On the Harbor in Port Washington
Of all the North Shore villages in Nassau County, Port Washington is particularly charming. Filled with quaint shops, restaurants, the Landmark Theater on Main Street (which offers children’s shows and performing arts for adults), beaches and parks, tours of Gold Coast mansions, and beautiful scenery overlooking Manhasset Bay, it’s worth a trip to explore everything this town has to offer.
On June 6, families won’t want to miss the 20th Annual Harborfest Dock Day and Crafts Festival along the waterfront. The event will feature over 100 vendors displaying their crafts and artwork; a family-fun stage and talent show filled with performers, nautical singers and other entertainment; an Enviro-expo featuring earth-friendly vendors, a farmer’s market, and more. Children will love spending time with Captain Courage and other maritime pirates, playing in the children’s park, or going out on a Tall Ships cruise (departing at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm or 6pm). Free trolley and shuttle buses will take families from Manorhaven Park as well as from the Long Island Railroad station.
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Info Where:Town Dock and Lower Main Street in Port Washington |
If you have time, it’s also worth a visit to Sands Point Preserve on Middleneck Road to explore old historic mansions like the Hempstead House and Falaise (open for tours). Families can choose one of six nature trails for a walk through fields, woods, or ponds overlooking the Long island Sound. The nature preserve is open 9am-4pm. For more information on Sands Point Preserve, call 516-571-7901 or visit www.sandspointpreserve.org.
Science-lovers should pre-register to take advantage of the nearby Science Museum of Long Island on North Plandome Road, located on Leeds Point Preserve in Plandome. The activity center offers many hands-on workshops for children, but you must register in advance; the museum does not house regular exhibits open to the public. Call 516-627-9400 or visit www.smli.org for more information.
