Hiking trails, ponds, and bird watching
Twin Lakes Preserve in Wantagh is a 58-acre nature area with five freshwater ponds, wetlands, and wooded trails for bird watching, fishing, and hiking. Kids can spot turtles, carp, egrets, and various bird species along the creek-crossing footbridges and pond-loop paths.
Free · Outdoor · Quiet-friendly
Bring binoculars and a bird guide; Baltimore Orioles, Cedar Waxwings, and American Goldfinches are common sightings on the trails.
Early June is best for spotting Canada Geese with chicks at Forest Lake, the smallest northern pond.
The trails loop around three ponds (Forest Lake, Seaman, and Wantagh); start at the biggest (Seaman) if your kids are newer to hiking.