For kids that love to compete--and also enjoy some glow-in-the-dark fun--there's laser tag. You can make your child's birthday party glow by throwing the celebration at one of these Long Island laser tag spots. And for more ideas, be sure to check out our Party Guide.

Craving some music and munchies? Both are hot themes on our calendar this week, the second full week of November. Get the little ones movin’ and groovin’ at Mommy & Me Kindermusik, Rutgers Children’s Choir Drop-In Day and Tom Chapin: Sensory-Friendly Performance. Enjoy creating treats at Make Your Own Pizza and Candy Corn Creations. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

Those of us with school aged children need not be blindsided by the slightly inconvenient day off on Wednesday; if you work some place that doesn’t close for Veterans' Day and need child care, why not sign them up for beach camp? Remarkably, it is still warm enough to do that. When I’m not working, I tend to look at these days off as a gift of time with my kids. Find something cool to do! Southern California was home to two of our presidents, and regardless of how you feel about Richard Nixon or Ronald Reagan, their libraries are rich with history. The Reagan Library has Air Force One and panels from the Berlin Wall. In Yorba Linda, it is possible to see the humble home where Richard Nixon began his life. Both libraries have special events planned for this day honoring those who have served. (Note that the Nixon library is open, but the galleries are under renovation.) Not feeling presidential? There is loads going on this week that's not remotely political.

This week, parents can take the kids to explore a variety of subjects ;at the Center For Science Teaching & Learning. Families can also make chocolate, create a craft to celebrate the four seasons and celebrate Veteran's Day with a special performance by a ventriloquist. And if you're looking to get rid of all that excess Halloween candy, be sure to check out the many buy back programs going on around Long Island.

For even more activities, check out our Long Island Events Calendar, which is updated daily. You can also get the best events of the week sent directly to your inbox each week if you sign up for our newsletter.

For more options check out our jam-packed Event Calendar and our November Go List. Have a great week!

At the beginning of November, I noted all the days my kids have off from school so we could plan some fun activities, and now the Veterans Day holiday is upon us! A couple of events offer free admission just for those who have served in the military. You'll also find special activities for all ages on Wednesday, including a family-friendly show (pictured). It's not too early to think winter, either. Now's the time to reserve tickets on a local Polar Express, or if you're thinking of a winter wonderland, the Ski & Snowboard Expo can get you ready for fun in the snow that's sure to be right around the corner. Keep your eye on the full Event Calendar for other exciting happenings.

The week ahead is an exciting one, with a great assortment of uncommon activities to enjoy for Westchester families. Give Veterans Day the gravity it deserves at the Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, where you can honor and thank local heroes—and teach your kids to do the same. Prepare a novel conversation piece for your Thanksgiving celebration (or any time!) at the Story Terrarium workshop, and enjoy “corn-y” fun and education about Native American history at Make a Maize Maze.

These are just the first few of our top picks for the week—all of which are FREE. Read on for more; then browse through our Event Calendar for more options.  Want to receive reminders and updates? Sign up for our FREE weekly newsletters and  follow us on Facebook!