forest with prickly cactus, a saltwater marsh, and lots of marine wildlife along the 45,000-foot Gardiner's Bay beachfront. Swimming, picnicking, fishing, water sports, and more are available. Four lighthouses can be viewed in the park: the Orient, Plum Island, Long Beach Bar, and Cedar Island lighthouses.

Wade in the water at Wildwood State Park. Photo by Mommy Poppins

15. Wildwood State Park - Wading River

Another popular destination for families who enjoy beachfront camping, visitors will find picnic areas and playgrounds, spots for swimming and fishing, and hiking and cross-country ski trails.

This article was originally published in 2013 and has since been updated.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of NYS Parks