7 Beautiful Mansions Families Can Explore on Long Island

7 Beautiful Mansions Families Can Explore on Long Island
Vanderbilt Museum via Long Island Press

7 Beautiful Mansions Families Can Explore on Long Island

Long Island is home to some of the most extravagant properties in the country. While there are gorgeous museums in the city, there are also incredible spots to visit in our backyard.

Check out our list of historic mansions open to the public for your family to explore. You and your family will be delighted away by these homes’ beauty.

Psst… Here are the best ice cream shops in New York City!

Old Westbury Gardens

71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568
(516) 333-0048

Old Westbury is home to formal gardens, woodlands, ponds, lakes and a beautiful mansion! The Westbury House is open for self-guided tours included with Old Westbury Gardens general admission.

In addition to there being self-guided tours available, there is also a free online tour worth checking out with your kids at home!

Mill Neck Manor

40 Frost Mill Road, Mill Neck, NY 11765
(516) 922-4100

Overlooking Long Island Sound, Mill Neck Manor is an impressive example of Tudor Revival architecture. Since 1949, Mill Neck Manor has been used to serve deaf and hard of hearing children and adults, as well as the community at large.

Call the number above to inquire about the manor’s docent-guided tours available!

Planting Fields Arboretum

1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
(516) 922 -9210

Listed under the National Register of Historic Places, Planting Fields Arboretum is a place you won’t want to miss!

In addition to 409 acres of greenhouses, rolling lawns, formal gardens and woodland paths, Planting Fields Arboretum features a lavish home with original ironwork and murals throughout it.

Sands Point Preserve

127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY 11050
(516) 571-7901

Sands Point Preserve Conservancy holds not just one, but four magnificent mansions! You can take a guided tour of The Hempstead House or Falaise during your visit.

After you’re done touring, take your kids to the Woodland Playground for some extra fun. Just be mindful that the playground closes a half an hour before the rest of the park does!

Vanderbilt Museum

180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, NY 11721
(631) 854-5579

You can take a public or private tour of Vanderbilt Museum’s mansion, also known as Eagle’s Nest. This estate is unique in that it offers four different exhibits throughout the house.

While exploring, you’ll have to check out the Memorial Wing, Habitat Wing, Nursery Wing and Hall of Fishes!

Muttontown Preserve

34 Muttontown Lane, East Norwich, NY 11732
(516) 571-8500

Come on out to the largest nature preserve in Nassau! Muttontown Preserve has over 500 acres of woodlands, ponds and estate grounds.

Maps and brochures are available for self-guided tours, which you can take up to the northern end of the park in order to see the breathtaking Chelsea Mansion!

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Steps on Broadway Youth Programs

<p class="m_6201101365486487057m_1751229968981391907gmail-m-6447730382188674378msonospacing" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For 40 years, the Youth Programs at the internationally celebrated Steps on Broadway have nurtured young dancers, ages 18 months to 18 years.  Whether seeking a fun dance experience or comprehensive pre-professional training, there is a program suited for everyone.  Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, contemporary, modern, pointe and more.  Taught by a faculty of internationally-recognized concert, ballet, Broadway and celebrated guest artists, every student is encouraged to discover their artistic uniqueness, deepen their passion for the art form, while growing as dancers and individuals. </span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Classes are offered throughout the academic year and summer.</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">First Steps (ages 18 mos – 5 yrs)</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Kids & Teens (ages 6-18 yrs)</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Pre-Professional Program (ages 7-18 yrs, by audition only)</span></p>

Chickenshed NYC

<p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed’s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.</p>

WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals—all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!</span></span></p>