If you have a non-athletic child, you can still find ways to bond with him or her through non-competitive physical activities. We’ve compiled a guide to parks, rinks, and other sports centers in Suffolk County, Long Island, that offer healthy and fun activities – like hiking, biking, and table tennis – for all ages.
Get off the Couch! Go…
…GAMING
Active Kidz Long Island
East Hills; (516) 621-6600; www.activekidzlongisland.com
With a 3-level indoor Adventure Maze, rock-climbing, indoor gym, and laser tag (for birthday parties only), plus a snack bar for refueling, your kids will stay…well, active!
Hampton Table Tennis League
Water Mill; (631) 521.7566; www.hamptontabletennisclub.com
A non-profit table tennis club offering community members plenty of space to practice with robotic ball feeders, plus private lessons taught by the table tennis pros. Table fees, $20/hour; yearly memberships start at $250.
Once Upon a Treetop
Plainview; (516) 349-1140; www.onceuponatreetop.com
Kids engage in interactive play, take music and movement classes, and of course, climb through the facility’s tree house play unit.
…HIKING
Hempstead Lake State Park
West Hempstead; (516) 766-1029; www.nysparks.state.ny.us
In addition to its popular hiking area (three miles of trail surrounding Hempstead Lake), the park offers fishing ponds, tennis courts, bridle trails, playgrounds, and a historic carousel.
…BIKING
Suffolk Bicycle Riders Association
St. James; www.sbraweb.org
Join up (available to bikers of all ages and experience levels) and go for organized short, intermediate, or more challenging rides. Website lists a calendar of events. Membership, $20 per individual, or $25 per family.
Huntington Bike Club
Meetings are held in Greenlawn; (631) 220-9517; www.huntingtonbicycleclub.org
A non-profit organization offering group rides to beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. Family participation is encouraged. Annual dues, $25 per individual or $30 per family.
Back to our complete Alternative Sports Guide for the NY Metro Area
