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Things to do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids: Dragon Boat Races, KidStock, Italian Festival

As part of the seasonal festivities enjoy apple-themed games thoughout the day at Harbes Family Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
As part of the seasonal festivities enjoy apple-themed games thoughout the day at Harbes Family Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
9/11/19 - By Jaime Sumersille

Cheer on dragon boat racing teams as they compete over a 250-meter course at a harborfront festival in Port Jefferson this weekend.

It's all peace and love at Kidstock in Port Washington. This open-air family festival features musical entertainment that kids and parents can enjoy together. There are more festivals at Harbes Family Farm, Garden Of Eve, Benner's Farm, Hofstra University and Hicks Nurseries.

Partake in a day of spy-related tours and activities for Culper Spy Day at the Long Island Museum.

See our Fall Family Fun Guide and our September GoList for the best in seasonal entertainment, including day trip ideas, fall festivals, corn mazes, and plenty of FREE events and activities. As always, our Event Calendar is loaded with fun, daily happenings for Long Island kids.

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Local children and teens compete in Junior Garlic Iron Chef to create a master garlic-flavored pasta sauce - in front of a live audience - in only half an hour at the Garlic Festival at the Garden Of Eve. Photo courtesy of the farm
Local children and teens compete in Junior Garlic Iron Chef to create a master garlic-flavored pasta sauce - in front of a live audience - in only half an hour at the Garlic Festival at the Garden Of Eve. Photo courtesy of the farm

Things to Do on Long Island All Weekend

Long Island Garlic Festival

Riverhead
Don't make a big stink, Waterdrinker Family Farm has taken over hosting Long Island’s only garlic festival, which sprawls over one weekend in 2023. Celebrate the wonders of “Garliciana” with a variety of garlic-inspired foods, barn animals, music, play, and more. READ MORE

Pumpkin Decorating at Hicks Nurseries

Westbury
Decorate and plant a pumpkin for Halloween with fall-themed accessories, all supplied by the nursery. READ MORE

Madagascar Jr. at Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts

Smithtown
Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York’s Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends – Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo – have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them.  READ MORE
Visit Quogue Wildlife Refuge at Pine Barrens Discover Day at the Wertheim Wildlife Refuge's visitor center in Shirley, Photo courtesy of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge
Visit Quogue Wildlife Refuge at Pine Barrens Discover Day at the Wertheim Wildlife Refuge's visitor center in Shirley, Photo courtesy of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge

Things to Do on Long Island Saturday, September 14

Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival

Port Jefferson — FREE
Cheer on six decorated dragon boat racing teams as they compete in a 250-meter race along the majestic Port Jefferson Harbor. READ MORE

Late Summer Seasonal Stroll at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve

Lloyd Neck — FREE
Observe seasonal changes on this short stroll. Witness summer's slow, subtle change as she withers and goes to seed. READ MORE

North Hempstead KidStock

Port Washington — FREE
This open-air family festival features musical entertainment kids and parents can enjoy together. The event includes FREE admission to Clark Botanic Garden in Albertson. READ MORE

Culper Spy Day at the Long Island Museum

Setauket- East Setauket
Limited in-person viewing is set to begin on Culper Spy Day , Sept. 18, of unearthed documents of the Culper Spy Ring on Long Island. READ MORE

ARTful Adventures at the Hofstra University Museum

Hempstead
Look, listen, and create together. Bring your child to the museum to look at and discuss art and then engage in a hands-on art project. READ MORE

Pine Barrens Discovery Day

Quogue — FREE
A full day of fun for the whole family awaits. Enjoy scavenger hunts at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge and Wertheim Wildlife Refuge. Learn about two of Long Island’s most important natural areas by experiencing them first-hand. Wear protective clothing and mosquito/tick repellent. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. READ MORE

MeadowWalk Art Show

Oyster Bay
Join Oakcliff Sailing for a special afternoon. Begin your journey at Oyster Bay Marine Center.Take a boat ride through the harbors of Oyster Bay and disembark on a private meadow on Centre Island.  READ MORE
Join Atlantic Marine Conservation Society to learn about the seal species we find in our local waters, Photo courtesy of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society
Join Atlantic Marine Conservation Society to learn about the seal species we find in our local waters, Photo courtesy of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society

Things to Do on Long Island Sunday, September 15

Seals in New York at Hallock State Park Preserve

Riverhead — FREE
Join Atlantic Marine Conservation Society scientists to learn about the five pinniped seal species found in our local waters, the threats that they face during their seasonal time near Long Island, and how we can help them. READ MORE

North Fork Animal Welfare League Visit at the Long Island Science Center

Riverhead — FREE
Children will learn proper pet care “Dos and Don’ts,” how to approach an animal for the first time, and how to safely handle animals.   READ MORE

Fiddle and Folk Festival at Benner's Farm

East Setuaket
Yee haw! The Fiddle and Folk Festival is held on the historic, organic, working Benner's Farm, and features kids' areas, the biggest swing on Long Island, farm animals, gardens, produce, fields and woods, music and food. READ MORE

Italian Experience Festival at Hofstra University

Hempstead
The Italian Experience celebrates Italy's gifts of culture, education, and commerce to America. The festival features food, vendors, handmade crafts, exhibits by cultural organizations, music, dance, poetry, and more for the entire family to enjoy. Each year Hofstra presents an Italian festival, drawing thousands of people from the tristate area. Unlike any other Italian festival, the Hofstra celebration emphasizes the many Italian contributions to American culture. For program information call the Festival Hotline at (516) 463-6582. For vendor/general information, call (516) 463-6925. READ MORE

Art In The Park in Farmingdale

Farmingdale — FREE
Head to Farmingdale's Village Green for a day dedicated to the arts. This annual fest features more than 20 artists displaying their works.  READ MORE

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