Sand, not pumpkins - Long Island fall family activities

Fall is here and everyone loves to go pumpkin picking, jump on a hayride and run through a corn maze with the family. But on Long Island, one of the best things to do in the fall is to go to the beach.

Sitting on the ocean is not what first comes to mind with the crisp fall weather. This time of year may just be the best because the beaches are not hot, crowded and noisy. You will get to soak up the beautiful scenic views of the ocean in peace and quiet. The ocean is actually the warmest in the fall. It takes all summer for it to slowly heat up. So go and frolic in the waves.

It is best to dress in layers, especially for the kids. Your first layer should be your bathing suit. A bathing suit in October? Trust me - this Examiner has had her kids in bathing suits on the beach in the fall. With the warm ocean breezes and sun, it may get that warm. Plus, with very few beach neighbors, your kids will be doing lots of running and exploring without getting sand on someone else's blanket. Don't forget the sand toys for the kids. They will enjoy digging on an empty beach.

The other plus to enjoying Long Island's beaches in the fall, is you may not have to pay for parking. It depends on what ocean beach you visit. My fellow Frugal Examiner will like this. Smith Point in Mastic Beach is a county park and they do not charge for parking after Labor Day. It also has a boardwalk nature trail through the dunes, which is the perfect for a hike. There is no charge for the trail and your kids talk to the park rangers on duty.

Lots of town beaches that have restricted parking during the summer, have no parking rules in the fall. There will not be any lifeguards, so just splash around in the waves by the shore. Other beaches, like Robert Moses still charge $8 to park all year long, but that is a bargain afternoon out with the family. And a lot less stressful then getting stuck for hours in pumpkin traffic out east. Make some different fall memories this year and head off to the beach.

Sunny Day At Smith's Point

Took the kids to Smith's Point to kick off the Memorial Day 6 day weekend! Here's a little secret - Smith's Point Park does not charge for parking after Labor Day till Memorial Day. Parking is now $12.50!!! I remember back in the days when it was $6. We went on the last day before they started charging. If you get a Green Key Card from Suffolk County they only charge you $5 for parking. One more Smith's Point tip - if you get there before 6am - you do not have to pay for parking either.

At Smith's Point is FINS - Fire Island National Seashore. There is a Ranger Station and a nature walk. Went with the kids on the Nature Walk, then sat by the ocean for awhile. Another tip for Smith's Point is to park all the way on the west side of the parking lot and follow the crosswalk towards the ranger station. Then follow the boardwalk to the ocean or take the nature walk which ends at the ocean. This is the "Surfer Beach". There is a lot of beach here and a lot less teeny boppers. The beach in front of the pavilion is smaller due to erosion. They brought sand in to replace what got washed out to sea, but the sand is more like dirt. Plus all the teeny boppers hang up there.

For family fun - go to the west end of Smith's Point. The kids will also get a kick going over the drawbridge to get to Smith's Point. There is also a snack bar, bathrooms and The TWA Flight 800 Memorial.

Smith's Point's web site is http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/departments/parks/Smith%20Point%20County%20Park.aspx

FINS web site is http://www.nps.gov/archive/fiis/SmithPointCountyPark.htm

Check both these sites out because they hold events and classes. Most of them are free too - you just pay for parking.
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