100 Things to Do: #65 - Visit the Nature Museum at Caleb Smith State Park

Among Smithtown’s many parks to visit is Caleb Smith State Park Preserve. Located on West Jericho Turnpike, this park stretches across 543 acres of land that not only protects the local plant and wildlife, but allows you to go hiking along nature trails, bird watching, fly fishing and to participate in a variety of programs at their nature museum.

The nature museum is in the Smith Family home built in 1751. It showcases natural history exhibits including a Great Blue Heron, Red Fox, Flying Squirrel and River Otter. The programs offered include Tiny Tots for ages three to five years old, Fun for Kids ages five and up, Family Adventures for ages five and up, but younger siblings are welcome and Adult Ed-ventures for ages 18 and up. Reservations are required for all programs.

Program fees vary – Environmental Interpretive Programs for adults 18 and over is $4, children three to 17 years old are $3, and children two and under are free, according to the park’s website.

Their next event is Family Adventures: Wearable Art on Sunday, Aug. 28 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The park is opened Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to sunset (except holidays), and the museum is opened until 4 p.m.

The park, originally called Nissequogue River State Park, a name now used for another park located in Kings Park, offers the Empire Passport season’s pass for $65, which provides unlimited day use vehicle entry into most of their parks. Vehicle entrance fee for cars is $8, according to the park’s website.

Category: Community Resources, Parks and Gardens

Price: Varies

Season: Year-round

Note: Pets, bikes and picnics are not permitted.