Parks
169 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- Yaphank Lake Park1.1 mi from downtown
- Cathedral Pines County Park1.4 mi from downtown
- Gordon Heights Children's Park2.1 mi from downtown
On a budget
Free things to do in Brookhaven
4 kinds of free outings in and around Brookhaven.
Good days out in Brookhaven don’t have to cost anything. These ideas come from the city’s parks, libraries, historic landmarks and nearby public lands. For free concerts, markets and festivals this week, see the free events calendar.
Historic places
46 landmarks on the National Register, many easy to see on a walk.
- Wardenclyffe Tower
- Stratford Shoal LightBuilt 1837
- West Meadow Beach Historic District
Hiking
Trails on public land; some areas charge a parking or day-use fee.
- Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge5 mi southeast
- Fire Island National Seashore12 mi south
- Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge27 mi west
Wildlife viewing
Birding and nature watching on public land.
- Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge5 mi southeast
- Fire Island National Seashore12 mi south
- Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge27 mi west
Around town
Get a feel for the city
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A local activity video shared by Newsday.
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A local activity video shared by RyanReporting.
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What are free things to do in Brookhaven?
Parks, Historic places, Hiking, Wildlife viewing. City parks and libraries are free; some outdoor areas on federal land charge a parking or day-use fee, noted on each listing.
Are there free events in Brookhaven this weekend?
Check the free events calendar, updated daily from local organizations, libraries and the city.
Do I need a library card to use the library?
No card is needed to visit or attend most programs; a free card from the local library lets you borrow books, movies and often museum passes.