Enjoy Hands-On Learning at the Science Museum of Long Island

Kids will delight in storytime at the Long Island Science Museum.

Located on picturesque Leeds Pond Preserve on Nassau County's North Shore, the Science Museum of Long Island, on the border of Manhasset and Plandome, boasts engaging, entertaining, and enriching workshops, camps, and year-round events for Long Island families.

Looking for more museum fun? Check out our list of some of the best family-friendly museums on Long Island. Our museums guide offers the complete lowdown on Long Island planetariumsscience centershistoric sites, and more.

Scope out more fun in our guide to indoor play spaces on Long Island as well as our event calendar

Crystal Springs Resort: Two NJ Hotels Host Mountains of Family Fun

Sometimes, it's all about the location when you travel. Exploring new areas of your state or country are exciting. But other times, it's all about the amenities. When you pack two sister resorts full of skiing, snow adventures, water play, and spa options, there's really no need to go past the grounds—which is the case with Crystal Springs Resort in northern New Jersey.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel, and if they're right for your family.

Find more vacation destinations in our Family Resort Guide, which is packed with reviews.

Presidents Day Weekend Events for Long Island Kids

Cheer on the Winter Olympics by participating in events all weekend long at the Children's Museum of the East End. Or engineer a bobsled run at the Maritime Explorium.

Interact with nature on Long Island over Presidents Day weekend. Head to Jones Beach for a winter seal walk, enjoy a winter celebration at Connetquot River State Park, engage in a winter search party at Garvies Point Museum.

Planning ahead for February school vacation week? Check out our guide to camps and workshops, or try these 30 fun things happening on February break.

For more activities to fill the weekend, pop over to our February GoList or Winter Fun Guide. And if you're keeping an eye on your wallet after the holidays, check out our list of free family activities in February.

Of course, our Event Calendar is loaded with fun, daily events for Long Island kids. Don't see a great event here? Add it to our calendar yourself

Summer Sports Camps for Long Island Kids

Lacrosse Academy operates several camps at parks around the town of Hempstead. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

There are plenty of summer camp options on Long Island, and choosing among them might be dizzying.

But if you have a budding athlete on your hands or one who is trying to improve his or her skills, you might want to consider a sports camp. We've rounded up a few for you. In addition to the camps listed below, check out your local YMCA, community center or township office for programs offered at reasonable prices. And be sure to check out our Long Island Summer Camps Guide for more camps in the area.

Ways to Meet Other Parents on Long Island

New to parenthood or to your neighborhood? Seeking to meet other parents like yourself? The winter months make it tough to get out and socialize. But don't worry, you don't need to take out a personal ad. Try these ideas to get up and out and meet new folks (and kids).

Remember, this list is a sampling of some of the largest groups, but certainly not exhaustive. If you don’t see your neighborhood on the list, search a Yahoo Groups directory for your area (or interest), adding “parents"  to the search. Also visit Meetup’s Parents and Family page.

For more creative play ideas ideas, check out our guide to indoors activities on Long Island.  

Sensory Play Spaces and Experiences for Kids on Long Island

New sensory experiences are great for kids' development, from digging their hands into Play-Doh to swinging in a hammock. For those children with a disability or sensory issue, such interactions can be even more rewarding. Several museums and play spaces on Long Island have recognized this and built in unique sensory rooms and encounters into their popular children's attractions.

If lights, sounds, and crowds become major obstacles for your family, these half dozen spots will offer a calming environment geared at soothing little souls. 

Momo's Clubhouse Opens an Indoor Jungle Gym for Kids in Syosset

Kids in Long Island's Syosset gained a brand-new play space this fall. Momo's Clubhouse opened in September, offering all-day drop-in play at its indoor playground, birthday parties, classes for toddlers and preschoolers, and even snacks and coffee for the parents.

We, of course, had to hear more! The bright indoor space is designed to promote imagination and creativity for ages 2 through 9, though there is a separate section (and lower pricing) for crawling babies, too!

Read on for our review of this new Nassau play space, and find more local indoor fun in our Long Island's top Long Island Play Space guide, including those just right for toddlers.

Sippy Cups Cafe: A New Play Space with Snacktime

A play space where parents can grab a cup of joe— and drink it while it's still hot—with the kiddies exploring in plain sight? That's the setup at Sippy Cups Cafe in Seaford, a play space plus cafe for adults with children ages 6 and younger.

Looking for more inside fun this season? Check out our guide to Long Island's top indoor play spaces. If you have a younger child, you might want to see our list of the best indoor play spaces for LI toddlers. Enjoy.

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