A field trip can be many things.  They can be as simple as an excursion around the block to look at different colors, shapes, and textures in their neighborhood, giving children the opportunity to observe flowers, birds, tree bark, shadows, leaves, and the design of cracks in the pavement.  Or they can transport children to a distant attraction, exposing them to an entirely new environment.  One thing they all have in common is an ability to channel the interest and energy in children, awake in them their undiscovered sense of adventure, joy of discovery and imagination.   Children learn especially well when left to their own initiatives.  Field trips are one means that allow children to “learn by doing.”   There is something about children taking a trip outside of their everyday environment that sparks a child’s curiosity, lets their imagination run wild, and opens the door to great new adventures.  Child-initiated, experiential learning provided by a well-planned field trip promotes child learning at its very best.   Field trips invite firsthand experience, and set the stage for the magic of the moment to unfold, as teachers and parents stand back and let the child explore the wonders of the world around them.

Planning for Field Trips

    
• Safety For each part of the trip, consider how you would summon help if someone were injured, became ill suddenly.  Think about the children’s daily routines and try to stick to them as much as possible, i.e., eat snack at the same time.  Plan ahead for toilet stops and hand washing.  Train caregivers and parents on how to supervise children on a field trip, including public restrooms.  Establish and rehearse clear, simple safety rules.  Plan to position caregivers between the children and potential dangers, such as getting ready to cross the street.  Bring emergency contact list for all the children, including medical histories. If any children have a chronic medical condition (asthma, diabetes, seizures) be sure those who are with the child know how to handle a medical emergency.   Have a plan in place if a child becomes separated from the group.  Give each child a name tag, with only their first name and a telephone number.  Assign one adult to a specific group of children.
    
• Developmentally appropriate field trips  Many of the most successful field trips are an outgrowth of an interest expressed in the classroom.  Instead of relying on an annual trip to x, build on the interests of the children in the classroom.  A good place to start going on field trips with preschool children is the immediate neighborhood around the program.  There are details in the environment that adults may overlook, but can prove fascinating and educational for a preschool child.  For example, taking a walk around the block can provide a plethora of experiences, and can offer many exciting adventures to stimulate interest.  Checking out flowers, the bark on different trees (why are they different patterns), the color of flowers and their different shapes.  Toddlers may do better staying in the child care program and bringing community helpers to visit, as many environments are not child-safe.  An ambulance or fire engine has little meaning for a toddler and a policeman, an EMS in uniform may actually scare a two year old, as some at this age are overwhelmed or frightened by meeting strangers.   Plan trips that encourage language development, creativity and problem-solving skills.
    
• Pre-Departure Checklist  Appoint someone to look over the plans for your field trip with a critical and thoughtful eye, checking for things oversights.  A few days before the trip, have this person speak to the teachers going on the trip, so that all the parent release forms have been submitted, medical forms are up to date, emergency numbers are available for each child and for all adults going on the trip, all supplies and materials are available and ready. 
    
• Transportation to and from Field Trips  Plan walking trips carefully with attention to potential hazard and how they will be handled.  If you plan to transport children, a one hour trip is the outer limit of reasonable time for preschool children to spend in a vehicle.  Planning age appropriate activities during the trip can enhance their learning experience and be a lot of fun.  Singing songs, playing games help pass the time.  Make sure each child is safely secured  in a car seat.
    
• Plan for the Unexpected Take along a well-stocked first aid kit and be sure someone in the group is competent in first aid.  Have cell phones available to call for emergency help.  Have enough adult supervision so that if one caregiver needs to accompany a child to a doctor and/or emergency room, the rest of the children will be adequately supervised.   Go over the plans and rehearse scenarios, the what ifs that can spoil a wonderful experience for the children. 
    
• Preparing the Community Host Planning for a field trip includes preparing the host for your visit.  While many community hosts are eager to have children visit, they don’t necessarily have a grasp of child development, and what to expect from preschool children.  Check to see who will be assigned as your host and determine their previous experience and comfort level with preschoolers. Build rapport with your host and fill them in on why you chose them, and what activities the children have done to prepare for the field trip, and what you are trying to accomplish with the trip.  If possible, visit the location and suggest hand-on activities.  Look for a spot that children can spend some time drawing to represent what they are seeing.  Explain why experience for children need to be as “real” as possible.

Field trips help the community understand that young children’s learning takes place not only in the classroom but everywhere – be it a trip to the grocery store, a walk through the park, a trip to a children’s museum, or a petting farm.  Integrating field trips into a early care and education curriculum enhances children’s everyday classroom experience.

Field Trips – Nassau County

Museums (Toddler - Pre-K)

Cradle of Aviation Museum

Lindbergh Boulevard
Garden City, NY
Contact:
516-572-4111
www.cradleofaviation.org

Grade level: toddlers, preschool and up
     Cost: Adults: $7, children over 2: $6, Under 2: free
   Hours:  Mon & Tues: 9:30 – 4:30 pm, Wed – Sun: 9:30 – 5 pm
   Length of program:  an hour or a whole afternoon
   Facilities:  bathrooms with changing tables
   Note:  Huge space with life-size planes and other exhibits. Facility is like a gigantic indoor park, filled with flying objects.  Kids can climb in cockpits and pretend to be a pilot.

Garvies Point Museum and Preserve

50 Barry Drive
Glen Cove, NY
Contact: 516-571-8010/11
www.co.nassau.ny.us/parkmuse.html

Grade level: toddlers on up
   Cost:  Adults: $2, Children 4-14: $1, Under 4: free
   Hours: Tues – Sun: 10 – 4 pm, year-round.
   Length of program: an hour or less
   Facilities:  bathrooms have fold-out diaper changing unit
   Note:  Small museum with the geological and archeological history of Long Island.  Native American artifacts. Surrounded by nature preserve with trails – good introduction to hiking.  Changing exhibits from seashells to minerals to dugout canoes inform and educate visitors about the natural heritage of the land. The Annual Thanksgiving Festival features many hands-on activities for children. 

Long Island Children’s Museum

11 Davis Avenue
Garden City, NY
Contact:  516-224-5800
www.licm.org

Grade level: toddler on up
   Cost: Adults and children over 1: $8, under 1 year: free
   Hours:  Daily, Wed – Sun: 10-5.  Also open Tuesday in July and August.
   Length of program: 2 -4 hours
   Facilities:  changing tables in both ladies and men’s bathrooms
   Note:  Excellent hands-on, interactive exhibits, special play area for toddlers. This is a true multi-sensory experience, and has great creative exploration

Long Island Reptile Museum

70 Broadway (Route 107)
Hicksville, NY
Contact:  516-931-1500
www.reptilemuseum.com

Grade level:  toddlers on up
   Cost: Adults: $9.95, children over 2: $7.95, Under 2: free
   Hours:  Open daily: 10-6 pm, most Fridays until 8 pm
   Length of program: approximately one hour
   Note:  two floors of live, exotic reptiles and amphibians, living in state-of-the art exhibits, depicting their natural environment. Some are from as far away as Australia.   Hands-on experiences with the most gentle creatures are available in the petting area.   There is a large collection of dinosaur fossils.

New York Hall of Science (and The Preschool Place)

47-01 111th Street
Flushing, Queens, NY  11368 (located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park)
Contact:  718-699-0005
www.nyhallsci.org

Grade level:  Pre-K – 12
   Cost:  Adults: $9, Children (5-11): $6, preschoolers (2-4): $2.50, Senior Citizens (62 and over): $6, Science Playground: $3/per person
   Hours:  Mon-Thur:  9:30 – 2pm, Fri: 9:30 – 5 (free from 2-5), Sat & Sun: 10:30 – 6pm
   Length of program: varies
   Facilities:  bathrooms, handicapped access
   Note:  Pfizer Foundation Biochemistry Discovery Lab, After-school clubs, Parent/child Program.  Teachers can bring classes live to the hall or via a virtual visit.  Website offers much information. The Preschool Place:  Ages 6 and under can explore the natural landscapes, encounter Tree of Trees, and animals that live in this habitat, play in the multi-ethnic market, build structures using cranes, plus science/art activities.

Queens Wildlife Center

53-51 111th Street
Flushing, Queens, NY  11368
Contact:  718-271-7761, 718-271-7045 (Education)

   Grade level: Pre-K – 12
   Cost:  Adults children to 12:$.50, Children under 3: free
   Hours:  every day: 10-5,  weekends every day: 10-5:30 except from Nov – March when the Center closes at 4:30 pm
   Length of program:  60-90 minutes
   Facilities:  bathrooms, handicapped access, café on grounds
   Note:  North American animals with over 250 animals of 40 species: mountain lions, bobcats, bison, coyotes, black bears, elk, and sea lions, plus an aviary and a real marsh habitat.  Kids can meet and touch sheep, ducks, goats, rabbits and other animals, and they can learn about wildlife and plant at the Education Center. Excellent school programs for students in grades pre-K through 12, and the Center will work with teachers to create Customized Programs to suit students’ needs.

New York Hall of Science

47-01 111th Street
Flushing Meadows, NY  11368
Contact:  718-699-0005, 718-699-0301 (Groups)
http://www.nyhallsci.org

Grade Level:  K – 12
   Cost: Adults: $3.50, Children: $2.50. FREE on Wed. & Thurs: 2 - 5pm. Groups (10+): $2.50 per person. Student Workshops*: $75.00/class; Science Access*: $50.00/class  *In addition to admission. Groups paying in advance receive 10% off next group admission.
   Hours:  Mon-Tues: 9:30 – 2pm (these days for groups only), Wed-Sun: 9:30 – 5pm (groups and public)
   Length of program: varies
   Facilities: bathroom, handicapped access, Snack-o-Mat or picnic on grounds
   Note: Hands-on science and technology center, with 150 interactive exhibits.  Live demonstrations, videos and films.  Workshops for school groups cover a variety of science-related subjects.

The Science Museum of Long Island

1526 North Plandome Road
Manhasset, NY  11030

Contact:  516-627-9400
   Grade level:  Pre-K – adult
   Cost:  varies by program
   Hours:  Mon - Fri, and weekends by reservation only
   Length of program:  varies
   Facilities:  indoor lunchroom and outdoor picnic areas
   Note:  This is a science education activity center, formed to stimulate children’s interest in science.

Tackapausha Museum and Preserve

Washington Avenue
Seaford, NY
Contact: 516-571-7443
www.co.nassau.ny.us/parkmuse.html#Tackapausha

   Grade level:  toddlers and up
   Cost:  Adults: $2, children 4-14: $1, Under 4: free
   Hours:  Tue – Sat: 10-4 pm, Sun: 1- 4 pm.  Call for animal show times on weekends
   Length of program:  an hour or less
   Note:  This is a small natural history museum with animal exhibits, live animal show on weekends. Simple exhibits displays animals, plants and geology of the area.  There is a diorama of Long Island’s dinosaurs, and a live bat exhibit.

Museums (Kindergarten – Elementary)

    African –American Museum

    110 North Franklin Street
    Hempstead, NY 11550
    Contact:  516-572-0730
    Email: museum@rooseveltlongisland.org    

Grade level: K – Adult
     Cost: free, call for program fees
     Hours:  Mon-Sat: 10-5, Th – Fri evening hours 6- 9pm
     Length of program:  1.5 – 2 hours
     Facilities: bathrooms, handicapped access
     Note:  Museum was designed to tell the story of African-Americans on Long Island.  There is on-site genealogical research and programs to trace family history.  Programs include African-American culture, history and art.  Thursday evenings: open mike poetry; Friday evenings: film series. 

    Goudreau Museum of Mathematics in Art and Science (The Math Museum)

    Herricks Community Center
    999 Herricks Road (Room 202)
    New Hyde Park, NY
    Contact:  516-747-0777
    www.mathmuseum.org    

Grade level:  K – adults
     Cost:  $2 per person
     Hours:  Mon-Friday -  General public and groups by appointment only. Check website for Saturday hours
     Length of program: 2 hours
     Facilities:  bathroom and handicapped accessible
     Note:  This one-room museum is bursting with puzzles, colorful geometric sculptures and math games.  Their message is “math is fun.”  The museum features hands-on learning experience for all ages. Special programs done off-site for schools and groups.

    The Hicksville Gregory Museum

    Heitz Place & Bay Avenue
    Contact:  516-822-7505
    516-822-3227 (fax)
    Email:  gregorymuseum@earthlink.net
    www.gregorymuseum.org

Grade level:  K – adult
     Cost: Adults: $5, senior citizens and children: $3, School and groups, and students (tour included): $5, Children under 5: free
     Hours:  Tues-Fri: 9:30 – 4:30, Sat-Sun: 1-5, Monday by appt. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day
     Length of program: 1 – 2 hours
     Facilities:  available bathroom, but no eating facilities
     Note:  The museum has the largest mineral collection on Long Island, with over 4,000 specimens of rocks and minerals, including fluorescent displays, shells and gems.  The Old Court House Jail, one of the few “Old Town Lock-ups”, is open for inspection by the curious.  Slide and lecture programs are available.

Old Bethpage Village

    1303 Round Swamp Road
    Old Bethpage, NY  11804
    Contact:  516-572-8400, Group reservations 516-572-8408    

Grade level:  K – Adult
     Cost:  Adults: $6, Children: $4, children under 4: free.  Call for group rates
     Hours:  March to May:  Wed – Fri: 10 – 4pm, Sat: 10 – 5pm, Sun: Noon – 5pm.  May to October:  Wed – Sun: 10-5pm.  November – December:  Wed – Sat: 10 – 4pm, Sun: Noon – 4pm.
     Length of program: guided tour is 2 hours
     Facilities:  bathrooms, handicapped access, picnic area and cafeteria
     Note: This restoration represents a living-history museum of farm and town life of Long Island in the mid-19th century, with over 55 historic structures on site.  Farmers and housewives wear period clothing, recreating the lifestyle of a bygone era.

Farms (Toddler – Pre-K)

    Green Meadows Farms

    Box 245
    73-50 Little Neck Parkway
    Floral Park, NY  11002-0245
    Contact:  718-470-0224    

Grade level: Toddler – K
     Cost:  $7.50 per person.  Children 2 and under: free
     Hours: Mid-late April to Mid-late June and late Sept – Early Nov:  weekdays 9:30 am. Last tour beings at 12:30pm.  Weekends, with last tour at 2 pm.
     Facilities:  handicapped limited, picnic area, and light snacks and beverages are sold
     Note:  Visitors can see and play with more than 400 tame farm animals.  Educational guided tours are included in price of admission, and give interesting facts about pigs, cows, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, turkeys, ducks, geese, and donkeys.  Visitors are offered pony rides, tractor-drawn hayrides and a chance to squeeze milk from a cow. 

Queens Zoo

    53-51 111th Street (at 53rd Avenue
    Flushing Meadows Corona Park
    Queens, NY
    Contact:  718-271-1500
    www.queenszoo.com    

Grade level: toddler, preschool, young elementary school
     Cost:  Adults: $5, children 3-12: $1, under 3: free
     Hours:  Daily year round: 10-4:30 pm or 5:30 pm. 
     Length of program: an hour or two
     Facilities:  Diaper changing facilities at both bathroom locations.
     Note:  This zoo is strictly American wildlife, such as coyotes, elk, and bobcats living in natural habitats.  There is a petting zoo, carousel and nearby playground.

    Environment and Nature (Toddler – Pre-K)

    Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery

1660 Route 25A
    Cold Spring Harbor, NY
    Contact:  516-692-6768
    www.cshfha.org    

Grade level:  toddlers and up
     Cost:  Adults: $4, Children 3-17: $2, Under 3: free.
     Hours:  Daily: 10-5 pm, year round
     Length of program:  about an hour
     Facilities:  No diaper changing facilities in the bathrooms that are across the street in a smaller building
     Note:  This is a centuries old fish hatchery with live animals to see.  Outdoors are “trout-rearing” pools and “Tiny” a huge snapping turtle that lives in a stream in the back of the building.  Indoors are frogs, turtles and fish.

    Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

    Main Street
    Cold Spring Harbor, NY
    Contact:  631-367-3418
    Executive Director
    Box 25 Cold Spring Harbor, NY  11724
    http://www.cshwhalingmuseum.org    

Grade level:  all- varies with program
     Cost: Adults: $2, Seniors: $1.50, Children: $1
     Length of program: 30 to 90 minutes
     Hours:  Open 11:00 am to 5:00 pm every day
     Note:  Educational programs can be tailored to the individual needs of the teacher and the class

    Muttontown Preserve

East Norwich, NY
    Contact:  516-571-8500    

Grade Level:  K – Adult
     Cost:  Free to the public.  $35.00 for 1.5 hour program, $45.00 for 2 hour program
     Hours:  Daily, Groups – Mon-Fri: 9:30 – 4:30
     Length of program:  1.5 or 2 hours
     Facilities:  bathroom, no eating facilities
     Note:  A 500-acre preserve with marked and unmarked trails.  Topographical features include kettle hole ponds, meadows and woodland.  Trail maps, guided nature programs, are available.

Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center

    134 Cove Road
    Oyster Bay, NY  11771
    Contact:  516-922-3200, 516-922-6734 (fax)
    Email:  trsanct@aol.com    

Grade level:  Pre-K – Adult
     Cost:  Donation.  Programs:  call for information
     Hours:  Mon-Fri: 8 am- 4:30 pm, Sat-Sun: 1:00 – 4:30 pm; Grounds:  Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Sat-Sun: 9:00 – 4:30 pm
     Length of program:  varies
     Facilities:  bathrooms, handicapped access,
     Note:  The oldest National Audubon Sanctuary in America. The Sanctuary offers workshops and public programs for children and adults, and specialized in natural science and environmental education programs.

    Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center

    Ocean Pkwy at “West End” of Jones Beach
    Wantaugh, NY
    Contact:  516-679-7254
    http://nysparks.state.ny.us

Grade level: preschool and up
     Cost:  State park vehicle fee $8 during summer; no charge other times of the year
     Hours:  open weekends, year round, 10-4 pm
     Length of program: hour or less
     Note:  Exhibits describing the local ecosystem.  There is a children’s play area with picture books, puzzles and puppets all with an environmental theme.  Jones Beach boardwalk loop is close-by.

    

Environment and Nature (Kindergarten – Elementary)

    Coastie

    1401 Weaver Street
     Scarsdale, NY 10583
    “Coastie” is a boat  that is remote controlled and is designed to teach youngsters about safety in and around boats and water.  The US Coast Guard has a number of “Coasties” available for educational purposes.
    Contact:  Arthur Reichling
    914-472-0859
    Email: artreich@westnet.com
    areichling@batteryny.uscg.mil
    www.cgaux.org

Location:  your choice, preferably a gymnasium or playground
     Grade Level:  K- 5th grade
     Cost:  Free
     Length of program: 45 minutes
     Note: Coastie comes to you in her own trailer and the Coast Guard Auxillarist who runs the program will also bring a limited number of PFD’s (personal flotation devices) to provide your students with an interactive experience.

    

The Waterfront Center

    PO Box 187, 50 Audrey Avenue
    Oyster Bay, NY  11771
    Contact:  Rob Crafa, Director
    516-624-2221
    516-922-6987 (fax)
    Email: cmerob1@aol.com    

Location: Oyster Bay, NY
     Grade level: Elementary age
     Cost: $4.50 per student
     Length of tour: 1.5 hour
     Refreshments: bag lunch
     Facilities: bathrooms available
     Note:  Educational facilities for local schools to foster stewardship of the Bay and LI Sound Coastal ecology programs for elementary students in on-site classroom and at Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary at Beckman BeachTheater

(Toddler – Pre-K)

    Cultural Arts Playhouse

    714 Old Bethpage Road
    Old Bethpage, NY
    Contact:  516-694-3330
    516-694-3343 (fax)
    www.culturalartsplayhouse.com    

Grade level:  Pre-k – adult
     Cost:  Children’s theatre: $8; Main stage tickets: $18 ($2 discount for seniors and students)
     Hours:  Box Office Hours: Wed: 3-6, Thurs: Noon – 6, Fri: 11-8:30, Sat: 11-8pm, Sun: 11- 4pm
     Length of program: varies
     Facilities:  bathrooms and handicapped access
     Note:  Educational theatre is available to school groups throughout the school year.  Call for rates and schedules.

    Theater (Kindergarten – Elementary)

    

Fantasy Playhouse

    48 Atlantic Avenue
    Lynbrook, NY  11563
    Contact:  516-599-1982
    www.theaterworkshop.org    

Grade level:  K- Adult
     Cost:  call or write for fees (Guided tour is $8)
     Hours:  call or write for schedule
     Length of program: varies
     Facilities: bathrooms, handicapped access
     Note:  Original musicals based on children’s classics.  Classes for children, teens and adults all year.  Performances, geared to all age groups, are presented at our school by arrangement, and include musicals, drama, comedy.

 

Field Trips – Suffolk County

    

Museums (Toddler - Pre-K)

    Children’s Museum of the East End (opening in Spring 2005)

    376 Sagg Bridge Tpke
    Bridgehampton, NY
    Contact: 631-537-8250
    Email: bridget@cmee.org
    www.cmee.org
    

Grade level:  up to 12 year olds
     Note:  Museum will have a musical forest, an exploratory fire station and a windmill.  Workshops are available now. Check out their great website for more information. 

    Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

    Main Street
    Cold Spring Harbor, NY
    Contact: 631-367-3418  (Executive Director)
    Box 25
    Cold Spring Harbor, NY  11724
    http://www.cshwhalingmuseum.org    

Grade level:  all- varies with program
     Cost:  Adults: $2, Seniors: $1.50, Children: $1, Children under 5 years old: free
     Hours:  open 11:00 am - 5:00 pm every day
     Length of program: 30 to 90 minutes
     Note:  The museum is filled with items from the whaling era, including a fully rigged whale boat, scrimshaw, whaling tools and a diorama of Cold Spring Harbor in its whaling port days.  Museum offers programs and workshops in scrimshaw, crafts and sea chanteys and a “hands-on” whalebone display.  Educational programs can be tailored to the individual needs of the teacher and the class.

    Long Island Museum of American Art, History and Carriages

    1200 Route 25A
    Stony Brook, NY
    Contact:  631-751-0066
    www.longislandmuseum.org    

Grade level: Babies and older
     Cost:  Adults: $5, Ages 6-16: $3, Children under 6: free
     Hours:  Wed – Sat: 10-5 pm, Sun: 12-5 pm.
     Length of program: 2-4 hours
     Note:  Exhibits of interest to both adults and children.  The Museum is filled with historic artifacts of the island’s past.  There is a gallery of miniature rooms, with thumb-sized couches, beds dining sets.  The Carriage Museum across the street is fun for children.

    The Mulford Farm c. 1790 House and barn and Award-Winning Rachel’s Garden (East Hampton Historical Society)

    10 James Lane
    East Hampton, NY  11937
    Contact:  631-324-6864 or 631-324-6850    

Grade level:  Pre-K – Adult
     Cost:  Public: Adults: $4, Children and Seniors: $2, Schools – call for arrangements
     Hours:  groups call for appointment during summer and winter months
     Length of program:  varies
     Facilities:  bathrooms, handicapped access
     Note:  This is a living history, hands-on museum.  It displays furniture and farm implements that help tell the history of a community and a family that lived and worked there. 

    Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences

    Earth and Space Sciences Building
    SUNY at Stony Brook
    Stony Brook, NY  11794
    Contact:  631-632-8230
    631-632-8240 (fax)
    www.molins.sunysb.edu    

Grade level:  Pre-K – Adult
     Cost:  Free. Small fee for programs
     Hours:  Mon- Fri: 9-5 pm
     Length of program:  varies
     Facilities:   bathtrooms available
     Note:  Dedicated to preserving and interpreting the natural heritage of Long Island.  Multifaceted opportunities for environmental education through its exhibits, publication, films, lectures, seminars and educational programs.  Changing and permanent exhibits on Long Island Geology.

Museums (Kindergarten – Elementary)

    Heckscher Museum of Art

    2 Prime Avenue
    Huntington, NY
    Contact: 631-351-3251
    www.heckscher.org    

Grade level: preschool on up
     Cost:  Adults: $5, Ages 6-12: $1, Under 5: free
     Hours: Tue – Fri: 10 – 5 pm, Sat & Sun: 1-5 pm
     Length of program: 45 minutes
     Facilities:  no diaper changing facility in bathrooms
     Note:  Art viewing mainly of adult interest, though preschoolers seem to have some interest.

    Long Island Museum of American Art, History and Carriages

    (School year 3.5 – 7 years)
    1200 Route 25A
    Stony Brook, NY
    Contact:  631-751-0066
    www.longislandmuseum.org    

Grade level:  K – adult
     Cost:  Adults: $4, Seniors: $3, Children 6-18 and students with I.D.: $2, Museum members and children under 6: free
     Hours: Wed – Sat and Most Monday holidays: 10- 5pm, Sun: – noon to 5 pm, open daily in July and August
     Length of program:  varies
     Facilities:  bathrooms, picnic area
     Note:  Home to the nations’ largest carriage collection, with over 100 carriages always on view.  Houses a gallery of fifteen miniature rooms and one of the top hand-carved duck decoy collections in the U.S.  Children’s summer programs are available, including arts, crafts, stories, music, etc.

    Museum of L.I. Natural Science

    Earth and Space Sciences Building
    SUNY at Stony Brook
    631-632-8230
    After school programs
    Swan River Schoolhouse Museum
    Roe Avenue
    East Patchogue, NY  11772
    Mailing Address:   David A. Overton, Brookhaven Town Historian
    3233 Route 112, Bedford, NY  11753
    Contact:  631-475-1700, 631-654-7897 (David Overton)    

Grade level:  K – 8
     Cost:  Free
     Hours:  Tues, Wed and Friday by appointment
     Length of program:  guided tour 15 minutes
     Facilities:  no bathrooms, handicapped access
     Note:  Built in 1858, this was last used as a school in 1936.  This one-room schoolhouse shows typical school furniture, the original schoolhouse bell, and books used by the students who attended the school.

    Vanderbilt Planetarium

    180 Little Neck Road
    Centerport, NY  11721
    Contact:  631-854-5555
    www.vanderbiltmuseum.org    

Grade level:  K – Adult
     Cost:  Adults: $8, Students and Seniors: $6, Children under 12: $4,  Friday night shows: $5, 4, and $2.50
     Hours:  year round, call for schedule
     Length of program: varies
     Facilities:  bathroom, handicapped access, outdoor picnic area
     Note:  This is one of the largest and best equipped in the U.S.   Visitors can see stars, moon, sun and planets displayed on the 60-foot dome. Rainstorms, 3-D graphics, meteor showers, planetary landscapes and a vast array of special effects.

    

Farms (Toddler – Pre-K)

    Animal Farm Petting Zoo

    Wading River Road
    Manorville, NY
    Contact: 631-543-7804
    www.afpz.org    

Grade level:  infants on up
     Cost:  Adults: $12, Children over 2: $10. Under 2: free. Rides, shows and other attractions included in admission price
     Hours:  open Spring through Fall, Mon-Fri: 10 -5 pm, Sat-Sun: 10-6 pm.
     Length of program:  1 – 4 hours
     Facilities: bathrooms have diaper-changing tables
     Note:  This petting zoo is the perfect place to introduce children to the world of animals.  See parrots, monkeys, camels, llamas, reptiles, ostrich, kangaroos and other exotic animals.  There are also farm animals and their babies to pet and feed.  All are living in a natural, spacious habitats.

    

Brookhaven Animal Preserve

    249 Buckley Road
    Holtsville, NY
    Contact:  631-758-9664 for Preserve, 631-277-6168 for Carousel
    www.empirestatecarousel.org    

Grade level:  baby, toddler and preschool
     Cost:  Zoo and playground are free; Carousel rides are $2.
     Hours:  Daily year round: 9-4 pm; Carousel open most weekends, call for exact hours
     Length of program:  from an hour to a whole afternoon
     Facilities:  Diaper changing table in men’s and ladies’ room.  There is an outdoor picnic area; there is a snack bar open in warm weather that serves hamburgers.
     Note:  Zoo, petting zoo, playground, carousel.  Black bear, mountain lions, buffalo roam here in wildlife habitats.  The Empire State Carousel is an old-fashioned, merry-go-round that celebrates the history and traditions of New York State.

 

Long Island Game Farm Children’s Zoo and Family Ride Park

    Chapman Boulevard
    Manorville, NY
    Contact:  631-878-6644
    www.longislandgamefarm.com    

Grade level:  toddler, preschool, young elementary
     Cost:  Varies by season: Off season/Memorial Day- Labor Day.  Adults: $14/16; Children 3-11: $12/$14, under 3: free.  All rides, shows, and attractions included in admission price.
     Hours:  open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day: 10-6pm.  Off-season: 10-5 daily
     Length of program:  2-4 hours
     Facilities:  diaper changing in bathroom
     Note:  Zoo in park-like setting with wide variety of animals, kiddie rides, live animal shows.  Children get to meet exotic animal in fairly close quarters.  Bambiland lets toddlers play with friendly deer without any barriers like cages or fences.  The live tiger show is very exciting.  The environment is very much a natural habitat for the animals.

    

Schmidt Farm

    Walt Whitman Road ( Exit 49S on LI Expressway)
    26 Pinelawn Road
    Melville, NY  11747
    Contact:  631-423-5693    

Grade level:  Pre-K – 2
     Cost:  by arrangement
     Hours:  October Mon- Fri: 9-5 pm, Weekends and Columbus Day: fields open to the public
     Length of program:  open
     Facilities:  bathtroom available for emergency only
     Note:  Visitors will see a gardens of growing vegetables and some farm animals.  The tour includes a wagon ride, and pumpkin picking.  Fresh farm vegetables may be purchased.

    Suffolk County Farm & Education Center

    Yaphank Avenue
    Yaphank, NY
    Contact:  631-852-4600
    www.cce.cornell.edu/suffolk    

Grade level:  infant, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarten, young elementary
     Cost:  free to tour grounds; additional fee for classes
     Hours:  daily, year round: 9-4 pm.  Gift shop: 10-2 pm.
     Facilities:  No diaper changing facilities in the bathrooms
     Note:  Farm animals, small playground-like area.  There are  baby/toddler programs that are terrific, check their website for program schedule.  Can visit during a class or wander on your own with a map provided by the site.  Family Fun Days include spring scavenger hunt, baby animal day and craft-making on Father’s Day.

    White Post Farms

    250 Old Country Road
    Melville, NY
    Contact:  631-351-9373
    www.whitepostfarms.com    

Grade level:  toddlers, preschool, kindergarten,
     Cost: Adults and Children: $4, under 2: free
     Hours:  daily, late Spring to late Fall: 11-5 pm. Closed for the winter.
     Facilities:  diaper changing table in the bathroom
     Note:  A petting zoo, with playground and pony rides.   Will see pigs, chickens, cows and other domesticated animals.  There are train rides for toddlers, and a number of coin-operated kiddie rides.  The playground has big wooden pirate ships, busses, tractors and other forms of transportation upon which young children can climb.

    Wicks Farm and Garden

    445 North Country Road (Route 25A)
    St. James, NY  11780
    Contact:  631-584-5727    

Grade level: Pre-K – Adult
     Cost:  call for information
     Hours:  Mon – Fri,  Sept 15 – Oct 31: 10 – 5 pm.  Schools and groups: call for appointment
     Facilities: portable bathrooms, handicapped access
     Note:  Groups are free to tour greenhouses.  Halloween pumpkin picking.

    Fritz Lewin Farms (pick our own)

    1989 Sound Avenue
    Calverton, NY
    631-727-3346    

Strawberries, tomatoes, cabbage, asparagus, corn, peppers, cauliflower, potatoes, pumpkins

    

Lewin Farms (pick your own)

    Sound Avenue
    Wading River, NY
    631-929-4327    

Strawberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, Christmas trees

    Environment and Nature (Toddler – Pre-K)

    Atlantis Marine World

     431 East Main Street
    Riverhead, NY
    Contact: 631-208-9200
    www.atlantismarineworld.com    

Grade level:  baby on up
     Cost:  Adults: $13.50, Children 3-11: $11.50, under 3: free
     Hours:  daily year round: 10-5 pm
     Length of program: 1 -3 hours
     Facilities:  diaper changing tables in the ladies room
     Note:  This aquarium has a large collection of sea creatures that is divers and colorful.  There are animal feedings and shows, like the outdoor sea lion show.  Go to the website to confirm show times.

    BOCES Outdoor/Environmental Education Program (Caleb Smith State Park Preserve)

    Caleb Smith State Park
    810 Meadow Road
    Smithtown, NY 11787
    Contact:  631-360-3652    

Grade level:  Pre-K – Adult
     Cost:  BOCES shared service aid available
     Hours:  Mon-Frd (school groups only): 8:30 – 5pm.  Summer and weekend programs by special arrangement
     Facilities:  bathrooms, handicapped access, indoor-outdoor – picnic or “brown bag.” 
     Note: Park maintains a diversity of over 200 plant species.  Programs are held in a reconstructed 120-year old barn and is available to school classes. Nature trails, nature museum, fishing lessons (spring and summer)

    BOCES Outdoor/Environmental Education Program (Connetquot River State Park Preserve)

    Connetquot River State Park Preserve
    Oakdale, NY 11769
    Contact: 631-581-6016    

Grade level:  Pre-K – Adult
     Cost:  BOCES shared service aid available
     Hours:  Mon-Fre (school groups only): 8:30 -5 pm.  Summer and weekend programs by special arrangement
     Facilities:  bathrooms, handicapped access, indoor-outdoor – picnic or “brown bag”
     Note:  Previously the Southside Sportsman’s Club for nearly a century, the Outdoor Learning Laboratory, maintains land and water for the protection and propagation of game birds, fish and wildlife.   Programs available to school groups.

    

BOCES Outdoor/Environmental Education Program (Sunken Meadow State Park)

    Sunken Meadow State Park
    Parking Filed #5
    Kings Park, NY  11754
    Contact:  631-269-4343, Environmental Challenge Summer Program:  631-360-0800    

Grade level:  Pre-K – Adult
     Cost: BOCES shared service aid available
     Hours:  Mon-Fri (school groups only): 8:30 – 5pm.  Summer and weekend program by special arrangement.
     Facilities:  bathrooms, handicapped access, indoor-outdoor – picnic or “brown bag”
     Note:  The park has 1,266 acres, including a intertidal area, sandy beach, salt marsh, climax forest vegetation and a portion of the Harbor Hill Moraine.  Programs available to school groups.

    Shinnecock Coast Guard Station

    100 Foster Avenue
    Hampton Bays, NY  11946
    Contact:  631-728-0078    

Grade level:  Pre-K – Adult
     Cost:  free
     Hours:  Mon – Sat: 9:30 – 11:30am; 2:30 – 4:30 pm
     Length of program:  30 minutes
     Facilities:  bathrooms
     Note:  A communications center, weather observations post and boats are part of the facility.  Visitors have a chance to see boats up close, see and hear the radios in operation and hear an explanation of the rescue process.

    South Shore Nature Center (Town of Islip)

     Bayview Avenue
    East Islip, NY 11730
    Mailing Address: 
    South Shore Nature Center
    50 Irish Lane
    East Islip, NY  11730
    Contact:  631-224-5436    

Grade level:  Pre-K to Adult
     Cost:  free, call for program fees
     Hours:  Daily, April to October, Mon- Fri;  Nov – March: 9 – 5pm
     Length of program:  varies
     Facilities:  bathrooms, handicapped access, picnic area
     Note:  Represents one of the few area left on Long Island where an ecological balance between uplands, freshwater swamp and salt marsh has been preserved.  Special-subject guided walks or self-guided tour.  Small natural history museum.  Instructional program available.

    

Environment and Nature (Kindergarten – Elementary)

Environmental Centers of Setauket-Smithtown

    62 Eckern Kamp Drive
    Smithtown
    631-979-6344    

Nature programs (preschool camps- summer 3-4, 11-15 explorers club)

    Fire Island National Seashore Lighthouse

     Contact:    Lynn Dunlop
    4640 Captree Island
    Captree Island, NY 11702-4601
    631-661-4876
    Email: fireislandlighthouse@spectrumdsl.net
    http://www.fireislandlighthouse.com    

Grade level: K – 12th grade
     Hours:  Mon-Fri: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
     Cost: free
     Length of program:  2 hours and 15 minutes
     Facilities: Bathrooms available, handicapped accessible, bag lunch
     Note:  School groups are welcomed at the Fire Island Lighthouse weekday mornings during the school year.   The program is designed to accommodate the fourth grade curriculum (Long Island History).  The program consists of three consecutive 45-minute segments, which include: Tower climb, United States Life Saving Service (USLSS) lecture and demonstration, and Forces of  Nature (nature walk)

    

Holtsville Park and Ecology Site (Town of Brookhaven)

    249 Buckley Road
    Holtsville, NY 11742
    Contact:  631-758-9664
    www.brookhaven.org    

Grade level: 1 – Adult
     Hours:  Daily: 9 – dusk, Animal Preserve: Daily, 9 – 4pm
     Cost:  free
     Length of program:  1.5 hours
     Facilities:  bathrooms, handicapped access, picnic facilities all year  and snack bar in picnic area
     Note:  Once a garbage dump, this site is now a thriving environmental and educational park.  Visit a barnyard and native North American animal preserve,.  Get an up-close look at how leaves are recycled into compost.

    Frank M. Flower & Sons, Inc.

    Shellfish Farmers
    Location: Bayville, NY    

Hours: April – October, preferably afternoons
     Grade level:  K – 12th grade
     Cost:  free
     Length of tour: one hour
     Refreshments:  bag lunch
     Facilities:  bathrooms available, handicapped accessible
     Note: The program features tours of the shellfish hatchery and growout areas that provide the oysters and clams for market as well as harvesting operations.  A complete program explaining the development and marketing of shellfish is presented, as well as how oysters and clams grow and reproduce.

    Long Island Maritime Museum

     Contact:    Joanne Brintrup
    PO Box 184
    86 West Avenue
    West Sayville, NY  11796
    631-447-8679
    Email: LIMaritimeMuseum@aol.com
    www.LIMaritime.org    

Grade Level:  K- 12th grade
     Hours: Mon – Fri: 9:00 – 4:00 pm; Sat: 10-3:00pm; Sun: 12 noon – 4:00 pm
     Cost:  $3/students, no charge for chaperones
     Length of program:  2 hours
     Facilities: picnic facilities available, bring bag lunches; bathroom available, handicapped accessible.
     Note: There are interactive hands-on activities involving local marine life.  There programs are designed for all students but can be particularly focused on New York State’s fourth-grade curriculum.  Teachers can call for curriculum packets.

    South Shore Nature Center

    Off Bayview Avenue
    East Islip, NY
    631-224-5436
    23 mile self-guided trail, indoor observation of honeybee hive, nature museum, picnic area, weekend family programs (fee)
    Theater (Toddler - Elementary)
    Airport Playhouse
    218 Knickerbocker Avenue
    P.O. Box 162
    Bohemia, Y 11716
    Contact:  631-589-7588    

Grade level:  Pre-K – Adult
     Cost:  Main Stage Productions: $16 - $18, Children’s Theater: $7, Call for pricing on Special Events
     Hours:  Box Office:  Tues-Sat: 10-4 pm, call for specific shows/schedules
     Length of program: varies
     Facilities:  bathrooms, call for arrangements for handicapped access
     Note:  Children’s Theater, education theater, acting classes, ten full-scale productions yearly

    Kids for Kids Productions, Inc.

    St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
    309 Patchogue Road (Route 112)
    Port Jefferson Station, NY  11776
    Contact:  631-476-2169
    631-474-16-7 (fax)
    Email:  k4kpro@aol.com
    www.geocities.com/k4kpro/index.html    

Grade Level:  Pre-K  - Adult
     Cost: Adults: $10, Children (K-12): $8, Senior Citizens and bonafide groups: $6
     Hours:  call for schedule
     Length of program: varies
     Facilities:  bathrooms, handicapped access, no eating facility
     Note:  Designed to train young people in all aspects of theater

    

Theatre Three

    412 Main Street
    Port Jefferson, NY 11777
    Contact: Public: 631-928-9100, Group Sales:  631-928-1130, Business Office : 631-928-9202    

Grade level:  Pre-K  - Adult
     Cost:  call for information
     Hours:  call for schedule
     Length of program:  varies
     Facilities:  bathrooms
     Note:  In-house children’s musicals and topical touring shows

    

Resources:

    
1. Middle Country Public Library. (2004). On The Go: A list of local places to visit and activities to do with preschool children. Centereach, NY:  Children’s Services Department, Middle Country Public Library.
    
2. Burby, Liza., Ed. (October, 2004). Long Island Parents and Children.  Second Annual Resource Guide.  Melville, NY: Island Publications, Inc.
    
3. Lansky, Vicki. (1996).  Trouble-Free Travel with Children: Helpful Hints for Parents on the Go. Deephaven, MN: Book Peddlers.
    
4. Finkelstien, Steven.  Rocket’s Family Fun Activity Guide and Directory: For Children and their Parents, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. (1998).  Rocket Whitestone, NY: Publications, Inc.
    
5. SCOPE (Suffolk County Organization for the Promotion of Education). Where to Go and What to Do on Long Island. Third Revised Edition.  (2002). Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, Inc.
    
6. Ali, Sarah.  Baby Friendly Long Island: The New Parents Guide to Places to Take Baby or Toddler, Rain or Shine and Meet Other Young Families. (2004). Oakdale, NY:  SCOPE Publications, 2004.
    
7. Riess, Joyce.  Editor.  Sea History’s Guide to Maritime Programs and Cultural Sites:  New York Region. (2004). Peekskill, NY: National Maritime Historical Society.