Weekend Events for Kids on Long Island, October 2-4: Beach and Fall Festivals, Flashlight Maze, Fishing Clinics and More

10/1/09 - By

There is so much to enjoy this time of year on Long Island, and this weekend's events really reflect that. Head to one of our great local farms, hit a family festival, enjoy one last blast of Summer beach life, or take advantage of the great cultural offerings available for families. You might also want to check out our recent posts about pumpkin picking or apple picking farms on the Island. I don't know about you, but now that school is back in session, I cherish these last long days (even thought they are getting shorter) and I'm looking forward to getting outside and enjoying some of this Fall air. Here are our suggestions for Long Island's best family activities this weekend:

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Flashlight Maze at Fink's County Farm
Friday, October 2, 7pm-10pm
6242 Middle Country Road, Manorville
 

Starting this Friday (and all Friday nights in October), head out to this great Family Farm and enjoy a corn maze with a twist-it's not too scary and it isn't haunted, but it's really fun for the kids to have their own flashlight and try to find their way around. You have to wait until dark to really enjoy it, but if you get there early you can enjoy a picnic dinner or some of Fink's other great farm activities like hayrides and the playground which includes a kiddie train and bounce house. If you don't have enough flashlights for everyone, you can rent one from the farm, and after the maze, make sure to stop by the fire pit to warm up. For more details, visit Fink's website.

 

Lido Beach Festival by the Sea
Saturday, October 2-Sunday, October 3, 11am-6pm
630 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach
 
For what might be the last chance for you to hit the beach and enjoy some late Summer fun, check out this great festival. With surf/sand competitions, live music, children's entertainment and some of the best local chowder and clams, this is the perfect excuse to head South and enjoy the tiny sea town of Lido Beach. 

 

29th Annual Hallockville Museum Farm Fall Festival
Saturday, October 2-Sunday, October 3, 10am-4pm
6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead

If a traditional Fall festival is more up your alley, this is a great one, and it gives you reason to check out the North Fork of Long Island, and perhaps some wineries while you're (almost) there. You'll find traditional games, craft vendors and interactive crafts, hay and tractor rides, and great great farm hospitality. By the way, if you aren't familiar with this part of the Island, keep heading East from the Museum and you'll start see the wineries, many of which themselves are offering psuedo Fall festivals and plenty of family oriented activities, making it easy to stop by and enjoy a taste of Long Island wine and fun. For more information about the festival or the Hallockville Museum Farm, click here

 

Children's Saltwater Fishing Clinics at Fisherman's Walk Pie
Saturday, October 2-Sunday October 3, 11am-2pm
Captree State Park
1 Rescue Rd, Babylon

Seeing my boys learn to fish this year has been one of the highlights of my Summer. They really love the challenge of it, and I think they enjoy the time they've spent with their Dad even more. Lucky for them, Dad likes to fish, but if you're like me, you might want to check out these great clinics at Captree Park this weekend. Expert anglers will teach your kids (and you) all the techniques and rules and then let you fish after. Rods and bait are provided.  There is an event limit of 100 children, so be sure register in advance, and to do so, call this number: 631-669-6464

 

Nassau County Museum of Art's Family Sunday at the Museum
Sunday, October 3, 1pm
1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

Most Sunday afternoons, NCMA opens it's doors and welcomes families in and offers a docent led tour of it's MiniArtMuseum designed for families in mind. They also offer art activities and other special activities, depending on the weekend. This weekend is a great weekend to head to the museum because they are celebrating a new exhibiton based on the book "But Who Will Bell the Cats?" by Cynthia von Buhler. And, to help launch the exhibition, the author will be on hand to read her book, sign copies and celebrate! Taking your kids to listen to real authors read their stories is a great way to celebrate literature, and they're always mesmerized listening. This is an exhibition worth checking out because the book itself is full of intricate details and illustrations. Once you pay admission to the museum ($10 for adults, $4 for students over 4, free for children under 4), there is no fee. You should also visit the NCMA website for more details and other events happening that day.

 

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