26 Things To Do in Patchogue with Kids

Patchogue is a vibrant seaside community offering loads of family-friendly things to do. The village is nestled halfway between Montauk and Manhattan, on the shore of Great South Bay. Patchogue boasts a walkable downtown area, a thriving arts and music scene, and a variety of yummy eats and treats.

Restored and revived areas have breathed new life into this village over the past several years, making it a haven for Long Island families. It's also a gateway to the bucolic barrier beach communities of Fire Island. Read on about sights to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences to be had in Patchogue.

Still got that day-trippin' itch? Explore our Visitors Guide to plan your next Long Island adventure close to home.

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Try sailing at Mascot Dock, or just enjoy the seaside view. Photo courtesy of Patchogue Department of Parks and Recreation

The Best Things to Do with Kids in Patchogue

1. Start at the Heart

As you reach the middle of downtown Patchogue Village, let your eyes—and kiddies—wander at the newly renovated Shorefront Park. Plunder a pirate-themed playground, play ball on a field, explore trails and bridges, and more. This is a great place to keep active while enjoying sweeping bay views. Plus, the Bandshell boasts live music during the summers.

2. Music Festival by the Bay

Patchogue also hosts the annual Great South Bay Music Festival each summer. The festival has featured kid faves like Imagination Movers and Laurie Berkner in the past. There's also a Kidzone available throughout the 4-day festival.

3.  Escape to Fire Island

The Watch Hill Ferry departs from the Patchogue Ferry Terminal. Once there, explore the Watch Hill Nature Trail or Sunken Forest at Fire Island. 

RELATED: The Best of Port Jefferson for Families

Parades and fairs enliven the village all year round. Photo courtesy of the Patchogue Department of Parks and Recreation

4. Culture Club

Inject some culture into your children's lives at the Patchogue Arts Council on Terry Street. Pop in to marvel at the work of local artists in exhibits such as Paint the Great South Bay or take in its 3-D sculpture garden, which is open to the public.

5. Arts on Terry

This contemporary art fair is held annually in the fall and is aimed at all ages. The fair highlights hundreds of artists and includes a full day of demonstrations, family-friendly activities, live music, and other performances. 

6. Drop a Line

The village's annual Snapper Derby gives anglers ages 6 and up an opportunity to reel in some big catches.  Or head out on your own and cast into the waters of Patchogue Bay. J & J Bait and Tackle is a great place to shop for gear and bait. 

At the Alive After Five festival, hit the town to find music, food trucks, vendors, and more. Photo courtesy of the event

7. Party in the Streets

At the summer Alive After Five festival, folks can hit the town to find music, food trucks, vendors, and more.

8. Local Brews & Booze

For microbrew fans, Blue Point Brewery and The Tap Room are a frothy good time. Bar and outdoor games, live music, and more make these spots fun for families. Meanwhile, The Better Man Distilling Co. serves up urban craft liquors, live music, and even outdoor movies. 

9. Pride on Display

Patchogue hosted its first Pride Parade in 2023 and is seeking for it to become an annual event. 

RELATED: Great Things to Do in Glen Cove 

Long Island Stand-Up Paddle Boarding offers aquatic adventures. Photo courtesy Long Island Stand Up Paddle Boarding

10. SUP

Long Island Stand Up Paddle Boarding offers aquatic adventure options such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and surfing. This spot makes an ideal day trip or celebration destination for fitness enthusiasts.

Great Things to Do Indoors with Kids in Patchogue

11. Local Library

The Patchogue-Medford Library cranks out monthly programming for children, teens, and families all year long. The library works closely with downtown officials to offer joint partnerships as well. 

12. Set Your Sights on Point

Target some family bonding at Smith Point Archery. This indoor range offers lessons, youth leagues, birthday parties, and drop-in bow-and-arrow shooting times.

13. Pinball Wizards Unite!

Debuting on Long Island in 2023, Pinball Long Island has more than 70 machines on the floor for use by a crowd that ranges in age from 7 to 70-plus. There is no need to bring pockets full of quarters. Just pay a flat fee and play as much as you want.

14. More Play Space Coming Soon

Lil Salty Kids Cove is a kiddie play space in the works. This 5,000-square-foot facility has climb-ons, a trike path, modern playhouses, a baby zone, a junior spa, and more in store. The venue will offer classes and workshops, and it will double as a party space. 

Patchogue Theaters and Cinemas

15. Take it to the Stage

At the Patchogue Theatre, check in regularly for family-friendly theater, music, and performing arts. Upcoming 2023 family shows include Pop 2000 Tour, American Girl LIVE!, Christmas Celebration on Ice, and The Nutcracker. The theater also offers a summer theatre camp for budding thespians ages 7-12.

16. Catch a Flick

The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center movie house boasts new and classic film offerings, as well as film festivals, animation classes, and more. 

RELATED: Port Washington is a Waterside Haven for Families.

Dig into Nutella French Toast at Toast Coffeehouse. Photo courtesy of the cafe

Best Patchogue Restaurants to Try

17. Brunchy Bites

Whether you're visiting first thing in the morning or enjoying an afternoon at the shore, be sure to fuel up before exploring. Toast Coffeehouse on Main Street serves up housemade coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and ooey gooey pastries. Bonus: It also has a number of vegan/vegetarian options.

18. Rooftop

At Rhum, get a bird's eye view of Patchogue on the third-floor rooftop, which has swing and lounge seating. Serving up lunch, brunch, and dinner, Rhum also usually has live music pumping.

19. Meatballs Galore

That Meetball Place gastropub is the ideal destination for those who love all things meatballs. Choose a meat, get saucy, and dip away: It's the perfect food for little fingers. The restaurant boasts funky decor and offers live music, too.

Feel the island vibes at The Tiki Bar at Sunset Harbor. Photo courtesy of the bar

20. Island Vibes

Both Dublin Deck Tiki Bar and The Tiki Bar at Sunset Harbor make you feel as if you've gone to the Caribbean without leaving Long Island. At Dublin Deck, you'll find something for everyone on the menus, plus daily live entertainment. The Tiki Bar is open Thursday through Sunday throughout the summer and has a vast menu aimed at seafoodies and landlubbers alike.

21. Nosh and Game

Split a bunch of belly-blasting bites and then get your game on at Standard Rec. With arcade-style games and sit-down board games, this hot spot will bring out the competitive side of your brood. The venue also hosts family game nights on Wednesdays. 

22. Take Out

You could always pick up some Tex-Mex takeout from Del Fuego or Donatina Napolean Pizza Cafe and eat shoreside while taking in the views. 

Dessert Destinations in Patchogue

23. Small Cakes, Big Flavor

We didn't forget your sweet tooth. Smallcakes Cupcakes and Creamery bakes and frosts 15 signature flavors every day. The bakery also scoops small-batch ice cream and even offers dessert for Fido. 

24. Chocolate Concoctions

Kilwins chocolatier has been serving up lip-smackin' treats in several downtown locations across Long Island for decades. You can't go wrong with fudge followed by ice cream.

25. Tried and True Favs

Cool off with some ice cream from Carvel or Italian ices from Ralph's. Kilwins, Carvel, and Ralph's are all on Main Street–north from the shore, but worth the walk. Plus, you'll burn off the calorie overload.

Pitch a tent nearby on Fire Island. Photo courtesy National Parks Service

Where to Stay with Kids in Patchogue

26. Day Trippin' or Camp Out

While there are no hotels in Patchogue, there are some nearby at MacArthur Airport. Additionally, from May to mid-October, the Watch Hill area of Fire Island offers a family campground. Reserve a spot to sleep under the stars behind the dunes or glamp in a safari tent on a platform.