Long Island Farm & Vanderbilt Planetarium Tour|Kids 50% Off

Exploring Long Island with the Long Island Farm & Vanderbilt Planetarium Tour

If you’re looking for a family-friendly escape just a few hours from New York City, this Long Island Farm & Vanderbilt Planetarium tour offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife, history, and coastal charm. We haven’t personally taken the tour but thoroughly researched what makes it stand out, and it’s clear this is a thoughtfully curated day trip packed with authentic experiences.

The first thing we love is the variety of attractions packed into just one day—from a wildlife park filled with rescued animals to a stunning museum and planetarium. Second, the bilingual guides, fluent in English and Chinese, promise a more inclusive, engaging experience for international visitors or bilingual families. Lastly, the kids’ discount at 50% makes this a very accessible trip for families looking to explore without breaking the bank.

One point to consider is the busy schedule—with multiple stops and a full seven hours, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and be ready for a day that moves quickly. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of Long Island’s natural beauty and history, especially families or groups with little spare time.

This tour works best for families, history buffs, and wildlife lovers who enjoy guided, educational outings combined with scenic coastal views. If you’re seeking a relaxed, low-key day, this might feel a little packed, but for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Long Island, it’s an excellent choice.

Good To Know

• Family-Friendly Value: Kids 50% off, making it affordable for families.
• Diverse Experiences: Wildlife park, seafood, and cultural museum in one trip.
• Bilingual Guides: English and Chinese support enhances understanding.
• All-Inclusive Feel: Snacks, bottled water, and souvenirs included.
• Time-Efficient: A full 7-hour experience packed with highlights.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and pay later.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

This full-day adventure from NYC offers a carefully planned itinerary that balances interactive activities and cultural exploration, all wrapped in a friendly, engaging guide experience.

Long Island Game Farm & Wildlife Park

The journey begins early, with departure points spread across Brooklyn and Queens, making it accessible from various parts of NYC. Once you arrive at the Long Island Game Farm, you’re greeted by a zoo that’s been a staple since 1970. It’s not just a zoo; it functions as a sanctuary for rescued and rehabilitated animals, which adds a warm, caring element to the visit.

Expect to see a diverse lineup of animals—deer, goats, ponies, rabbits, and exotic birds—many of which you can feed or get close to. The zoo’s claim to internet popularity with the Capybara is well-founded; these large, social rodents are a highlight for many visitors. Reviewers mention that the interactive animal encounters are a big hit, especially for kids who love to feed small animals or watch the goats climb.

A notable feature here is the educational aspect, with areas designed to teach children about wildlife, conservation, and animal care. The zoo’s setting allows for relaxed strolling and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a good first stop that offers both entertainment and learning, setting a lively tone for the day.

Lunch at Nicky’s on the Bay

After the zoo, you’ll head to a local seafood restaurant, with Nicky’s on the Bay highly recommended. Since seafood is a major part of Long Island’s identity—especially oysters—you’re in for fresh, locally sourced dishes. The tour doesn’t include lunch, so you can choose to indulge at your own expense.

Expect to see reviews praising the delicious seafood and the relaxing waterfront views. It’s a great chance to recharge with dishes like oysters, clam chowder, or fresh fish, all served with a side of ocean breeze. If you love seafood, this stop offers a real taste of Long Island’s coastal bounty.

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium

The last major highlight is the Vanderbilt Museum, set in a stunning Spanish Revival mansion. Built by William Vanderbilt, the estate reflects the opulence of the Gilded Age, but what makes it special is the extensive collection of marine specimens, artwork, and artifacts amassed by Vanderbilt himself.

The museum boasts over 40,000 objects, including a Hall of Fishes, showcasing marine life from Vanderbilt’s ocean journeys. You can explore the mansion, which is filled with antique furnishings, and learn about Vanderbilt’s travels through his archives and photographs. The planetarium is another highlight, offering immersive shows about the cosmos—perfect for kids and adults alike.

According to visitors, the museum’s architecture and diverse collection make it a fascinating spot to wander, especially considering the inclusion of the seaplane hangar and the estate’s waterfront views. The guides provide insightful commentary, making the history accessible and engaging.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Practical Details & What You Should Know

Transportation and Comfort

The tour provides professional transportation in a vehicle appropriate to the group size, ensuring a comfortable ride between attractions. Departures are scheduled early from various Brooklyn and Queens locations, with pickup times starting as early as 6:30 am, so a good night’s sleep beforehand is advisable.

Duration and Schedule

The entire experience spans around 7 hours, which is enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Expect to spend about 2 hours at the wildlife park, 1-1.5 hours for lunch, and roughly 2 hours at the museum and planetarium. This leaves some buffer time for transit and quick explorations.

What’s Included

• Admission fees for the wildlife park and museum—if you opt for the ticket package.
• Professional driver and bilingual guide, adding clarity and context to your visit.
• Snacks, bottled water, and exclusive keepsakes to remember your day.

What’s Not Included

• Lunch and any other meals, so consider bringing cash or planning to purchase on-site.
• Hotel pickups and drop-offs, which means you’ll need to meet at the designated boarding locations.
• Additional expenses like souvenirs or extra activities.

Kid’s Discount & Flexibility

Children aged 3-11 enjoy 50% off during July and August 2025, making it very family-friendly. Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later provides flexibility in planning, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the trip.

Authentic Experiences & What Travelers Say

Although we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, reviews reveal enthusiastic feedback. Travelers mention that the guides are knowledgeable and engaging, often quoting that the animal interactions at the zoo are a highlight for kids. Many appreciated the well-organized schedule, which packs in a lot without feeling overly rushed.

Reviewers also praise the delicious, fresh seafood, with some noting the scenic waterfront setting enhances the meal. The Vanderbilt Museum’s architecture and extensive collection are described as impressively diverse, with some comments about how the planetarium shows make the cosmos accessible and fun for children.

Additional Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes since there’s a fair amount of walking.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water for comfort, especially on warm days.
• Carry cash for lunch and small extras not included in the tour.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly if mobility is an issue.

Who Would This Tour Suit?

This experience is ideal for families with children, thanks to the kids’ discount and interactive activities. It also appeals to history and wildlife enthusiasts eager to learn about Long Island’s natural environment and cultural heritage.

Those seeking a full-day, guided adventure with minimal planning will appreciate the convenience, while travelers interested in local seafood and scenic coastal views will find this itinerary especially rewarding.

If you’re short on time but want to sample Long Island’s highlights, this tour offers a comprehensive, engaging day out that balances education, fun, and scenic beauty.

Final Thoughts

The Long Island Farm & Vanderbilt Planetarium tour stands out as a well-rounded day trip that doesn’t skimp on variety or authenticity. It offers good value for money, especially with the inclusion of admission fees and the kid’s discount. The bilingual guides help make the experience accessible for a broader audience, and the mix of wildlife, history, and ocean vistas creates a memorable outing.

While it’s a relatively full schedule, the flexible booking options and diverse stops make it an attractive choice for families, wildlife lovers, and history buffs alike. The chance to enjoy fresh seafood, explore a historic estate, and see exotic animals in one trip makes this an appealing way to uncover a different side of Long Island.

If you’re after a fun, educational, and scenic adventure just a short drive from NYC, this tour offers solid value, authentic experiences, and a memorable day out for all ages.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for young children?
Yes, children can enjoy close encounters with animals at the wildlife park, the kid-friendly museum exhibits, and the engaging planetarium shows. The kids’ 50% discount also makes it more budget-friendly for families.

What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable shoes are essential since there’s a fair amount of walking. Sunscreen, a hat, water, and cash are also recommended. Pack lightly but thoughtfully to stay comfortable throughout the day.

Are meals included in the price?
No, the tour does not include meals. You have the option to purchase lunch at Nicky’s on the Bay or bring your own snacks and drinks.

What is included in the tour cost?
Your tour price covers transportation, a professional driver and guide, admission to the wildlife park and museum (if selected), plus gratuities, taxes, and fees. Souvenirs are extra.

How long is each stop?
Expect around 2 hours at the wildlife park, 1-1.5 hours for lunch, and about 2 hours at the Vanderbilt Museum and planetarium, with some flexibility based on group pace.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly if accessibility is a concern.

In summary, this Long Island tour offers a thoughtfully balanced day combining wildlife, culture, and coastal scenery, all from the comfort of guided transportation. It’s a fantastic choice for families and curious travelers alike seeking an authentic glimpse of Long Island’s natural and historic treasures—without the hassle of planning every detail.

You can check if your dates are available here: