A Short Ride from Plainview is a President's House

The weather around here is expected to improve Wednesday and that could offer a good opportunity for spring break family outings. It's National Parks Week, which means free admission to Theodore Roosevelt's Sagamore Hill, as well as the National Parks along the south shore of Long Island.

Each day the "5 Things" column will tell you five essential pieces of information you need to know today, like events happening or community topics being covered on the site later on in the day. Have an event or topic that should appear in this column? Add it to the calendar or send us a news tip.

Wednesday's choices include:

1. Federal parks like are free to visit this week. The home of Theodore Roosevelt, known as the "Summer Whitehouse," is open from 9 a.m - 5 p.m. You can take the family on a guided tour of the 26th President's mansion, which still has original furnishings, hunting trophies and family photos. It's less than 30 minutes by car from Plainview, but the memories can last a lifetime.

2. Baldwin takes on  in varsity softball Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. Half an hour later, Lynbrook  challenges Plainview JFK in girls lacrosse. Both games are at the high school.

3.  Adventureland Amusement Park, with rides, games, and food, is open for spring break week. The park is open from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Price: $21 for kids 4 feet and under, $25 for everyone taller.

4. With school out, there's great opportunities to visit local points of interest. The 40 acres of the historic Bailey Arboretum in Lattingtown is open daily and free to the public. 

5. Did you see our Holy Week/Passover schedule of listings for our churches and synagogues? Just click here.  recently told you about the special celebration at PlainviewCenter on Thursday. We covered the  in Plainview on Friday. While you're reading us, browse our "events" calendar for other happenings around town. Have a thought on our stories, let us know.