Nestled in the town of Islip on Long Island, the sleepy hamlet of Brentwood is a hidden gem in New York.
This small community in Suffolk County offers visitors a quaint view of Long Island.
Brentwood only has a few attractions, but there are plenty of free things to see and do here and in its surrounding areas.
Whether you’re looking to explore nature or participate in historical sightseeing, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Brentwood.
If you’re planning to visit Long Island, consider stopping by this hamlet and checking out the free things to do in Brentwood, New York.
DanTD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Libraries are the best places to learn about a town’s history and culture.
Brentwood Public Library is one of the best places to visit to explore the area and learn more about its culture.
Located at 34 Second Avenue in central Brentwood, this public library has served the Brentwood community since 1937.
The library underwent several renovations, transforming from a small rented space into a modern, state-of-the-art facility.
Today, the Brentwood Public Library continues to serve the people of Brentwood, offering free programs and services to visitors of all ages.
These programs include group activities, storytelling sessions, book clubs, and more.
The Brentwood Public Library is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a free attraction that lets you pass the time while learning about the area’s history.
Velasquez Park is Brentwood’s premier outdoor recreation destination.
Located at 47 Macarthur Avenue in downtown Brentwood, this park is perfect for a family outing or a picnic with friends.
The park offers plenty of facilities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, walking paths, and open spaces.
There are also plenty of trees that provide ample amounts of shade, keeping you cool and comfortable, especially during hot summer days.
Velasquez Park is open 24/7, providing visitors with a beautiful outdoor getaway in the heart of Brentwood.
The park is also dog-friendly, so bring your furry friends with you during your visit; make sure they are on a leash.
Ellery Park at 200 Ellery Street is a small neighborhood park with a large playground complex and grassy areas.
The playground is in the middle of the park and features a multi-slide complex, two swings, and horse rockers.
The playground is situated on a giant sand pit, a great way for kids to play without fear of getting hurt.
The park also has two sets of benches where the parents can sit down and enjoy the peaceful scenery as the kids run and play.
Ellery Park also offers plenty of open space where kids can run around, which is excellent for a game of tag or catch.
Just remember that the park is only a few meters from the road, and the fences are small for kids to climb over, so keep an eye on them at all times.
DanTD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Spanning 52 acres, Brentwood State Park is an outdoor recreation area with many accessible facilities and amenities.
Located at 375 Crooked Hill Road in downtown Brentwood, this park features an athletic field complex that offers a variety of activities, such as baseball, football, and soccer.
Anyone can use the facilities within Brentwood State Park; however, you’ll need to secure a field usage application.
Once you’ve obtained this document, you can access to the park’s facilities.
Otherwise, Brentwood State Park is free to access; you can enjoy this well-maintained park’s beautiful scenery and breathe fresh air.
The park also has plenty of places for a nice picnic, so bring some snacks and drinks during your visit.
Commack Road Park is a small park located in Islip, New York.
This roadside park is simple; amenities include a playground with a slide complex, a pair of swings, and a single basketball hoop.
However, it has decent open space to let the kids play while you set your picnic blanket and enjoy quality family time.
The open space is surrounded by thick, tall trees that provide ample shade and fresh air.
The park is fenced with a good amount of parking space.
It doesn’t get as crowded as other parks in the area, making Commack Road Park an ideal place to bond with your family without competing for space with other parkgoers.
Spend quality time with your family at Commack Road Park.
Holtsville Wildlife & Ecology Center in nearby Holtsville, New York, 22 minutes from Brentwood.
This park has something for everyone, from black bears to buffalos, deer, and other small mammals.
The park also showcases exhibits centering on ecology and interactive displays.
The park also offers excellent opportunities for bird-watching, photography, and other outdoor activities.
A playground for kids also offers a dynamic and fun environment.
The best part about the Holtsville Wildlife & Ecology Center is that it’s free to visit, so you can explore the wildlife and learn more about ecology without breaking the bank.
Reflection Park at the Marina is a Park in West Islip, New York, 13 minutes from Brentwood.
This marina and park is a great place to enjoy some of the most beautiful views of Long Island.
The location provides a great view of the Great South Bay and the Oak Island Channel.
This is an excellent spot for people of all ages, as you can take walks or runs around the park and shoreline or relax and take in the scenery.
The marina features different types of boats; it’s a great spot to watch sunsets or enjoy some quality time with friends and family.
The massive park area features four baseball fields, a playground, and more.
There are also plenty of open spaces to explore and enjoy.
The best part about Reflection Park at the Marina is that it’s free for all to explore and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Long Island.
The Massachusetts Ave & Illinois Park near Bay Shore, New York, is a fantastic destination to watch or participate in a local soccer game.
This park is an ample open space with a full-sized soccer field in the middle.
Whether you’re an experienced soccer player, a weekend warrior, or just looking to watch a casual soccer game from locals in the neighborhood, go to this park.
The park also features a pair of swings and two benches where kids can play.
The park is filled with people on weekends as it’s a popular destination for soccer enthusiasts.
There’s ample space on the park’s edges to set out a picnic blanket and enjoy the open field.
Enjoy soccer at Massachusetts Ave & Illinois Park, five minutes from Brentwood.
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Belmont Lake State Park is a 463-acre park in West Babylon, New York, 12 minutes from Brentwood.
Established in 1926, the park was named after its original owner, August Belmont.
It originally served as farmland for equestrian activities but was eventually converted into a public park.
The Belmont Lake State Park features the majestic Belmont lake, a 42-acre lake with a boat launching facility and fishing spots.
Pedal boats, kayaks, and rowboats are also available for rent on the lake during summer—up to four passengers are allowed per boat.
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The park is excellent for families looking for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and recreational activities.
The park features a large picnic area with tables and grills for you to use free of charge.
It also has a playground area for children and plenty of open spaces that you can use for sports, camping, and more.
Belmont Lake State Park is an excellent place for everyone to relax and enjoy the scenery of nature.
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Chicago Avenue Park is a multipurpose open-space recreation area where you can play different field sports.
This park lets you play any sport requiring a vast open space, from soccer, flag football, and Frisbee to softball and lacrosse.
The park also has a playground with various play structures for kids to enjoy.
Chicago Avenue Park also features three separate bleachers to sit down and watch a game.
Plenty of tournaments and leagues are held at this park, so if you’re interested in joining one, keep an eye out for open free registration.
Otherwise, you can watch a game instead and enjoy the bright sunny day at this open-space park.
This park is in Bay Shore, seven minutes from Brentwood.
If you want to check out the art scene in Brentwood and its nearby areas, visit the Islip Arts Council Gallery.
This art gallery is located in Bay Shore, eight minutes from Brentwood.
It focuses on various art forms, including painting, photography, sculpture, and more.
The gallery hosts a series of free exhibitions from local, national, and international artists throughout the year.
You can go on a self-tour and discover the talents of renowned local and foreign artists.
The gallery also has a gift shop where you can purchase jewelry, art prints, and other unique items made by local artisans.
You can also purchase art from the gallery; some pieces are offered at a reasonable price.
The Islip Arts Council Gallery is a great way to expose yourself to various art forms without paying for anything.
Whether you’re an avid art collector looking for your next statement piece or just a casual visitor looking for something interesting, the Islip Arts Council Gallery is worth visiting.
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Visit Gardiner County Park and explore its alluring 231-acre grounds adjacent to the majestic Great South Bay in Bay Shore, New York, 12 minutes from Brentwood.
Located 6.8 miles from Brentwood, stroll through nature at this public park’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife.
Gardiner County Park is a pup paradise, featuring multiple on-leash trails, an exclusive water fountain designed for dogs, and even a waste station.
Your dog can explore the great outdoors with you as you take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying quality bonding time.
The park also features a picnic area and a playground for kids to play while you can relax and enjoy a picnic with your family and friends.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life or visit an outdoor recreational area for your pup at Gardiner County Park.
The Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve is a lively park and nature sanctuary in Commack, New York, ten minutes from Brentwood.
This park contains a variety of exciting attractions that will keep you on your toes all day.
Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve features baseball fields, horseshoe pits, kiddle climbing toys, nature trails, picnic areas, and restrooms.
The playground complex is a child’s dream; it features a giant sandbox, a multi-side play area, swings, seesaws, and jungle gyms.
The park also has a water park where you can cool off during hot summer days—however, you’ll need to pay a fee to enter this area.
If you’re into hiking and exploring nature, the park provides miles of trails to take your breath away.
If you’re feeling sporty, the Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve also features baseball fields and plenty of open spaces to play and get active.
With many activities and amenities, you can easily spend an entire day at the Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve.
West Islip Beach is in Babylon, New York, 15 minutes from Brentwood.
It’s a typical white sand beach with a few small rocks here and there.
However, people love to visit this beach mainly because of its spectacular views of the Oak Island Channel.
The beach also lends to beautiful sunsets.
You can also take a dip in the sea, enjoy swimming, or sit back, relax, and soak up some sun.
The best part about West Islip Beach is that it’s free to access anytime.
So if you’re missing the coastline views and want fresh air and sea breeze, head to West Islip Beach.
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Heckscher State Park is a massive outdoor recreation area that is an excellent opportunity for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Located in East Islip, Heckscher State Park lets you embrace the beauty of nature and go on a memorable outdoor adventure.
Apart from its multipurpose open space, Heckscher State Park offers campgrounds, an open area for playing different kinds of field sports, and multiple trails.
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The campground features various grounds to set up your tent or even rent a pre-set campsite.
There’s also a nearby stream in the park where you can go fishing and ample open space with designated picnic areas.
If you want to go on a camping trip with your family or friends but don’t want to break the bank, then Heckscher State Park is a great free option.
This park is 15 minutes from Brentwood.
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While Brentwood may be a small hamlet, that doesn’t mean it has nothing to offer.
As you can see from this list, plenty of fun and free attractions are located within and beyond this quaint community.
From its beaches and parks to the Holtsville Wildlife & Ecology Center, you can do plenty of amazing things in and around Brentwood without spending a dime.
So the next time you’re in town, don’t forget to check out these excellent free attractions in Brentwood and its surrounding areas!
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