7 Beautiful Mansions Families Can Explore on Long Island

7 Beautiful Mansions Families Can Explore on Long Island
Vanderbilt Museum via Long Island Press

7 Beautiful Mansions Families Can Explore on Long Island

Long Island is home to some of the most extravagant properties in the country. While there are gorgeous museums in the city, there are also incredible spots to visit in our backyard.

Check out our list of historic mansions open to the public for your family to explore. You and your family will be delighted away by these homes’ beauty.

Psst… Here are the best ice cream shops in New York City!

Old Westbury Gardens

71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568
(516) 333-0048

Old Westbury is home to formal gardens, woodlands, ponds, lakes and a beautiful mansion! The Westbury House is open for self-guided tours included with Old Westbury Gardens general admission.

In addition to there being self-guided tours available, there is also a free online tour worth checking out with your kids at home!

Mill Neck Manor

40 Frost Mill Road, Mill Neck, NY 11765
(516) 922-4100

Overlooking Long Island Sound, Mill Neck Manor is an impressive example of Tudor Revival architecture. Since 1949, Mill Neck Manor has been used to serve deaf and hard of hearing children and adults, as well as the community at large.

Call the number above to inquire about the manor’s docent-guided tours available!

Planting Fields Arboretum

1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
(516) 922 -9210

Listed under the National Register of Historic Places, Planting Fields Arboretum is a place you won’t want to miss!

In addition to 409 acres of greenhouses, rolling lawns, formal gardens and woodland paths, Planting Fields Arboretum features a lavish home with original ironwork and murals throughout it.

Sands Point Preserve

127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY 11050
(516) 571-7901

Sands Point Preserve Conservancy holds not just one, but four magnificent mansions! You can take a guided tour of The Hempstead House or Falaise during your visit.

After you’re done touring, take your kids to the Woodland Playground for some extra fun. Just be mindful that the playground closes a half an hour before the rest of the park does!

Vanderbilt Museum

180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, NY 11721
(631) 854-5579

You can take a public or private tour of Vanderbilt Museum’s mansion, also known as Eagle’s Nest. This estate is unique in that it offers four different exhibits throughout the house.

While exploring, you’ll have to check out the Memorial Wing, Habitat Wing, Nursery Wing and Hall of Fishes!

Muttontown Preserve

34 Muttontown Lane, East Norwich, NY 11732
(516) 571-8500

Come on out to the largest nature preserve in Nassau! Muttontown Preserve has over 500 acres of woodlands, ponds and estate grounds.

Maps and brochures are available for self-guided tours, which you can take up to the northern end of the park in order to see the breathtaking Chelsea Mansion!

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WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals—all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!</span></span></p>

Elf the Musical

<p>They'll sing loud for all to hear. You can bring the Christmas cheer.</p> <p>Start decking the halls, people – <em><strong>it's Elf The Musical</strong></em>!</p> <p>After a decade away, the beloved holiday classic is back on Broadway for a strictly limited run. Whether you’re searching for the perfect stocking stuffer or a festive outing for the whole family, this family-friendly show is packed with joy, laughter, and snow-covered magic.</p> <p>A musical comedy adaptation of the hit 2003 film, <em><strong>Elf The Musical</strong></em> follows Buddy the orphan who, after being raised by elves at the North Pole, embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and help the people he meets rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Academy Award® nominee Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings") is Santa Claus alongside Tony Award® nominee Grey Henson as Buddy, Drama Desk Award nominee Ashley Brown as Emily, and rising star Kayla Davion as Jovie. Plus, keep an eye out for social media celebrity Kalen Allen – known for his appearances on "The Ellen Show" – as the hilarious store manager.</p> <p>Called “a slickly irresistible and fizzily enjoyable confection of a show” (<em>Time Out</em>), this holly-jolly hit is one you won't want to miss. Through January 4 only!</p>

Manhattan Mandarin

<p>Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools</p> <p>nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether</p> <p>in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our</p> <p>teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin</p> <p>language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to</p> <p>make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We</p> <p>look forward to working with you.</p> <p>- Jamie Keyte, Founder</p>