Best Things To Do in Uniondale

Uniondale is a hamlet in the Town of Hempstead on Long Island, and its list of things to do reflects that setting well: a mix of open green space, sports and event venues, nearby cultural institutions, and easy access to the wider Nassau County area. With a population of roughly 33,637 residents, per the 2024 ACS 5-year estimate (Census figures are used here for demographics only), it functions less as a self-contained downtown and more as a well-connected residential community that puts visitors within a short drive of parks, historic sites, and Long Island's shoreline. This guide groups the area's activities by interest, and notes which are free to explore versus which typically require a ticket, without listing prices that can change over time.

If you're planning a longer visit, pair this page with the Uniondale Travel Guide: Things to Do, Landmarks, Food, and Itineraries for an overview, or jump straight to a structured Uniondale 1-Day Itinerary or Uniondale 3-Day Itinerary if you want a day-by-day plan.

Parks and Outdoor Space

Green space is one of the more accessible, free ways to spend time in Uniondale. The hamlet and its surrounding Town of Hempstead villages maintain a mix of town-run parks, ballfields, and small preserves that offer walking paths, sports fields, and picnic areas serving both residents and visitors. These spaces tend to be low-key rather than destination attractions in their own right, which makes them a good option for a morning walk, a break between errands, or a quiet spot to unwind before heading to a ticketed event elsewhere in the area.

Because Uniondale sits within Nassau County, visitors interested in a fuller outdoor experience often extend their trip slightly farther out to the county's larger parks and preserves, many of which offer trails, water access, and seasonal programming. Rather than naming a fixed list here, since park names, boundaries, and amenities are best confirmed against current official or mapping listings, it's worth checking a park's official page ahead of time, since seasonal hours and access rules can shift throughout the year.

Sports, Concerts, and Event Venues

Uniondale is home to Nassau Coliseum, an arena that hosts concerts, sporting events, and other large gatherings throughout the year, drawing visitors from across Long Island and the greater New York City area. This is one of the primary reasons travelers pass through or stay in Uniondale specifically, and it's worth checking the venue's official event calendar directly, since schedules and ticketing details change frequently. Beyond the arena itself, the surrounding area has grown to support visitors with additional dining and lodging options tailored to event nights.

For a broader sense of how a venue visit fits into a full day or weekend, the Uniondale 1-Day Itinerary offers one practical sequencing option.

Museums and Cultural Sites

Uniondale itself is primarily residential, so most dedicated museums and cultural institutions are found a short drive away in neighboring Nassau County communities. These range from history-focused museums to art spaces and science centers, several of which are family-oriented and offer both free public areas and ticketed exhibit access. Rather than naming a fixed list here, since current names, locations, and hours are best confirmed against official or mapping listings, it's best to confirm details on each museum's official website before visiting.

Travelers who want a fuller sense of the cultural landscape around Uniondale, including landmark buildings and other points of interest, can reference Top Landmarks in Uniondale for a more focused rundown.

Waterfronts and Views

While Uniondale is inland rather than directly on the coast, both Long Island's South Shore barrier-beach parks and its North Shore harbor towns are a manageable drive away, offering beach access, harbor views, and waterfront paths that make for a popular day trip. These areas typically combine free public shoreline access with separately ticketed amenities, such as parking or specific recreational facilities, so checking current site information in advance is a reasonable step before heading out. Given Long Island's seasonal weather patterns, visitors may also want to check the Best Time to Visit Uniondale page to plan a waterfront trip around more favorable conditions.

Historic Sites

Nassau County has a number of historic sites, house museums, and points connected to Long Island's colonial and early American history, several of which are within reasonable driving distance of Uniondale. Some of these properties are managed by local historical societies or state and county park systems, and a few connect to the broader network of National Park Service-affiliated sites found across the New York City region. As with museums, hours and access at historic sites can change seasonally, so official listings are the most reliable source for current visitor information.

Neighborhoods to Wander

Uniondale doesn't have a dense traditional downtown in the way some nearby villages do, but its surrounding area includes several walkable commercial strips and residential neighborhoods worth a casual look, particularly for visitors interested in everyday Long Island suburban life rather than a curated tourist experience. Nearby villages and hamlets each have their own distinct commercial centers, often anchored by local shops, service businesses, and places to eat. As with any suburban or urban area, ordinary situational awareness — being mindful of surroundings, especially after dark or in unfamiliar lots — is a reasonable approach rather than cause for particular concern.

For food while exploring, Where to Eat in Uniondale covers the range of dining options in and around the hamlet without ranking them.

Free vs. Ticketed, at a Glance

Broadly speaking, Uniondale-area activities split into two categories. Free or low-cost options include local parks, walkable neighborhoods, and the public-facing areas of some historic sites. Ticketed options generally include arena events, specific museum exhibits, and certain recreational facilities at parks and beaches. Because admission structures, parking policies, and access rules are subject to change, it's worth confirming current details directly through each attraction's official website rather than relying on older listings.

Getting Around

Uniondale is accessible by car via major Long Island roadways, and public buses connect the area to other parts of Nassau County and to regional rail service, with most modern buses and trains supporting contactless tap-to-pay. Because route schedules and connections can change, checking current transit information before a trip is a sensible step, particularly if your plans include an event at the local arena or a day trip to the shoreline.

For additional planning help, including logistics and commonly asked questions, see the Uniondale FAQ.