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LuminoCity returns to Long Island for its fifth year, setting up this season's show, titled Sweet Dream, at Eisenhower Park. Photo courtesy of LuminoCity
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LuminoCity returns to Long Island for its fifth year at Eisenhower Park. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
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LuminoCity returns to Long Island's Eisenhower Park. Photo courtesy LuminoCity
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The Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze features hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns in elaborate displays at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
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Take in the splendor of the season with a fall getaway to Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. Photo courtesy of Mononk Mountain House
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Top Things To Do on Long Island This Weekend With Kids

Enjoy a prehistoric encounter at the Drive-Thru Dino Safari in Deer Park.
Enjoy a prehistoric encounter at the Drive-Thru Dino Safari in Deer Park.
6/23/21 - By Jaime Sumersille

The sights and sounds of summer are finally here. The Summer Concert Series at Eisenhower Park kicks off this weekend. Tote along dinner, dessert, and some lawn chairs, and be ready to boogie down under the stars. You can head to Heckscher Park all weekend long to take in the Huntington Summer Arts Festival with its music and theater-filled lineup.

Delve into wellness at The Nassau County Museum of Art this weekend where family programs include art-making, sculpting, and yoga. Firework shows are also starting to pop up, like the FREE Town of Hempstead celebration in Point Lookout.

If that's not enough, be sure to explore our list 50 FREE things to do this summer, and bookmark our Summer Fun Guide, where you can find top seasonal day trips, our favorite local beaches, and plenty of amusement park fun. Anytime happenings abound in our Activity Calendar so keep it close at hand, too.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses and times. And, keep in mind: On Long Island, especially now, really cool things to do with kids often book up quickly, so register or buy your tickets ASAP.

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Things To Do All Weekend on Long Island

Drive-Thru Dino Safari

Deer Park
Grab your prehistoric passport, and join more than 40 life-sized moving dinosaurs, including Triceratops, Parasaurolophus, Microraptor, and T. Rex. This drive-thru dino adventure is fun for the entire family and takes over the Tanger Outlets parking lot through Sunday, July 11. READ MORE

Weekend of Wellness at the Nassau County Museum of Art

Roslyn
The Nassau County Museum of Art is hosting two days of wellness aimed at merging art with the mind, body, and soul. Programs promote well-being for people of all ages and abilities and take advantage of the lush 145-acre museum grounds. READ MORE

Huntington Summer Arts Festival

Huntington
The Huntington Summer Arts Festival brings a roster of exciting performing artists to the Chapin Rainbow Stage in Heckscher Park this year.   READ MORE

Longhouse Reserve Planters: On+Off the Ground X

East Hampton
LongHouse Reserve’s annual gardening competition, Planters: On+Off the Ground X is now on display. Artists, horticulturists, designers, gardeners, and landscapers create their best garden masterpieces—all within a 25-square-foot clay pot. READ MORE

Cool Long Island Events for Kids Saturday, June 26

Butterfly Bonanza at Caleb Smith Park

Smithtown
Explore the pollinator garden and discover more about the fascinating adaptations of butterflies. Then, see some of the different species who call Caleb Smith State Park Preserve home. READ MORE

Outdoor Adventures With Ranger Eric at Sands Point Preserve

Sands Point
Each month, biologist and ranger Eric Powers leads visitors of all ages on a unique monthly exploratory walk across the sprawling grounds of the Sands Point Preserve. READ MORE

SOFO's Young Environmentalists Society (YES)

Bridgehampton–FREE
The mission of SOFO’s Young Environmentalists Society, known as YES!, for ages 10 to 16, is to engage young minds in developing a fuller awareness and understanding of the current state of our environment.  READ MORE

Town of Hempstead Extravaganza by the Sea Concert & Fireworks

Point Lookout–FREE
The Town of Hempstead hosts its annual Salute to Veterans event, which features a concert by Starship featuring Mickey Thomas and fireworks display. The evening kicks off with a ceremony honoring veterans. READ MORE

July-Dye Fun at Sensory Beans

Wantagh
Show your creative side while you transform your shirt and mask into a one-of-a-kind Fourth of July creation. Masks are provided, but attendees should bring their own shirts to tye-dye. READ MORE

Summer Concert Series at Eisenhower Park

East Meadow–FREE
Concertgoers experience a variety of genres, from disco to classical and oldies, at the Lakeside Theatre at Eisenhower Park. READ MORE

Family Fun Day at The Shoppes at East Wind

Wading River-FREE
While families visit The Shoppes to enjoy the grand carousel, food and vendors, kids will have blast bouncing around on multiples bounce houses, enjoy face painting and other activities.  READ MORE
Take part in Ocean Science Sunday at The Whaling Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
Take part in Ocean Science Sunday at The Whaling Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Fun Family Events on Long Island on Sunday, June 27

Walk Along the Long Island Sound

Riverhead–FREE
On this nature walk, enjoy a jaunt along the shore of beautiful Long Island Sound. READ MORE

Manhasset Al Fresco: Shopping, Dining & Entertainment

Manhasset
The Manhasset Chamber of Commerce hosts “Manhasset Al Fresco,” a night out on the town with outdoor dining, shopping, and live entertainment along Plandome Road. The event takes place every two weeks from 3:30pm-9:30pm, alternating between South Plandome Road and North Plandome Road, creating pedestrian-only zones. READ MORE

Smithtown's Family Concerts at Hoyt Farm

Commack–FREE
The Smithtown Recreation Department has scheduled seven performances for this year's free concert series at Hoyt Farm. Bring chairs, picnic dinners, and enjoy the show. READ MORE

Town of North Hempstead Movies in the Park

Port Washington–FREE
Bring your picnic dinner, lawn chairs, and enjoy these family-friendly films at various locations across the Town of North Hempstead.  READ MORE

Ocean Science Sunday at The Whaling Museum

Cold Spring Harbor
Have your child experience life as an Earth scientist at The Whaling Museum. Roll up your sleeves to try hands-on experiments to explore how scientists study the quality of the Long Island Sound, including testing water for pH levels, turbidity, and algal blooms. READ MORE

Virtual Camps and Classes You Can Book Now

Claire's Creative Adventures Virtual ARTStory Camp

ARTStory Adventures Camps for ages 3 to 9 is a full arts experience: Students learn about friendship and courage as they share adventures with animals and cultures from around the world. They imagine, create, and learn how to draw, paint, build 3D dioramas, and craft—plus, learn simple French and Spanish along the way. READ MORE

Preschool Science Through the Alphabet On Demand Video Classes

Preschoolers learn science and literacy in this custom program developed by a former NYC public school teacher. Each program focuses on a letter and a fun science topic. The prerecorded video lessons can be watched at home and enjoyed at any time.   READ MORE
Hit the beautiful beaches of Long Island. Photo by Mommy Poppins
Hit the beautiful beaches of Long Island. Photo by Mommy Poppins

Bucket List Summer Fun on Long Island

Best Beaches Near Long Island for Kids and Families

These nine Long Island beaches offer the best amenities for families in 2022. READ MORE

Best Outdoor Swimming Pools on Long Island Summer 2024

Beat the heat at one of these great LI pools. READ MORE

37 Top Summer Day Trips from Long Island for Families

Family fun awaits on these simple and stress-free jaunts near LI. READ MORE

Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds on Long Island

Kids can cool off in these play areas on steamy Long Island days. READ MORE

75 Free Things To Do on Long Island this Summer with Kids

These great Long Island summertime activities give your wallet a break. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Town Park Point Lookout
Long Beach Recreation Center