The best parks in Nassau County are among the top reasons people love living and visiting Long Island. From shady trails to wide-open picnic spaces, Nassau’s green spaces are perfect for families, dog lovers, joggers, and nature seekers alike. Whether you’re planning a weekend walk, fishing trip, or an afternoon at the playground, this 2025 guide will help you find the perfect park.
🌿 Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve – Merrick, NY
Set atop a former landfill turned nature haven, Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve is a peaceful destination on the South Shore. Visitors can enjoy elevated trails with panoramic views of the water and the NYC skyline. The park also features exercise stations, a nature trail with goats, and guided kayak tours along the adjacent Merrick Bay. Restrooms and water refill stations make it convenient for both families and runners.
🏞 Eisenhower Park – East Meadow, NY
Eisenhower Park is often called Nassau’s answer to Central Park. It spans over 930 acres and features tennis courts, baseball fields, a golf course, playgrounds, fitness trails, and picnic areas. The park also hosts free summer concerts and cultural festivals. With pet-friendly walking paths, ample parking, and shaded green spaces, it’s a staple of Nassau County recreation.
🌳 Wantagh Park – Wantagh, NY
This South Shore gem offers scenic waterfront trails with views of the Wantagh Parkway Marina. Wantagh Park features a dog run, fishing piers, a seasonal pool complex with slides, a playground, and beautifully maintained walking and biking paths. Its open layout and proximity to the water make it perfect for summer strolls and active afternoons.
🚶 Hempstead Lake State Park – West Hempstead, NY
Hempstead Lake State Park features multiple lakes, a recently renovated playground, and plenty of walking and biking trails. It’s an excellent spot for families, with open picnic areas, courts, and even a sensory playground. Visitors often fish at McDonald Pond or stroll the 3-mile trail that loops around Hempstead Lake. The wide paved paths are stroller-friendly and scenic in all seasons.
⛳ Bethpage State Park – Farmingdale, NY
Best known for its world-class golf courses (including the PGA-famous Black Course), Bethpage State Park also offers miles of hiking and biking trails, a large picnic area, a children’s playground, and open fields. It’s a versatile destination for sports lovers and families alike. While parts of it straddle Suffolk, the core of the park is rooted in Nassau County recreation.
🌞 Valley Stream State Park – Valley Stream, NY
Perfect for barbecues and family outings, Valley Stream State Park offers shaded picnic groves with grills, playgrounds, and a scenic walking loop. It’s a quieter park, perfect for toddlers, grandparents, and anyone seeking a relaxing escape in the heart of southwestern Nassau County.
🎨 Welwyn Preserve – Glen Cove, NY
This nature preserve offers forested trails, quiet beach access, and historical ruins from the former Welwyn estate. Visitors enjoy peaceful walking paths lined with native plants and opportunities to view the Long Island Sound. It’s also home to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, blending reflection with nature.
🌄 Stillwell Woods Park – Woodbury, NY
Popular with mountain bikers and hikers alike, Stillwell Woods Park features a network of multi-use trails that wind through dense forest and open meadows. This preserve-style park is dog-friendly and offers a diverse range of terrain, making it ideal for weekend trail runs, beginner biking, or quiet picnics in the woods.
🧭 Trail View State Park – Woodbury, NY
Stretching north to south along the Nassau-Suffolk border, Trail View State Park offers a scenic greenbelt of wooded paths and rugged terrain. It’s popular with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers seeking more adventurous trails. Several trailheads connect to Bethpage State Park for extended outings.
🌳 Argyle Lake Park – Babylon, NY (Note: Border Area)
While technically in Suffolk County, Argyle Lake Park is just minutes from Nassau's western edge and is beloved by nearby residents. It features paved walking paths around a charming lake, a small playground, and benches for relaxing or watching the ducks. An excellent destination for stroller walks or low-key family outings.
📝 Final Thoughts
Nassau County is home to numerous incredible parks that bring the community together. From serene preserves and bike-friendly trails to dog runs and waterfront strolls, these parks offer more than just scenery—they're a way of life. Whether you're hiking with friends, bringing the kids to play, or enjoying a solo nature walk, there’s a perfect green space waiting for you.
