Best Budget-Friendly Day Trips Near Suffolk County

Written by Charlene Cooper

With four day trips that are great for both adults and kids, you can bring the youngsters along or leave them at home. Some of the best in Long Island art, agriculture and wine is just a tank of gas (or less) away.

Duck Walk Vineyards
44535 Main Rd.

Southold

(631) 765-3500

Why Go? Cheers to leaving the kids at home and enjoying a grown-ups only trip to the Duck Walk North tasting room at Duck Walk Vineyards in Southold. From sweet ice wines to Sauvignon Blanc, this is one place you'll want to add to your list of vineyards to visit on the Long Island wine trail.

Must Do: Be sure to try the Blueberry Port, a favorite among visitors. “I go every year after apple-picking across the street,” said visitor Jennifer Avicolli. “It's a great way to just relax, listen to music and enjoy a lovely day.”

Insider Tip: If you happen to be vineyard hopping, remember that wines from other locations cannot be consumed on the Duck Walk premises, so leave them at home.

Fine Print: Wine tasting is available daily. The vineyard is open Monday to Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A second tasting room in Water Mill, Duck Walk South, operates at the same hours. There is an $8 fee per person for tasting of up to five wines. 

Parrish Art Museum
279 Montauk Hwy.

Water Mill

(631) 283-2118

Why Go? Celebrating artists of Long Island's East End, the museum features bright, bold and dynamic exhibits.

Must Do: Peruse the museum gift shop to take home memorabilia or even pick up a gift. The shop houses a collection of handcrafted jewelry as well as posters and prints of art pieces from the museum's permanent collection.

Insider Tip: Visit the Art of Eating cafe in the museum for loads of lunch options, sweet treats and wine to sit and chat about all your favorite exhibits of the day.

Fine Print: Visit the museum Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Adult admission is $10 and $8 for seniors. Children under 18 and students with ID get in for free.

Long Island Science Center

11 W. Main St.

Riverhead

(631) 208-8000

Why Go? Channel your inner Isaac Newton for a fun-filled day with the family at the Long Island Science Center. Everyone can join in on the action in an interactive experience that includes touching, smelling and experimenting with cool science materials, games and gadgets.

Must Do: Check out the Science Center for lots of fun games to continue learning more about science at home. All proceeds from the store fund science education programs.

Insider Tip: Check out the Science Center website for $1 off any admission price and a coupon for 10 percent off the Total Science Shop.

Fine Print: Visit the center Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5; free for children under 2.

The Heckscher Museum of Art
2 Prime Ave.

Huntington 

(631) 351-3250

Why Go? Art enthusiasts and novices alike will enjoy the museum, which features exhibits from Long Island's notable contemporary artists. 

Must Do: Since the museum is located in Huntington's Heckscher Park, be sure to take in the park itself. After enjoying the indoor art, go outside and explore the beautiful park grounds.

Insider Tip: Huntington residents receive free admission on Wednesdays after 2 p.m. and Saturdays before 1 p.m. 

Fine Print: Visit the museum Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $8; seniors 62 and older, $6; and students 10 and older, $5. Children under 10 get in for free.