Now entering its 50th season, the Long Island Game Farm -– Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo will officially open on Friday, April 19th.  During the opening weeks, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the rescued animals that now have safe homes at the Game Farm and the new baby animals, including chicks, bunnies, ducklings and kid goats.

Visitors will be able to pet and hand-feed the animals once they are born. They will also be able to enjoy the amusement rides, including the carousel, spinning tea cups, and pony rides! Now is also a great time to book field trips, children’s birthday parties, family get-togethers, and company outings.

Though some of the park’s summer animals (giraffe, camels and a few more) are still vacationing in Florida until May, the spring season is always an especially fun and relaxing time for guests to visit, with cooler weather, smaller crowds and lower prices. In celebration of the season opening, the park is offering a reduced spring admission price of $14.95 for children ages 3 to 12, senior citizens ages 62+, and military personnel, and $16.95 per adult ages 13 to 61.  

The Long Island Game Farm was founded in 1970 by Stanley and Diane Novak.  However, the story begins 70 years before that. The house on the Game Farm was built in 1900, the barn was constructed before the end of the 19^th century and the property was once a sheep farm. On the park’s first opening day, the admission price was $2 for adults and $1.50 for children.  

Today, the Game Farm is operated by three generations of Novaks: Co-Owners Diane and her daughter Melinda, along with granddaughter Chela. “My family started the park when I was 9. I’ve witnessed the Game Farm grow from just a piece of land on a road, to an enriching environment for families of all ages,” says Melinda. “As each year has come and gone, I still look forward to seeing happy little faces light up the farm, whether they be those of our nursery animals or visiting children.”

For opening weekend, the Long Island Game Farm – Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo will be open 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends from Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 28, as most schools are enjoying spring recess. The Long Island Game Farm – Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo will be open seven days per week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, starting Wednesday, May 22.

For more information, visit www.longislandgamefarm.com.