The drive-thru light experience on the site of the Woodstock Festival runs through this weekend. Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
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Enjoy a day out, and say goodbye to Santa, on Christmas Day this year. Image credit: Pixabay
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Make tracks to a train show during the holiday break. Photo by the author
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The Keeler Christmas light display in Putnam Valley features nearly 1 million lights.
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Westchester in 2025
The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025
Untermyer Gardens Conservancy's Grand Holiday Illumination has become a Yonkers tradition. Photo courtesy of the conservancy
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Enjoy the free holiday parade and drone show at the Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown. Photo courtesy of the event
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The holiday market at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts features more than 75 craft and food vendors. Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
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Cirque Dreams' festive acrobats never fail to amaze. Photo courtesy of Cirque Dreams
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Enjoy glorious views on the Walkway Over the Hudson. Photo by Fred Schaeffer/courtesy of the Walkway.
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A visit to the United States Military Academy is a lesson in history and patriotism, but also tons of fun for families.
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Kids can run, swing, slide, and even make music at Sally’s Dream Playground in Montgomery. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
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The Saugerties Lighthouse is a stunning getaway no matter the season.
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The Play Place in Elmsford is one of Westchester's top indoor play spaces.
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Roam the the cedar walk and gardens at Caramoor for a free, fun outing. Photo by Gabe Palacio
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Enjoy water sports at Westchester Summer Day in Mamaroneck. Photo courtesy of the camp
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Palisade Center's Climbzone features themed rock walls as high as 40 feet. Photo courtesy of Climbzone.
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The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
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Poughkeepsie's Gravity Vault is an indoor rock-climbing gym with classes for kids as young as 5. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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Mount Kisco's Grand Prix New York, a go-kart hot spot, offers birthday parties with racing, arcade play, and virtual reality.
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Kids explore the great outdoors Hudson Highlands Nature Center. Photo courtesy of the center
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At Moe's Southwestern Grill, kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entree. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
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Kids under 1 are FREE hours at the Westchester Children’s Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Kids can peek into the marine life in the aquariums at the Marine Education Center in Mamaroneck. Photo by Susan Miele
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Castle Fun Center in Chester has a giant inflatable park, a rock wall, laser tag, and more. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
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Grab a colorful treat at Harley's Sweet Shop in Woodstock. Photo courtesy of the shop
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Kids can climb the walls at the Cliffs in Valhalla. Photo courtesy of the Cliffs
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Touch the soft rabbits at the Greenburgh Nature Center's petting zoo in Scarsdale. Photo courtesy of the center
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Peekskill, NY, is a lovely riverfront community that acts an the unofficial gateway to the Hudson Valley.
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Explore what makes things fly with the Westchester Children's Museum's Wind Tunnel Design Challenge. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Romp through the woods in the beautiful Catskills. Photo by Deborah Dadlani
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Tig & Peach offers drop-in, no reservations required, open play 7 days a week.
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Frost Valley YMCA offers a variety of day and overnight camps for kids ages 5-14. Photo courtesy Frost Valley YMCA
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Kids love a birthday party filled with games and pizza at Chuck E. Cheese. Photo courtesy of Chuck E. Cheese
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Head to the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum from 5-8 pm on the third Saturday of the month to explore the museum for free, Photo by the author
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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
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Top Free Things To Do with Kids on Long Island in January 2026, According to MP Editors

Take in the model train display at the Town of Babylon History Museum. Photo by the author
Take in the model train display at the Town of Babylon History Museum. Photo by the author
12/29/24 - By Jaime Sumersille

From New Year's Day to MLK weekend and beyond, January is packed with activities for kids, indoors and outside. Don’t miss our favorite free and fun things to do on Long Island with kids this month.

From nature outings to indoor crafts to STEM opportunities, these options offer some awesome ways to spend time doing fun, family-friendly things that won’t cost you a cent.

For more things to do that won’t bust your budget, check out our roundup of free indoor play spaces on Long Island, our Winter Fun Guide, and our rundown of Long Island restaurants where kids eat free.

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. And subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Top Free Things To Do on Long Island During January 2026

First Day Hike at Jones Beach State Park

Wantagh
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Winter visitors are welcome at Jones Beach. Kick off the new year with a short walk along the shoreline with great views of the seals in the bay.  READ MORE

First Day Hike at Robert Moses State Park

Babylon
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Walk on the beach towards Democrat Point alongside Fire Island Inlet and look for seals and winter birds calling Long Island home this winter during this first day hike. READ MORE

TMB Model Train Club Open House

Dix Hills
Saturday, January 3 & Saturday, January 17- Sunday, January 18, 2026
Escape into a realm where imagination takes center stage at the TMB Model Train Club. Nestled in the heart of Dix Hills, visitors can embark on a captivating journey through its newly expanded 6,000-square-foot train room. READ MORE

Free Kids Crafting Kits at Home Depot

Various locations
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Pick up a free crafting kit and learn do-it-yourself skills and tool safety while creating a project. All of the instructions and materials are included, and at some locations a Home Depot staff member will guide you through the steps.  READ MORE

Holiday Model Train Exhibit at Town of Babylon History Museum

Babylon
Through Sunday, January 4, 2026
If your little conductors can’t resist a choo-choo, this annual favorite is a must-do! The 240-square-foot interactive model train display includes miniature versions of historic Babylon landmarks. Kids can marvel at the trains as they zip through tiny towns, and grown-ups will love spotting familiar places in pint-size form. READ MORE

Winterfest at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary

Garden City
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Spend some time in nature at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary as they host a Winterfest celebration. This free event includes a campfire, candlelighting ceremony, a guided walk, hot chocolate and more.  READ MORE

Storytime Adventures at Lakeshore Learning

New Hyde Park
Saturdays, January 10 & 24, 2026
Lakeshore Learning stores host a free afternoon of hands-on activities introducing kids reading and the wonders of science. READ MORE

Cantemos Juntos at CMEE

Bridgehampton
Saturday, January 11, 2026
Learn music and stories in English and Spanish! Families will clap, sing, move, and groove in this weekly music class. Parents can get silly with their little ones in their native language, or learn a few new phrases.  READ MORE

Central Operating Lines Model Train Open House

Setauket
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

Preschool Fair at the Emma Clark Library

Setuaket
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Overwhelmed by the thought of having to pick the best preschool for your child? Emma Clark Library’s Preschool Fair is here to help.  READ MORE

Junior Ranger Day at the Fire Island Seashore

Patchogue
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

MLK Day of Service at the Patchogue-Medford Library

Patchogue
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

MLK National Day of Service

Varies
Monday, January 19, 2026
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day each year, Americans are encouraged to step up to make communities more equitable, and to take action to create the beloved community of Dr. King’s dream. Examples include cleaning up a public space, mentoring a young person, or helping those who are food insecure. READ MORE

Port Jefferson Village Ice Festival

Port Jefferson
Saturday, January 31-Sunday, February 1, 2026
The Port Jefferson Village Ice Festival offers engaging fun all weekend long. Interactive photo-ops, marshmallow roasting, horse and carriage rides, an ice-skating demonstration, live music, and raffles round out this annual festival. READ MORE

Children's Story and Craft Time at The Next Chapter

Huntington
Ongoing Mondays
Every Monday, The Next Chapter hosts a children's story time and craft. Bring your little ones and spend an hour in the children's section. READ MORE

Storytime at Manhasset Barnes & Noble

Manhasset
Wednesdays all month
Join Barnes & Noble in Manhasset each week to discover a wonderful new book and inspire a love for reading in your child. READ MORE

Weekly Storytime at Carle Place Barnes & Noble

Carle Place
Thursdays and Saturdays all month
Drop in on Thursdays and Saturdays at the Carle Place location for this free event.  READ MORE

More Things To Do on Long Island in Winter

LI Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families

Keep busy in the freezin' season with these local activities, both indoors and out. READ MORE

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 34 Best Things To Do with Kids on Long Island

Don't let the long LI winter slow you down–pack your days with these fun activities. READ MORE

Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids

Best play spaces, indoor romper rooms, and more for Long Island kids. READ MORE

Freebie Alerts: Free Museum Passes and More Money-Saving Perks at Your Long Island Library

Access tons of free goodies with your LI library card. READ MORE

Winter Fun For Kids at Home

Free Activities, Events, Classes, and Camps for Kids

Because the best things in life are free! READ MORE

40 Outdoor Activities for Kids this Winter

These activities will have kids begging to play outside this winter! READ MORE

30 Exercise Games and Indoor Activities to Get Kids Moving

These easy indoor exercise ideas get everyone moving, laughing, and tired out. READ MORE

Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects

Bookmark this blockbuster list of arts and crafts and never run out of ideas for creative play. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

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.
Recent Articles By Jaime Sumersille:
Read more articles by Jaime Sumersille.