Whether you are here visiting Port Washington, NY, thinking of moving here, new to town, from here and looking to rediscover your town here is a helpful guide for our top things to do in our beautiful hometown.
Bay Park Walk
Along Shore Road is an active waterfront park that extends from Old Shore Road to Mill Pond Park at the water’s edge. It features a 10-foot wide path with a nautical history tour of Manhasset Bay using artistic inlays, sculptures, and signage to depict the waterfront’s rich history. A beautiful, tree-lined walk awaits you at the edge of the Manhasset Bay. Park at Bay Park on Shore Road, the Stop and Shop or Town Dock.
- Free
- No bathrooms
Blumenthal Family Park
Locally known as Landmark Park, this is a really nice playground and open green space; a popular location for town festivals and community gatherings. It has a nice sprinkler pad during the summer months. The path around the green can be used for scooters or biking. People of all ages, with and without strollers, will come and walk the path for exercise. There are two main playground structures, one for toddlers and younger children and another larger one for older kids. Music instruments and swings and a playground with various structures for different ages are also available. Metered parking is available on Main Street, or you can park behind Blumenthal Park on Webster Street. There is an accessible ramp and stairs up to the playground from Webster.
- Free
- No bathrooms
Sands Point Preserve
This amazing preserve could be your entire reason to visit Port Washington. You could spend a whole day here, as we have, from morning to sunset. Activities include: a tree covered woodland playground, various hiking trails, rocky beach, two castles, rose garden and vast open space and picnic tables galore. Cost of entry is by the vehicle ($15) at the door payable with cash or card. The preserve hosts many events throughout the year for people of all ages, including many family events. For a fun hike check out Day Three in the "Holiday Staycation Guide."
- Charge $$
- Yes, Bathrooms
The Parent Resource Center
The Parent Resource Center is a renown organization in Port Washington that dates back to the 1970s. Its mission remains to connect families and create lasting first friendships. Few towns on Long Island have an organization that welcomes and prioritizes families, Port Washington is one of the lucky few. The PRC's primary demographics is 0-5 years old children. They host weekly classes for little kids. Some are taught through a partnership with a reputable children's entertainment company, such as Songs for Seeds, and others are taught by their talented staff. In addition, they provide free and low cost services to underserved families in the community, including an early education program. The PRC also hosts many family events throughout the year geared toward little ones. A few of these include the Teddy Bear Picnic, the Not So Scary Halloween Bash and Fiesta in the Park for Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Charge $ (memberships available, pay per class options, some events are free)
- Yes, bathrooms
The Port Washington Public Library
The Port Washington Public Library is Amazing and on most Fridays you can attend a mommy-and-me sing/dance/reading class at 9:30, check the schedule. During the summer it’s outside at Landmark playground (official name: Blumenthal Family Park). Or just explore the modern Children’s Room with its play section, computer lab and assortment of books and toys.
- Free
- Yes, bathrooms
Manorhaven Pool
Manorhaven Pool boasts a wonderful array of pools with various depths and attractive landscaping and decor that, on slow days, will make this public town pool seem like a resort. The single administration building houses the front office in the front and the bathroom, changing rooms and showers in the back. There are lifeguards in all the open pools. Read more about Manorhaven Pool here.
- Charge $ (low-cost options available for SNAP and free lunch recipients)
- Must be resident of the Town of North Hempstead to enter
- Yes, bathrooms
Science Museum of Long Island
The Science Museum of Long Island hosts many family events during the year from festivals to family weekend workshops. Their festivals are truly a family event with something for everyone. They have activities for children, food vendors, adult beverage vendors, ice cream truck, live music and much more. Per person admission can be paid in advance, or at the door (extra fee). There are also hiking trails that begin near the parking lot area.
- $Free-ish (trails and greenspace free; most events require admission)
- Yes, bathrooms inside
Town Dock + Main Street
From Inspiration Wharf Marina at 305 Main Street to Port Washington Boulevard and Main Street you will find a lovely mix of small town shops and restaurants along Main Street with a few chain businesses here and there. From end to end the walk is about a mile long. Start with ice cream at either end of your walk and enjoy the clothing stores, boutiques, beauty services, home good stores and gift shops along the way. Your visit to the town dock (bathrooms available here) can include a scenic taxi ride, too! There are also many picnic tables at Town Dock where you can enjoy a lovely sunset dinner or admire the skill of local fishermen that go down to the Pier nightly to test their skill.
- Free
- Yes, bathrooms
Port Washington Water Taxi
A great way to get around town or sightsee Manhasset Bay. They offer transportation to and from local restaurants or any accessible dock in Port Washington, plus harbor tours ($10 per 30 minutes) and launch services.
- Charge $$
- Yes, bathrooms
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