Let’s face it — summer on Long Island is amazing, but it can get expensive. Between gas, food, tickets, and parking, those sunny beach days and family outings start to add up fast.
Good news: you don’t have to choose between fun and your finances. Whether you’re looking for ways to enjoy nature, take in some live music, or just get the kids out of the house, there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do right here on Long Island.
Here’s Maidenbaum’s 2025 guide to having an unforgettable summer on our beautiful island — without blowing your budget.
Hit the Beach Without Breaking the Bank
You don’t need an expensive vacation when you’ve got some of the best beaches in the country nearby.
- Jones Beach State Park and Robert Moses State Park charge about $10 per vehicle for parking — and entrance is free if you walk or bike in.
- Sunken Meadow State Park offers a peaceful North Shore escape with scenic views.
Money-Saving Tip: Visit early or late in the day when some locations waive parking fees. Or invest in the Empire Pass ($80/year) for unlimited access to most NY State parks.
Explore the Outdoors — Free and Easy
Long Island is full of beautiful parks and preserves that are either free or low-cost.
- Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve (Lloyd Harbor) and Connetquot River State Park Preserve offer serene hiking trails.
- Massapequa Preserve is great for walking or biking.
- Holtsville Ecology Site & Animal Preserve features animals, gardens, and a playground — all free.
Free Concerts & Outdoor Movies
Live music and movies under the stars? Yes, please — and no ticket needed.
- Smithtown’s Long Beach Pavilion has concerts every Friday night.
- The Common Ground at Rotary Park in Sayville hosts “Wednesdays in the Park.”
For outdoor movie nights, check your town website.
Farmers Markets & Street Fairs
Save money while supporting local!
- Port Jefferson Farmers Market runs Sundays at Harborfront Park.
- Long Island Growers Market lists dozens of other market locations across LI.
Museums That Won’t Empty Your Wallet
Many museums offer free or “pay what you wish” admission at certain times:
- The Long Island Museum (Stony Brook) is free Thursdays 5–7PM.
- The Heckscher Museum of Art (Huntington) is currently free due to a grant from Bank of America.
- Nassau County Museum of Art offers discounts and free outdoor sculpture park access.
Libraries = Free Summer Fun
Your library card is one of the most powerful tools for summer savings.
- Most Long Island libraries offer free passes to museums and attractions via Museum Pass Programs.
- Many of the Nassau County libraries offer free events, including book discussions, workshops, and arts/crafts classes. Check out these links for a list of events or check your local library’s website for more information.
Budget-Friendly Water Adventures
You don’t need a yacht to enjoy the water:
- Hempstead Lake State Park and Belmont Lake State Park offer low-cost kayak, canoe, and rowboat rentals.
- Captree State Park is great for fishing or walking the marina.
Bike Your Way to Scenic Views
Ride for free and see more of the island:
- Jones Beach Bikeway runs 5 miles to the ocean.
- Bethpage Bikeway stretches 13 miles from Bethpage to Massapequa.
- Trail View State Park offers easy, family-friendly biking.
Pick-Your-Own = Affordable Family Fun
Pay by the pound and take home delicious local produce:
- Lewin Farms (Calverton) has strawberries, raspberries, corn, and tomatoes.
- Glover Farms (Brookhaven) offers strawberries, pumpkins, and corn maze fun.
- Fink’s Country Farm (Wading River) features weekend hayrides and family events.
Visit Beautiful Gardens for Free
No need to pay big bucks for a botanical stroll:
- Bayard Cutting Arboretum (Great River): $8 vehicle parking fee, lovely walking trails.
- Clark Botanic Garden (Albertson): Open daily, with themed garden sections and special summer events.
Cool Off at Community Pools
Local pools offer splashy fun at affordable prices:
- Town of Hempstead Pools: Day passes start at just $9 for residents.
- Brookhaven’s Holtsville and Centereach Pools: Resident rates as low as $6.
- Town of Oyster Bay Pools: Opening June 28 with seasonal and daily rates.
Hidden Gems & Extra Savings
A few more great ideas:
- LI Greenbelt Trail Hikes: Free guided hikes all over the island.
- Historic Lighthouses: Some, like Montauk Point, often offer discounted or donation-based tours.
- Self-guided historic tours in charming towns like Cold Spring Harbor and Sag Harbor are free or low-cost.
Have a Full, Fun, Affordable Summer!
At Maidenbaum, we believe that making memories shouldn’t come with a massive price tag. With a little creativity — and the help of the amazing community resources here on Long Island — you can have a full, fun, and affordable summer. Keep an eye on your town’s event calendars, library listings, and local tourism websites — new events are being added all the time.
Here’s to a joyful and budget-friendly summer on Long Island!