Summer's last hurrah: Family field trips on Long Island
At the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education center, Tara Seewaldt, 6, of E. Williston, pretends to put out a fire with help from her little brother Kevin, 4. (March 10, 2012) Credit: Newsday/Karen Wiles Stabile
Summer may be winding down, but summer break isn't done yet. You still have time for one last hurrah with the kids before school steals them away. Long Island is packed with field trips that will satisfy every museum-goer. Choose one based on your child's hobby -- and get going.
IF YOUR KID LOVES ART ...
Field trip Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center, 830 Springs Fireplace Rd., East Hampton, 631-324-4929
WHY IT'S AWESOME It was home and studio to artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. Kids can get a free workbook that's similar to a scavenger hunt that'll guide them through the house.
COST $10 for general admission, $5 for children for a guided tour (less without guided tours)
NEED TO KNOW In September, call for an appointment.
IF YOUR KID LOVES TRAINS ...
Railroad Museum of Long Island, 440 Fourth St., Greenport, 631-477-0439 and 416 Griffing Ave., Riverhead, 631-727-7920
WHY IT'S AWESOME Pay one price and get into two train museums -- and you don't even have to go to both on the same day. Check out a model train set and an old caboose; let the kids climb on old train cars and take a ride.
COST $7 for adults, $4 for kids 5-12
IF YOUR KID LOVES THE OUTDOORS ...
Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Dr., Smithtown, 631-979-6344
WHY IT'S AWESOME Play the "How many animals do you spot" game when you hike the 54 acres of trails and explore the rain forest room with its reptiles and mammals. Look for butterflies, parrots and owls.
COST Free to take a hike on your own; $3 for adults and $2 for children to go into the butterfly room.
IF YOUR KID LOVES HISTORY ...
Water Mill Museum, 41 Old Mill Rd., Water Mill, 631-726-4625
WHY IT'S AWESOME Originally built in 1644, the mill used to be the only source of power for the community, and in Colonial America it was used to make grains and even to saw wood. On Mondays, any kid who comes to the museum gets to go back in time and use the mill to shell corn, grind corn and sift it into flour.
COST Free Mondays for the milling session
IF YOUR KID LOVES POETRY ...
Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station, 631-427-5240
WHY IT'S AWESOME Take a tour of the house the famous American poet lived in until he was 4 years old. He often returned to visit, and it was this home that helped influence him as a poet.
COST $6 for adults, $4 for students, children under 5 are free
IF YOUR KID LOVES FIREFIGHTERS ...
Nassau County Firefighters Museum & Education Center, 1 Davis Ave., Garden City, 516-572-4177
WHY IT'S AWESOME Everything you ever wanted to know about firefighters, firetrucks and fires in general is all in one building. It's an interactive, educational experience.
COST $5 for adults, $4 for children
IF YOUR KID LOVES ACTING ...
Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage, 516-572-8400
WHY IT'S AWESOME Pretend you're living in the mid-19th century when you step into this restored 209-acre village, complete with old-time houses, stores, barns and fields.
COST $10 for adults, $7 for children ages 5-12
