Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.


Get a group of friends together for a play date at the Long Island Explorium.

Indoor Things To Do on Long Island During Winter Break

1. Long Island Explorium

Head to the Long Island Explorium with your squad for a play session. Of course, this harbor-front museum is just a small part of bustling Port Jefferson, which is worth a visit on its own.

2. Bowling

Visit one of the bowling alleys in Nassau or Suffolk counties or on the East End.

3. Roller Skating

Get groovy at United Skates of America in Seaford, which offers roller skating fun for all ages.

RELATED: Winter Fun Guide for Long Island Families

Sharpen your putting skills under the lights at Glowgolf.

4. Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf

Enjoy a whole new spin on mini-golf at these glow-in-the-dark courses. Try Glowgolf in Garden City or Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park or take your game to the next level at the newly opened Topgolf.

5. Stony Brook Chocolate

Learn how to decorate chocolate lollipops during a guided workshop at Stony Brook Chocolate.

6. Gymnastics Camps

Kids will flip for Gold Medal Gymnastics' Super Heroes and Princesses Camp. 

RELATED: 100 Things To Do With LI Kids Before They Grow Up

Say hello to the "residents" at the Long Island Aquarium.

7. Long Island Aquarium 

From movies to crafts and games to touring exhibits, there’s plenty to keep your kids busy at the Long Island Aquarium’s weeklong camp. Kids ages 5-11 can attend for a single day or the whole week. Pre-registration is required.

8. Vanderbilt Museum

Enroll in one of the Vanderbilt's February Recess Workshops or spend the day exploring the grounds. 

9. Enjoy a Sweet Treat

Whether you're craving a scoop, sundae, or shake, seek out an old-fashioned ice cream spot for a sweet treat or check out a unique doughnut shop.

RELATED: Inexpensive Winter Weekend Getaways for NYC-Area Families

Meet the wildlife at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning.

10. Visit CSTL

Try some science experiments and more at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning’s winter break camp.

11. Acting Camp

Kids ages 7-13 can participate in Bay Street Theater's My Life the Musical camp.

12. Kids Eat Free

Treat everyone (especially yourself) to a dinner at one of these restaurants where kids eat for free.

RELATED: Nature Centers Sure to Delight Long Island Kids

Indoors or out, kids will delight in a workshop at the Science Museum of Long Island.

13. Science Museum of Long Island

Sign up for the Science Museum of Long Island's drop-off workshops during the winter break. This in-person series has a sweet ending: maple sugaring!

14. Family-Friendly Theater Shows

Grab your little ones and check out Cinderella at the Elmont Theater or Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus at LICM. 

Outdoor Things To Do on Long Island During February's Winter Break

15. Visit a Playground

Check out the swings and spinning discs at Garvies Point Playground and then explore the kid-friendly city of Glen Cove. 

16. Winter Walk

Walk around the outdoor sculpture exhibit at the Parrish Art Museum, which is laid out on 14 acres. We've found 11 other outdoor art destinations nearby, too.

17. Go Fishing

Tour the aquariums, ponds, and other exhibits at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium before checking out its catch-and-keep fishing program. Or drop a line at one of these other Long Island spots.

RELATED: Indoor Water Parks Open Now for a Warm Getaway Near NYC

Out on the East End? Hit the ice at Buckskill Winter Club.

18. Ice Skating

Take a spin on one of the outdoor ice skating rinks on Long Island open now.

19. Sweetbriar Nature Center

Visit Sweetbriar Nature Center's Winter Discovery Days, where kids ages 6-11 can attend one-day or weeklong camps.

20. Wildlife Camp

 At the Quogue Wildlife Refuge’s Winter Wildlife Camp kids can take hikes, meet some animals, and create a craft. Be sure your child is dressed appropriately; this program is entirely outside.

RELATED: Caleb Smith State Park Preserve: Five Things To Do at This Scenic Long Island Park

Wander the trails at the lovely Sands Point Preserve.

21. Sands Point Preserve

Explore the Sands Point Preserve with its lush lawns, trails, and more. Seek out the Dino Trail and follow the footprints into the forest.

22. Go Sledding

If we get snow during the week off, bundle up the kids and grab those sleds to hit one of the best family sledding spots on Long Island.

23. Cross-Country Skiing

Ready for more outdoor winter fun? Try a winter walk or go cross-country skiing.

This post was originally published in 2018 and is updated annually.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the venues