Winter Nature Programs Nassau County
Winter Nature Programs Suffolk County
Spring Calendar Nassau County
Hempstead
Lake State Park is a multiuse facility. Included are 18 tennis courts, 6
pickleball courts (with an additional 4 pickleball courts added to 2 hard
surface tennis courts), children's playgrounds, basketball courts, softball
field, bridle trails for horseback riding, biking and hiking trails, shaded
picnic areas, a beautiful observation deck overlooking Hempstead Lake, and a
historic hand-carved wooden carousel.
There
are also three bodies of freshwater that are accessible for fishing (Hempstead
Lake, McDonald Pond, and South Pond). They are stocked with trout in the fall
and you may target trout year-round. Other species present include largemouth
bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, carp, and sunfish. On Hempstead Lake, the
largest lake in Nassau County, you are permitted to launch cartop boats such as
kayaks, canoes, and rowboats as well as inflatable boats that are certified by
the National Marine Manufacturer's Association. Trailers are not permitted.
Additionally,
Hempstead offers rental of the Carousel Party Room in-house, by appointment.
For a rental fee of $350 (weekends/holidays) or $300 (weekdays) for a
three-hour party, guests are also offered unlimited carousel rides during their
event for up to 90 people.
Environmental
Education and Resiliency Center The
Environmental Education and Resiliency Center is a unique, hands-on learning
center focused on environmental management and storm resiliency. The goal is to
connect the community with the natural environment by providing outreach and
educational programming. The Center will also be used for storm response
purposes. The Hempstead Lake Dam will be monitored from the center and the data
tracked to assist in storm preparation and response.
The
EERC currently offers educational programming for scouts, schools, and the
public. To register for public programs you can visit our
Eventbrite page. If you would like to
book a school or scout program you can email the EERC at
HempsteadLakeEE@parks.ny.gov .
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are always to be supervised and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools, and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Hours of Operation
- Open year-round. Sunrise to Sunset.
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- Environmental Education and Resiliency Center is open 7 days a week from 9am-4pm (beginning 11/10/22) and 9am-5pm (beginning 2/16/23), Phone number: 516-766-1029, Email: HempsteadLakeEE@parks.ny.gov
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- Fishing: Available year-round. Valid NY State fishing license required for patrons 16 yrs. or older.
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- Model Boat Permit: Sold in park office. Valid NAMBA membership card must be presented. (Suspended for 2022 due to construction)
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- Picnicking: Year-round, sunrise to sunset. Permit required for groups of 50 or more. No fee for permit.
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- Carousel and Gift Shop: 4/1 - 10/9, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
4/1 - 5/21: 12pm-6pm
5/27- 9/4: 12pm 7pm
9/9 - 10/9: 12pm-6pm
Carousel Pavilion Building party room rentals for: Birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, etc. Contact Park Office: (516) 766-1029. -
Fees & Rates
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information.
Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Rockin’ Robin
Saturday, April 1, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Explore the world of birding by
sound! It's springtime and that early
morning song you hear is likely a robin singing its heart out. Join us as we
learn about why birds sing, how they can make such beautiful sounds, and how to
identify birds by listening to their songs. To
register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure. Adult Program.
Egg Decorating
Sunday, April 2, 2023 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Have you ever heard
of Pysanky, Batik, or Kistka? Don't worry if you haven't! We will learn these
words and more as we learn to decorate eggs in a unique new way. Join us for
this two-hour, hands-on program. Discover the art of egg decorating with
different dyes, tools, and waxes. Afterward join us for some egg-cellent egg
trivia! To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for
#NatureEdventure. Adult Program.
Tiny Tots: Hop into Spring
Friday, April 7, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Explore the natural world around
us. These programs will connect children
and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and
crafts. Children aged 3-5. To
register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure.
Scrambled Eggs
Saturday, April 8, 2023 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Hempstead Lake State Park
Join us to celebrate the wonders of
physics as we will design and build protection for an egg that will be dropped
20 feet from our back porch. Test out your egg engineering skills in this
hands-on program. Do you have the skills
to protect a raw egg from a 20-foot drop? To register, please visit Eventbrite.com and
search for #NatureEdventure. Children 6+ Program.
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, April 9, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hempstead Lake State Park
The birds are starting to chirp,
trees are budding, and the days are finally getting longer. All types of flora
and fauna are waking up and enjoying the extra sunlight and warmer days. Let's
go for a hike in the park with our scavenger hunt worksheets and seek out the
telltale signs of spring. To
register, please visit Eventbrite.com and search for #NatureEdventure. Family Program.