• Long Island has miles of sandy beaches to explore.the end of summer image by alwayspp from Fotolia.com
  
  By far the most populated island in the United States, Long Island stretches 118 miles into the Atlantic, at its longest point. Comprised of four counties, including two boroughs of New York City, Long Island contains a variety of scenery, from urban to rural. With the lowest crime rates in the country, it is a perfect place to vacation with the family. Long Island also hosts many springtime and year-round family friendly activities and attractions.
  
  

Zoos and Aquariums

• Some of the most popular springtime family attractions, there are a number of zoos, aquariums and other wildlife viewing areas available. The New York City section of Long Island (Brooklyn and Queens) contains some giant wildlife parks, including the Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and New York Aquarium. In addition, Atlantis Marine World in Suffolk County houses more than 100 aquatic exhibits. It has been named a "top 10 aquarium for children" by Parents Magazine. However, the suburban and rural areas of Long Island also offer a number of smaller, personal wildlife experiences.
  
  At the Animal Farm Petting Zoo, your children can get up close and personal with many of the animals. You can even bottle-feed lambs, piglets and calves, or ride along on the family friendly Safari Tour Train. In addition, this family attraction opens in the springtime at the beginning of April.
  
  Another personal suburban animal attraction, the Serpentarium, is hosted by the International Fauna Society in Riverhead. The Serpentarium features a unique array of reptiles and amphibians, including some giant, exotic snakes and lizards. It also hosts several animal shows each day.
  
  

Hiking and Exploring

• Long Island abounds in opportunities to explore its natural springtime beauty with your family. The famous Fire Island National Seashore provides hours of hiking and exploring opportunities throughout its vast beaches, dunes and forests. At Montauk Point State Park, you can hike with your family through a tundra forest to a stunning view of the Atlantic at the easternmost tip of Long Island. Some of the many other popular hiking and exploring spots in Long Island include the David A. Sarnoff Pine Barrens Preserve, Quogue Wildlife Refuge, Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Trail View State Park and Bethpage State Park.
  
  

Amusement Parks and Entertainment Centers

• Long Island also hosts a variety of family amusement parks. In Medford, on Long Island Avenue, Boomers features miniature golf, bumper boats, go-karts, batting cages, a rock wall, seven kiddie rides, and ticket and arcade games. The Long Island Children's Museum in Garden City features an extensive array of hands-on, educational exhibits for children of all ages. Adventureland, a completely smoke-free amusement park in Farmingdale, features about 30 thrill, family, kiddie and water rides, in addition to a family restaurant, and sprawling ticket and arcade game arena.