When Splish Splash, Salt Shack and more summer venues open
From left, Alison Tokos, of Binghamton, Christina Miranda, of Huntington, Victoria Kim, of Manhattan and Megan Flanagan, of Manhattan enjoy cocktails at Low Tide Beach Bar at Sound View Greenport. Credit: Randee Daddona
Outdoor play centers, amusement parks and more are returning as summer is fast approaching. Here's when to expect some of your favorite warm-weather venues to open and what's new at some of the destinations:
AMUSEMENT PARKS AND PLAY PLACES
The Fireball ride at Adventureland in Farmingdale. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
May 26: Adventureland extends hours
Now open weekends and holidays, the park features outdoor rides, an arcade and games. Two rides, the Moon Chaser and the Jr. Pirate Ship, are new this year. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through May 25; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays-Sundays beginning May 26; Summer hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily starting June 26; $49.50 (including fees) plus tax ages 2-24; $39.50 ages 25 and older; 2245 Broad Hollow Rd., Farmingdale; adventureland.us, 631-694-6868.
Matt East, 35, of Medford rides a wave in the surf pool at Scott’s Pointe in Calverton. Credit: Rick Kopstein
June: Scott's Pointe new activities
Outdoor activities will be joining the indoor options this summer at Scott's Pointe adventure park in Calverton. On tap to open in June is a paved go-cart track with 40 carts, some for children, some for adults, and some doubles to be shared. There will be two sand volleyball courts with the ability to have up to eight for special events. Six batting cages will accommodate baseball and softball batting. The lake will have 15 bumper boats, a dozen paddleboards and a dozen kayaks. In addition, the lake will offer a 2-acre floating obstacle course. Users swim out to the inflatable boardwalk and then tackle slides, trampolines and rock climbing. Admission prices will be a la carte for the outdoor activities; check website for costs; 835 Middle Country Rd., Calverton, scottspointe.com, 631-953-2133.
Todd Murtha, of Brooklyn, enjoys the Bombs Away ride at Splish Splash in Calverton. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
May 25: Splish Splash opens for the season
There’s fun for kids of all ages, and accommodations for children with special needs, at the splashy playland nestled in Suffolk County’s Pine Barrens area. The 96-acre water park features 20 water attractions, including slides like Bombs Away, Alien Invasion, and Bootlegger's Run, the first water coaster in New York. Try the Hyperlight, which whooshes riders for 45 seconds through a 300-foot tube slide to a disco or techno beat. There are two wave pools, kiddie ride areas, a lazy river and more. The park opens for the season May 25 and closes Sept. 2. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 25-June 16; hours vary June 19-Sept 2. $74.99 per adult and $64.99 for children under 48 inches (younger than 2 is free) at the gate, plus tax.; 2549 Splish Splash Dr., Calverton; splishsplash.com, 631-727-3600.
Sabrina Demski cools down at Bayville Adventure Park in Bayville. Credit: Danielle Silverman
June 10: Bayville Adventure Park extends hours
Visitors can play mini golf, bumper boats, arcade games and more, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through June 9. Summer hours start June 10, when the park will be open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $34.75 per person for pay one price unlimited ticket; 8 Bayville Ave., Bayville; bayvilleadventurepark.com, 516-624-7433.
Visitors wait in line at the beginning of the ropes course at Adventure Park in Wheatley Heights. Credit: Linda Rosier
June 19: The Adventure Park at Long Island summer hours begin
Visitors can take on the challenge of the park's 14 trails, which vary in difficulty, including 49 zip lines. The park is open 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through June 18. Daily summer hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday June 19-June 30. From July 1- Sept. 2 hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday ; $69 for ages 14 and older; $59 for ages 7-13; playground is $15; 75 Colonial Springs Rd. East Gate, Wheatley Heights; myadventurepark.com, 631-983-3844.
Children enjoying the zip ride at Wildplay at Jones Beach. Credit: J. CONRAD WILLIAMS JR/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
June 21: WildPlay at Jones Beach extends hours
The summer season kicks off soon at this beachside play center where kids can soar on a zip line 700 feet high. There's also a kids' adventure course. Summer hours, beginning June 21, are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays-Sunday; $14.99; season passes start at $174.99, $119.99 for ages 5-12; $8 parking fee before Memorial Day; $10 parking fee after Memorial Day; parking lot 4 on Ocean Parkway, Wantagh; wildplay.com, 800-668-7771.
BEACHSIDE RESTAURANTS
Dublin Deck Tiki Bar and Grille in Patchogue. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
Now open: Dublin Deck Tiki Bar
Rock out to live music Friday-Sunday; open daily; on the Patchogue River at 325 River Ave., Patchogue; dublindeck.com, 631-207-0370.
Now open: Dox Island Park
Enjoy live music and grab drinks and food; open noon to midnight Wednesday- Friday and 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday; Summer hours open noon to midnight Monday-Friday and 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday starting May 15.;; 10 Broadway, Island Park; doxbarandkitchen.com, 516-992-2222.
Natalie Motta, Ariana Motta, Reni Shobha and Paola Motta, on the beach at the Buoy Bar in Point Lookout. Credit: Linda Rosier
Now open: The Buoy Bar
Attached to a fishing station, this waterside restaurant and bar has a sun-soaked deck and bay beach where customers can sit and enjoy the calm surrounding waters. Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 72 Bayside Dr., Point Lookout; buoybarli.com, 516-432-3975.
Joseph Wong, left, from Brentwood and Alina Manzueta from South Africa dance together at latin dance night at Katch at Venetian Shores in Copiague. Credit: Morgan Campbell
Now open: Katch at Venetian Shore Beach
Scheduled to open full-time by Memorial Day weekend, it’s an airy bayside place for dining and live music. Parking is open to all until June 22, then limited to Town of Babylon residents until 4 p.m. Hours are 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily after June 29 Early June guests can enjoy Happy Hour Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., with specials on margaritas on Mondays and a '90s party with DJs, bands and drink specials on Wednesdays; 850 Venetian Blvd., Lindenhurst; katchli.com, 631-888-3460.
People dance to The Legendary Murphy's rock band at Salt Shack Babylon. Credit: /Howard Simmons
Now open: Salt Shack, Cedar Beach
Live music is planned for seven nights a week on the beach. This summer's theme nights include Rock Salt Mondays, a new wave dance party Wednesdays and Sundays featuring nonstop back-to-back live bands and DJs all day and night. Parking is free for nonresidents after 5 p.m. Town of Babylon residents park free all day with proof of residency. Located between Gilgo Beach and Captree State Park on a barrier island. Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily; 100 Ocean Pkwy., Babylon; saltshackny.com, 631-422-7222.
Bartenders mix drinks at the Sand Castle restaurant in Cherry Grove. Credit: Johnny Milano
Now open: Sand Castle On The Ocean
There aren’t many spots closer to the Atlantic Ocean than The Sand Castle On The Ocean, as the destination is only a few footsteps away from the shoreline. The venue is getting guests even closer to the water this season with a new tent on the beach. Guests can dine on the sand and enjoy live music on the weekends. Reservations are encouraged; open daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; the kitchen is closed Wednesdays, but the bar is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 106 Lewis Walk, Cherry Grove; fireislandsandcastle.com, 631-597-4174.
Gisele Leib and Robyn Soberg enjoy food after the beach at The Boat Yard at Tobay Beach in Massapequa. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
Now open: Boat Yard at Tobay Beach opens
The waterside bar and grill at Tobay Beach opens for the season May 18, with music by Vinyl Revival at 7 p.m. Free parking for customers. Open 4 p.m. to midnight daily; Tobay Beach, 1 Ocean Parkway, Massapequa; theboatyardny.com.
People dance to the music of the band Mean Machine at Tiki Joe's Beach Club at Smith Point Park. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Now open: Tiki Joe's Beach Club
Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai opened May 16, Smith Point Beach opened May 17 and Captree Boat Basin is open for the season. Guests who visit these locations can enjoy live music while sipping cocktails. Tobay Beach concession opened May 17; Meschutt Beach and Cupsogue Beach open May 23; tikijoesbeachclub.com, 631-218-9067.
Jeff LeBlanc plays his tunes as people sit on the beach as the sun sets at Low Tide Beach Bar at Sound View in Greenport. Credit: Randee Daddona
Now open: Low Tide beach bar at Sound View Greenport
Enjoy private beach access at this waterfront hotel and bar, where the venue holds its Low Tide beach bar (open to all; starting Memorial Day weekend; 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Sunday), where guests and non-guests can buy cocktails from an outdoor tiki bar or lounge in beach chairs; live music takes place Saturdays and Sundays 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Food is also available there, as it is by the hotel’s pool at Jack’s Shack snack spot for guests only and its Halyard restaurant open to all. Rooms start around $550 per night; 58775 County Road 48, Greenport, soundviewgreenport.com, 631-477-1910.
Now open: The Barnyard Hampton Bays
Known for their summertime Sunday Fundays, come party under the mega tent all weekend long with music and 48 beers on tap, 5 p.m. May 25 and 2 to 8 p.m. May 26; 270 W. Montauk Hwy., Hampton Bays, thebarnyardhb.com, 631-594-2862.
King Wellington plays a live set at Flynn's in Ocean Bay Park, a restaurant and bar for both young and old, offering dockspace for those who venture out on their boats, a dancefloor, and a waterfront dining room. Credit: Johnny Milano
Now open: Flynn's
The spot remains the center of Ocean Bay Park nightlife and offers a boisterous daytime scene. Sunday Funday features DJs and live music. Returning events this season include family-friendly weekday happy hour (Monday through Friday 5 to 8 p.m.) where kids eat free, plus half-price appetizers and drinks, Saturday DJ dance parties and Sunday Funday parties (purchase tickets in advance online; fee); 1 Cayuga St., flynnsfireislandny.com, 631-583-5000.
Animal encounters
See donkeys and more animals at the Long Island Game Farm in Manorville. Credit: Morgan Campbell
May 24: Long Island Game Farm summer hours begin
Visit the petting zoo and see animals, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays through May 22; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and holidays May 23-June 30; Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 1- Sept. 2; New this year are Capybara, largest rodents in the world, and Dromedary Camels. $26.95; ages 3-12 $19.95, Family Fun Pack of 12 admissions: $210.00; 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville; longislandgamefarm.com, 631-878-6644.
“Bellasario” is a Llama, and one of the animals at the the Holtsville Ecology Site in the town of Brookhaven. Credit: Drew Singh
May 25: Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve opens
See more than 100 injured or non-releasable wild animals and farm animals, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, starting May 25. Free; $27 parking permit for the season; parking per hour begins at $4; 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville; brookhavenny.gov, 631-758-9664.
Visitors at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. Credit: Randee Daddona
Starts July 19: Long Island Aquarium Rum Punch cruises begin
The Sunset Booze Cruise, which launched last summer, will feature six excursions this summer for ages 21 and older. Rum Punch cruises on July 19-20 at 7:30 p.m. ($75),, Tequila Sunrise cruises on Aug. 23-24 at 7:30 p.m. ($75),, and Harvest Wine cruises on Sept. 13-14 at 7 p.m. ($75) on the aquarium’s Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat, ($75 per person). Each cruise includes live music;; 431 E. Main St., Riverhead; longislandaquarium.com, 631-208-9200 ext. 246.
LIGHTHOUSES, GARDENS AND MORE
People relax on the slopes of the Montauk Lighthouse. Credit: John Roca
Now open: Montauk Point Lighthouse
Climb the lighthouse's 137 iron steps, browse the on-site museum or simply admire the grounds overlooking the furthest point of Long Island. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily through June;; 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekends July-August; $15, $5 younger than 12, free children 41″ and under; montauklighthouse.com, 631-668-2544.
Donna Virapen, with her son Sauliman, grandson Samson, and her mother Rosenmin Henry, visit the Fire Island Lighthouse on Aug. 30. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Now open: Fire Island Lighthouse summer hours begin
Follow the path to the gravel road to the National Seashore boardwalk that leads to the lighthouse. Open dawn to dusk; Lighthouse is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, tower 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, free admission to the museum; tower climb, $10, $5 ages 12 and younger plus be at least 42 inches to climb, $5 ages 62 and older, fireislandlighthouse.com, 631-583-5901. Parking at Robert Moses State Park: $10 a car daily May 25-Sept. 15; $8 weekends and holidays April 6-May 19 and Sept. 21-Nov. 10; park at Robert Moses Field 5 and walk east, Fire Island, fireislandlighthouse.com, 631-583-5901.
The Horton Point Lighthouse in Southold is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Credit: Randee Daddona
May 25: Opening weekend at Horton Point Lighthouse
Explore exhibits about whaling and the history of the lighthouse and Capt. Henry Green, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nautical Museum at Horton Point Lighthouse. $5 per person, $10 per family; 3575 Lighthouse Rd., Southold, southoldhistorical.org, 631-765-5500.
Visitors stroll through the walled garden, home to a variety of colorful flowers, rose bushes and trees, at Old Westbury Gardens. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Now open: Old Westbury Gardens
The gardens feature 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds, and lakes; $15 (advance purchase currently required), $8 ages 7-17. Additional fees for special events. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (closed Tues.) April 1-Oct 31. House closes from 1-1:40 p.m. daily; 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury, oldwestburygardens.org, 516-333-0048.
Manor House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Now open: Bayard Cutting Arboretum
See osprey, bald eagles and aquatic birds at this 691-acre state park in Great River; open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April-Oct., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov.-March; Closed Mon.; $8 parking, Tue.-Sun. May-Sept. 2, weekends Sept. 7-mid-Nov. and April 6-28. Special events may have additional entrance fees; 440 Montauk Highway, Great River; bayardcuttingarboretum.com, 631-581-1002.
Hempstead House overlooks the native garden at the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy in Sands Point. Credit: Dawn McCormick
May 29: Sands Point Preserve summer hours begin
Enjoy a paved hilly walk to the freshwater pond. Paved paths go between Hempstead House and Castle Gould. April 3 to May 26 and Sept. 4 to Nov. 3: Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Memorial Day; May 29 to Sept. 2: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Labor Day. Admission: $15 carload, $4 per walk-in; collected all year; sandspointpreserveconservancy.org, 516-571-7901.
View of Northport Bay at the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport. Credit: /Morgan Campbell
June 25: Vanderbilt Museum summer hours begin
See the outdoor sculpture exhibition featuring more than 20 sculptures of animals, including mythological creatures on the grounds or hanging in the trees along the museum’s nature path. The exhibit, called “Wrought Taxonomies,” will be in place through next April (included with museum admission). Open Friday and weekends until June 22 then opening Tuesdays-Sundays throughout the summer beginning June 25. The outdoor Shakespeare Festival begins in May with “Antigone” by Sophocles, “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” and “King Lear”; $20, $15 seniors (age 62 plus) and children under 12; 180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport; vanderbiltmuseum.org, 631-8545-5579.
Alexandria Messina, of Westbury, is delighted as an Alpaca eats out of her hand at the Long Island Fair at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Credit: Jeff Bachner
June 30: Old Bethpage Village Restoration extended hours begin
History museum features homes from the 19th century and tours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays-Sundays through June 29, last ticket sold at 2:30 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays beginning June 30; $15, $12 ages 12 and younger; 1303 Round Swamp Road; oldbethpagevillagerestoration.org, 516-572-8409.