Nissequogue River State Park

Nissequogue River State Park is a beautiful natural sanctuary located on Long Island's north shore in Kings Park, offering families a chance to explore diverse habitats including tidal and freshwater wetlands and hardwood forests. The park is designated as a State Bird Conservation Area, making it an excellent destination for wildlife viewing and birding enthusiasts of all ages. Families can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including hiking and walking along the scenic Greenbelt Trail, which parallels the Nissequogue River and offers beautiful views of the river and Long Island Sound from the bluffs. The park also features canoeing and kayaking opportunities with rentals available (call 631-979-8244), boat launching, fishing, and a soccer field for active recreation. The park offers wonderful educational opportunities for children through Environmental Interpretive Programs and special events like the 'Tiny Tots' programs designed for ages 3-5, featuring nature walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts. Guided tours and group tours are available by reservation, and the park hosts various seasonal activities including wildlife tours and nature-focused educational workshops. Admission is affordable with a vehicle entrance fee of $8 for cars (buses $35), or families can purchase an Empire Pass for $80 for unlimited day-use entry to most New York State Parks. The park grounds are open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with boat launching available seasonally from April 21 to November 1. Special programs like canoe/kayak rentals and environmental education classes have modest additional fees ($4 for children's interpretive programs).