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Best Indoor Things To Do this Winter on Long Island

1. Visit the Long Island Children's Museum - Garden City

The Long Island Children's Museum continues to engage children of all ages with its interactive kid-focused exhibits and activities. Be sure to check out the museum's seasonal Snowflake Sock Skating open until January 4, 2026. Plus, adventure into their new Saltwater Stories exhibit.

2. Jump in a Giant Ball Pit at Nana's Wonderland - Massapequa Park

Nana's Wonderland is one of our favorite indoor play spaces for the baby, toddler and preschooler crowd. The pastel colors are so inviting, and let's face it, the kids go gaga over sliding into the giant ball pit. Nana's Wonderland is best for kids 6 and under. 

3. Visit Long Island Aquarium - Riverhead

Visit the Long Island Aquarium, which is mostly indoors. The touch tank and sting ray feeding are are my sensory-loving kids favorite spots.

4. Fight Fires at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center - Garden City

Learn about the history of firefighting and take part in hands-on exhibits at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center. While some kids love the historical trucks, mine loved pretending to respond to a house fire. 

RELATED: Skiing, Snowboarding, & Snow Sports Guide

5. Get a Strike at a Levittown Lanes - Levittown

I prefer to take the kids bowling where there is less of an arcade since they (and honestly, I) become easily distracted by it. Not local to Levittown? Check out one of Long Island's best bowling alleys for families. 

6. Rack Up Points at Round One - Hicksville

When it's time to game, our favorite arcade is Round One. We love the different claw and prize machines. Plus the prize area always has something fun. If your kids are big into games like mine, take a look at Long Island's Best Arcades, including ClawCade in Roosevelt Field Mall.

7. Sign Up for a Science Program at The Science Museum of Long Island - Manhasset

The Science Museum of Long Island in Plandome boasts after-school workshops, STEM-based events, and even nursery science programs.

8. Mini-Golf at Monster Mini Golf - Deer Park

Believe it or not, some of Long Island's best mini-golf venues are indoors, including Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park.
Bounce on the sprawling honeycomb trampoline floor, gaining serious air. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

9. Get Active at Urban Air - Lake Grove, Commack

Climb, bounce, slide, zip line, and ninja warrior your way through Urban Air or one of Long Island's best indoor family fun centers. Many of the fun centers have toddler sections for the little ones to jump and play. 

10. Visit Westbury Memorial Public Library's Children's Library - Wesbtury

This Children's library is housed in its own building. It has giant connect four, lego tables, a checkout area and windowsill reading nooks. The best part is it's a FREE way to spend an indoor afternoon. Take a look at these other FREE, Long Island destination-worthy library play spaces and children's rooms. 

11. Get Creative at Children's Art Classes - East Rockaway

My kids take after their mom. They can spend hours painting and crafting. Creative kids like mine will love a drop-in art class like those at Children's Art Classes in East Rockaway. Be sure to also check out Long Island art studios that offer classes for kids. From painting to sculpting to fashion design these art studios provide hours of indoor fun for kids of all ages. 

12. Go Glo-Karting at Xplore Commack - Commack

While glo-karting is an additional fee to the open play, the kids have so much fun. Unlike other play places with timed slots, the great thing about Xplore is there is no time limit. Xplore Commack is smaller than it's Port Jefferson counterpart, but it's perfect for families with kids in multiple age groups. I can be in the toddler section with my 14-month-old while my older ones run amok in the play structure across the way. Everything is in eyesight. 

13. Visit the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center - Wantagh

There are lots of hands-on exhibits at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center. While it's small, you can easily spend 2 hours with all the fun activities for kids. Plus, there is a touch tank, but call before you go to check the touch tank hours. The best part is entry is completely FREE during the winter, since there is no state park parking fee in effect. 

14. Indoor Ice Skating at Northwell Health Ice Center- East Meadow

Northwell Health Ice Center is a beautiful and modern arena featuring two NHL-sized rinks. Public skate is great for advanced skaters and beginners. They have skate aids for younger skaters to help them feel more independent on the ice. 

15. Roller Skating at United Skates - Seaford

Done enough ice skating? Try roller skating at United Skates of America in Seaford. They also hold different events throughout the week, including skating with favorite characters like Stitch and Labubu.

16. Children's Museum of the East End - Bridgehampton

At the Children's Museum of the East End, kids can learn to sail, meet special hand puppets, score a hole-in-one on the mini-golf course, or play chef at the CMEE Food Truck. My kids love the open play space and climbing area in the middle of the museum.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Museums on Long Island

Explore the wonders of space at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Photo by the author

17. Visit the Cradle of Aviation Museum - Garden City

With more than 75 examples of aircraft and spacecraft and a planetarium, you'll find plenty to do and lots to learn at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Check your local library to see if you can score FREE museum passes. 

18. Go Swimming at Saf-T-Swim - Levittown

Try out swim lessons at one of Long Island's best indoor pools over the winter so the kids will be ready for summer swimming. Local Saf-T-Swims also have open pool hours you can sign up for without having to commit to lessons. It's a great way to get a small taste of summer activities again. 

19. Visit Empire Adventure Park - Westbury

Plan a day to climb to new heights at one of Long Island's indoor rock climbing gyms, like the one at Empire Adventure Park in Westbury. In addition to rock climbing, they have an obstacle course, trampolines and a toddler zone. 

20. Get Some Sweets at Roger's Dessert Bar - Patchogue

Roger's Dessert Bar has a wall of u-pick candies, soft serve ice cream, desserts and even stuffed animals. Winter is long, so visit another ocal Long Island dessert shop or bakery to indulge in some delicious treats with the kids on a blustery day.

21. Spend Holiday Cash at Fun Stuff Toys - Seaford

Did the kids get some cash for the holidays? Head to a local toy store, like Fun Stuff Toys to test out some new toys and spend that check from auntie.

22. See Mickey's Search Party at UBS Arena - Elmont

Disney on Ice's Mickey's Search Party features ice skating acts surrounding the films Toy Story, Coco, Moana, Aladdin and Frozen. It will be playing at the UBS Arena January 2026. 

23. Pretend it's Halloween at Haunted House of Hamburgers - Farmingdale 

Our kids love the Haunted House of Hamburgers. The atmosphere can't be beat for spooky-lovers, plus there are lots of fun food options for kids. 

RELATED: Winter Fun Guide for Long Island Families

Outdoor Things To Do this Winter on Long Island 

24. Outdoor Ice Skating at The Rinx - Port Jefferson

Enjoy the day at a local outdoor skating rink. The Rinx at Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson is so scenic. Located on the harbor, just past the village, it really doesn't feel like you're on Long Island anymore. It's easy to make a day out of a visit to Port Jefferson. 

25. Hike Quogue Wildlife Refuge - Quogue

Explore one of the trails at Quogue Wildlife Refuge ranging from .8 miles to just over 3 miles. Spot local wildlife and fauna. Be sure to bundle up. 

26. LuminoCity Fantasy Winter Fairyland - East Meadow

 This year's LuminoCity festival has even more interactive exhibits than last year. On the way home, explore Long Island's best Christmas light displays.

27. Art Installations at the Nassau County Museum of Art - Roslyn

See grand works of art outdoors at the Nassau County Museum of Art or at one of these other outdoor art destinations nearby.

28. Sled at Newbridge Park - Bellmore

The hill is pretty steep at Newbridge, and it;s a favorite amongst locals. Take a look at these other local kid-friendly hills the next time the flakes fly.

29. Visit the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center - Yaphank

The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center is one of the few petting zoos that is open year-round and admission is FREE, except during special events. Their natural playground is a fun play area for kids 6 and under.

30. Dine Inside an Igloo at Coach Meeting House - Oyster Bay

Enjoy dining outside without dealing with the icy cold. Igloos are available for reservation at Coach Meeting House. 

31. Take a Winter Hike through Connetquot State Park - Oakdale

Bundle up, enjoy nature, and stretch your legs on a scenic walk through Connetquot State Park or one go on one of these winter walks with the family. Connetquot is great for nature lovers, as there are lots of animals who call the state park home. 

32. Visit Town of Hempstead's New Playgrounds - Levittown

The Town of Hempstead has been overhauling local playgrounds throughout 2024 and 2025. Levittown particularly has seen many of their local playgrounds transformed with new and unique equipment. Once you're done exploring the new playgrounds in Town of Hempstead, check out one of Long Island's best playgrounds.

33. Go Horseback Riding at Gold Coast Equestrian - Old Brookville

Explore one of Long Island's beautiful equestrian centers like Gold Coast Equestrian to schedule horseback riding lessons for the kids or plan a family trail ride. Gold Coast Equestrian has both indoor and outdoor facilities. 

34. Jones Beach Winter Bird Walk - Wantagh

See the environment in a whole new way via a Jones Beach bird walk. These guided tours offer unique insights into the Long Island ecosystem.  

Unless noted, photos by the author