Trek to The End for the Montauk Lighthouse tree lighting this weekend. Photo courtesy of the Montauk Lighthouse
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 on Long Island: Turkey Trots, Light Shows, and Santa
Seasons 52's Thanksgiving meal celebrates seasonal variety.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving on Long Island
LuminoCity returns to Long Island's Eisenhower Park. Photo courtesy LuminoCity
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows on Long Island
Photo bt Skyler Ewing via Pexels
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LI Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024
LuminoCity returns to Long Island for its fifth year at Eisenhower Park. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities on Long Island
All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC
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
20 Best Things To Do on Long Island November 2024 with Kids
The Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze features hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns in elaborate displays at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Fall Bucket List for Long Island Kids: 35 Top Things To Do
Take in the splendor of the season with a fall getaway to Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. Photo courtesy of Mononk Mountain House
22 Fall Weekend Getaways near NYC for Families
Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit
15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island
The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day
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Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids
Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author
Best Cute Towns on Long Island with Walkable Main Streets
A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon
Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
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Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Speed down the slides at Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author
Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island
Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.
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These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills
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Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free.
Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Indoor Places to Play on Cold and Rainy Days
Discover the trails at Quogue Wildlife Refuge for a day of free, outdoorsy fun. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
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Free meals for kids are available on Tuesdays at most Moe’s Southwest Grill locations on Long Island.
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Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.
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Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
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Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum.
Best Science Museums on Long Island for Families
Learn to surf at Montauk's SurfLuca or another surf school. Photo courtesy of the school.
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Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels
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Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.
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Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
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Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
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Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
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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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Photo by Dora Somosi via Instagram
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Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island
Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
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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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Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
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New Year's Weekend Best Things To Do on Long Island With Kids: New Year's Eve, Nature Hikes, and More

Your family can have run of the Long Island Explorium when you book your private Explorium Express visit. Photo courtesy of the venue
Your family can have run of the Long Island Explorium when you book your private Explorium Express visit. Photo courtesy of the venue
12/30/20 - By Kimberly Rae Miller

Well, that's a wrap: 2020 has come to an end. Start the new year on the right foot with a family hike, get your competitive juices flowing with a Pac-Man face-off, or watch the ball drop from the comfort of your couch.

If you're looking for winter break entertainment, we've rounded up 30 things to do on Long Island, plus some fun virtual picks like this online coding camp and a FREE crash course in wizarding on our Poppins@Home site.

Our Event Calendar is updated daily with family-friendly fun, and we've got plenty more seasonal picks in our Winter Fun Guide, from fun places to play when the flakes fly to exciting getaways to fend off cabin fever, and more.

Editor's note: While we are trying to promote safer activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, please keep your family and others safe by always wearing a mask and maintaining appropriate social distancing. If you arrive at an event that appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our Event Calendar to find something else to do.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Gamers young and old can appreciate the return of the Arcade Age exhibit to the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Photo courtesy of the venue
Gamers young and old can appreciate the return of the Arcade Age exhibit to the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Photo courtesy of the venue

Best Things To Do on Long Island This Week With Kids

Family New Year's Eve Party at Bayville Winter Wonderland

Bayville
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Bayville's Winter Wonderland boasts two New Year's Eve celebration options. Choose from parties in Shipwreck Tavern or Beaches & Cream. All festivities include a New Year's countdown.  READ MORE

Fishes and Wishes New Year's Eve Dinner

Riverhead
Thursday, December 31, 2020
Animals like to party, too! Ring in the new year with the family at the Long Island Aquarium. Enjoy dinner and dessert, a mock midnight toast, and more. READ MORE

New Year’s Day Breach Hike

Shirley
Friday, January 1, 2021
Join this family-friendly program that explores the breach created by Superstorm Sandy, investigates its changes through the years, and learn about the forces of waves and wind on the island. READ MORE

Toddler Sensory Storytime Saturdays

Farmingdale
Saturday, January 2, 2021
Take your tot to a storytime experience that encourages sensory learning. Each story is paired with a unique sensory experience to stimulate young minds. Stick around after the story for open play. READ MORE

Explorium Express

Port Jefferson
Wednesdays-Sundays through Sunday, January 3, 2021
Full STEAM ahead. Each week, the Explorium Express takes visitors on a unique and immersive experience of science, technology, engineering, art, and math using all your senses. Each visitor receives an interactive and personalized experience with the staff. READ MORE

GingerBread Lane

Garden City
Thursdays-Sundays through Sunday, January 3, 2021
Explore the sugar-filled world of GingerBread Lane and its 485 confectionary creations all handcrafted and constructed by chef Jon Lovitch (who holds a Guinness World Record in this category). READ MORE

Huntington Holiday Spectacular

Huntington
Daily through Sunday, January 3, 2021
Stroll through the streets of downtown Huntington, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland. The nightly festivities include twinkling lights, ice carving, Santa, and other  surprises. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Clark Botanic Garden

Albertson
Daily through Friday, January 8, 2021
Clark Botanic Garden has been transformed this holiday season into an idyllic winter wonderland where guests will find themselves immersed in all that makes the season special. Meet Santa and other special guests, enjoy holiday lights and scenery, crafts for kids, a holiday pajama party, Santa Paws, and more.  READ MORE

Christmas House Long Island

Riverhead
Daily through Sunday, January 10, 2021
Christmas House Long Island is an indoor, fully immersive, 45-minute, walk-through that includes all things Christmas. Get ready to snap some festive selfies as you explore this holiday haven, and spend plenty of time in rooms like the Christmas Carnival, Polar Bar, North Pole Movie Theater, Christmas House Video, Harry Potter Christmas and more.  READ MORE

Arcade Age Exhibit

Garden City
Select dates, ongoing
The Arcade Age exhibit returns to the Cradle of Aviation Museum just in time for the holiday break. Not only can you play the arcade classics, but the exhibit tells the story of video arcade games. READ MORE
Everyone is invited to the Times Square celebration this year—virtually, of course. Photo by Jody Mercier
Everyone is invited to the Times Square celebration this year—virtually, of course. Photo by Jody Mercier

Top Virtual Events To Ring in the New Year

New Year's Eve Live Webcast from Times Square

Thursday, December 31, 2020
It's the next best thing to being there, only not so cold and crowded! Families across the globe can tune into the live webcast of New Year's Eve in Times Square. The commercial-free, webcast covers the festivities leading up to the Ball Drop at midnight. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Digital Show

Thursday, December 31, 2020
Sing, dance, and play while ringing in the New Year 2021. Count down at noon, following a concert by Darlene Graham. READ MORE

Virtual Balloon Drop New Year Celebration

Thursday, December 31, 2020
Oakland's Chabot Space & Science Center celebrates the "noon year" with STEM activities and a festive balloon drop. Kids can ring in the New Year without staying up past bedtime at this virtual event. READ MORE

Story Pirates New Year's Eve Party with DJ Squirm-a-Lot

Thursday, December 31, 2020
DJ Squirm-a-Lot is planning a HUGE New Years bash to ring in 2021! Unfortunately his old nemesis, Yorma the ice dragon, is trying to spoil the big party with her icy dragon magic. Will DJ Squirm-a-Lot and the rest of the Story Pirates be able to foil Yorma's plans and have an awesome party? READ MORE

Fruity Pebbles New Year's Countdown

Thursday, December 31, 2020
Looking for a sweet way to countdown to the New Year? Pebbles Cereal hosts a countdown featuring Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble. READ MORE
See the snow-covered sculptures at New Jersey's Grounds for Sculpture on a winter day trip. Photo courtesy of the Grounds for Sculpture
See the snow-covered sculptures at New Jersey's Grounds for Sculpture on a winter day trip. Photo courtesy of the Grounds for Sculpture

More Things To Do on Long Island This Month

Christmas Vacation on Long Island: 30 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do with Kids

Here are our picks for the top things to do on LI over Christmas break. READ MORE

Online Winter Holiday Break Camps Kids Will Love

From theater and dance classes to cooking and STEM camps. READ MORE

40 Outdoor Activities for Kids this Winter

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

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks on Long Island for Kids and Families

Lace up your skates for open-air skating on LI at one of these rinks. READ MORE

25 Winter Day Trips near NYC for Families

These winter day trip destinations in the tri-state area are great family fun. READ MORE

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