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Our Summer Bucket List has become one of my favorite things to write. We’re a family that loves the heat and sunshine, plus this summer the kids are ready for exploring and adventure!
Here’s a peek at last year’s list!
Summer in New York is absolutely glorious and Long Island (and the surrounding areas) have tons of bucket list worthy things to do. We hang our list on the refrigerator so that when a free summer day comes up we are ready to go with ideas. I can’t wait to get out there and see it all!
Let’s get started:
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Sunken Meadow State Park– Situated on the Long Island Sound, this park is one of my favorite hidden treasures. There are tons of beautiful hike trails, bike trails, an incredible playground and the beach! The beach is calm enough for young kids and boardwalk is the perfect size at about 3/4 mile. You’ve probably heard me mention it before, and that’s because it’s so perfect for families. There is a snack bar there, but your best bet is to pack up a picnic basket and head out with your own yummy treats for a day at the beach!
Sunken Meadow State Park Beach - Sunken Meadow State Park Seafood Fest– Every Wednesday there is a Seafood Fest! Along with live music, you can enjoy lobster, mussels, and clams to your heart’s content! I can’t wait to do this a few times this summer.
- Long Island Ducks Baseball: A baseball game in the summer with the ducks?? Count us in! We can’t wait!
- This cake and this salad. I’m making both all summer long. The cake comes out just perfect and the salad makes people ask you where you got it- trust me on this one!
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding/Kayak Rental: Did you know that you can do stand up paddle boarding right here in our own backyard? I’m looking forward to trying out the highly recommended Empire Kayaks on Nassau’s south shore this summer. (This will be a date day for us- no kids!)
- Orient Beach State Park: The beach at Orient is surrounded by lush green forest and you feel like you are waaaay out on vacation. It’s one of our favorite family beach spots. With a calm and tranquil beach, plus a cute playground it’s a win-win!
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Long Island Children’s Museum “Backyard”: You already know the deal: if you can’t find us at home, we are usually at the museum- true story and you can read more about why we love it here. This week their creative and fun backyard opened and we will be there all. the. time. The huge water tables provide endless watery enjoyment, the “paint” stations let little ones get creative, and then there’s the huge sand pit plus rock digging area. Win, win, win!
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Montauk: What’s summer without visiting “The End”? We’ll visit the lighthouse, hike out to the gorgeous bluffs, snap incredible pictures of the sea, eat a lobster roll, and take a dip in the chilly waves. One of our yearly traditions and I am really looking forward to visiting this year.
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Storm King Art Center– We first visited Storm King back in the old days when we were dating and it’s been a favorite ever since. Located in the lower Hudson Valley, it’s a 500 acre park featuring enormous sculptures. It’s unique and unlike any other experience. You can hike it or bike it, we are going to head there with the kids this summer for a fantastic day trip.
- Jones Beach Concerts– From Pitbull to Dave Matthews to Miranda Lambert, there is literally a concert for everyone at the Jones Beach amphitheater. I could go to any and all of those concerts and be very happy! Check out the line-up here!
- And finally... Sesame Place. This is our year for the trip to Pennsylvania’s toddler sized theme park. I’m told the kids are going to love it and I’m only slightly nervous to be surrounded by Elmo and Big Bird all day. Have you been?
In addition to going out to these fun spots, we’ll also be doing plenty of hot dog grilling, ice cream eating, and fireworks watching. What are you up to this summer? Love to hear from you in the comments!
Check out these other posts about Long Island things to do!