Long Island Mother's Day free admission deals and more events
Cole Ballow, 7, of Malverne, feeds the goats with his mother, Kara, 40, at Long Island Game Farm in Manorville. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
Celebrate Mom and Grandma this Mother's Day weekend by planning free or reasonably priced experiences where you can meet animals or hang out at a festival.
Choose your own adventure featuring indoor and outdoor activities that are sure to put a smile on their faces and not empty your pockets.
FREEBIES AND DEALS
May 8-9: Shop for plants at Clark Botanic Garden
193 I.U. Willets Rd., Albertson
Unwind under a blooming tree at Clark Botanic Garden in Albertson. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
The spring plant sale features annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs, native plants, vegetables and hanging baskets for purchase. Master gardeners provide advice and shoppers can explore an art sale, along with a "twice-loved" jewelry boutique and raffles.
- When 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 8 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 9
- Cost Free admission
- More info clarkbotanic.org, 516-869-6311
May 9-10: Attend a Mother's Day festival at Harbes Family Farm
715 Sound Ave., Mattituck
The pigs race around a small track at Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck. Credit: Alexandra Moreo
Celebrate Mom at a two-day farm festival and at the 8-acre Barnyard Adventure with pig races and hayrides, farm animals including mini Highland cows, jump pads, playgrounds, a sports zone, a hedge maze and apple blaster cannons. There will be live music from 1 to 5 p.m., concession food for sale and wine tasting in the Wine Barn.
- When 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cost Free to enter the farm; $29.95 for ages 3 and older to the Barnyard Adventure; moms and grandmas receive half price admission over the Mother's Day weekend
- More info harbesfamilyfarm.com, 631-482-7641
May 10: Experience rides and thrills at Adventureland
2245 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale
Lisa Tepper, of Dix Hills, rides the swings with her son, Jax Tepper, at Adventureland in Farmingdale. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Hold on tight to Mom this Mother's Day. Experience rides like the Moon Chaser and Turbulence, the Wave Twister ride, and others. Get behind the wheel on the bumper cars or try to win a prize along the midway. Save some time to grab a bite to eat.
- When 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cost Moms get free admission on Mother's Day with the purchase of a full-priced general admission ticket: $51.50 for ages 2-24 general admission; $39.50 ages 25 and older
- More info adventureland.us, 631-694-6868
May 10: Climb the Fire Island Lighthouse
Park at Robert Moses State Park Field 5 and walk east to the lighthouse
Enjoy the great outdoors and take a stroll to the Fire Island Lighthouse. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Take Mom on an adventure to climb to the top of the historic lighthouse. The tower consists of 182 steps and at every 26 steps, there is a landing if you need a rest.
- When 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Cost Free for moms; $10, $5 ages 12 and younger and must be 42 inches tall
- More info fireislandlighthouse.com, 631-583-5901
May 10: Soar through the air at The Adventure Park
75 Colonial Springs Rd., Wheatley Heights
A zipliner tries out the course at The Adventure Park at Long Island in Wheatley Heights. Credit: The Adventure Park at Long Island
The park consists of 49 zip lines, 14 treetop trails, and a playground for toddlers. Join a three-hour climb with Mom as she tackles the zip line obstacle courses.
- When The park opens at 10 a.m. with last discounted climb at 2:30 p.m.
- Cost Free for mom with a purchase of a Mother's Day BOGO ticket for $69 adult, one per customer; $69 regular entry ages 14 and older; $59 for ages 7-13. Book in advance online.
- More info myadventurepark.com, 631-983-3844
May 10: Meet animals at the Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park
489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville
James Jr., of Centereach, feeds the Alpacas with his mother, Paola Lomonaco, at Long Island Game Farm in Manorville. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
Mom receives half-price admission on Mother's Day at this farm and wildlife park. Kids can feed baby goats or stroll through the deer park. Animals you can meet up close and personal include a capybara, wallaby, alpaca and a zebra.
- When 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cost Half price for moms: $15; general admission: $29.95; $20.95 ages 3-12
- More info longislandgamefarm.com, 631-878-6644
May 10: Get back to nature at Quogue Wildlife Refuge
3 Old Country Rd., Quogue
Take a nature walk on one of the trails or visit the outdoor animal complex and see owls, falcons and hawks at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Credit: Scott Siemens
Take a nature walk on one of the trails or visit the outdoor animal complex to see owls, falcons and hawks. Visitors can meet the resident tortoises in the greenhouse.
- When Sunrise to sunset
- Cost Free, donations accepted
- More info quoguewildliferefuge.org, 631-653-4771
May 10: Walk through lavender fields at Lavender by the Bay
47 Manor Rd., Calverton
Bunches of lavender are popular items at the shop at Lavender by the Bay in Calverton. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
Walk through the fields and see the lavender plants. Head to the farmstand to buy lavender plants, gifts, body products, dried lavender and more.
- When 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cost Free to enter
- More info lavenderbythebay.com, 631-381-0730
May 10: See exhibits at the Nassau County Museum of Art
1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
Mothers and grandmothers are invited to see Nassau County Museum of Arts four current exhibitions for 2026 for free including: "National Pastime: The Baseball Show." Credit: Nassau County Museum of Arts
Mothers and grandmothers are invited to see the museum's four current exhibitions for free: "250 Years of Art on Long Island," "Influence and Identity: 20th Century Portrait Photography from the Bank of America Collection," "Profiles in Color: Andrés Valencia," and "National Pastime: The Baseball Show."
- When 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
- Cost Free for moms and grandmas; $15, $5 children younger than 12
- More info nassaumuseum.org, 516-484-9338
May 10: Explore the sea at the Long Island Aquarium
432 E. Main St., Riverhead
Families can see baby seals, a sea lion show and meet the penguins and river otters at the aquarium. Credit: Long Island Aquarium
Families can see seals, a sea lion show, penguins and river otters. Head to the indoor Butterfly Garden, where visitors can spot butterflies and bugs. Kids can climb the 60-foot "Eye Opener" ($12.50 per child) tree activity center, featuring spiral slides, rope bridges and climbing nets.
- When 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cost Free for mom with the purchase of a children's ticket ages 12 and younger; $37.50 ages 3-12; $52.50 ages 13-61
- More info longislandaquarium.com, 631-208-9800, ext. 426
May 10: Learn about sea animals at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium
1660 Rte. 25A, Cold Spring Harbor
See a variety of animals at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium. Credit: Danielle Silverman
Explore the hatchery and aquarium, where visitors can see more than 30 species of freshwater fish native to New York State. Learn about turtles and visit the hatch house and trout ponds. Families can make a Mother's Day craft.
- When 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost Free for mom with a purchase of a children's ticket; $7, $5 ages 3-12
- More info cshfishhatchery.org, 516-692-6768
May 10: Go back in time at The Long Island Museum
1200 Rte. 25A, Stony Brook
Visitors can delve into the world of video games with “Video Games: The Great Connector, LI Gamers” and witness the evolution of technology with “50 Years of Apple Computers: The Kevin Lenane Collection and History Museum.” Credit: Kristina Robles
Head to the museum and check out exhibits on display including: "Video Games: The Great Connector," "LI Gamers," "50 Years of Apple Computers: The Kevin Lenane Collection," "The Seat of Action: Long Island in the American Revolution and Beyond."
- When Noon to 5 p.m.
- Cost Free for moms and grandmothers; $15, $10 ages 6-17
- More info longislandmuseum.org, 631-751-0066
