2026 Great Nature Play Day Festival Saturday, Aug. 29 & Sunday, Aug. 30 2026 10am - 2pm Location: Education Center All tickets final sale. Rain or shine. Two Types of Admission - Both including all festival activities. Regular Admission - $15 per child. Parents and guardians free. Please note: The New York state Parks parking fee of $8 per vehicle is in effect and is not included with admission to the festival. OR By Train: Shuttle & Save - $5 per child. Parents and guardians free. Shuttle & Save admission is limited to the first 50 registrants per day! Registration required. This admission includes shuttles to and from Oyster Bay Station and Planting Fields. This admission is for train riders only. You may be asked to show proof of train ticket. Shuttle schedule and details below! Please note: If you are an Empire Pass Holder, you do not receive complimentary admission to this event. You will be required to register for regular admission tickets. Library Passes cannot be used for this event. Get Regular Tickets Now! Get Shuttle & Save Tickets Now! Get ready for a summer adventure like no other at our Great Nature Play Day Festival! Where curiosity, creativity, and the great outdoors come together, this hands-on event is perfect for kids of all ages and their families. Dive into nature through exciting activities, crafts, and endless fun in the sun. As you explore our 409-acre safe, green space, be sure to join in on these Great Nature Play Day experiences: Scheduled events: 11am - Storytime at the Forest Classroom with Kelly Doyle, author of What Is an Arborist? 11:30am - Visit the Bird Blinds and join a Birding Walk with CI Bird Sanctuary 1pm - Storytime at the Forest Classroom with Kelly Doyle 1:30pm - Birding Walk with CI Bird Sanctuary All day long, enjoy these activities: - Build a Bee Hotel to take home - Create your own Nature Journal - Make a beautiful Nature Suncatcher - Create a Kindness Rock - Explore our Sensory Garden bins - Get your hands dirty and plant a seed to take home - Visit the Playhouse to learn about one of Planting Fields Foundation's past Catalyst exhibitions, Follies: A Botanical Backstory by Processional Arts (weather permitting) - Explore the Student Art Showcase inside our Education Center featuring artwork inspired by Planting Fields and created by visitors - Grab a bite to eat - food trucks including Sids All American and Ben & Jerry's will be onsite - Explore the Main House This weekend only, kids receive FREE admission with the purchase of an adult self-guided tour ticket, and adults receive $5 off their self-guided tour. This deal applies to Great Nature Play Day attendees only. Shuttle & Save: Visiting Planting Fields from the city has never been easier and more stress free! Simply take the LIRR to Oyster Bay and hop on our convenient shuttle service directly to Planting Fields, less than 5 minutes away, no driving or parking required. You'll also have access to the village of Oyster Bay, filled with restaurants and shops. Be prepared to show proof of your train ride. Shuttle & Save tickets are limited to just the first 50 registrants per day, so registration is required. Shuttle Schedule: Available for Shuttle & Save ticket holders only, from 9:30am - 5pm, every half hour, to and from Oyster Bay Station and Planting Fields. Please plan accordingly: The last shuttle to Oyster Bay Station will depart Planting Fields at 5pm. We can't wait for you to explore, play, create, and learn with us! For questions, contact Education Manager, Erin Fitzpatrick, at [email protected]. All sales final. In the case of inclement weather, registrants will be notified of cancellation. Additionally, our website and social media will reflect any updates. ®I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.