long island vacation

I am a single mom on a budget. I have a 2 and 4 year old. I want to give them the vacation feel, especially my 4 year old who remembers going to sesame place last year (and the hotel) etc experience. but I want to stay on Long Island.I was thinking of doing riverhead for an overnight and do the aquarium and splish splash. I know riverhead is not the safest areas but do you have any experiences with the hotels out there. with 2 little ones I'd want to eat dinner at the hotel and go up to room around 6pm so not out late so I figure we'd be ok?

Re: long island vacation

We stayed at the Hyatt next door to the aquarium. It was great for what we needed. There is an indoor pool which is small and was very crowded but the kids loved it. There is another hotel across the street from Tanger Mall - I think Indigo? restaurant was great there and the hotel is more modern - I think it has an outdoor pool. Riverhead might not have the best reputation but I honestly never felt unsafe there.

There is also a place called Safari Jungle that is an indoor play area with bouncy castles etc and my kids love it there. You could also tag on a trip to the north fork to pick strawberries etc or go to greenport and ride the carousel. Lots to do in this neck of the woods.

Enjoy your vacation with your little ones.

Re: long island vacation

Re: long island vacation

What about a combo trip. Splish splash might big for that age. What about Adeventureland? And a place maybe in hauppauge for the night. You could then go to the aquarium, green port, and strawberry pick or maybe a beach day.

Message edited 6/12/2016 7:14:07 AM.

long island vacation

I've stayed at the Hilton garden inn right across from tanger which was fine. The hotel next to the aquarium is only a few years old and looks nice. There's a restaurant right behind it in the river that's good for kids. There is safari adventure and a science place both nearby on main street. You could also hit done of the farms nearby like garden of eve or harbes that have plenty for kids to enjoy.

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The hotel by the aquarium was super $$$ when my sister stayed there. I'd pick any hotel & do two day trips. Could do aquarium, LI game farm, visit a farmstand, take a swim & do a picnic. Riverhead is fine. Cute downtown. I would not describe it as sketchy!

Re: long island vacation

Hotel Indigo.
It has an outdoor pool and a good restaurant on site

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We have stayed at the Hyatt Place East End, connected to the LI Aquarium. HUGE rooms, free breakfast, modern and clean. We paid $99 for a staycation over Christmas break, but I think in the Summer it's $$$$.

I would do Adventureland and stay over in that area. There is a Courtyard by Marriott in Farmingdale, and some other hotels in the 110 area.

Re: long island vacation

Good ideas! Thank you everyone