Top 10 Fun Things To See and Do in Riverhead with Kids
In case you forgot!
1. Long Island Aquarium
Main Street's main attraction is undoubtedly the Long Island Aquarium, which also has the distinction of being Long Island's only aquarium. Feed turtles, sting rays, and even sharks from a cage if you dare. In the summer, snorkel in a makeshift pirate wreck site or get your feet in the interactive salt marsh. Board its boat for a tour of Peconic Bay or take in the sights from atop Discovery Tower, a 110-foot-high ride. Settle in for engaging and entertaining shows with sea lions, penguins, otters, and other animals. But there's more: Flutter over to the Butterflies, Birds & Bees exhibit and be transported to an enchanting rainforest setting, then walk through the glass doors to hand-feed more than 40 exotic parrots. On weekends and holidays, save time to scale its interactive treehouse exhibit dubbed Eye Opener. Free admission on your birthday!
2. All-Star Bowling Alley
All-Star is an ultra-modern, sleek-looking bowling alley designed with families in mind. It's not just about bowling; it's about having a blast together. Shooting and driving games, prize games, basketball, and skeeball are just some of the options at this arcade. Compete in air hockey or extreme, which drops several pucks at a time for super scoring. The arcade also offers redemption games that issue e-tickets saved on little ones' game cards.
3. Visit one of many Wineries
So many wineries in North Fork welcome children now; Long Island wine country has become a huge destination for couples, bachelorette parties, and families with kids. RGNY (formerly Martha Clara) Pindar, Micari, and Palmer Vineyards are great family-friendly options in Riverhead. Jamesport Vineyards has a wood-fired pizza oven. These wineries are for adults and the whole family to enjoy. Need more choices? We've curated a complete list of family-friendly wineries on Long Island here.
4. Railroad Museum of Long Island
It's full-steam ahead to the Railroad Museum of Long Island for the little train enthusiast in your family. Enjoy authentic and restored railroad cars, including several from the Long Island Rail Road. Its model railroading exhibit might introduce your child to a new hobby. Admission includes a ride outdoors on its miniature World's Fair train. On weekends, hop on a full-sized train for a ride to its Greenport location.
5. Riverhead Raceway
Rev up for roaring family fun at Riverhead Raceway, home to some of the country's oldest stock car tracks. This 1¼-mile, high-banked oval course is home to NASCAR racing, demolition derbies, pro trucks, and more. Races are featured every Saturday night from April to September. It gets loud, so invest in protective ear plugs for little ones.
6. Safari Adventure
Rainy day? Too Hot outside? If you want indoor fun, Safari Adventure is your best bet. Enjoy bounce houses, slides, and a multi-tier climbing structure for exploring. Don't worry about needing to be in two places at once, as the attractions and arcade are in the same area. Race rubber duckies or knock down the clowns in a carnival-style atmosphere. Ride a "motorcycle" or try your hand at skeeball. There are also interactive floor games. Points accumulate on your pre-paid card so you can save or spend as you go.
7. Long Island Science Center
The Long Island Science Center is temporarily housed in the Tanger Outlets. Families can play, explore interactive technology exhibits, and attend after-school lessons or Saturday Science Workshops. The future permanent space on Main Street in Riverhead is undergoing renovations, including a rooftop planetarium, so stay tuned!
8. Reeves Beach Park
Riverhead's most accessible beach to out-of-towners is Reeves Beach Park. Overlooking the Long Island Sound, it offers swimming all summer with lifeguards on duty. Nonresidents can access the beach and park for a daily fee. Avoid the crowds with an end-of-day visit!
9. Tanger Outlets
Families can score some of the best deals on Long Island at Riverhead's Tanger Outlets, with two entire sections of stores selling clothing, housewares, toys, and more. Its food court is top-notch, with offerings for every picky eater. Plus, you can use fun, car-like carts to push around the little ones from store to store.
10. Sandy Pond Golf Course
Upgrade from mini golf to the Sandy Pond Golf Course, a par-3 course. Reconstructed in 2012, Sandy Pond is so old-school that players often pay greens fees via the honor system. The course, not far from Tanger Outlets for a post-shopping round, totals about 1,100 yards.
