Playgrounds
57 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.
- Schoolhouse Green1.4 mi from downtown
- Oceanside Park1.5 mi from downtown
- William F. Glacken Park1.5 mi from downtown
Family
Things to do in Hempstead with kids
5 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.
Family-friendly ideas around Hempstead, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.
Indoor fun
Places to go when it’s too hot, cold or wet outside.
- Four Seasons Design GroupMuseum
- Long Island Children's MuseumChildrens museum
- Rock Hall MuseumHistory museum
Bakeries
4 local bakeries in Hempstead.
- The Sweet PeaceLynbrook
- Tulip Bake ShopFloral Park
- Sydney's SweetsWest Hempstead
Picnic spots
Day-use areas for a family picnic.
- Sagamore Hill National Historic Site18 mi north
- Governors Island National Monument21 mi west
- Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument23 mi west
Wildlife and nature
Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.
- Sagamore Hill National Historic Site18 mi north
- Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge19 mi north
- Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge22 mi northeast
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Hempstead lake State park family Fishing day
A local activity Short shared by Walk with Sinoj & Ann.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Downtown revitalization has Hempstead buzzing
A local activity video shared by CBS New York.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What is there to do in Hempstead with kids?
Playgrounds (57), Indoor fun (14), Bakeries (4), Picnic spots (12), Wildlife and nature (16). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.
What can kids do in Hempstead for free?
Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.
What can families do in Hempstead when it rains or it’s hot?
Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.