There is more to New York than just Manhattan and Central Park. If you want to explore the Greater New York area, Port Jefferson is a great option.
Port Jefferson is an incorporated village on the North Shore of Long Island. It is a charming and quaint town with a picturesque harbour. There are many great things to do in Port Jefferson Village for singles, couples, and families from playgrounds, parks with harbour views, and a pedestrian area on Main Street with restaurants and unique shops. Port Jefferson Village also holds unique events such as the Charles Dickens Festival in December. Port Jefferson Village is a popular tourist spot that is always busy in the summer.
There are not many articles about where to go when you travel with kids. Put a rest to your worries because Port Jefferson Village has plenty to offer when you travel with your children.
Are you ready? Pack your bags and read more about the best things to do in Port Jefferson Village with your kids.
1. Savor delicious crepes and waffles at Sweet 'n' Savory
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Treat your kids to some delicious crepes and waffles in this funky French café located in Chandler Square. This place has upbeat, well-decorated interiors that provide an ideal setting to take a break with the kids. It also features a wide array of crepe options with delicious toppings. Think of Nutella and fresh hand-cut strawberries and a generous amount of whipped cream. Its popular rice pudding is definitely a must-try!
For those with a special diet, Sweet ‘n’ Savory also serves vegetarian pizza and a vegetable crepe breakfast made of eggs, eggplant, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts. The Belgian Waffles option also allows kids (and kids at heart) to enjoy creating their own waffles with any three toppings of their choice.
Sweet 'n' Savory
Address: 104 Main Street Chandler Square, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, United States
Website: Sweet ‘n’ Savory
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9:30am – 9:30pm; Fri: 9:30am - 10pm; Sat – Sun: 8:30am – 10pm
2. Learn about Port Jefferson's history at the Mather House Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Home to the Port Jefferson Historical Society, the Mather House Museum is an interesting place to visit with the kids. It features decorative art exhibits and displays that present the rich history of Port Jefferson. Visitors can check out a country store, a barn with shipbuilding and sail-making tools, and a craft house with historic toys and antiquities. Guided tours are also available as well as scheduled events like Antiques and Garden Weekend.
Only donations are requested instead of an entrance fee. Before leaving, visitors can visit a consignment shop where they could buy some memorable ‘treasures’ to bring back home.
The Mather House Museum
Address: 115 Prospect St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, United States
Website: The Mather House Museum
Opening hours: Wed – Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free
3. Picnic time at Jeanne Garant Harborfront Park
Jeanne Garant Harborfront Park was built near the Village Centre with a view of the Port Jefferson Harbour and Chandlery Building, a former shipyard dating back to 1898.
You can pack your picnic basket and bring your kids to the Chandlery Waterfront Playground, complete with a picnic area. There are walking paths, a 350-foot (106.68 m) pier, a small beach, and playground with water sprinklers. If you visit during the summer, you might get a chance to attend outdoor concerts and family movie nights.
Jeanne Garant Harborfront Park
Address: Port Jefferson Harbor, NY 11777, USA
Website: Jeanne Garant Harborfront Park
4. Ice skating at the Rinx at Port Jefferson
This is a favourite place for kids and adults. The Rinx at Port Jefferson is a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink adjacent to the east side of the Village Centre. The large ice rink opens from November to March and it’s open for everyone.
It will give you an excellent opportunity to try your ice skating skills, or just to have fun with a view of the harbor.
Rinx at Port Jefferson
Address: 101 E Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, USA
Website: Rinx at Port Jefferson
5. Launch a rocket ship at Clifton H. Lee Memorial Park
Clifton H. Lee Memorial Park, widely known as Rocket Ship Park, is a 4,000 square foot (371.6 sq. m) playground for all children, from toddlers to big kids.
The main attraction is, of course, a rocket ship modelled after the original 1970s play structure, where kids can climb into the rocket and are rewarded with a big slide. Another attraction is the pirate ship where kids can board the ship through a large, wide ramp that also accommodates wheelchairs. There are musical features, such as piano and touch drums to play on. A smaller tree house next to the pirate ship is available for hide and seek, or climb to the top of the twisting slide. In the summer, the park’s Little Red Barn is full for children’s shows.
From toddler swings to a rotating climber that spins, Rocket Ship Park has everything for your entire family.
Rocket Ship Park
Address: Port Jefferson, NY 11777, USA
Website: Rocket Ship Park
6. Unique learning at the Maritime Explorium
There is something for every kid at the Maritime Explorium. It is a children’s museum that exhibits nautical science with hands-on activities. What a unique and interesting way to spend time in a museum!
There is the Bailing Boat, which is filled with uncooked rice and sand toys, a fun challenge for kids to look for patterns and experiment with touch. The Signal Centre allows kids to exchange messages the old-fashioned way—on paper! Your kids can wear a captain’s hat and pass messages between two boathouses via a pulley system and a galvanised bucket. Also, they can learn about Morse code and signal flags.
There is a computer area where kids can virtually control the boat’s direction and speed while exploring Port Jeff Harbour. And the “Zig Zag Zip” exhibits where kids can learn about gusts of wind and try to sail a boat, and many more activities!
The Maritime Explorium
Address: 101 E Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, USA
Website: The Maritime Explorium
7. Enjoy the show at Theatre Three
There is Broadway spirit at Port Jefferson at its Theatre Three. It’s a small theatre that offers a full selection of live productions throughout the year, from musicals to comedy and concerts. Take your children to watch family-friendly shows performed by a talented cast. Your family will surely be entertained with the wonderful performances.
There is a cafe on the lower level if your kids want to grab a bite. But the theatre is located right in the middle of Port Jefferson, so there are many restaurants in the area if you want to get a bite to eat before or after the show.
Theatre Three
Address: 412 E Main St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, USA
8. Learn how to paint at Muse Paintbar
Muse Paintbar combines painting activities with a wine bar. Of course, I don’t suggest your children drink the wine, but the painting activities are a lot of fun and it’s available for all ages 7 days per week.
You can book your painting sessions as a family get together, where all your family members can learn, laugh, relax, and paint whatever you want with guidance from skilled painting instructors in a warm and inviting space. You will love it!
Muse Paintbar - Port Jefferson
Address: 134 Main St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, USA
Website: Muse Paintbar - Port Jefferson
9. Sweet dessert at Roger's Frigate
Posted by Roger's Frigate on Wednesday, 5 April 2017
It’s not a visit to Port Jefferson Village if you don’t make a stop at Roger’s Frigate, paradise for sweets lovers of all ages.
From frozen desserts, a huge candy selection to rich homemade fudge, prepare to experience a sugar rush at Roger’s Frigate. They offer over 50 flavours of ice cream and over 300 candy items to choose from. Try a healthy smoothie made from fresh fruit or a milk shake to enjoy on a hot day.
Roger's Frigate
Address: 99 Main St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, USA
Website: Roger’s Frigate
10. Explore the beach at McAllister County Park
If you visit Port Jefferson during the summer, McAllister County Park is a must visit. Located a little bit outside of Port Jefferson, McAllister County Park offers easy hiking with a scenic view of Long Island Sound.
The McAllister County Park is 113 acres (53.8 hectares). You can start your hike from the parking area by following the water’s edge to the base of the cobble dunes. Then, continue to climb over the hill until you arrive at the saddle of the dune ridge where you see the calm protected bay on one side and the rough, cold Long Island Sound on the other. The public beach area is on the east side of McAllister County Park where you can enjoy a relaxing swim after the hike.
If you want to bring your own transportation to McAllister County Park, parking is on Anchorage Road, but it only has space for four cars.
McAllister County Park
Address: Port Jefferson, NY 11777, USA
11. Amazing Olive, test and choose with the family
The Amazing Olive is a specialty olive oil and balsamic vinegar shop in Port Jefferson. It’s a nice place to take the family to help choose some gifts for those back home, or for your own home. When you shop there, many samples are laid out with bread, so you can taste and test. Expect lots of calls for “this one here!” The kids may love the chocolate or bacon flavors.
For the little children, who may not like the flavors, other gifts and keepsakes are available. Let them choose their own attractive soaps, or spices for the kitchen. They bottle your selection there, so the smaller kids will enjoy selecting the bottles for you to take home.
Amazing Olive
Address: 13 Main St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777-1651
Website: Amazing Olive
12. Take the teens to play Know Escape
Have some family fun with your teenagers by playing the Know Escape. Escape games are always great fun and bring lots of laughter. As the whole family takes part, it’s a very nice way to spend a few hours bonding. What people enjoy about Know Escape is that you don’t need to do anything strenuous or physical. The rooms are well set out, with lots of attention to detail. There are lots of hints and clues, so you never really get totally stumped in solving the puzzles.
Know Escape
Address: 518 Main St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777-224
Website: Know Escape
Port Jefferson Village: there is always something for everyone
If you’re planning a family getaway with your kids just a little bit outside New York City, Port Jefferson Village is your best choice. From playgrounds to performances, Port Jefferson Village has something for all ages.
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