End-of-Summer Programs to Help Kids Re-engage With School

8/16/16 - By Jaime Sumersille

While the past few months may have been filled with camp activities, vacations and carefree days, the lazy, hazy days of summer are coming to an end and that means the kiddies need to get used to school again. Beat summer brain drain with these educational and inspirational events and activities to help get those wheels turning again. Be sure to check out our Summer Guide for more warm weather ideas.

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Tuesday, August 16
Who Lives Under the Sea?
Ed Warner Marine Park, Ponquogue Bridge South, Hampton Bays
Bring children to the Town Park, located just over the Ponquogue Bridge to explore life under the sea. Meet educators from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for a presentation on marine life, enjoy a craft activity and then help capture undersea creatures using a seine net. Free. 

In the Garden
Bridge Gardens, 36 Mitchells Ln., Bridgehampton
During this farm-to-table program, children will be introduced to the plant life cycle and other basic elements of sustainable gardening. 

Wednesday, August 17
Lost Ladybug Project
Downs Farm Preserve, 23800 Main Road, Cutchogue
Participate in this fun and very important citizen science project at Downs Farm Preserve, which includes learning about native vs. non-native ladybugs, catching, identifying and photographing ladybugs and more.

Friday, August 19
Kids Can Paint
As You Wish, 418A Bedford Ave., Bellmore
The kids will create a Secret Life of Pets themed canvas during this drop off event. Cost includes supplies, instruction, pizza and party games. 

Wednesday, August 24
Children's Victorian Tea Party
Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station
This fun and informative program includes role-playing while teaching social skills, self-esteem and confidence. Children learn dining manners, such as how to properly hold and cut with a knife and fork. Apple juice will be substituted for the hot tea. 

Ongoing
Summer Family Art Explorations
Hofstra University Museum, 112 Hofstra University Emily Lowe Gallery (behind Emily Lowe Hall, South Campus), Hempstead
Using activity-filled, themed backpacks, children and their adult companions can (1) explore the outdoor sculpture collection on Hofstra’s beautiful campus or (2) discover several works of art from the world’s cultures through the grounds. Weekdays.

Family Sundays at the Museum
Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor
Converse, collaborate and create together during Family Sundays from 1 to 4 pm. Family Sundays begin with exhibition-based gallery conversations. Families then go on to explore new art materials, vocabulary and ideas with a museum educator. 

Hands on Art
African-American Museum of Nassau County, 110 North Franklin St., Hempstead
Studio art, instructor-led class for visitors or all ages. Saturdays.

Make-it Mondays
Not Just Art, 183 South Street, Oyster Bay
Design and building challenges for young tinkers and thinkers, using materials in the Junkyard Studio.

Summer Workshops
Abrakadoodle, 55 Lumbar Road, Roslyn
Children are grouped according to age and given daily artistic assignments. 

Kids in the Kitchen
Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Dr., Garden City
On Friday mornings,  the kids can cook up a storm, following recipes and created sweet treats.

Crafting
Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park
Pop into the store for a free craft each Saturday between 11am and 3pm.

Photo: Family Sundays at the Nassau County Museum of Art