8 Father's Day ideas for kids
At the Bay Day Festival, Kings of the Coast pirates carouse on Beekman Beach in Oyster Bay with pirate Jason Forella leading a pack of kids, and pirate James Luccisano off to the side. (June 3, 2012) Credit: Bruce Gilbert
Have you decided what to get your husband for Father's Day this year from your kids? I already found my gift for Jason, something called a Mangrate for the grill. I want to get something special for him from Maggie. Sure I can make him a card from her and maybe get something personalized he can use at work, but I know that he said this Father's Day he wants to make sure we do something fun as a family.
I started looking for things we can do on Father's Day this week and I found many fun events all around Long Island. So, if you're looking to forget the classic tie or tool kit gift and spend time together, here are my top picks for Father's Day events on Long Island:
1. Enjoy ice cream together. On Saturday the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium (1660 Rte. 25A, Cold Spring Harbor) is having an Ice Cream Social which is free with general admission ($6, $4 children). Dads accompanied by their children can enjoy free admission on Sunday.
2. Plant some flowers. At Hicks Nurseries (100 Jericho Tpke., Westbury) on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday you can participate in their Father's Day Old Shoe Planting event. Bring in an old shoe, sneaker or boot to plant annual flowers -- either participate together or it also makes the perfect gift for dad. Reservations are required; $10 plus tax.
3. Take in some art. Fathers and grandfathers will enjoy free admission on Sunday at the Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages (1200 Rte. 25A, Stony Brook).
4. Personalize a frame. Create and design a customized picture frame for dad's office at the Long Island Chlidren's Museum (11 Davis Ave., Garden City) on Sunday from 1-3 p.m.; free with $11 museum admission.
5. Go hiking. Enjoy the Family Advenure Nature Hike at Connetquot State Park Preserve (Sunrise Highway, Oakdale) on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.; $4 adult, $3 chldren, $8 parking.
6. See old fashioned cars. On Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., stop by the School House Green in Oceanside (Foxhurst Rd.) and check out a car show with your family.
7. Learn about animal dads. See the babies and learn how cows are milked, bees do their work and check out chicks, goats, pigs and more at Harbes Family Farm and Vineyard (715 Sound Ave., Mattituck). Plus, enjoy family-friendly games on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; $9.95, free under 2, dad's are free on Father's Day.
8. Become a pirate for the day. On Saturday and Sunday, the annual Pirate Festival is taking place at the Long Island Maritime Museum. From 11 a.m.-6 p.m., children and adults alike can enjoy roving pirates, re-enactments, live music, pirate costume contests, treasure hunts, children's activities, crafts, a classic boat show and more. Admission: $8, children under 5 are free.