Bailey Arboretum — Attraction in Town of Oyster Bay

The woods are lovely, dark and deep/ but I have promises to keep/and miles to go before I sleep/and miles to go before I sleep. - - R. Frost

Places like this are a gift. It was a perfect day for a walk, with the temperature in the 50s the dappled afternoon sunlight, the ice in the ponds, and the trails carpeted with fallen leaves. The dawn redwoods are rare and impressive, and the lindens are massive.

There are 3 trails of varying length, a children's "habitat," a visitor's cottage, and educational plaques along the paths. Pets are allowed, but please pick up after them! There are numerous benches along the trails and many nice spots for a picnic.

Entrance was free and donations are encouraged. Members get parking spots reserved (no need today, the day before Thanksgiving) and...

We come here a few times a year. We've been here during winter, spring, and summer. It's in the middle of a quiet town with trees everywhere. Driving through the town puts your mind at peace and makes you feel one with nature.

The garden grounds aren't that big, and you can cover the entire area in under an hour. Take your time walking the trail and soak in the nature. There is a lake/pond right by the parking lot, separated by a path in the middle. Unfortunately, where there is a pond or lake, there will be ducks and geese. Be careful not to step on their poop.

There is a small playground/play area for kids, which most children will enjoy.

They do have a wedding/party venue...

I recently took my kids, 3 and 5, here and can honestly say it was the perfect place to come on a beautiful spring day.

There are several birds of prey in hutches that you can look at which we enjoyed and the children's habitat had a playhouse and a few other things for the kids to play with.

The walking trails are nice and wide and are set out so you can do loops of various lengths. There's also a turtle pond where we saw turtles basking in the sun.

All in all, it's a beautiful setting with a lot of things to do for young kids,...