5 Day Trips on Long Island for the Holiday Break

12/27/13 - By Jaime Sumersille

Most Long Island schoolchildren have nearly two weeks off from school for the holiday break, which means parents will be scrambling for activities that will keep the little ones occupied and engaged. So here's a roundup of day trips to the east end of Long Island. Whether your family loves the outdoors or rather stay toasty warm indoors, there's something here for everyone. And for more events this month, check out our Holiday Fun Guide.

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Greenport Carousel
Mitchell Park, Front Street, Greenport
Take a ride on Greenport's antique carousel. Open weekends 11am-5pm, it costs $2 per ride. Nab the brass ring while riding the carousel and you'll earn a free trip! An outdoor ice rink is located directly behind the carousel. Afterwards, enjoy a brisk walk around Greenport's quaint village and check out the nearby harbor. 

Long Island Science Center
11 West Main St., Riverhead
631-208-8000
It's Snowflake Week during the holiday break. From December 27-December 31, learn how snowflakes and crystals are formed. The Long Island Science Center features learning exhibits and education programs for children and families. Open Saturdays 11am-4pm. Click here for $1 off admission and 10 percent off science store purchases.

Atlantis Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center
431 East Main St., Riverhead
631-208-9200
The indoor/outdoor aquarium also features an interactive butterfly and bird exhibit. Educational animal talks are scheduled throughout the day. Tickets start at $19.50. Click here for full rates to the exhibits. 

 

 
The Shark Exhibit at Atlantis/Photo credit: Jaime Sumersille

 

Children's Museum of the East End
376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton
631-537-8250
The Children's Museum of the East End features several rooms and hands-on learning and exercise exhibits. Drive the captain's wheel of the two-story pirate ship, cozy into the library nook with a book or run in the playroom. During the holiday week, CMEE offers a drop-off program for children ages 3-6 from 9:30am-noon. On December 28th, it has an Ice Cream in a Baggie program where kids can make their own ice cream ($7 members, $18 for non-members, includes admission.) On December 29th, it's Waffle Day, where kids can make and enjoy waffles. ($5 members, $18 for non-members, includes admission.) 

Montauk Point State Park
200 Montauk Hwy., Montauk
On December 28th and December 29th at 11am. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 631-668-5000. Meet at the Lighthouse Grill and Concession. Be sure to dress warm and comfortably for this two-hour hike. $4 adults, $3 for children ages 3-18, children under 3 are free. Parking is free.

 

Greenport Carousel photo by Jaime Sumersille

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