Volunteering opportunities on Long Island show your children how rewarding it is to make someone’s holiday a little brighter by simply giving a little of your time. Volunteering also offers a way to break free from the gift-getting, list-making, shop-till-you-drop frenzy of the holidays. 

From fundraising to turkey and book drives to helping make wishes come true, we’ve pulled together this list of a dozen Long Island organizations looking for volunteers this holiday season. Most welcome help at other times, too.

Read all our best tips for the holidays–like the best seasonal day trips near Long Island–in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Long Island Kids. 

Long Island is home to a host of museums that cater to a younger crowd, giving you many fun ways to introduce your kids to culture. In fact, many of the institutions we've rounded up below offer hands-on, interactive activities that can be enjoyed by children of all ages.

From air and space to science and trains, these spots offer special exhibits and programs to keep children engaged, entertained, and educated. So why not visit? In the meantime, check out our Guide to Museums and the Arts on Long Island.

When it comes to Long Island parks and playgrounds, the landscape is ever-changing. A handful of local Long Island parks have recently opened or undergone renovations making them worthy of visiting or re-visiting. Families can do much more than just play at these Long Island parks, too! There are animals to meet, paths to traverse, picnicking spots to enjoy, and more perks at these new and newly renovated Long Island parks. From upgrades to overhauls, we've dug up the details on these latest outdoor play spaces Long Island families will love.

For all our favorite playgrounds and parks on Long Island, be sure to check out our Guide to Long Island Parks and Playgrounds, which includes our picks for everything from the best playgrounds for Long Island kids to our top Long Island parks for a leaf-peeping hike this fall and more.

These Long Island restaurants open on Thanksgiving take the meal prep out of the holiday. Instead of sliding an extra leaf into the dining room table, why not start your planning now and book a reservation. Then, sit back, relax, and relish the fact that someone else is basting the turkey and scrubbing the pots. Your only concern is keeping the kids engaged and enjoying a lively conversation.

If you've got picky eaters, or aren't a fan of turkey, many of these Long Island restaurants open on Thanksgiving also offer their regular menu items on Thanksgiving Day. Just be sure to call ahead for reservations.

For fabulous feasting with your little ones any day of year, check out our Long Island Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide and have a Happy Thanksgiving. We're grateful you're here.

Whether you're looking to get spooked this Halloween or are searching for a milder thrill, Long Island is home to many haunted houses that are up to the task. We've rounded up the scariest spots delivering Halloween thrills for teens and not-so-spooky events and displays that are suitable for younger kiddos.

If you're looking for something more low-key, there is plenty of Halloween-themed fun at LI pumpkin patches, and we've got tons more seasonal fun in our Long Island Halloween Guide.