Best beaches

Photograph: Joson/Zefa/Corbis

BEST newbies
Water Taxi Beach at South Street Seaport and Governors Island
After a successful run in Long Island City, the folks at New York Water Taxi are expanding their operation to two more locations. Although you can’t swim at either site, kids can plop down in the sand or gobble a hot dog at one of the picnic tables. Skee-Ball and mini golf will be available at South Street Seaport, and family concerts will entertain the crowd on Governors Island (opens Jul 4). •North side of Pier 17, Fulton St at South St (212-742-1969). Subway: A, C to Broadway–Nassau St; J, M, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Fulton St; •Near ferry dock on Governors Island. Travel: 1 to South Ferry, then take Governors Island ferry from Battery Maritime Building, Slip 7.

BEST seagull’s-eye view
Sandy Hook
Hop aboard the SeaStreak ferry in Manhattan for a 30-minute ride to immaculate, shell-strewn Sandy Hook. After they’ve been dropped off near the 245-year-old lighthouse in the Fort Hancock Historic District, kids can climb 95 steps and a nine-rung ladder to the top. Sandy Hook, NJ (732-872-5970). Travel: Take the SeaStreak ferry from E 35th St at FDR Dr or Pier 11 at Wall St. Round-trip ferry $40, children ages 5–12 $16, children under 5 free.

BEST hassle-free trip
Long Beach
At this not-too-crowded beach just a few blocks from the LIRR, boardwalk vendors rent out umbrellas ($12) and lounge chairs ($8 each), so you don’t have to lug them from home. To prolong the fun past sunset, book a night at the new Allegria Hotel (allegriahotel.com); its family package includes free children’s meals and souvenirs. Nevada Ave, Long Beach, NY (516-431-3890). Travel: LIRR to Long Beach (round-trip from Penn Station plus beach admission, $19; beach admission only, $10).

At this slice of heaven called Jones Beach, sloth is no sin.

Photo: Courtesy of New York State Parks Dept.

BEST for learning to swim
Jones Beach
Teach your tykes to do the backstroke or retrieve loose change at the West Bathhouse pool (adults $3, children $1). Once they feel confident enough to play in the Atlantic surf, just cross the boardwalk to the beach. Ocean Pkwy at Wantagh Pkwy, Wantagh, NY (516-785-1600). Travel: LIRR to Freeport, then take a shuttle bus to the beach. Enter at Field 4. Round-trip from Penn Station, $16.50.

Best for sand castles
Rockaway Beach
This is the atmospheric waterfront nabe that inspired the Ramones song. On July 26 from noon to 2pm, families show off their skills at the 14th annual SandCastle Contest. Kids who take first place in their age category win a prize! Be sure to haul out the design books and Jell-O molds before the big day for a practice session. Boardwalk and Beach 117th St, Rockaway Beach, Queens (718-318-4000). Subway: A to Broad Channel; transfer to the Rockaway S to Beach 116th St–Rockaway Park. Free.

Best for horseback riding
Jamaica Bay
Kids six and up and their parents can saddle up for a guided, mile-long ride ($50 per person) through a wooded area and along the remote shoreline. Pony rides are available for little ones. 7000 Shore Pkwy at Belt Pkwy, Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn (718-531-8949). Travel: B, Q to Sheepshead Bay, then take car service on the Belt Pkwy to the Jamaica Bay Riding Academy.

Best food
Brighton Beach
Dine on blini and yummy Tatiana salad (daikon radish, choice of meat and homemade sauce) at Russian eatery Café Tatiana Grill—or order takeout for an oceanside picnic. It beats packing a cooler. 3145 Brighton 4th St at the boardwalk, Brighton Beach, Brooklyn (718-646-7630). Subway: B, Q to Brighton Beach.

Best for plane watching
Jacob Riis
Airplane-obsessed tots can feel the rumble of jets en route to JFK at this underutilized beach near the airport. If you’ve got wheels, head to nearby Floyd Bennett Field to inspect antique aircraft in Hangar B (open Tue, Thu and Sat 9am–4pm; free). From Beach 169th St to Beach 149th St, Rockaway Beach, Queens (718-318-4300). Travel: 2 to Flatbush Ave, then take the Q35 bus to Riis Beach. Free.

Coney Island
Taking your tykes to Coney Island is your duty as a New York parent. OD on cotton candy, gawk at the snake lady and take a ride on the iconic Cyclone.
Surf Ave from Corbin Pl to W 37th St, Brooklyn. Subway: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave. Free.

Robert Moses Beach
This Long Island state park is a little farther out, but it might be worth the extra travel time if Jones is too crowded for you—and if you have a car (the easiest way to get here). Be forewarned that a few of the more remote stretches are clothing-optional.
Robert Moses Causeway, Babylon, NY (631-669-0470). Travel: Southern State Pkwy to Robert Moses Causeway at exit 40. $8 parking fee.

Orchard Beach
The crescent-shaped beach is only 1.1 miles long and is entirely man-made, with minimal waves. The surrounding grounds of Pelham Bay Park—with picnic areas and nature trails—are equally worth the trip to the end of the 6.
Pelham Bay Park, Park Dr at Orchard Beach Rd, Bronx (718-885-2275). Travel: 6 to Pelham Bay, then transfer to the Bx12 bus to Orchard Beach. Free.

Pools | Swim lessons | Fountains | Beaches | Cool places
Ice cream | Boat rides | Bowling alleys | Out of the heat | Indoor fun