Garden City, New York is one of America’s most unique and vibrant destinations conveniently located between New York City and the Hamptons, making it an ideal getaway for a weekend of adventure. The city is brimming with activities, sights, and attractions to experience. From outdoor adventures to city outings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
In this article, we will share with you the best things to do in Garden City during your visit. From the lush nature preserves to the bustling retail scene, you’re sure to find some activities to do that suit your tastes. So come on in and discover the many wonders that Garden City has to offer – you won’t regret it!
Have Fun at Adventureland Amusement Park (Long Island)
Adventureland Amusement Park is located in Farmingdale, New York, and is a family-run amusement park that features more than 30 rides and attractions, such as a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, carousels, and water rides.
Established in 1962, Adventureland is one of the oldest amusement parks in the region and remains a popular option for a fun day out for both kids and adults. The park also includes a range of games and food outlets.
Visitors can also take advantage of unlimited rides each day and the park even offers group discounts.
We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and admission fees.
Adventureland Amusement Park Address: 2245 Broadhollow Rd, Farmingdale, NY 11735, United States
Visit the Cradle of Aviation Museum
The Cradle of Aviation Museum is located at Charles Lindbergh Blvd in Garden City, New York. The museum has a variety of exhibits and airplanes on display, offering visitors a look into the history of aviation. It is one of the leading aviation museums in the country
The Cradle of Aviation Museum is one of the largest aviation museums in the United States and a must-see for any aviation enthusiast.. It features over 75 aircraft, a 3D giant screen theater, interactive exhibits, a science center, and a variety of educational programs.
There are also interactive science exhibitions on aerodynamics and radiation, a planetarium, and unique exhibit rooms. The museum also houses a restored Grumman F-11A Tiger, the first supersonic fighter plane made in the US.
The Cradle of Aviation is definitely one of the most fun things to do with kids in Garden City, so be sure to bring them along.
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers educational programs for all ages.
Cradle of Aviation Museum Address: Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, NY 11530, USA
Spend Some Time At Eisenhower Park
Eisenhower Park is a sprawling, 900-acre public park filled with trails for biking, jogging and walking. The park grounds contain picnic tables and barbecue grills, playgrounds, an artificial turf ball field, a track, tennis courts and basketball courts.
The park has a shoreline fishing pier, a 1.6-mile bicycle path, and a nature preserve, a model car race track, and a golf course. A number of cultural and athletic events, including concerts and tournaments, are hosted here throughout the year.
During your visit, why not go for a walk or read a book at this massive park complex with more than 1000 acres of lawns, fields, and courts?
Enjoy Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo
The Long Island Game Farm, located in Garden City, New York, is an animal park founded in 1970 by Stanley and Diane Novak. Featuring more than 500 animals from around the world, the Game Farm is designed to educate and entertain guests of all ages.
Visitors can feed the animals, watch animal shows, and partake in other attractions such as the Safari Float Trip, pony rides, and carousel ride. The Game Farm is also home to some seasonal attractions, such as the Haunted Hayride and the Boo Barn Scare, during the Halloween season.
If you’re visiting Garden City with children, Long Island Game Farm is definitely one of the best activities to do with kids in Garden City.
Long Island Game Farm Address: 489 Chapman Blvd, Manorville, NY 11949, United States
Visit the Nassau County Museum of Art
The Nassau County Museum of Art is located in Roslyn Harbor, New York. The museum is housed in a 19th-century Gold Coast mansion and features a diverse collection of 19th and 20th-century American and European art.
The museum also includes a sculpture garden, with works by artists such as Isamu Noguchi, Louise Nevelson, and Richard Hunt. The museum offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events throughout the year.
Shop at Roosevelt Field Mall
Roosevelt Field Mall is located in Garden City, New York, and is the largest shopping mall on Long Island. It was first opened in 1956 and is currently owned and operated by Simon Property Group.
The mall is home to over 200 stores and restaurants, as well as a 16-screen movie theater. The mall also has a large outdoor plaza, an outdoor amphitheater, and an outdoor ice skating rink.
The mall is located off of the Meadowbrook State Parkway and serves many communities in the area, including Garden City, East Meadow, Hempstead, and Mineola.
Roosevelt Field Mall Address: 630 Old Country Rd, Garden City, NY 11530, USA
Explore the Long Island Children’s Museum
The Long Island Children’s Museum is one of the best things to do in Garden City with kids. This award-winning children’s museum offers interactive, hands-on exhibits and activities designed to inspire imagination and stimulate curiosity in children.
Through creative and interactive programs and exhibits, the museum promotes learning in numerous disciplines such as science, art, literacy, math, nature and technology. The museum also offers special programs, camps, and workshops throughout the year, as well as a variety of community-based initiatives and outreach activities.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm and is closed on Mondays. At the time of writing this, Admission to the museum is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $11 for children aged 2-17, and free for children under 2.
Check out the Long Island Children’s Museum’s main website for up-to-date opening hours and admission costs.
Long Island Children’s Museum Address: 11 Davis Ave, Garden City, NY 11530, United States
Visit Garden City Lanes for some Bowling
Garden City Lanes is a family-owned bowling alley located in Garden City, New York. It is a state-of-the-art facility with plenty of lanes, a full-service snack bar, and a pro shop. The bowling alley also offers a variety of leagues, tournaments, and special events.
Garden City Lanes maintains excellent customer service and cleanliness, making it an excellent place to bring the family for a night of fun and friendly competition!
Enjoy Ice Skating at the Iceland Long Island
Ice Skating at Iceland near Garden City, NY is a great spot to enjoy during the winter season. With a full-size ice rink, curling lanes, a signature “make your own sundae” bar, and occasional special events, it is the perfect place to go for a day of winter fun.
Public Skating includes the “perfect mix of a disco-light party atmosphere, big-time DJs, and top hits!” Curling classes are also available and open to all ages and levels of ability.
Iceland is also home to a large, in-house pro shop and a full-service restaurant. For those wanting to take their skills to the next level, they can also inquire about their figure, hockey, and ski and snowboard lessons.
Check out Iceland’s official website for up-to-date opening hours and admission costs.
Iceland Long Island Address: 3345 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, United States
Take a Walk in Eisenhower Park
Eisenhower Park is an amazing 810 acres of public park that is managed by the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. The park is open year-round offering activities such as tennis, golf, swimming, boating, walking, and children’s playgrounds.
There are special events like concerts, festivals, races, and games held at the park throughout the year. There are also picnic areas, a botanical garden, historic sites, and ponds.
Eisenhower Park Address: 1899 Park Blvd, East Meadow, NY 11554, USA
Check Out the Hicksville Gregory Museum
The Hicksville Gregory Museum features exhibits on Long Island’s industrial history, local artifacts, and historical research. It also serves as a learning center for history and science educational programs.
The museum’s facilities include a conference room, classrooms, and a collections gallery. The museum’s collections focus on the history of Long Island, including the area’s natural environment and its transportation and industry. Exhibits feature 19th-century maps and industrial postcards, agricultural and industrial artifacts, and domestic items from Long Island homes.
The museum’s archives also include photographs, newspaper articles, documents, and manuscripts focusing on local history. The Hicksville Gregory Museum also offers educational programming for students and teachers, such as workshops and lectures on Long Island history.
Classes are available for students of all ages, including youth and adult. Additionally, the museum offers a wide range of special events including traditional holiday celebrations, community fairs, and outdoor festivals.
For more information about the museum and its programs, call or visit the Hicksville Gregory Museum website.
Hicksville Gregory Museum Address: 1 Heitz Pl, Hicksville, NY 11801, United States
Visit the Garden City Golf Club
Founded in 1899, the Garden City Golf Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious private golf clubs in the United States. The club features two 18-hole championship golf courses—the Old Course, designed by Walter Travis and the New Course, designed by Devereux Emmet.
The golf club also offers a 50,000 square-foot clubhouse, private dining, and other social amenities. For all you golfers out there, we highly recommend you set a day aside to visit the Garden City Golf Club even if just for a bite to eat and cold beer.
Garden City Golf Club Address: 315 Stewart Ave, Garden City, NY 11530, United States
Catch a Concert or Show at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury
The NYCB Theatre at Westbury is a theatre and music venue located in the suburban town of Westbury, New York, just outside of New York City. It has been entertaining guests since 1956, making it one of Long Island’s premier entertainment destinations.
The multi-purpose facility offers live music, comedy, and dance performances, as well as various recreational activities. The theatre has a capacity of over 2,800 guests and is equipped to house a wide range of events and performances. The venue is owned and operated by Live Nation, an international events production company.
NYCB Theatre Address: 960 Brush Hollow Rd, Westbury, NY 11590, USA
Take A Day Trip To Jones Beach State Park
Jones Beach State Park is located in Wantagh, New York at the southern end of Long Island. It consists of more than 6 miles of beach, boat basins, trails, two nature centers, two playgrounds, two golf courses, and a variety of concession stands and restaurants.
The park also offers a variety of activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, surfing, volleyball, tennis, basketball, and picnicking. Visitors can also take advantage of the campgrounds, bike paths, and other recreational opportunities throughout the park.
Jones Beach State Park Address: 1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, NY 11793, United States
Explore The Garden City Historical Society
The Garden City Historical Society was founded in 1981 in Garden City, New York. Its mission is to promote and sustain interest in the heritage of Garden City and its neighboring villages and hamlets. The society is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization that works to document and research the history of Garden City and its environs.
The Garden City Historical Society collects, preserves, and exhibits artifacts, documents, books, magazines, photographs, and audiovisuals related to the cultural and development history of Garden City. It creates and maintains educational programs about its collections and historical activities in the Garden City area.
The Society also produces and sponsors public forums and lectures about local history, conducts local walking tours and field trips, and publishes books and various reports about Garden City’s past.
Tour The Salisbury Mansion
The Salisbury Mansion is a historic home located in Garden City, New York. The mansion was built in the late 19th century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion is now owned by the Garden City Historical Society, which offers tours of the estate and other activities. The extensive gardens that surround the mansion are also open to the public, where visitors can enjoy the scenic grounds and explore the many trees and plants.
See The Mansion At Storrs Pond
The Mansion at Storrs Pond is a historic mansion located at 655 Storrs Pond Road in Garden City, New York. The sprawling Italian Renaissance mansion was built in 1924 by Charles Ulrick Bay and designed by renowned architect Alfredo S.G. Taylor.
The mansion features distinctive features such as a grand entrance hall, curved windows, balconies, a formal dining room, and a living room with a marble fireplace. The exterior is made of stucco, stone, and plaster and is set on extensive grounds featuring an abundance of plants and trees. The Mansion was named a Historic Landmark in 1989 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Stroll Through The Garden City Nature Preserve
The Garden City Nature Preserve is a protected area in Garden City, New York, in the United States. The preserve is composed of 57 acres of unique wetland and upland habitat, and is managed by the Garden City Parks and Recreation Department. The Nature Preserve contains a variety of habitats, such as a pond, wetland, creeks, woodlands, meadows, grasslands and shrubs. The preserve’s main goals are to protect biodiversity and natural habitats, as well as to promote education and public enjoyment of nature. The preserve is open to the public year-round, however, access to some areas is restricted during sensitive times of the year.
Stop By The Garden City Arts Festival
The Garden City Arts Festival is a biennial celebration of art, music, and culture in Garden City, New York. Featuring dozens of local, regional, and national artists, the festival provides a unique opportunity to experience a variety of art forms. Garden City Arts Festival attendees can wander through downtown, appreciate art installations, and shop for handcrafted goods in the City Park Marketplace. The event also features live music, performances, interactive activities, and more. Held in August, the Garden City Arts Festival offers attendees a variety of art, entertainment, and experiences for all ages.
Explore the Cathedral of the Incarnation
The Cathedral of the Incarnation is located in Garden City, New York at the intersection of Cathedral Avenue and Stewart Avenue. The Cathedral is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre and is a beautiful example of the English Gothic style structure that dates back to 1924.
Summary: Best Things To Do In Garden City, New York
So, there you have it… You now know all of the best things to do on your next trip to Garden City, NY… From museums and shopping to dining and entertainment, there’s something for everyone here.
Take your time exploring the boutiques and antiques at the Garden City Shopping Center, or visit the Cradle of Aviation Museum for an impressive collection of aviation history. Whatever your interests, there are plenty of ways to spend your time in Garden City.
Be sure to head to the nearby Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center for hikes, wildlife watching, and other outdoor recreational activities. With its vibrant culture, lush scenery, and adjacent Nassau County, Garden City is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.
Read on to find out the best time of year to visit Garden City, and how to best get there.
When is Best to Visit Garden City, New York?
The best time to visit Garden City New York really depends on what you are hoping to do while you are there… For those looking to take in the scenery, the summer months offer a wealth of outdoor activities, including sightseeing and hiking. For those seeking a shopping or dining experience, fall and winter are great times to visit. Spring offers opportunities to explore historic sites and the blossoming spring nature.
How to Get to Garden City, New York
By Car: Garden City is easily accessible by car, located off of the Meadowbrook State Parkway, Northern State Parkway, and Southern State Parkway.
By Train: The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) operates frequent direct service to Garden City from New York City.
By Bus: The Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) operates bus routes throughout Garden City, offering connections with local cities, towns, and Long Island Rail Road stations.
By Air: Garden City is served by John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
Frequently Asked Questions about Garden City, New York
Garden City is approximately 24 miles from New York City. The exact distance depends on the route taken.
Garden City, New York is known for its tree-lined streets, elegant homes and beautiful golf courses. It is also known for its many parks and recreational facilities, and for its strong sense of community.
Yes, Garden City is considered a safe place to live. The crime rate is low, and the area is well-patrolled by police.
Garden City, New York has a population of approximately 22,371 according to the 2018 Census.
Yes, Garden City is part of Long Island, located in Nassau County.
Map of Garden City, New York
- 10 BEST Things To Do In Huntington, New York (2023)
- 14 BEST Things To Do In Amherst, New York (2023)
- 17 BEST Things To Do In Oyster Bay, New York (2023)
- 10 Best Things To Do In Henrietta, New York (2023)
- 12 Best Things To Do In Schenectady New York (2023)
- 10 Best Things To Do In Grand Island, New York (2023)
