Long Island Farm & Vanderbilt Planetarium Tour|Kids 50% Off

Exploring Long Island’s Hidden Charms in a Day

Imagine escaping the hustle of New York City for a day filled with adorable animals, historic treasures, and some of the best seafood you can find. For $94 per person, this 7-hour guided tour takes you from Brooklyn or Queens to the quieter, scenic corners of Long Island. The tour features visits to the Long Island Game Farm-Wildlife Park and Children’s Zoo and the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, with time for a seafood lunch—an unbeatable combo for families or anyone eager for a rich, relaxed day outside the city.

What we love most about this experience is the family-friendly nature—kids get half-price, making it an affordable way to introduce young ones to wildlife and history. We also appreciate the bilingual guides who help make the experience accessible for Chinese-speaking travelers, along with the complimentary snacks and bottled water that keep everyone comfortable throughout the day.

A small consideration to keep in mind: the itinerary is quite full, so if your family or travel group prefers a more leisurely pace, it might feel a bit rushed. But overall, this tour is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of wildlife encounters, cultural history, and good food—all packed into one day. If you’re traveling with kids, or simply looking for a well-organized day trip that offers variety, this tour fits the bill.

Key Points

• Family-Friendly Value: Kids get 50% off, making it budget-friendly for families.
• Educational and Fun: Close animal encounters paired with learning opportunities.
• Historic Highlights: The Vanderbilt Museum offers a glimpse into early 20th-century wealth and exploration.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Bottled water, snacks, and guided commentary included.
• Flexible Itinerary: Optional stops allow for personalized experiences.
• Ideal for Curious Travelers: Suitable for families, history buffs, or seafood lovers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Offers: A Balanced Day of Wildlife, History, and Seafood

This tour is designed to give you a taste of Long Island’s natural beauty and cultural richness in a manageable day trip. For $94, you get roughly seven hours of guided sightseeing, with the chance to explore scenic wildlife, historic estates, and indulge in local seafood. The bilingual guides make the experience accessible for non-English speakers, which is valuable for diverse groups.

The day kicks off with a comfortable bus ride from various points in Brooklyn and Queens, with early departures around 6:30 to 8:30 am, so planning your early morning is key. The driver and guides are praised for their professionalism, and the admission fees are included if you select the package that covers both attractions.

We particularly like the variety—visiting a wildlife park that also serves as a rescue sanctuary, and then stepping into the Vanderbilt Museum’s historic halls and planetarium. The seafood lunch at Nicky’s On the Bay, though at your own expense, receives recommendations for its freshness and local flavor.

Visiting the Long Island Game Farm and Children’s Zoo

The Long Island Game Farm, opened in 1970, has grown into a well-loved spot for families. It’s not just a zoo—it’s a sanctuary for rescued animals like alpacas, miniature donkeys, and rare birds. The online favorite Capybara is a highlight for many visitors, and feeding the smaller animals creates memorable moments.

The zoo offers educational as well as entertainment value, as kids can get close to animals they might only see in books. Reviewers appreciate the interactive experience, noting that “you can feed the small animals and experience the fun of close interaction,” which makes the visit more engaging for children.

The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium: A Glimpse into the Past

Set in a Spanish Revival mansion overlooking the water, the Vanderbilt Museum is a treasure trove of history, natural history, and exploration. Founded by William Vanderbilt, the estate includes an impressive collection of marine specimens, antique furnishings, and the archival records of Vanderbilt’s global travels.

The planetarium enhances the visit, offering an immersive look at the stars and planets, a hit for science buffs and curious minds alike. Many reviewers mention the extensive collection of over 40,000 objects, and the fact that the estate includes not just the mansion but also a seaplane hangar, boathouse, and curator’s cottage—all adding layers of historical interest.

Dining and Additional Tips

Lunch at Nicky’s On the Bay is recommended but not included. Long Island’s reputation for fresh seafood is well-deserved, and this stop provides a local, flavorful break from sightseeing. Expect to spend about 1-1.5 hours here, giving plenty of time to enjoy oysters, clams, or other regional specialties.

The tour provides unlimited bottled water and snacks, which helps keep everyone energized. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and some cash for optional purchases or tips—plus your camera for capturing those wildlife moments.

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Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses professional transportation—a vehicle suitable for the number of travelers, which ensures comfort and safety. With multiple boarding locations, including Brooklyn, Flushing, and Elmhurst, it’s flexible for city dwellers. Expect a small to medium-sized group, which allows for personal interaction but also keeps the atmosphere lively and social.

The Experience: Authentic and Practical

From the eclectic animal collection at the zoo to the historic grandeur of Vanderbilt, every stop feels curated for curiosity and family fun. Reviewers note the professional guides who share interesting stories and practical tips, making the visit educational without feeling overwhelming.

The value is quite good, especially considering that admission fees are included and the tour offers a well-rounded experience—wildlife, history, and local cuisine—without the hassle of planning each stop individually.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is best suited for families with children, as the half-price kids’ admission makes it affordable and engaging. It also appeals to history and science enthusiasts, thanks to the Vanderbilt Museum and planetarium. If you love local seafood and want a taste of Long Island life, this tour offers that as well. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate organized, informative outings that cover different interests in one day.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely, especially for those new to Long Island or visiting New York City and wanting a structured, enriching day trip. The combination of wildlife, history, and local cuisine offers great value, with flexible options for customization. The bilingual guides and included admissions reduce stress and make the experience more inclusive.

While the itinerary may feel packed for some, it’s designed for maximizing exposure to the highlights in a limited time, making it ideal for travelers who want a broad overview without sacrificing authenticity or comfort.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and kids under 12 enjoy 50% off during July and August. The zoo and wildlife encounters are especially engaging for families.

How long is each part of the tour?
The zoo visit lasts about 2 hours, lunch is 1-1.5 hours, and the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium also take roughly 2 hours, making the day well-paced but full.

Are admission fees included?
Yes, if you select the option with both the zoo and Vanderbilt Museum, the admission fees are covered in the ticket price.

Can I choose my boarding location?
Yes, the tour offers multiple pickup points across Brooklyn, Flushing, and Elmhurst for convenience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, water, and cash are recommended. No pets, smoking, or alcohol are allowed.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Early departures (around 6:30-8:30 am) allow a full day of sightseeing, so plan to get an early start.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is at your own expense, with Nicky’s On the Bay highly recommended for its seafood.

How flexible is the schedule?
The itinerary is quite set, but optional stops allow some flexibility depending on group interest.

In summary, the Long Island Farm & Vanderbilt Planetarium Tour offers an engaging mix of wildlife, history, and fresh seafood, perfect for families or curious explorers. It delivers excellent value with included admissions and knowledgeable guides, making it a reliable way to experience some of Long Island’s best offerings in a single day. If you’re after a fun, educational, and well-organized outing that balances outdoor activities with cultural highlights, this trip is worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: