15 Things To Do in Rockville Centre with Kids

The Center for Science Teaching and Learning has an impressive dinosaur exhibit. Photo by Gina Massaro
The Center for Science Teaching and Learning has an impressive dinosaur exhibit. Photo by Gina Massaro
2/24/23 - By Kristen Markel

Visiting Rockville Centre? Read on for some of the top things to do with kids on a day trip. 

Nestled on Long Island’s South Shore, Rockville Centre is a thriving village filled with restaurants, shops, and a true community feel. This great family-friendly destination is easily accessible by train.

No matter the season, there are plenty of activities to entertain kids and grown-ups, including play spaces, spray parks, and dinosaur exhibits. When you’ve had your fill of fun, check out one of the area's many family-friendly restaurants.  

Be sure to check out our rundown of cute towns on Long Island with walkable Main Streets and more day-trip ideas in our Guide to Long Island Day Trips and Weekend Getaways

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Top Attractions and Things To Do in Rockville Centre

1. The Children’s Social Club

Grab a friend or two and enjoy a cup of coffee as little ones explore this Nassau play space. The Children’s Social club caters to little ones 5 and under with toys, ball pits, and more. If you have some space in your calendar, check out one of their many weekly classes. 

2. Center for Science Teaching and Learning

Located at Tanglewood Preserve, the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL) has created an impressive dinosaur exhibit that's both educational and beautiful. Little paleontologists will roar over this place. Besides the standard exhibits, CSTL hosts walk-in Tiny Tots workshops three times a week featuring stories and arts and crafts. 

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Little Doll Studio 15 Things To Do in Rockville Centre with Kids
Encourage your child to dream fearlessly at the Little Doll Studio. Courtesy of the play space

3. Little Doll Studio

Watch your child’s imagination soar during an open play session at this Nassau County indoor play space dedicated to dolls. Little Doll Studio has play sets for every scenario.

4. ARTrageous Art Studio

Unleash your creativity at this art studio that features mosaic making, painting, and much more. ARTrageous provides all the supplies for your masterpiece. Reservations are required. 

5. Challenge Escape Rooms

Get a team together and find the clues that lead to the completion of several puzzles at this Rockville Centre spot. Challenge Escape Rooms has four themed spaces, three of which are kid friendly. 

6. Maple Lanes RVC

Aim for a strike at this bowling alley that opened its doors in 1960. There’s a full snack bar onsite to fuel up before or during your games. Bowlers can make reservations online. 

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The Flour Shoppe Cafe 15 Things To Do in Rockville Centre with Kids
Dig into a tall stack of specialty pancakes at the Flour Shoppe Cafe. Photo courtesy of the cafe

Best Family-Friendly Rockville Centre Restaurants

7. The Flour Shoppe Cafe

This small eatery is listed as one of the best family-friendly breakfast spots on Long Island, but it’s also great for lunch and dinner. The menu is full of kid-friendly fare, and tired parents can skip the line and order from their table via a QR code. 

8. Kashi

Teens will love snapping pic of their food and the scenery at this hip Japanese restaurant. Sushi lovers and landlubbers alike will find desirable options on this extensive menu.

9. GM Burger Bar

Burgers are the focus at this high-end eatery, but there’s so much more for little ones to love. This menu is extensive; from chicken fingers and nachos to giant pretzels and milkshakes, everyone will leave happy. 

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St. Patrick's Day Parade. 15 Things To Do in Rockville Centre with Kids
Take in the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo courtesy of the parade

Fun Annual Events in Rockville Centre

10. Holiday Lights Competition

Residents are encouraged to decorate their homes for the holidays and compete for bragging rights every winter. Locals tour the neighborhoods and then vote online for their favorites. 

11. The Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Residents have been marching in this parade since 1997. It’s the only event of its kind that donates all the proceeds to charity. The annual event will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Tanglewood Preserve. 15 Things To Do in Rockville Centre with Kids
Explore the woods at Tanglewood Preserve. Photo courtesy of the Center for Science Teaching & Learning

Best Parks and Playgrounds in Rockville Centre

12. Rockville Centre Recreation Center Gym

Ages 1-4 are invited to join in open play at the recreation center. Sessions for the popular Roll Around program are available Monday through Saturday, and advance registration is required. 

13. Tanglewood Preserve 

After your time at CSTL, enjoy the surrounding preserve. Tanglewood is an 11-acre park featuring a lovely nature trail and a beautifully renovated brick walkway surrounding a pond that’s perfect for strollers. 

Rockville Centre Recreation Center's Spray Park. 15 Things To Do in Rockville Centre with Kids
Romp in the sprinkler area at the Rockville Centre Recreation Center's Spray Park. Photo by Nathalie Ferro Aurigema

14. Rockville Centre Recreation Center's Spray Park

 Inside Veterans Park, the Rockville Centre Recreation Center spray park has many features your little ones will love. Adults will love the ample amounts of shade from the surrounding trees. 

Best Places To Go Shopping In Rockville Centre

15. Parrots of the World

Kids and grownups will have a blast roaming the aisle of this unique pet store that specializes in parrots, ferrets, and guinea pigs. 

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