Cedar Creek Park & Playground

Cedar Creek is a gem on the built-up Atlantic side of Long Island. You might never know it’s there, just off a busy highway in Seaford, but once inside, there is so much to explore! This 259-acre park features everything from eight tennis courts to a dog run to an archery range, but families are going to want to head straight to the playgrounds, voted Best of Long Island in the past.

I say playgrounds plural because there are five separate areas to choose from here, four of them group within one complex and the other set across the park’s road.

Subdivided by age further than most playgrounds we’ve visited, there are designated areas for ages 2 to 5; 5 to 8; and 8 to 12. That means every age gets their thrills, whether little kids sliding down the dinosaur slide or peeking into the “house”, or big kids who get to enjoy wobbling ladders, creaking drawbridges, and gigantic metal slides.

The whole space is thoughtfully laid out, including a sand play area in the back, a shady gazebo in the center, and more benches than could ever be filled for the parents to sit on.

A small hill rises in the center of Cedar Creek, just across the way. Its height might not be impressive by most standards, but on the flat southern shore of Long Island, it’s practically a mountain. My kids love climbing up it, and we’ve seen families rolling down, cartwheeling down, riding scooters down it – you name it! The hill is open for sledding in January and February, weather permitting.

The fifth and final playground is situated at the foot of tise hill, as are grill and picnic areas where you can enjoy a snack. These can even be reserved for larger groups.

Cedar Creek is also one of the best places in the area for stroller running. The drive that loops through the park is flat and smooth with very little car traffic, and is also popular with cyclists and families on scooters or bikes.