Although it's still cold outside, there's no reason you cannot visit the beach! We are lucky to have so many great beaches in our area where kids can splash, run, and play—and you can feel good about social distancing.
Here are five of my family's favorite beaches near our Hicksville/Westbury/Bethpage area. Put on a sweatshirt, grab a frisbee, and pack some snacks before heading out to any of these nearby beaches! And remember, always watch your kids near the water—no matter how shallow it is!
Keep in mind that, due to the pandemic, most beaches will close when their parking lots meet a specified reduced capacity. In addition, when beaches are open, many have an entrance and/or parking fee, and some have residency requirements. Be sure to check individual beach requirements.
Don't see your family's favorite beach here? Drop me a note at mackidhicksville@macaronikid.com and I'll add it to our list!
Tobay Beach in Oyster Bay, New York
Tobay Beach has a calm and shallow bayside beach for toddlers, and an ocean-side beach for older children. It also has a fantastic spray park, an outdoor shower, playgrounds, picnic tables, and waterfront restaurants.
Long Beach in Long Beach, New York
Long Beach has an amazing 2.2 mile boardwalk that's great for strolling or bike riding. During peak season there are many restaurants, concession stands, boardwalk carts, and mobile beach carts. Dogs are not permitted on the boardwalk.
Nickerson Beach Park in Lido Beach, New York
Nickerson Beach has a half mile of beachfront, a campground for RVs, swimming pools, a dog run, cabanas, lockers, and food concession stands. In addition, Nickerson Beach Park features a large Fun Zone, which includes a pitch and putt, playground, athletic fields, and athletic courts). Dogs are allowed only in the dog run.
Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach in Oyster Bay, New York
This residents-only beach is on the Oyster Bay harbor, and is accented with a pavilion, a gazebo, picnic areas, athletic fields and courts, various playgrounds, and scenic walking paths. For boat lovers, the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach includes launching ramps, a 97-slip marina, kayak racks, and dinghy racks.
Harry Tappen Pool, Beach & Marina in Sea Cliff, New York
This beach, along Hempstead Harbor, features a playground, a swimming pool, a basketball court, restaurants, picnic areas, kayak racks, a boat launching ramp, and a 267-slip marina.
Gabrielle R. Fardella is the Publisher of Macaroni Kid Hicksville!
