Staying in your room and rotting in your bed sounds like the ideal type of day for most of us. But we forget that there’s still a whole world out there filled with great foods and attractions. Living in Long Island, you don’t have an excuse to be bored. Even though most of the “cool” stuff tends to be reserved for ages above 21, there are still tons of ways to have fun.
Here are 21 places to check out in Long Island if your under 21:
21. Roosevelt Field Mall
Long Island wouldn’t be complete without our iconic Roosevelt Field Mall. Jampacked with stores that will be sure to satisfy your needs. While walking through the mall, there’s always a guarantee you’ll get lost in the crowd, so make sure to bring a buddy. After your shopping spree, there’s always time to get Build a Bears with your best friends. You can take your new bears to see a movie!
“I love doing my Christmas shopping there, Primark is my favorite store,” Adelphi University freshman Janni Raymond said.
While shopping for your favorite clothing, don’t forget to check out the food court. You don’t even have to use the map to find it, just follow your nose! From Indian cuisine to the sweet taste of chicken at Popeyes, your hands and stomach will be full after this trip. The size of the mall will make the hours feel like days. Once the magic fades as you exit, you’ll be planning your next visit!
20. Adventure Land
We now move on to one of the biggest attractions: Adventure Land. The park’s perfect when it comes to Farmingdale college students as it’s right across from their campus. Once you’re done with your biology class, you can head right across the street to ride Drop N Twist Tower. Or, take a dip with their water rides. Just make sure you make it back on time for the next class.
“I went on the turbulence coaster and it was amazing, it went really fast, like 45 seconds and I felt like throwing up after,” Long Island University sophomore Robin Saudino said.
When taking these rides, make sure you haven’t had any snacks beforehand. We don’t want any accidents to happen! Even if you’re not a fan of fast-speed coasters, you can go back to your childhood by visiting the Merry-Go-Round. If you think your stomach can handle it, the Lighthouse Drop Tower will make you rethink your choices. Whatever ride you end up screaming on, be sure to stay hydrated!
19. Fire Island
Trying to get in tune with your nature side? Fire Island’s the perfect spot to get in that fresh air. Take a hike in their Sunken Forest (also known as the “Crown Jewel of Fire Island”) and marvel at the birds while wishing you could stay there forever. As the name suggests, make sure to bring sunscreen.
18. Stew Leonards
For most people, a grocery store wouldn’t be the designated spot for a hangout. But that’s the beauty of Stew Leonard. Often referred to as “The Disneyland of Dairy Stores,” they provide culinary classes if you need a refresh on those cooking skills. You can also be amazed by all the attractions with farm animals. By the end of your trip, you’ll end up forgetting you at the grocery store!
“I saw all the attractions with farm animals and it had buttons to activate it which amazed me. I saw the cow outside and that just made my day. I go every other week to get grapes and to see Toni the Cow,” Nassau County Community College freshman Hannah Simmons said.
Even if you don’t need to stock up on any snacks, just watching the animals come to life will make you smile. Try to join in on one of their events too. Stew Leonards offers events for any upcoming holidays. You can brag to everyone that you had breakfast with the Easter Bunny or visit Toni the Cow. If you’re ever in need of food or just in a bad mood, Stew Leonards will be the place to go.
17. Rexer Family Farm
After all those delicious treats, we need to take a break and check out some healthy choices. Rexer Family Farm houses amazing strawberries and other goods. Why waste your time cooking when you can taste delicious chicken salads, scones, and pies? It would be a crime to not check it out.
16. Cradle of Aviation Museum
Want to be educated while also having fun? Look no further than the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Here, you can look at the historic artifacts and learn about Long Island’s important role in aviation. While walking through this museum, it’ll feel like you are being transported through time!
15. Shabby Tabby Cafe – Sayville
Want to know what’s the closest thing to heaven on earth? I’ll give you a hint: the Shabby Tabby Cafe. Home to all kinds of cats, you’ll be sure to make a fur friend here. Even though the faces of those cats are enough to make our days, the events are the icing on the cake. You get to relax your mind with their Sunday Yoga with Cats events. Just make sure not to step on their tails!
“My favorite memory was playing with the kitten that was going to be adopted,” Hofstra University freshman Tharuki Leeratne said.
Yoga’s not your thing? Take your chances during their Broadway Musical Trivia. Flex your Hamilton or Hadestown facts and maybe the cats will be impressed. Or, to make sure your pets at home don’t get left out, try their Paint Your Pet Night. These cats come from rescue shelters so make sure you give them all your love!
14. Long Beach
A great summer activity will always be the spectacular Long Beach! Picture this: you, the sun, and a book on the beach. Sounds like the perfect day to me. Even if you don’t feel like taking a dip, maybe the Arts & Crafts Festivals are up your alley. You can marvel at all the great artwork from all kinds of vendors. Or, why not show off your competitive side and hunt eggs at their Easter Egg Hunt?
“I have been going to Long Beach for almost my whole life, every summer I would go with my family and we would spend the day there enjoying the water and playing in the sand. The reason why I love this place is because summer is my favorite season to go and it’s so relaxing and fun to do with people and makes me feel at peace and comfortable,” Adelphi University sophomore Brianna Amoroso said.
As you can tell by the name, the beach is long. If you ever need any extra steps, make sure to take a long stroll down the beach. The scenery will take your breath away and convince you to move there. Sand castles are always fun to make too. Just make sure you don’t knock over any sand castles, the kids might not like you after that.
13. Long Island Aquarium
Love the sea but are terrified to go in it? The aquarium gives you the comfort of watching the sea creatures while remaining dry. The one unique thing about this aquarium are definitely the butterflies. If whales and sharks are too crazy for you, try becoming friends with one of the butterflies!
12. TopGolf
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Golf is lame and I’ll never play it. Once you walk in though, you’ll realize this isn’t regular golf. The golf games are high-tech which makes the environment more lively than the typical golf scene. Here, you can enjoy the spot whether you’re an amateur or a pro.
“I went there with my boyfriend for a date and we had a lot of laughs,” Nassau County Community College sophomore Gangadai Khiali said.
Once you’ve found the right bay for you, the game begins. If you find out that golf doesn’t happen to be one of your skills, you can always sign up for their lessons. Even during a competitive game of golf people get hungry. In between games, try to get those quick bites of pizza and donut holes in. Who knows? Maybe it’ll help you win a game.
11. Adventure Park
Do you know what’s better than the Great Ninja Warrior? Adventure Park. Spend the day like Mowgli with their amazing courses. Don’t get your hopes up though, there aren’t any animals to make friends with. You can swing like Tarzan while trying not to get bitten by mosquitoes. These courses feel like you’re completing a mission, just don’t get a splinter.
10. Old Westbury Garden
Want to feel like a princess or prince for the day? Old Westbury Gardens creates an escape from our hectic days as we enter the fantasyland. Hang out with the fishes while you gaze at their many fountains. Their blossoming flowers and beautiful fountains make for the perfect picnic spot.
9. Port Jefferson
Port Jefferson will be the dream destination for anyone trying to escape their hectic life. The beautiful scenery will make you feel like you are the main character of a show. You get to walk alongside the water and feel the breeze brush past you. Their unique shops and eye-catching restaurants are sure to draw you in. With all this walking, you can always enjoy a picnic at The Harborfront Park.
“There’s so much to do there, it’s a nice hangout spot for friends and family, you can go shopping, thrifting, comic book shopping, find a nice restaurant to eat, and have ice cream. It’s like a town from a movie,” Stony Brook freshman Zainab Khan said.
Even though you went out to avoid your history class, the Port Jeff Village Center will be a great place to learn about their past. Here, you can find historic photographs and art from local artists. But wait, the fun doesn’t stop when the snow falls. They also offer ice skating to make the winter months filled with more joy. You can also join in the fun with the Port Jefferson Village Ice Festival where they have various Frozen theme events.
8. Tates Bakeshop in South Hampton
The irresistible charm of Tate cookies will make you end up at the original Tate’s Bakeshop. Their cookies will make you forget that other food groups exist. Unless you get a stomach ache. The atmosphere paired with the smell of freshly baked cookies sure to send your tastebuds insane.
7. Cheesecake Factory
If it’s cheat day, the Cheesecake Factory should be the first thing that pops into your head. With their famous cheesecakes that make your mouth water, your stomach will be thanking you. Food and laughs are always a great combination. At the Cheesecake Factory, you’ll probably always be trying to steal your friend’s food.
“Loved when they sang happy birthday to me,” Adelphi University freshman Raaife Mh said.
Even if you’re not in the mood for cheesecake, there’s always something to settle your cravings. If you’re feeling healthy, the salad’s the way to show that you care about your health. But, for some of us, the cheeseburger spring rolls speak to us more. Even with all these other choices, your mouth will always want to go back to cheesecake. It’s a weakness but at least it’s tasty!
6. Oyster Bay
If you love the outdoors and history, Oyster Bay’s the match for you. Planting Fields Arboretum becomes a great place to walk while taking in all beauty. If you’re feeling risky, you can join their Spring 5K or on the less wild side, we have their flower festival. You can also pretend to be Snow White for the day at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center.
“I’d say my favorite memory would be from when I was a kid and I and my whole family would go to a beach in Oyster Bay and we’d spend almost the whole day there,” Molloy University freshman Naidelyn Morales said.
You can try to make new friends at the Cooper Bluff Waterfront Bar. Their food trucks and live music will make you stay longer than you should. Ever wonder what it was like to live on Long Island in the 18th and 19th centuries? Well, you don’t need to with the Raynham Hall Museum. Their Historic Spirits Tours are given all year so don’t worry about missing it!
5. Round 1
Arcades are the best way to have fun with your friends. Don’t have Mario Kart at home? Don’t worry Round 1 has you covered. If your driving skills need help, you can always show off your driving skills. Their bowling alleys are sure to bring your competitive side out. Or try your luck at the claw machines. (Just make sure to not use up all your coins)
4. Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm
Getting into the fall spirit? Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm will be the place to go with all your pumpkin needs. Already found your pumpkin? Get lost in the corn maze while you wait for the others. Their food and atmosphere are sure to put you in that Halloween spirit.
3. Lavender by the Bay
During June and July, you must plan a trip down to Lavender by the Bay. This place will be perfect to take all your Instagram photos. While walking around and admiring the flowers, you forget all your worries. The scent of the flowers will consume you as you get lost in the purple.
“So I think one of my favorite places on Long Island that I’ve been to is a place called Lavender by the Bay, I absolutely adored that place cause I’m a big flower girl and the whole place is a field filled with flowers and it’s a great place to take pictures,” Adelphi University freshman Valentina Genovesee said.
These gorgeous flowers are a great treasure to take home. The lavender flowers aren’t the only cool things to gaze at. The chickens that wander around become great companions. Those chickens are hard workers as they eat the pesticides that break into the fields. Remember, you can look at the chickens, just don’t touch them.
2. Vanderbilt Museum
If you want to pretend that you’re a millionaire for the day, the Vanderbilt Museum becomes the place to go. The museum has many artifacts (like a shrunken human head) and a mummy. Walking into the museum feels like you’re in a different world. The beautiful design of the mansion will make you want to live there!
1. Sands Point Preserve
After a long day of studying, you will probably want to get some sun. Sands Point Preserve instantly transports you into medieval times. Their trails make it nice and easy to go hiking. But make sure to share the joy with your dog, they’ll also love it. The place looks even more beautiful during the winter time so be sure to come back every season!
