24 Best Things To Do this Winter on Long Island 2024

The Long Island Aquarium is a great all-seasons destination.
The Long Island Aquarium is a great all-seasons destination.
1/14/24 - By Lisa Fogarty

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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Long Island Children’s Museum.: Long Island things to do in winter
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

Bowling: Long Island  things to do in winter
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.

The Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink: Long Island things to do in winter
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.

RELATEDWinter Fun Guide for Long Island Families

Cradle of Aviation Museum : Long Island things to do in winter
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 Icewhich 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.

Holtsville Ecology Site.: Long Island things to do in winter
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