Where to Take the Grandkids: Top Long Island Spots Near Jefferson's Ferry

Your grandkids are coming to visit, and you're already planning the perfect day together. Living at Jefferson's Ferry gives you the freedom to create those magical moments that become treasured family memories. Long Island offers numerous attractions practically at your doorstep, from interactive museums that spark curiosity to beaches where sandcastles come to life.

Whether you're planning a short adventure or a full day of exploration, these five nearby destinations offer something special for every age and energy level. Each location is carefully chosen for its accessibility and perfect blend of fun and wonder that makes outings with grandchildren truly unforgettable.

Long Island Aquarium (Riverhead)

Just 25 minutes from Jefferson's Ferry, the Long Island Aquarium transforms a simple outing into an underwater adventure that captivates visitors from toddlers to teenagers. The touch tanks offer hands-on experiences where little ones can gently pet stingrays and horseshoe crabs, while older grandchildren may find the shark exhibits or even a shark dive more exciting.

The highlight for many families is the energetic sea lion show, where these playful marine mammals demonstrate their intelligence and charm. The aquarium's commitment to accessibility ensures that grandparents using wheelchairs or walkers can navigate every exhibit comfortably, making this one of the most inclusive Long Island senior living activities available.

Beyond the main attractions, interactive displays teach ocean conservation in engaging ways and help encourage meaningful conversations between generations. The facility's indoor setting makes it perfect for any weather, and it has plenty of seating areas throughout to allow for rest breaks if needed. These thoughtful touches make visits here both educational and enjoyable for everyone.

Long Island Children’s Museum (Garden City)

Located about 50 minutes from Jefferson's Ferry, the Long Island Children's Museum creates an engaging environment that promotes discovery through 14 interactive exhibits for grandkids ages 2 to 10. This museum isn't your typical "look but don't touch" facility. Instead, every exhibit invites little hands to explore, create and experiment.

The hands-on play areas let younger kids safely explore while older kids dive into fascinating science experiments that make learning fun. Art stations encourage creativity, allowing grandchildren to craft something special to take home as a memento of your day together.

What makes this destination particularly appealing is its thoughtful design for multigenerational visits. Ramps and elevators ensure easy navigation for grandparents with mobility aids, while sensory-friendly programs accommodate children with different needs. Comfortable seating areas are strategically placed throughout, giving you perfect vantage points to watch.

The museum's interactive approach means you get to participate in your grandchildren's wonder and discovery, creating those precious moments that make family visits truly meaningful.

Adventureland (Farmingdale)

About 40 minutes from Jefferson's Ferry, Adventureland offers all the wonders found at classic amusement parks with family-friendly rides and carnival games that bridge generations. This beloved Long Island destination operates seasonally, generally from late March through October, making it best for visits during the spring through fall.

The park's charm lies in its variety, with gentle rides for the little ones and thrill-seeking attractions for adventurous teens. It also has classic carnival games where grandparents can show off their skills or help the kids win a prize. The nostalgic atmosphere might even spark stories about your own childhood experiences in similar settings that the grandkids will enjoy.

While Adventureland has plenty of old-school appeal, it's essential to plan accordingly for accessibility. The terrain can be uneven in places, and not all rides accommodate mobility devices. However, the park offers plenty of shaded seating areas and accessible restrooms. Consider visiting during less crowded weekday hours for easier navigation and shorter wait times, allowing you to focus on watching your grandchildren’s pure delight in exploring everything the park offers.

Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium (Centerport)

The Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium is about an hour's drive from Jefferson's Ferry and offers adventures for curious older children and teenagers who love exploring science, space and history. This unique destination combines the grandeur of a Gold Coast mansion with cutting-edge planetarium technology.

The planetarium has award-winning shows with stunning visuals projected overhead on a 60-foot dome. These immersive presentations transport visitors to distant galaxies, ancient civilizations and future missions to Mars, creating shared moments of wonder that often lead to fascinating discussions long after you've returned home. The museum's exhibits blend natural history with marine science, appealing to various interests and learning styles.

The mansion itself shares stories of Long Island's elegant past, though some areas of the historic estate may present navigation challenges for those using mobility aids. The modern planetarium, however, is fully accessible and provides comfortable seating for all visitors.

This destination works particularly well for building deeper connections with older grandchildren, as the sophisticated content provides opportunities for meaningful conversations about science, history and the world around us. It’s the kind of experience that makes outings with grandchildren memorable.

Fire Island National Seashore

Patchogue ferry terminal is a short 11 miles from Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community, and the ferry ride to the Fire Island National Seashore is only about 20 minutes. Visiting the Seashore provides endless possibilities for outdoor family adventures with grandchildren of all ages. The barrier island has pristine beaches, scenic boardwalks and nature trails to explore and enjoy together.

The ferry ride itself becomes part of the adventure, building anticipation as you approach the island. Once there, younger grandchildren delight in building sandcastles and collecting shells, while older kids might enjoy exploring the island's unique ecosystem or spotting wildlife along the nature trails.

Fire Island National Seashore is car-free, so be prepared to walk, bike or take authorized water taxis. Accessibility varies across the island, but many areas accommodate different mobility needs. Beach wheelchairs are available at several locations, and boardwalks provide easier navigation than sand paths. The visitor centers offer comfortable spaces to rest and learn about the island's natural history.

Make Memories to Last a Lifetime

Independent Living at Jefferson's Ferry means having the time and energy to focus on what truly matters, such as creating unforgettable memories with your grandchildren. With so many accessible destinations to explore nearby, it’s easy to enjoy family visits filled with laughter and learning. The freedom to take spontaneous adventures, combined with Long Island's abundant attractions, makes every visit a chance to bond with your grandchildren while staying active and engaged.

Ready to discover how Independent Living at Jefferson's Ferry can enhance your family connections? As Long Island's premier Life Plan Community, we understand how relationships with loved ones remain at the heart of a fulfilling life. Contact us at 631-353-7549 to schedule a tour, become a Charter Club member and learn how Jefferson's Ferry makes the perfect home base for your next chapter of family adventures.