Which beaches are best for families?
Long Island offers many family-friendly beaches, with amenities such as seasonal lifeguards, playgrounds, boardwalks, restrooms, concessions, picnic areas, and gentle swimming conditions. Some of the best beaches for families include Jones Beach State Park, Robert Moses State Park, Nickerson Beach Park, Coopers Beach, and Fire Island National Seashore.
In Short
The best family beaches combine clean beaches, lifeguard-supervised swimming, restrooms, food concessions, easy parking, and plenty of space for children to play. Several beaches also offer playgrounds, boardwalks, and calm swimming areas that make them especially appealing for families with young children.
Best Family Beaches on Long Island
| Beach | Location | Why Families Like It |
|---|---|---|
| Jones Beach State Park | Wantagh, Nassau County | Wide sandy beach, seasonal lifeguards, playgrounds, boardwalk, restrooms, food concessions, miniature golf, and plenty of parking. |
| Robert Moses State Park | Fire Island, Suffolk County | Large beach, seasonal lifeguards, picnic areas, fishing, and a quieter atmosphere than many other ocean beaches. |
| Nickerson Beach Park | Lido Beach, Nassau County | Family-oriented facilities, swimming areas, children’s pool, playgrounds, concessions, and picnic areas. |
| Coopers Beach | Southampton, Suffolk County | Soft sand, seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, food concessions, chair rentals, and gentle ocean access. |
| Fire Island National Seashore | Fire Island, Suffolk County | Protected beaches, nature trails, wildlife viewing, and a car-free environment in many communities. |
| Sunken Meadow State Park | Kings Park, Suffolk County | Calmer waters along the Long Island Sound, boardwalk, playgrounds, picnic areas, and seasonal lifeguards. |
| Orient Beach State Park | Orient, Suffolk County | Calmer bay waters, nature trails, picnic facilities, and opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing. |
What Makes a Beach Family Friendly?
- Seasonal lifeguards
- Clean restrooms and changing facilities
- Food concessions or nearby restaurants
- Playgrounds and picnic areas
- Easy parking and beach access
- Gentle swimming conditions or protected waters
- Wide sandy beaches with room to spread out
Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Best overall family beach? | Jones Beach State Park. |
| Best for younger children? | Sunken Meadow State Park and Orient Beach State Park offer calmer water than many Atlantic Ocean beaches. |
| Best family beach on the South Shore? | Jones Beach State Park. |
| Best natural beach experience? | Fire Island National Seashore. |
| When is the best time to visit? | Late spring through early fall, when seasonal lifeguards and beach facilities are operating. |
| Which body of water has calmer beaches? | Many beaches along the Long Island Sound have gentler wave action than beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. |
If you’re planning a family beach day, you may also want to compare the best beaches on Long Island, learn which beaches have lifeguards, find out which beaches have free parking, or discover which beaches have boardwalks.
Are you ready for fall on Long Island? Check out these local seasonal guides:
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