24 Best Things To Do this Winter on Long Island 2024
Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this winter? Read on for dozens of great options.
The holiday bells have jingled, but winter is far from over. As temperatures dip on Long Island, it can be harder to keep the kiddos entertained. Have no fear–we'll help you get through this winter without too many boredom-induced tantrums with these 24 ways to beat the winter blues.
Eager for more seasonal entertainment? Check out our Winter Fun Guide and Family Activity Calendar for more inspiration.
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Announce breaking news at Long Island Children’s Museum.
Best Indoor Things To Do this Winter on Long Island
1. Long Island Children's Museum
The Long Island Children's Museum continues to engage children of all ages with its kid-focused exhibits and activities.
2. A Latte Fun
For $30 per child, you can rent out A Latte Fun in South Huntington for 2 hours. Playdates require a minimum of eight children and come with pizza and a juice box.
3. Long Island Aquarium
Say hello to the penguins and the other "residents" at the Long Island Aquarium.
4. Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center
Learn about the history of firefighting and take part in hands-on exhibits at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center.
RELATED: 14 Family-Friendly Museums on Long Island
Knock over some pins at a Long Island bowling alley.
5. Bowling
Find the perfect sparkly ball and engage in some good, old-fashioned family competition at one of Nassau or Suffolk County's premier bowling alleys.
6. The Science Museum of Long Island
The Science Museum of Long Island in Plandome boasts after-school workshops, STEM-based events, and even nursery science programs.
7. Mini-Golf
Believe it or not, some of Long Island's best mini-golf venues are indoors, including Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park and Glowgolf at Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City.
8. Storytime Events
Enjoy one of the best storytimes on Long Island for children and toddlers.
Glide across the ice at one of Long Island's indoor rinks. Photo courtesy of The Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink
9. Ice Skating
Visit one of Long Island's many indoor skating rinks, where kids can learn the basics or progress toward an Olympic medal.
10. Roller Skating
Done enough ice skating? Try roller skating at United Skates of America in Seaford.
11. Children's Museum of the East End
At the Children's Museum of the East End, kids can learn to sail, meet some special hand puppets, score a hole-in-one on the mini-golf course, or play chef at the CMEE Food Truck.
RELATED: Winter Fun Guide for Long Island Families
Explore the wonders of space at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
12. Cradle of Aviation Museum
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.
13. Bakeries
Visit a local dessert shop or bakery to indulge in some sweets.
14. Live Theater
Check out a production from one of the many children's theater companies or, perhaps Disney on Ice, which is playing at the UBS Arena this winter.
15. Restaurants
Take the family to dinner at a Long Island restaurant where kids eat for free.
Say hi to the residents of the Holtsville Ecology Site.
Outdoor Things To Do this Winter on Long Island
16. Outdoor Ice Skating
Enjoy the day at a local outdoor skating rink. Many offer lessons for those just starting and remain open until March depending on weather conditions.
17. Nature Centers
Visit one of these local nature centers that offer plenty of trails to explore, critters to meet, and more all-season fun.
18. Beaches
See the environment in a whole new way via one of these local beach walks or the new Coastal Greenway near Jones Beach. Also, be on the lookout for any seal walks.
19. Art Installations
See grand works of art outdoors at the Nassau County Museum of Art or at one of these other outdoor art destinations nearby.
20. Sledding
Hit one of these local kid-friendly hills the next time the flakes fly.
21. Petting Zoos
Enjoy the adorable farm creatures at these local farms and petting zoos, many of which remain open all year round.
22. Hiking
Enjoy nature and stretch your legs on one of these winter walks.
23. Travel Local
Explore one of the many kid-friendly towns on Long Island, like Huntington, Glen Cove, Sayville, and Port Washington.
24. Go Running
Get your heart rate up and participate in the Winter Run Series at Long Island State Parks.
Unless noted, photos by the author