Enjoy the East End Al Fresco. From Riverhead to Orient to Montauk
The Eastern End of Long Island, New York City’s backyard beach getaway, offers a variety of fun activities for all ages and interests. From Riverhead to Greenport to Montauk, there are the Hamptons, North Fork farms and vineyards, breweries, scenic beaches, and stunning views. From tall ship festivals to music festivals to drag racing events, to the Long Island Aquarium, Splish Splash, and the Parrish Art Museum, there’s something for everyone.
A family day spent at the Long Island Aquarium as described by a contributor to the East End Getaway blog.
This article was updated on July 23rd, 2021
Today, I am thrilled to share my experience at the Long Island Aquarium. Upon our arrival, we decided to take my toddler out of her stroller. We knew this was taking a risk but did it anyway. It was the best moment. The older girls grabbed her hand, and they headed over to the turtle tank. The baby was in awe of the adorable faces of the turtles, and I was in awe at how everyone was getting along and taking their time to view.
As we crossed the bridge to the main indoor area, our excitement grew. Of course, the clownfish tank with “Nemo” and “Dory” in it is always a favorite, along with the large tank of colorful tropical fish. My mom and grandmother enjoyed the atmosphere. However, the overall choice for the baby was the shark tank. She kept waving at the sharks and the giant stingray. Every few moments, she would yell, “Hi!” and “Yay!” It was priceless.
Has anyone ever checked out the Butterfly, Bugs & Birds Exhibit? This was the first time that we experienced such extraordinary bird interaction! The parakeets were landing on our shoulders, arms, and head. My eight-year-old loved that she had two spending time on her hoodie sweatshirt. The butterflies were breathtaking too. I recommend adding this to your ticket. It rounds out the day.
Lunch was great, as they always have kid-friendly items along with healthy options for us moms on a diet. The aquarium was busy but kept very clean, and the staff was on point. We ran into the co-founder and aquarium curator, whom I’d met back in the summer at an event. He is affectionately known as Joe Fish and can often be found walking around with the staff or checking on a tank. Joe answered questions, such as what the Piranhas ate and how often they fed the fish. He even explained to my niece that she could do the shark dive when she turned twelve. People like this make us feel welcomed and keep us wanting to return to this destination.
Whether you are traveling to the area to stay or visiting for the day, I highly recommend planning an outing to the Long Island Aquarium. They’re a destination for families, couples, and friends alike. Be sure to check out what they have planned on their calendar ahead of time if you’re interested. In addition, they are always hosting special events throughout each season. Click here for their website to explore more about visiting.
