Hempstead Lake is a beautiful state park to enjoy an outdoor family adventure.

Located in West Hempstead, Hempstead Lake State Park host a variety of activities all year long. This 737-acre, multi-use facility has hiking, biking, bridle trails, playgrounds, eighteen tennis courts, six pickleball courts, picnic areas, and an historic carousel. The playground area has several structures to play on. One large play structure has several slides, ways to climb, steps, and covered sections. A smaller play structure has several slides, a tunnel tube, and a covered area. There are three different climbing structures like a rock climbing wall, a fake log, and pretend animal. There are also some music drums and ride-on bouncing animals. The area around the playground is the poured-in rubber to make it easy to get onto. A couple of benches are scattered around the playground as well. There are mature trees that surround the playground but the playground itself is mostly in the sun. Be cautious on hot days with the equipment getting hot.  There is another small park near the tennis courts. This features a treehouse-type playground with slides, climbing, pretend play, and steps. 

When the carousel is open, it's a must-do. Young riders will have fun on this historic wooden carousel. This carousel was built in 1916 and was donated to the state park in 1931. Recently in 2004/5, it was restored with all but four horses are original. The carousel is only open on weekends and holidays in the spring, summer, and fall. You can even host a party or gathering since the facility is equipped with a dining area. There are several picnic areas through the park with grills to gather. These can be rented out as well. 

There is hiking and biking to be enjoyed at this park. These are short trails but can easily be combined to make a long trail system. A favorite hiking trail is the Hempstead Lake Loop. This is a 3.1-mile moderate hike around the lake. This trail is both paved and dirt paths but jogger stroller friendly. You get a beautiful view of the lake and the wildlife that inhabits it. There are several spots to go down to the water's edge. 

There are three ponds with access to fishing. Hempstead Lake is the largest lake in Nassau County and you can use cartop or inflatable boats with a permit by the park. The Mac Donald Pond, South Pond, and Hempstead Lake are stocked with trout in the fall so you are able to catch them all year long. Other species of fish are present as well in these watersheds such as largemouth bass, sun perch, chain pickerel, black crappie, yellow perch, and sunfish. 

Hempstead Lake State Park is enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. Make this your next family outdoor adventure for the day.