Family Day: Where to See Wildlife on Long Island

Spending a day with family is a great way to bond and re-focus on what's most important in life. If you're looking for something fun to do as a family, consider heading off to see wildlife on Long Island. From petting zoos to nature preserves, our REALTORS® can recommend some awesome places for a wildlife-focused family day.

• Holtsville Ecology Site: 249 Buckley Rd., Holtsville, NY 11742
  The Town of Brookhaven Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve is a publicly owned preserve built on a former landfill site. The town took ownership of the land in the 1970s and has been working ever since to preserve it in a way that benefits both people and native wildlife.
  
  Here, you and your family can walk along the exercise trail and tour the various ecology exhibits, which feature bobcats, eagles, and buffalo. There is a greenhouse where you can learn about plant life and composting. You can even take home some free compost if desired.
  
  The Holtsville Ecology Site is open from 10 am - 4 pm, seven days a week, until September 25th. 
  
  
• White Post Farms: 250 Old Country Rd., Melville, NY 11747
  White Post Farms is a popular petting zoo that has won numerous awards over the years. This would be a great family day destination for younger children. There are plenty of animals to pet and feed, including goats, giraffes, and lorikeets. Pony rides are also available for an extra charge.
  
  White Post Farms also offers a garden center, where you can shop for plants to fill your garden. Their gourmet farm market sells delicious jams, jellies, breads, and fruit. 
  
  The petting zoo is open seven days a week. Admission tickets are $25.95 per person, and children under 15 months are free. You can buy tickets online before your visit.
  
  
• Long Island Zoological Society: 296 Wading River Rd., Manorville, NY 11949
  Take a drive to Manorville, and visit the Long Island Zoological Society Animal Farm Petting Zoo. This non-profit petting zoo opened in 1981 and has become a favorite among the community.
  
  Most of the animals housed here have been rescued. You'll see llamas, deer, miniature cows, ducks, emus, and much more. The safari train ride is lots of fun, and there are pony rides for little ones.
  
  Long Island Zoological Society is open daily from 11 am - 5 pm. Admission tickets are sold on-site.
  
  
• Long Island Game Farm: 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville, NY 11949
  Long Island Game Farm is a children's zoo and wildlife park in a natural setting. You can walk the nature trails, seeing animals like baby deer and goats along the way. The zoo also has some more typical animals, such as lemurs, wallabies, and giraffes.
  
  Zebras named Zephyr and Thor are a big attraction here, and there's also a gift shop where you can buy stuffed animals, figurines, and other memorabilia. 
  
  Long Island Game Farm is open weekends from 10 am - 5 pm and weekdays from 10 am - 4 pm. Admission tickets are sold at the gate, and there are family fun packs available to help larger families save. 

Long Island has a lot to offer when it comes to wildlife experiences and family day activities in general. If you like it here and are looking for Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll help you find the perfect place to call home.