Best Beaches in NYC with Kids

Summer in the city means one thing: beach days are calling! From Rockaway to the Bronx to Long Island, here’s your go-to guide for family-friendly NYC beaches—plus the scoop on parking, playgrounds, food, and how to avoid rookie mistakes (like bringing the floaties—I’ll explain).

Lifeguards, Rules & What Not to Bring

First things first: lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily during beach season. That means no swimming before or after, and you'll want to steer clear of any areas marked off with red flags or closed signs.

Shark sightings do happen from time to time! We’ve been part of the crowd getting called out of the waves while lifeguards scan the surf. It’s rare, but when it happens, better safe than sorry—listen for the whistles and follow lifeguard instructions until the coast is literally clear.

Heads up for non-swimmers: Floatation devices are a no-go at NYC beaches. That includes puddle jumpers, inflatable donuts, life vests, boogie boards—you name it. If it floats, leave it at home. It's for your safety!

Is the Water Clean?

If your kiddos are all about clear, clean water, start with Rockaway Beach in Queens or Orchard Beach in the Bronx—both tend to have some of the best water quality in the city. Heading out to Long Island? Even better. For real-time updates and to avoid any murky surprises, check out NYC Gov’s Beach Water Quality Map before you go.

The Rockaway Beaches of Queens

Beach 17 (Rockaway)

Perfect for little beach bums who aren’t ready for the big waves just yet. This calm, protected stretch along the East Rockaway inlet is super accessible by car. Arrive early and you might score parking in one of the lots right along the boardwalk.
🚻 Bathrooms: Yes! Near Dred Surfer Grill
🍔 Food: Slim pickings. Bring snacks + hydration!

Beach 30 (Rockaway)

Playground AND splashpad? Yes, please. This one’s a hit with toddlers and preschoolers. Waves here are gentle, and you can get there via car or the A train to Beach 36th, then a 10-minute stroll.
🚗 Street parking can be tricky but not impossible if you arrive early.
🍔 BYO snacks. There’s no food nearby!

Beach 98 (Rockaway)

Come hungry. This is the beach food HQ—think Korean tacos, lobster rolls, fresh smoothies, Oddfellows ice cream, and more.
🚗 Free parking in the lot near Beach 95, if you’re lucky
🏄 Want to surf? Rockaway beaches are your only legal option in NYC!

Jacob Riis Park

A classic family beach with something for everyone: a playground, bathrooms, paddleball courts, and a full mile of sandy coastline.
🚗 Parking is $20, so bust out the minivan and carpool.

Best Beach for LIRR Commuters

Ocean Beach Park, Long Beach

Hop on the LIRR from Penn Station and with a transfer at Jamaica you can be at Long Beach in under an hour. From the station, it’s a quick 10-minute walk to the soft sand and long boardwalk.
🍔 Riptides is the closest spot to grab a bite, but you can also take a walk west for burgers and ocean views at Beach Burger and Five Ocean.
💳 Beach passes required—buy online: Buy Long Beach Beach Pass

🕒 Lifeguards on duty:

• Weekends only May 31–June 26 (plus Memorial Day)
• Daily from June 27–Sept 2
• Weekends/Holidays: 8am–6pm | Weekdays: 10am–6pm

✅ Surfing allowed in designated areas only: Surfing Info

Bronx Fun in the Sun

Orchard Beach

Once dubbed “The Riviera of New York,” this chill beach is great for littles—no big waves thanks to its spot on Pelham Bay.
🍔 2 playgrounds, picnic spots, food carts, and even 26 sports courts!
🚗 Parking runs $10–$12/day
🛁 Changing areas + showers on site

Brooklyn Beaches

Let’s be real—parking in Brooklyn is a beach-day buzzkill. But if you're local, the D, B, and Q trains can get you to your beach day destination.

Coney Island & Brighton Beach

Busy and full of energy, with amusement parks, the aquarium, and the boardwalk. But maybe not ideal for toddlers who just want to play in the sand—we encountered litter and broken glass along the shore when we last visited.

Manhattan Beach

Want something quieter? Just a short walk away, Manhattan Beach offers a more low-key, family-friendly vibe away from the hustle of Coney Island.

Long Island Beach Day

Jones Beach

With over 6 million visitors a year, Jones Beach has earned its nickname as the Disneyland of NYC beaches. It’s not just about the surf and sand—this iconic spot also hosts crowd-pleasing events throughout the summer, including airshows, concerts, and a big 4th of July fireworks display that draws families from all over.
👶 Families with littles should aim for Field 5 or Zach’s Bay for calmer water and fewer crowds.
🍔 Playground, bathrooms, and plenty of food options. Check, check, check.
🚗 Parking: $8–10 per car

Robert Moses State Park

Escape the city and head to the tip of Fire Island.
👧 Field 5: Great for young kids—playground, bathrooms, food. Plus check out the stunning ¾ mile walk to Fire Island Lighthouse
🏐 Field 2: Better for big kids and tweens—volleyball + a mini golf course
🚗 Parking: $8–10 per car

Ready to hit the beach? I hope this guide helps you plan your next sandy adventure with a little less stress and a lot more fun. If you’ve got a favorite NYC-area beach or beach day tip I missed, drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! And let me know what else you’d like to see on the blog—more day trip ideas? Summer gear recs? Snack hacks? Your suggestions help shape what comes next!