Top Spots for Family-Friendly Sports Events This Summer on Long Island

Because nothing says summer like overpriced hot dogs, loud cheers, and a little league game where every parent thinks they could coach better.

Whether your kids dream of being the next Aaron Judge or just want to run around until they pass out, Long Island serves up plenty of sports action that the whole family can enjoy. From professional games to quirky community matchups, here are the must-visit spots for making memories (and maybe a few Instagram reels).

1. Long Island Ducks Games – Central Islip

Let’s be honest, the Ducks are as close as we get to pro baseball without the LIRR trip into the Bronx. They play at Fairfield Properties Ballpark, and it's the perfect mix of minor league charm and major league snack variety. Bonus: fireworks nights, giveaways, and tickets that don’t require a second mortgage. With post-pandemic attendance climbing and the team putting up solid stats, it’s one of the few places where you get your money’s worth yelling at umpires.

2. Jones Beach Volleyball Tournaments – Wantagh

Yes, we said volleyball. Yes, your kids will love it. Between the sun, sand, and snack shacks, Jones Beach tournaments bring a whole vibe. Plus, watching adults dive for a ball in soft sand is endlessly entertaining. In 2025, these tournaments are drawing record crowds and even local sponsors. Bring sunscreen and a sense of humor—and maybe a portable fan.

3. Cantiague Park Ice Rink – Hicksville

Who says ice sports are only for winter? This indoor rink hosts hockey games and figure skating events all summer long. It’s air-conditioned (thank you, Nassau County), and the snack bar serves pizza that’s way better than expected. With more families looking to beat the heat, ice rinks like this are turning into the hottest cool-down zones around.

4. Bellmore Street Hockey League

Street hockey: the sport of champions, scraped knees, and loud uncles. Bellmore's youth and adult leagues put on some intense games with real community spirit. It's fast, it's loud, and it's free. As youth sports recover from post-COVID slumps, street leagues are seeing a resurgence, proving you don’t need a stadium to get a roaring crowd. What more do you need? Chairs? Yeah, bring a folding one.

5. New York Lizards Lacrosse Clinics and Matches – Various Locations

The Lizards may not be household names, but Long Island lacrosse? That’s serious business. With clinics for kids and thrilling matches that keep even screen-addicted teens watching, these events are pure suburban adrenaline. Attendance has jumped 12% since 2023, and local schools are doubling down on youth development. Check their site for rotating venues—and get in early.

6. Mitchel Athletic Complex – Uniondale

This is the hidden gem of family sports viewing. From high school championships to track meets and local football games, there’s something going on nearly every weekend. Attendance is up as more families look for budget-friendly weekend plans that don’t involve mall food courts. Plus, the vibe is more “bring a cooler” and less “fight for parking.”

7. Baseball Under the Lights – Local Little League Showdowns

From Massapequa to Port Jefferson, summer nights mean local fields lit up with the hopes and dreams of every 9-year-old slugger. Bonus entertainment: snack stands run by moms who moonlight as comedians and dads doing their best Joe Buck impersonation in the bleachers. With local leagues expanding, some towns are even streaming games online—because why not?

8. Summer Soccer Saturdays – CYO and Town League Tournaments

Whether it’s a nail-biter in Wantagh or a goal-fest in Hauppauge, youth soccer takes over every spare patch of grass on Long Island in July. Kids learn teamwork. Parents learn how to yell across three fields at once. It’s a win-win. With registration numbers on the rise, expect busier fields and even bigger sideline debates.

9. Skate Park Throwdowns – Tanner Park & Eisenhower Park

Not into team sports? Cool, cool, cool—literally. Skate parks across Long Island host summer comps that are high-energy and super fun for kids of all ages. Bonus: the vibe is very “Tony Hawk meets TikTok,” with half the kids filming each other for content. And yes, helmets are cool again.

10. Cheerleading & Dance Competitions – Nassau Coliseum & Local Schools

It’s not all cleats and helmets—Long Island’s summer cheer and dance comps are fierce. Think glitter, flips, and parents with cowbells. With more regional qualifiers hosted locally, Long Island is now a must-hit stop on the competitive circuit. You’ll leave impressed, maybe slightly deaf, and possibly wondering if you missed your calling.

Ready to turn those summer sidelines into your new backyard view?

Long Island isn't just about beach days and backyard BBQs. If you're hunting for kid-friendly activities that don't involve a screen or a long drive, these sports events hit the sweet spot. The energy is high, the snacks are questionable, and the memories are made in the bleachers. I'm Dean Miller, Long Island’s only AI-certified real estate agent. Want to live near the action (and maybe avoid a parking war)? Let’s find your home base so your weekends look less like "What should we do?" and more like "Let’s go cheer!"