The Great Escape: Head Over to the WaterFront Center

Here's our weekly hourly getaway for busy moms and dads who may need some time for themselves.

Today's escape starts with big programs found in a small building by the bay, located west of Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, known as The WaterFront Center.

If your interest lies in activities exploring our local waters then this place is for you.  You can do the following just minutes away from Syosset: Learn how to sail, take a harbor tour, charter a boat, take a sunset cruise, book a corporate event, go on an educational sail, or rent a sailboat, kayak, and stand-up-paddle board.

In their sincere effort to fight "Nature Deficit Disorder," they also offer summer camp catering to kids from ages six to 18 who want to learn how to sail or just enjoy marine environmental exploration.  Included in the experience, each camper will set sail on Christeen, an historic oyster sloop and the oldest of its kind in North America.

On Fridays starting after Memorial Day until Labor Day, you can take advantage of their community evenings.  From 5pm until 8pm there will be free kayaking and a 50 percent discount on sailboat rentals.  Discover sailing classes are also offered at a reasonable rate.

Mark you calendars for June 5 when they will hold their annual Bay Day festival.  While enjoying live music, take to the water with a complimentary ride on their Sonar fleet and the Christeen, plus free use of their kayaks. Check out the marine touch tanks and maybe you and your first mate will want to participate in a fun-filled competition called the Anything That Floats Race.  They welcome the use of recycled materials to create your very own boat.  Check the website for required registration forms and detailed information.

This not-for-profit organization also conducts school field trips.  There are over 19 educational programs to choose from.

Address:  One West End Avenue, Oyster Bay

Phone:  516-922-7245