Free, Fun Things to Do with Kids on Long Island

Is there such a thing as a free, fun activity to do on Long Island? Why, as a matter of fact, here are 5 free, fun things to do with your kids! Get out and explore this lineup. Pack a picnic lunch and appreciate how much fun you can have with your family without breaking the bank.

1. Holtsville Ecology Center- Buckley Road, Holtsville (631) 758-9664 www.brookhaven.org: This is a free, albeit small, zoo! Save yourself and your pocketbook a trip to the Bronx and spend a few hours here! Animals include: mountain lions, bald eagles, bears...over 100 injured or non-releasable wild animals. Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p. m. Feed goats and ducks (25cents a handful). Also at site, 1.2 mile paved exercise route open year round for walking, jogging, in-line skating and biking. Picnic facilities too.

2. Gardiners Park: Montauk Highway (Route 27A), Bay Shore (1/2 mile east of Robert Moses Causeway): A 231-acre park and preserve that was originally part of a large, private estate. The park features 3 ½ miles of nature trails, with the Main trail leading to a beautiful, secluded beachfront spot on the Great South Bay. This spot overflows with local trees, flowers, shrubs and even a salt marsh. A well-known spot for dog-lovers who bring there four-legged friends to explore wide open fields and a "Canine Trail." Local artists often set-up at this secluded gem to paint still-life paintings of the landscape. Playground, covered picnic facilities and restrooms available as well. Free parking and admission to park year-round.

3.Grumman Memorial Park- Route 25 near the Route 25A, Intersection, Calverton www.grummanpark.org- Open daily 9 a.m.-5.p.m.Located on the former Grumman Aerospace Flight Test Facility (Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant).Highlights: an F-14A Tomcat built by Grumman, The Walk of Honor (with inscribed bricks), a guard booth from Bethpage that houses the computer for locating bricks, and the flagpole that once stood before nearby Plant 7. Additional phases of the park being added.

4. The Big Duck-1012 Flanders Road, Flanders - (631) 727-5342www.co.suffolk.ny.us: Snap a pic of the family in front of this infamous monument. One of Long Island's most famous landmarks. Originally designed and constructed in 1931 by a Riverhead duck farmer, this spot sold Peking ducks and duck eggs. Donated to Suffolk County in 1987, this landmark is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. It houses a store with duck memorabilia and also serves as a tourist information center for the Long Island Convention and Visitors. The first Wednesday of December features The Annual Duck Lighting, kicking off the holiday season on the East End.

5. Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences at Stony Brook University-www.geosciences.stonybrook.edu/museum/ Earth & Space Science Building
Stony Brook University (631) 632-8230: This free museum offers science education programs to the community, public schools, and general public through lectures, seminars, exhibits, films, publications, and special projects. The Museum's collections include a paleontological and geological collection, a collection of modern Mollusca, an entomological collection, and a herbarium. The exhibit areas feature both changing exhibits and a permanent exhibition on Long Island Geology. Open year round, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 5p.m.