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 walk you through wrapping a woven basket around a glass flower vase—basically you're learning real weaving techniques and leaving with something you can actually use. Class starts at 10:30 AM in Mattituck's Landcraft Garden.
- 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 Belmont Lake State Park in West Babylon, part of a larger effort to get people walking through every state park on Long Island. It's ranger-guided, starts at 10 AM, and costs $4 per person despite being listed as free. Park at 625 Belmont Avenue and expect families with varying hiking experience.
- When
- Where
- Belmont Lake State Park, West Babylon
Bay Walk: Children’s Program (ages 8+), $4 per child upon arrival
Kids 8 and up wade into the Great South Bay shallows to net and ID marine life—crabs, minnows, whatever's moving through the marsh grass that morning. It's $4 per child, and you'll meet at Field 2 parking, the western lot at Robert Moses. Bring water shoes and a towel.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 2, Babylon
Whales of the Deep Blue Sea: Tiny Tots (ages 3-5), $4 per child
This nature program for 3-to-5-year-olds focuses on whale species—think songs, movement, and hands-on activities scaled for short attention spans. It's $4 per kid at Connetquot's main office when you arrive. The preserve has shaded picnic areas if you want to pack snacks and stay after.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Build-a-Bug-Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child
Preschoolers get to build their own bug using craft supplies and learn about the insects crawling around Sunken Meadow. It's $4 cash per kid, aimed at the 3-5 age group. Park in Lot 1 and find the Nature Center—easy drop-in if your toddler's in a bug phase.
- 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 Preserve opens after dark for a guided sensory walk that lets you experience the trails in a completely different way. The program runs 7:45 PM, so you'll catch the park as nocturnal wildlife starts moving. Parking is $4 per person at arrival; entrance is off Sunrise Highway in Oakdale.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Kayak Nature Tour: Adult Program, $4 per adult upon arrival
Paddle through the Great South Bay marsh with a ranger-led kayak tour that covers the ecology and wildlife of the area. The 10 AM start keeps you ahead of midday sun and boat traffic. Meet at Field 5 in Heckscher State Park; bring your own kayak or ask about rentals when you arrive ($4 parking fee).
- 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—hands-on habitat restoration that actually makes a difference. Bring $4 cash per person when you arrive at Lot 1. The planting happens rain or shine, so wear clothes that can get dirty.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Beginning Birding: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Learn basic bird identification techniques during this morning walk through Planting Fields Arboretum's gardens and woodlands. Rangers teach you what to look for in size, behavior, and habitat to start recognizing common Long Island species. The arboretum's 409 acres give you varied terrain; parking is $4 per person.
- When
- Where
- Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay
Bat Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Rangers lead an after-dark walk through Wildwood State Park to spot bats in flight. The program costs $4 per person at arrival and starts at 7:30 PM on Sound Avenue in Calverton.
- When
- Where
- Wildwood State Park, Calverton
Hike Through History: Caleb Smith, Family Program, $4 per person
This guided hike at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve ties into the nation's 250th anniversary with stories about the area's colonial and Revolutionary history. $4 per person when you show up. The preserve sits just off Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown with decent parking near the nature museum.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown
Bat Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Search for bats at dusk in Caleb Smith's woods and wetlands—bring a flashlight and patience as you listen for echolocation clicks. The preserve on Jericho Turnpike is one of the better spots to see Long Island's native bat species. Bring $4 cash per person when you arrive.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown