Winter on Long Island offers families a refreshing way to explore the great outdoors, even when the temperatures drop. With a wide array of family-friendly winter walks, from Nassau to Suffolk County and out to the East End, you can discover breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich historical sites across Long Island. These winter trails offer a perfect blend of scenic beauty, accessibility, and unique natural features—from snow-dusted forests and serene ponds to historic estates and oceanfront trails. Whether you’re a local resident or planning a visit, these winter hikes allow families to connect with nature, stay active, and create lasting memories during the colder months.
This season, bundle up, grab a warm drink, and head out to experience Long Island’s winter wonderland on foot. Discover hidden trails, capture stunning views, and enjoy peaceful walks through some of Long Island’s most beloved nature preserves, parks, and historic landmarks. Our guide highlights the best winter walks for families, featuring scenic locations like Garvies Point Preserve, Sands Point Preserve, and Connetquot River State Park, each offering a unique way to enjoy Long Island's winter scenery. Keep reading for a list of top spots to explore on Long Island this winter and get tips on family-friendly hikes and activities to make the most of the season.
Winter Walks for Families in Nassau County
Garvies Point Preserve – Glen Cove
This 62-acre North Shore preserve features shoreline, meadows, and woodlands. Discover trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, along with nearly 150 bird species. Spot woodchucks, opossums, and raccoons along the trails, and visit the museum showcasing Long Island's cultural and natural history.
Sands Point Preserve – Sands Point
Explore six trails on this sprawling estate, perfect for hiking and jogging. The quarter-mile Dino Trail is ideal for young explorers, and the playground includes a zip line and other engaging activities. Dogs on leashes are welcome, and the preserve is also home to a quail coop for natural pest control.
Bailey Arboretum – Locust Valley
The 40-acre preserve offers a Children’s Habitat where kids can build, climb, and create outdoors. Enjoy dog-friendly trails, cross-country skiing, and picnic spots with plenty of picturesque scenery.
Sagamore Hill – Oyster Bay
Once Theodore Roosevelt's home, this estate boasts 83 acres of trails, woodlands, and scenic beach views. The boardwalk trail provides breathtaking water views. Dog-friendly trails are open daily, with reservations required for home tours on select days.
Massapequa Preserve – Massapequa
This 432-acre preserve offers a forested escape with paved paths ideal for walking and biking, alongside ponds and bridge crossings. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
Norman J. Levy Preserve – Merrick
A converted landfill with a 3-mile hiking trail, this preserve includes exercise stations, ponds, and a fishing pier. Spot wildlife and enjoy the skyline views on clear days. Some trails include stairs, making it a good choice for active families.
Tanglewood Preserve – Rockville Centre
This 11-acre preserve features a short, flat trail that winds through the woods and around a pond. Kids will enjoy the rolling green lawns, while the on-site Center for Science offers animal habitats and a dinosaur exhibit.
Twin Lakes Preserve – Wantagh
The 1.5-mile loop at Twin Lakes Preserve takes you around five freshwater ponds with stunning views. The semi-rugged terrain is best for adventurous families, with roadside parking available nearby.
Hempstead Lake State Park – West Hempstead
This state park has athletic courts, playgrounds, trails, horseback riding, fishing, and a carousel. Families can enjoy story times, nature programs, and scenic walks year-round.
Winter Walks for Families in Suffolk County
Connetquot River State Park Preserve – Oakdale
Explore paved and woodsy trails at this unique park, complete with a pond, fish hatchery, and winter programs for young children. The park is stroller-friendly and a great spot for nature lovers.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum – Great River
This 691-acre park offers serene trails along the Connetquot River with labeled trees for educational walks. Kids will enjoy the hidden maze and nature programs.
South Shore Nature Center – East Islip
This center has a wigwam, salt marsh, pond, and forested trails. Deer sightings are common, and trails are not stroller-friendly, so a baby carrier is recommended.
Blydenburgh County Park – Smithtown
With 627 acres of trails, a playground, and historic buildings, this park offers year-round adventure. Follow the Nissequogue River trail or explore more rugged terrain.
Cold Spring Harbor State Park – Cold Spring Harbor
This 40-acre park boasts scenic harbor views and is home to songbirds and hawks. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are permitted, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Prosser Pines – Yaphank
This small forest preserve is one of the oldest White Pine Plantations on the East Coast. It’s perfect for a short loop hike and a family-friendly winter outing.
Winter Walks on Long Island’s East End
South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center – Bridgehampton
A nature-focused museum with hands-on exhibits, including a touch tank and live animal displays. Outdoor trails and workshops make this a great destination for families.
Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge – Sag Harbor
This refuge offers diverse habitats, bird-watching opportunities, and scenic trails. Bring birdseed for an up-close experience with feathered friends.
Mashomack Preserve – Shelter Island
With 12 miles of trails through woodlands and along the coastline, Mashomack offers winter hikes for families. Choose trails that suit your family’s experience level, and enjoy scenic views.
Sagg Swamp Preserve – Bridgehampton
This 105-acre preserve is a winter wonderland with a boardwalk over the swamp, perfect for bird-watching and a peaceful nature walk.
Montauk Point State Park – Montauk
Enjoy panoramic water views, nature trails, and the historic Montauk Lighthouse. Families can also try cross-country skiing or dog-walking.
Laurel Lake Preserve – Laurel
A 2-mile trail through this expansive preserve offers opportunities to see diverse wildlife, including waterfowl, deer, and owls.
This post will be updated annually. If we missed your favorite trail, feel free to let us know!