Aviation buffs will want to see the Bayport Aerodrome Museum, where an early 1900s turf airport is preserved. This living museum presents aviation history and is home to a wide variety of antique aircraft -- many still operational!

Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. For details, call (631) 472-2405, or log onto Bayportaerodrome.org.

If boats are your thing, check out the Long Island Maritime Museum in West Sayville, which houses maritime history exhibits and a research center. Special events include a vintage boat show on July 14 and 15 and a seafood festival and craft show on Aug. 25 and 26.

Long Island's extensive state park system offers affordable family fun in several locations.

The museum is along the historic West Sayville waterfront. Displays include information about what was once the most productive oyster industry in the country and the many mishaps around Long Island's "shipwreck valley."

For details, call (631) 854-4794, or visit Limaritime.com.

Hither Hills State Park in Montauk sits on the narrow eastern tip of Long Island with the Sound on one side and the great Atlantic Ocean on the other. The park has 168 campsites, plenty of sportfishing access, a sandy ocean beach, a playground and hiking trails. Year-round fishing is allowed, but fishermen must obtain a permit for night angling.

On the eastern boundary of the park are the unique "walking dunes" of Napeague Harbor. For details, call (631) 668-2554.

The nearby Montauk Downs State Park on Fairview Avenue has a driving range, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a wading pool for the little tykes, a restaurant and a clubhouse with grill room.

The park is best known for its championship-length 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Call (631) 668-3781 for details.

Vacationing families should schedule a visit to Montauk Point State Park, leading to the eastern tip of the island and the historic Montauk Lighthouse. The light was commissioned by George Washington and was built in 1796.

For more information, call (631) 668-2544 or visit MontaukLightHouse.com.

Surf fishing is excellent in the park, and the family can get in some hiking and seal watching, too. Call (631) 668-3781 for details.

Shadmoor State Park sits on 90 acres one-quarter mile east of Montauk Village. The park has more than 2,400 feet of ocean beach accessed by two staircases. Parking is free, and fishing is allowed.

Hiking trails and elevated viewing platforms offer great bird watching and shoreline views. History buffs will want to see the two concrete bunkers erected here during World War II and equipped with artillery guns to protect the coastline from enemy invasion.

For information, call (631) 668-3781.

Camp Hero State Park features a wooded landscape, long beachfront access to the Atlantic and a historic military installation. There are plenty of hiking trails and fabulous ocean views. Some of the best surf-fishing in the world can be had here, and it's open year 'round to anglers by permit.