Long Island Mother's Day free admission deals
Sharon Terry and granddaughter Giovanna, 8, play with the Pixel Art exhibit at the Long Island Science Center on April 23 in Riverhead. Credit: Dawn McCormick
Whether it's spending time at an arboretum, climbing to the top of a historic lighthouse, appreciating an art exhibit or thrill seeking on a roller coaster, gift mom and grandma an experience this Mother's Day. To say “thank you,” Long Island venues are offering free admission and perks for the special women in your life. Deals are offered May 12th unless otherwise noted.
Feed animals and play at White Post Farms
250 Old Country Rd., Melville
Sherry Bigby and her children Sven, 6, and Kaely, 5, enjoy a day at White Post Farms on April 23 in Melville. Credit: Dawn McCormick
The farm features a monkey barn, rides, a bird aviary, a playground and magic shows. It's open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Cost $29.95; with their paid admission on May 11-12, moms get one free admission pass for future use.
More info whitepostfarms.com, 631-351-9373
Soar through the air at The Adventure Park
Henry Kaufman Campgrounds, Gate 3 at 75 Colonial Springs Rd. Wheatley Heights
Celebrate Mother's Day ziplining at the Long Island Adventure Park in Wheatley Heights. Credit: Steve Pfost
The park consists of 49 zip lines, 14 treetop trails, a playground for toddlers, Glow in the Park events and more. Join a three-hour climb with mom as she takes on the zip lines obstacle courses. The park opens at 10 a.m. with last discounted climb at 2:30 p.m.
Cost Free for mom with a purchase of a children's ticket: $69 regular entry ages 14 and older; $59 for ages 7-13. Book in advance online.
More info myadventurepark.com, 631-983-3844
Learn through STEAM projects at Long Island Science Center
Tanger 1; Suite 401 Tanger outlet center, Tanger Drive, Riverhead
Sharon Terry and granddaughter Giovanna, 8, play with the Pixel Art exhibit at the Long Island Science Center on April 23 in Riverhead. Credit: Dawn McCormick
At the science center, families can make a craft and explore exhibits like drone flying and other STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) activities, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 12.
Cost Free for mom with a purchase of a children's ticket; $15 ages 2 and older
More info sciencecenterli.org, 631-208-8000
Attend a Mother's Day festival
715 Sound Ave., Mattituck
Celebrate Mom for the weekend at a two-day farm festival and season opener at Harbes Family Farm. Moms and grandmas get free admission on May 11-12. Credit: Harbes Farm
Celebrate Mom at a two-day farm festival and season opener with free admission for moms and grandmas to the 8-acre Barnyard Adventure, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 11-12. You’ll also find live music 1 to 5 p.m., concession food for sale and wine tasting in the Wine Barn.
Cost Free to enter the farm and $27.95 for ages 3 and older at the Barnyard Adventure; moms and grandmas get free entry into the barnyard
More info harbesfamilyfarm.com, 631-482-7641
Join a nature walk and meditation at the Nassau County Museum of Art
One Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
Mothers and grandmothers are invited to see the "Urban Art Evolution" exhibition from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. May 12 at the Nassau County Museum of Art. Credit: Nassau County Museum of Art @ARRS Photo
Join the outdoor program with environmental educator and wellness instructor Hildur Palsdottir. The program includes a free nature walk and meditation for moms and their families, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 11. Meet in front of the Mannes Center for Art and Education. Mothers and grandmothers can see the “Urban Art Evolution” exhibition from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. May 12.
Cost Free exhibit for moms and grandmas on May 12; $15, $5 children younger than 12
More info nassaumuseum.org, 516-484-9338 OK LP 2024
Explore the sea at the Long Island Aquarium
432 E. Main St., Riverhead
Mom’s get free all-day aquarium admission on May 12 when accompanied by their paying child. Credit: Long Island Aquarium
See the all-living coral reef, fish, shark tank, sea lion shows, African Penguins, touch tanks and more, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost Free for mom with a purchase of a children's ticket; $34.99 ages 3-12; $48.99 ages 13-61
More info longislandaquarium.com, 631-208-9800, ext. 426
Make a craft for Mom at the Long Island Children's Museum
11 Davis Ave., Uniondale
Catch the traveling exhibit “Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit,” and step into the “play and visit” exhibit that transforms you into the colorful world of renowned author/illustrator Eric Carle at the Long Island Children’s Museum. Credit: ©Kristi Jan Hoover /Kristi Jan Hoover
Visitors to the museum can make a free Eric Carle-inspired flower and card during the “A Very Lovely Mother” drop-in program, noon to 2 p.m. May 11.
Cost Included with museum admission of $17 ages 1 and older
More info: licm.org, 516-224-5800
Spot creatures at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery And Aquarium
1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor
Georgia Taub, of East Northport, checks out turtles, frogs and other reptiles and amphibians at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium. Credit: Danielle Silverman
Head to the aquarium where you'll see more than 30 species of freshwater fish native to New York State. Learn about turtles and visit the hatch house and trout ponds, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost Free for mom with a purchase of a children's ticket; $7, $5 ages 3-12
More info cshfishhatchery.org, 516-692-6768
Go back in time at The Long Island Museum
1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook
John Sciacchitano, left, gives a tour of the museum's extensive carriage collection to a group of new volunteers at the museum. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
Karen Romanelli, director of communications at the museum, says the art of Sam Adoquei will be on display “for just a few more weeks. or," she suggests, "take in the 'Power of Two: Artist Couples of Long Island.'"
The history, carriage and art museums are open noon to 5 p.m. Current exhibits include: "Finding Hidden Treasures: The Art of Samuel Adoquei,” “The Power of Two: Artist Couples of Long Island” and “Painting Partnership: Reynold and Joan Ruffins.”
Cost Free for moms and grandmothers; $15, $10 ages 6-17
More info longislandmuseum.org, 631-751-0066
Experience rides and thrills at Adventureland
2245 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale
The Fireball ride at Adventureland in Farmingdale. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
Bring mom to an amusement park and try new rides like Moon Chaser and the Jr. Pirate Ship or classics like the Turbulence coaster or the bumper cars. Win her a prize along the midway or enjoy some fresh-spun cotton candy, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost Free for mom with a purchase of a children's ticket; $39.50, $49.50 ages 2-24
More info. adventureland.us, 631-694-6868
Nature walk at Smith Point County Park
To reach the Fire Island Wilderness Center take William Floyd Parkway (Route 46) to Smith Point County Park
Stroll the beach at Smith Point County Park in Shirley. Credit: James Carbone
Celebrate Mother’s Day and spring with a short walk on the wilderness trail and then back up to the beach, 1 to 3 p.m. The Wilderness Visitor Center is the octagonal building on the right as you are heading south. Parking is available in the Smith Point County Park parking lot.
Cost Free; $8 parking fee
More info nps.gov/fiis, 631-281-3010
Climb the Fire Island Lighthouse
Park at Robert Moses State Park Field 5 and walk east to the lighthouse
Farmingdale resident Jaen Mercado, 42, visits the Fire Island Lighthouse on Aug. 30. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
If it's a nice day, take mom on an adventure to climb to the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The tower consists of 182 steps and at every 26 steps there is a landing if a rest stop is needed. When you conquer the climb, you'll see why it was worth the trek. “On a clear day from the top of the lighthouse you can see the city skyline,” says Patti Stanton, director of the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society.
Cost Free for moms; $10, $5 ages 12 and younger and must be 42" tall
More info fireislandlighthouse.com, 631-583-5901
