This family pass hack can save you $
Long Island theme parks have rolled out a variety of season passes that just may help make summer fun more affordable. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Right around dinner time on a weekday.
That was the sweet spot to beat the ride lines at Adventureland.
With Newsday’s office less than three miles from the Farmingdale amusement park, I’d meet my husband and son over there after I finished working and enjoy the park at sunset with fewer crowds than on the weekends.
That’s when we had season passes and a few visits like this to the park — even if they only lasted a couple hours — would make it worth the money.
Back in 2019 when we had season passes to Adventureland, I'd meet my husband and son at the park after work and we'd enjoy all the rides with minimal lines. Credit: Tara Conry
Our schedules are busier now, so the pass doesn't make sense for us, but to help determine if you could save money over time by being a season pass holder at popular Long Island attractions, Newsday did the work.
We looked into season passes at seven top local parks — their costs, any stipulations, perks and how many times you'd need to visit to make them pay off.
First they banned phones. Now tablets and laptops?
A third grade student uses AI on an iPad at John Street Elementary School in Franklin Square. Credit: Morgan Campbell
Heading into last school year, the talk was over how New York State was going to roll out and enforce its ban on cellphones in schools. But now, state education leaders and Gov. Kathy Hochul say reductions in screen time on devices like laptops and tablets that are used in the classroom could be their next focus.
The state's largest teachers union is also pushing for developmentally appropriate limits on screen time and artificial intelligence in schools statewide, including a ban on the use of one-on-one devices for most students in pre-K through second grade. See how this could impact your children.
Take advantage of $1 LIRR rides
Ava Rose Grace, of Hempstead, rides the antique carousel at Mitchell Park in Greenport. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
A buck can't buy you much these days. But if your kids are between the ages of 5 and 17, they can ride the Long Island Rail Road alongside a fare-paying adult for just $1 round-trip, every day of the week. The deal is good for up to four kids. (Children under 5 always ride free.)
I plan to take advantage of the deal next week when I take my kids to visit a friend in the city for an outing that includes a trip to Bluey's House inside the Camp NYC store.
But you don't have to leave Long Island to use this offer. We've created budget-friendly itineraries for three kid-friendly and walkable local communities to spend the day in via the LIRR. Whether you're looking to have a beach day, ride a historic carousel or visit a museum, all are within a short walk from a train station. You can have a full day out for less than what most families spend on a single stop at an amusement park, plus no car, gas or parking hassles.
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