If you’re looking for something new to do where you live or plan on visiting a place out of town, it’s important to find somewhere that has a variety of options for having a good time. You could desire a walk in the park, or you could be looking for an activity center that has plenty of games for you and your friends and family. Hempstead, New York has plenty for you to do, and being not too far away from New York City will give you other options, as well. Take a look at the eight best things to do in Hempstead.
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1. Hempstead Lake State Park
A relaxing day at the park is one of the top considerations for friends and family looking for a fun setting for a weekend, and Hempstead Lake State Park is a great choice for locals and tourists. Anyone looking to get involved in nature can go hiking and biking along the park’s many trails, and there is space available for picnics and parties.
The park is also a good spot for anyone looking to play some sports, as tennis and basketball courts are available for anyone looking to get a good game in. There’s a playground for parents looking for something for their kids to do as well.
Hempstead Lake State Park
Address: Eagle Ave, West Hempstead, NY 11552
Website: Hempstead Lake State Park
2. Just Escape
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Parents looking for a nice spot for food and games with their family should check out what Just Escape has to offer. In addition to getting to solve puzzles, play carnival games and have birthday parties for kids, visitors will also get to hold corporate and private events, as well as set up fundraisers. Food ranges from pizza to candy, depending on what kind of event you’re looking to get involved in. Games involve pretend cases, like trying to figure out how to prove your innocence in crimes, and working undercover for the mob.
Just Escape
Address: 529 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758
Website: Just Escape
3. Long Island Children's Museum
Anyone looking for a new spot for their children to have fun and get out of the house should see what Long Island Children’s Museum has to offer. For kids looking for active games, they can try out the slides and climbing sculptures, and visitors can check out the animal and art exhibits. Kids can also enjoy the live theater if they’re fans of plays.
The museum also offers community programs in order to help children and families in the area, giving kids the chance to get involved in something productive, as well. There are also family workshops for parents looking to do something fun with their kids.
Long Island Children's Museum
Address: 11 Davis Ave, Garden City, NY 11530
Website: Long Island Children’s Museum
4. Shore Thing Rentals
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Some days are too nice to pass up the chance to get out on the lake or go for a bike ride. In that case, check out what Shore Thing Rentals has to offer in order to make your day fun. Visitors can rent one of their kayaks if they want to get out on the lake and race some friends, or you can check out what bikes they have if you want to go for a ride on some trails. If you want to go fishing with friends and family, this shop has bait to help you catch the biggest fish around.
Shore Thing Rentals
Address: 128 Shore Rd, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Website: Shore Thing Rentals
5. JK Kayak
If the weekend turns out to be sunnier than you expected and you plan on getting out on the water in some way, shape or form, stop by JK Kayak to see what they have to offer to make your day as fun as you hoped. The shop has a variety of rentals available for those looking for the best kayak around so they can get out on the water. Cold Spring Harbor and East Islip Beach provide great spots for you to take your kayak out, and you’ll be treated to a variety of views of the ocean and the beach along the way.
JK Kayak
Address: Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Website: JK Kayak
6. Mission Escape Games
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Hempstead is close enough to New York City in case you plan on making a stop at the Big Apple, and if you’re looking for a place that offers games involving looking for clues, then Mission Escape Games is the perfect spot. Bring your friends so that you can play games involving a variety of scenarios, such as keeping spaceships from crashing on Earth or running away from a psychopath. Other games include trying to find Dr. Jekyll while keeping an eye out for Mr. Hyde, as well as solving puzzles to get invited into a secret society.
Mission Escape Games
Address: 55 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002
Website: Mission Escape Games
7. New York Adventure Club
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Being in a town close enough to New York City gives you plenty of options for a fun weekend, and New York Adventure Club will certainly help with that. In addition to visiting the city’s numerous memorials and restaurants, you can check out underground Manhattan and all of the city’s subways.
You’ll be able to check out different historical museums, churches and art galleries. The club’s gift shop has t-shirts and gift cards available for anyone looking to get something extra out of their experience. Private events are also available in case you want to try something out of the ordinary.
New York Adventure Club
Website: New York Adventure Club
8. Cradle of Aviation Museum
Anyone looking for a place where they can learn more about the history of aviation and space exploration should be sure to visit the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Schools and boy scout programs looking for somewhere to take kids should put this spot on their list, as it offers programs and competitions for kids to have fun and learn more about space and flight.
Tours and theaters are available for a full learning experience, and you can even host birthday parties for kids in case you either want to have an educational experience for your children, or you have kids who are aspiring astronauts.
Cradle of Aviation Museum
Address: Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, NY 11530
Website: Cradle of Aviation Museum
Adventure through Hempstead
If you’re a tourist, it’s important to find a place that offers a variety of things to do, both relaxing and active. There are plenty of spots that offer the chance to go hiking and kayaking, as well as shops that provide the best equipment for such experiences. Those looking for games that involve using their brain to solve clues will be happy to know that Hempstead is close enough to New York City to find the right places. Other centers provide numerous activities for kids to take part with friends and family that are both fun and educational. Whatever is on your to-do list, Hempstead is sure to have what you need.
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