You can find lots of interesting activities for kids and adults in West Islip, New York. Whether you want to appreciate the outdoors or learn something new, you’ll find a variety of options. Here are some fun things to do in the area.
Image “Unknown” by aeroman3, used under CC BY 2.0
Visit Robert Moses State Park
With about 3.8 million visitors per year and almost 5 miles of scenic shoreline, Robert Moses State Park is one of the most popular beaches on Long Island. It’s on the west side of Fire Island — about an hour away from West Islip — and it’s open from sunrise to sunset.
The park is monitored by local lifeguards, and it has concession stands, Wi-Fi, comfort stations, first aid stations, a large playground, and private outdoor showers. This park is a great spot for surfing, windsurfing, or paddleboarding, and there’s lots of space for a leisurely picnic or a game of beach volleyball. There’s also an 18-hole public golf course that’s open from April through November. You can fish off the piers or use the marina to dock your personal boat.
Robert Moses State Park is only a short walk away from the Fire Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1826. Despite its age, it still works as a navigation aid. Its distinct look makes it ideal for photos, and the lighthouse has even been in the background of the TV shows “The Guiding Light” and “The Following.”
Tour the American Airpower Museum
The American Airpower Museum is in Farmingdale, about 15 minutes away from West Islip. Kids and adults can see historic aircraft up close, and many veterans volunteer there. They give visitors guided tours that teach visitors about World War II planes and the pilots who flew them. During the war, the site was a factory for fighter planes.
Children can explore the cockpits, and you can take a ride in many of the museum’s planes for a fee. The American Airport Museum is next to Republic Airport, so you’ll probably see some aircraft landing or taking off. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See Contemporary Art at the Islip Art Museum
The Islip Art Museum features contemporary art by national and international artists. It focuses on artists from Long Island, and it often holds free concerts. The museum also holds a variety of lectures, classes, and workshops with professional artists. You can learn the basics of drawing or painting, take a class with your kids, learn about cartooning and illustration, or find out how to make your own wire jewelry. This museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
West Islip feels like a quiet suburban community, but it’s home to lots of attractions for people of all ages. This town also has several great restaurants and places with impressive architecture. Whether you’re a local or you’re visiting on vacation, you can enjoy these fun things to do near West Islip.
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