There are several scenic and fun parks and gardens to visit in the Stony Brook, NY area. T. Bayles Minuse Park is a popular spot where generations of children have visited the ducks and swans. The park's sensory garden features plants with a variety of scents and textures for the enjoyment of both sighted and visually impaired visitors. The Avalon Park & Preserve was created by the Paul Simons Foundation with the goal of reflecting Paul's love of nature and the outdoors. The Foundation seeks not only to protect this unique and natural habitat but also to restore and maintain its ecological heritage.

Olson Memorial Town Park in nearby St. James also known as Veterans Memorial Park, has tennis courts, a basketball court, a soccer field, a large playground and a ball field. Another ball field, basketball court and more tennis courts can be found at Gaynor Park near the railroad tracks. Lake Ronkonkoma County Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities. The facilities include a fishing area with a handicapped accessible fishing pier, baseball fields, handball courts, basketball courts, and a picnic area. Nissequogue River State Park in nearby Kings Park is home to a variety of shore birds, reptiles and amphibians. A section of the park has been designated a State Bird Conservation Area. Lakeland County Park in Islandia is noted as a peaceful park where you can observe animals, water, trees and nature rather than a high amount of activities. The Charles B. Wang Center in Stony Brook University features an expansive outdoor garden.