15 Best Things to Do in Babylon, NY

The town of Babylon is in Suffolk County, southeastern New York, on the southern part of Long Island.

Before the town was officially established as Babylon in 1872, the area was known as Huntington South.

The town consists of several villages, hamlets, and islands, offering plenty of opportunities for recreation and leisure on the South Shore.

It is home to history museums and arts and culture establishments.

Its amusement and shopping centers provide access to family-friendly entertainment throughout the year.

The town’s parks, preserves, and beaches highlight its natural beauty.

If you want to explore Long Island, check out this list of the best things to do in Babylon, New York.

Experience Summer at Belmont Lake State Park

Head to Belmont Lake State Park and spend a sunny day by the lake.

This park spans over 460 acres and is home to a wetland complex surrounding Belmont Lake.

Also located within the park is a stretch of Carll's Creek.

The park’s amenities include picnic pavilions, miles of trails, playgrounds, and sports fields.

Rent a boat, catch some bass, and enjoy the lake’s serene atmosphere.

There is also a boat dock to launch a kayak or canoe.

The park is also an excellent spot for bird watching; you can quickly see some egrets, herons, and other waterfowl around.

You can find Belmont Lake State Park in North Babylon.

Explore the Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve

Reconnect with nature and explore Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve.

Spanning over 800 acres, this preserve features over 20 miles of trails and rare habitats.

Go for an easy hike on the blue trail, which will take you through a lovely pine-barren forest.

If you prefer to explore on your bike, there are dedicated bike trails with varying difficulties that you can check out.

As you explore, spot some of the preserve's resident wildlife.

You can see red-tailed hawks and red foxes and hear warblers around.

Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve is accessible via Commack Road.

Take a Trip to the Beach at Robert Moses State Park

Take your friends on a fun and relaxing day by the beach at Robert Moses State Park.

This popular park boasts plenty of oceanfront recreation and scenic views.

Enjoy exploring and lounging along its miles of lovely shoreline.

Go for a swim or catch some waves during your surfing session.

Play volleyball with friends.

There’s a golf course if you’re looking for some tee time.

The park also provides access to Fire Island through a short yet lovely nature walk.

Robert Moses State Park is located along Robert Moses Causeway.

Check Out the Shows at the Argyle Theatre

Get a glimpse of the local entertainment scene at the Argyle Theatre.

With its storied past dating back to the 1920s, this now-modern theater hosts musical shows and performances.

Catch one of the theater’s yearly main productions on stage, which includes Broadway classics.

Enjoy a fun evening with a comedy show or a concert.

If you visit with kids, you can check out its children's show lineup.

The Argyle Theatre is located along Main St. in Babylon Village.

Visit the Town of Babylon History Museum

Learn the town’s story at the Town of Babylon History Museum.

The museum occupies three floors of the Old Town Hall, a listed structure in the National Register of Historic Places.

Visit and explore the exhibits, photographs, and artifacts.

Learn about the history of the town’s establishment, its industries, and the communities that call it home.

You can also see the town’s old courtroom and jail cells.

If you’re visiting during the Christmas season, the museum has an annual model train display for the holiday season.

You can find the Town of Babylon History Museum along West Main Street.

Relax at Southards Pond Park

If you want a relaxing walk in Babylon, head to Southards Pond Park.

This park features nature paths surrounding the fishing pond.

As part of a local river system, the pond is home to yellow perch, bass, bluegill, and other Long Island warm-water species.

Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the park’s quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

You can wade in the pond's southern shoreline to cool your tired feet.

Southards Pond Park is located north of Babylon village.

Dine and Unwind at Lily’s

End a day in town with great food and beer at Lily’s.

This restaurant with a bar offers a broad menu, an inviting atmosphere, and outdoor seating.

Have a taste of its traditional Irish pub dishes and comforting American fare paired with a pint of draft beer.

Check out the day’s specials, and don't forget to sample the dessert menu.

Spend the rest of the evening with hand-crafted cocktails over stories of the day’s trip.

There’s live music to enjoy on some nights.

You can find Lily’s along Deer Park Avenue in Babylon Village.

Spend a Sunny Day at Cedar Beach

Drive to Cedar Beach for some fun in the sun.

This town beach on the Atlantic Ocean has picnic spots and sports courts.

Gather your friends for a beach volleyball match.

Shoot some hoops at the basketball court.

Refuel with your favorite seafood and classic beach snacks by the seaside as you enjoy the vibrant summer scenery.

You can also sign up and join a yoga session by the beach for a more relaxed visit.

The beach plays host to various fun events and festivals.

Cedar Beach is located along Eastbound Ocean Parkway.

Treat Yourself at Old Fashioned Ice Cream

If you explore West Babylon, try an Old Fashioned Ice Cream.

This family-owned ice cream shop opened in 1973 and has become a community staple.

Stop by and beat the afternoon heat with a serving of its tasty homemade soft serve.

You can get your treat in classic flavors such as vanilla and chocolate or try one of the creative flavors.

It also offers gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options if you have dietary restrictions.

You can find Old Fashioned Ice Cream along Straight Path.

Start Spring with a Fishing Trip at Argyle Lake

If you’re visiting the town in spring, try fishing at Argyle Lake.

The 25-acre lake's shoreline provides access to fishing for several species.

You can fish for yellow perch in early spring when they usually run north of the lake.

Other species you can catch are sunfish, bass, and carp.

The lake is also stocked with rainbow and brown trout, which anglers can catch during the spring and fall.

You can find Argyle Lake north of Montauk Highway.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Plenty of attractions await you in the town’s surrounding areas.

Check out some of these activities near Babylon that you shouldn’t miss.

See Legendary Aircraft at the American Airpower Museum

Immerse yourself in aviation and military history at the American Airpower Museum.

This museum is in the former hangars of Republic Aviation, which produced World War II fighter aircraft in the 1940s.

It exhibits legendary aircraft, such as a C-47 transport aircraft, a B-25 Mitchell, and a Warhawk.

Explore the exhibits and learn stories about the people behind these aircraft.

If you're an aviation enthusiast, try one of their flight experiences, where you can take flight aboard an aircraft!

You can find the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale, New York, 12 minutes from Babylon.

Go on Thrilling Rides at Adventureland

Take the family to an exciting day at Adventureland.

This amusement park opened in 1962.

It is a popular go-to for fun rides and attractions in Long Island.

Feel the thrill of riding on the fireball rollercoaster or the swinging pirate ship.

Beat the heat on a summer day when you go on the water rides.

The park also has classic family-friendly rides such as bumper cars, kiddie caterpillar, merry-go-round, and Ferris wheel.

Spend hours in the arcade and beat some high scores.

Of course, the day won’t be complete without getting hotdogs, popcorn, ice cream, and pizza!

Adventureland is located in Farmingdale, 14 minutes from Babylon.

Join the Long Island Bluegrass and Roots Music Festival

Experience a summer night of great music at The Long Island Bluegrass and Roots Music Festival.

This annual music fest started in 2002.

It features artists from the local music scene and exciting bluegrass bands.

Pack a lawn chair, find a good spot, and enjoy the hours of musical performances.

Grab some festival food and enjoy the vibe and the atmosphere.

The Long Island Bluegrass and Roots Music Festival is usually held at Tanner Park in Copiague, New York, ten minutes from Babylon.

Shop at Tanger Outlets Deer Park

Get your vacation shopping done at Tanger Outlets Deer Park.

This outlet center is home to over 100 brands of apparel, accessories, and shoes, as well as entertainment facilities and specialty shops.

Find great deals from your favorite brands or discover a new brand!

The shops are in gorgeous buildings, and the surrounding area offers excellent sightseeing.

Of course, a shopping trip won’t be complete without grabbing snacks and drinks.

You can find Tanger Outlets Deer Park in Deer Park, New York, ten minutes from Babylon.

Explore Bethpage State Park

Take a short drive and explore Bethpage State Park in the nearby village of Farmingdale, 16 minutes from Babylon.

Well-known for its championship golf courses, it previously hosted PGA and US Open championships.

The park also has beautiful trails and green spaces, offering an excellent venue for relaxing outdoor activities.

Hop on a bike and cycle for fresh air and serene views.

Pick one of the trails and go on a quiet hike into the woods.

The other park amenities include bridle paths, picnic areas, a restaurant, and sports fields.

Bethpage State Park is a three-mile drive from Babylon’s East Farmingdale hamlet.

Enjoy a Treetop Adventure at the Adventure Park at Long Island

Enjoy exciting nature adventures at the Adventure Park at Long Island.

This outdoor recreation park features aerial ropes and platforms weaved through the trees, forming an exhilarating course of zip lines, ladders, and bridges.

Choose a trail to explore and enjoy climbing and zip-lining across the forest.

Don’t worry if you’re new to these activities, as its trails are suitable for every skill level.

If you’re not a fan of climbing, you can explore the park’s beautiful trails and enjoy the scenery.

There are also benches along the trails, so you can take a spot and watch your friends or family climb.

The Adventure Park at Long Island is located along Colonial Springs Road in Wheatley Heights, New York, 16 minutes from Babylon.

Visit the Museum of American Armor

Take a glimpse of history at the Museum of American Armor in Old Bethpage, New York, 21 minutes from Babylon.

This museum aims to educate today’s generation about American military history through its comprehensive collection of American war vehicles.

Step through its camouflaged doors and check out the display of tens of operational vehicles.

See iconic tanks up close, such as the Sherman and other reconnaissance vehicles.

You can also explore its artillery and replica machinery collection, including heavy tanks.

The Museum of American Armor is five miles from the East Farmingdale area of Babylon.

Final Thoughts

The town of Babylon is a destination worth exploring for its many attractions.

From charming parks, miles of beaches, and exciting amusement centers, it offers plenty of options to explore on your vacation.

Plan your Long Island getaway now, and don't miss the best things to do in Babylon, New York.