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MLK Weekend 2026 on Long Island: Best Things To Do with Kids

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Explore the out-of-this-world possibilities of space travel at the Long Island Children's Museum's new exhibit. Photo courtesy LICM
1/17/25 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this long MLK weekend? From movies and concerts to civil rights activities and more, here are our top picks for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

Bundle up this weekend for the charming Winterfest at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary, where a crackling campfire, guided winter walk, a hot cocoa in hand, and a candlelighting ceremony invite your crew to embrace nature and community spirit together - it’s like a neighborhood bonfire with birds and marshmallows.

There's more adventure to be had at the Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Glow-N-Fire show at Nassau Coliseum, and Disney on Ice at UBS Arena. 

Families can also honor Dr. King's legacy at various state parks or at the Walt Whitman Birthplace with a story and craft. Be sure to check your local library for various service day of service opportunities. 

More Things To Do on Long Island this Week with Kids

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Top Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids

Disney On Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party at UBS Arena

Elmont
Thursday, January 15 - Monday, January 19, 2026
Disney On Ice presents Mickey's Search Party, featuring 14 classic and modern Disney stories in an ice skating production. Attend in costume to watch these Disney characters debut at UBS Arena at Belmont Park. READ MORE

Winterfest at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary

Garden City - FREE
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Spend some time in nature at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary, as it hosts a Winterfest celebration. This free event includes a campfire, candlelighting ceremony, a guided walk, hot chocolate, and more.  READ MORE

Junior Ranger Day at the Fire Island Seashore

Patchogue - FREE
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Learn about Fire Island in winter through fun displays and activities. Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet, complete activities, and take the Junior Ranger pledge. READ MORE

National Theatre Live: The Life of Pi at Guild Hall

East Hampton
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Puppetry, magic, and storytelling come together in this Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of the best-selling novel Life of Pi at Guild Hall. Filmed live in London’s West End, this cinematic presentation brings the acclaimed theatrical production to the big screen with stunning, state-of-the-art visuals. READ MORE

Central Operating Lines Model Train Open House

Bohemia – FREE
Saturday, January 17 - Sunday, January 18, 2026
The Central Operating Lines Holiday Train show and open house boasts a huge layout spanning 23 scale miles. As an added holiday bonus, Santa will be on hand! READ MORE

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live at Nassau Coliseum

Uniondale
Saturday, January 17-Sunday, January 18, 2026
Following the success of Glow-N-Fire in 2025, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live continues the momentum into 2026 by introducing an all-new truck to the tour: Rhinomite - the dynamite Rhino-themed truck at this Nassau Coliseu show. READ MORE

Sunday Science: Science Spa Jr. at CSTL

Rockville Centre
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Sunday Science is the perfect drop-off program for children to learn hands-on science! Warm up from the winter weather with a day at the spa! Experiment to create lip balm, bath bombs, and more to keep you cozy as the cold winds blow.    READ MORE

Rainbow Fish Musical at Showplace at Bellmore Movies

Bellmore
Sunday, January 18, 2026
With shiny, multi-colored scales, Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in all of the ocean, and the only one of his (or her!) kind. Watch this tale unfold on the Showplace at Bellmore Movies stage, courtesy of the Sunrise Theatre Company. READ MORE

MLK Day of Service at the Patchogue-Medford Library

Patchogue – FREE
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Carnegie Library in Patchogue hosts a unique opportunity to learn all about MLK's Day of Service and what you can do to help the Ronald McDonald House. Listen to a story about MLK. Enjoy a short presentation by a Ronald McDonald House ambassador. Then spend some time decorating and stuffing snack bags to donate to families staying at Stony Brook Children's Hospital. READ MORE

Dine In Movie at 317 Main Featuring Ratatouille

Farmingdale
Sunday, January 18, 2026
This six-course immersive dining experience at 317 Main is inspired by a favorite Disney film, Ratatouille. READ MORE

Slime Workshop at the Children's Museum of the East End

Bridgehampton
Monday, January 19, 2026
Have an ooey gooey time making slime during this workshop at the Children's Museum of the East End. READ MORE

Snake Craft at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery

Cold Spring Harbor
Monday, January 19, 2026
The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium offers visitors a free snake crafts included with their admission on this date. READ MORE

Holiday Workshops at the Science Museum of Long Island

Plandome
Monday, January 19, 2026
Children ages four and up are welcome to join SMLI on their days off from school to enjoy hours of fun, hand-on science activities. Children can participate in experiments, create crafts, and observe demonstrations. READ MORE

Kids Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum

Huntington - FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
Kids can listen to a story about Martin Luther King Jr., one of the greatest American heroes, and complete a fun and thoughtful craft project - all courtesy of the Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum. READ MORE

Long Island State Parks Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Various Locations - FREE
Ongoing in January
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Long Island State Parks throughout the month of January. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jaime Sumersille
Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.
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