Celebrate 2026 at the Oshogatsu celebration at Levy Park. Photo courtesy of the Japanese American Society of Houston.
Houston Marathon, Beauty and the Beast, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Cheap, delicious, and good for leftovers. Photo of Buffalo Grille by Jessica Stautberg
Best Cheap Places to Eat in Houston for Kids and Families (Under $10!): Recs From Locals
Don't miss the MLK Grande Parade this January 2026. Photo by 2C2K Photography via Flickr 2.0
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Houston in January 2026, According to MP Editors
Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
GUIDE
Free Things to Do in Houston with Kids Guide
Inside Just Kidding Play Café, a kid-friendly play space tucked inside a coffee shop. Photo by Author.
The Best New Family-Friendly Openings of 2025 in Houston
Yes, you can snow tube in Texas! Photo courtesy of Gaylord Resorts.
Best Snow Tubing for Families in Texas
Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
The Best Toy Stores in Houston: Gifts for Kids of All Ages
Buffalo Bayou Park has trails, climbing structures, and skate park, slides, and more. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.
Things To Do in Houston That Everyone Will Love - From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
Why HMNS at Sugar Land Is a Must-Visit for Houston Families
Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places to Earn Scout Badges in Houston
Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties
Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym
Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Where to Find the Coolest Arcades for Kids in Houston
The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
Best Mommy and Me Classes for Houston Babies and Parents 2025
Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
Houston’s Best Claw Machine Arcades Where Kids (and Parents) Can Actually Win
A crafting party at one of these venues or at home is the perfect celebration for a creative kid. Photo courtesy of Color Me Mine
Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Houston
Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
Fun Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Venues in Houston
These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
Best Ice Cream Spots In Houston For Kids
Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
Houston Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive
NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Free Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums!) in Houston
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Cheap Party Rental Spots in Houston Great for Kid Birthday Parties
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly
John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
Family-Friendly Houston Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
GUIDE
Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways Guide
Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up

Great Full-Day Preschools on Long Island

Toddlers enjoy crafts, along with many other activities, at Child’s World Nursery School in Port Washington. Photo courtesy of the school
Toddlers enjoy crafts, along with many other activities, at Child’s World Nursery School in Port Washington. Photo courtesy of the school
12/18/23 - By Gina Massaro

Finding a full-day preschool on Long Island can be daunting. Whether you need a preschool program that accommodates your work schedule or simply prefer a longer day to give your child a leg up on classroom skills, these Long Island preschools give you the option of sending your child full-time and/or taking advantage of extended-hours programs.

Check out our Guide to Long Island Summer Camps for Preschoolers and our full Preschool Guide for more ideas on keeping your preschooler active and engaged.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Children can make lasting friendships at Buckley Country Day School in Roslyn. Photo courtesy of the school
Children can make lasting friendships at Buckley Country Day School in Roslyn. Photo courtesy of the school

Full-Day Preschools in Nassau County

Buckley Country Day School

Roslyn
Founded in 1923, Buckley Country Day School is a co-educational independent day school serving 350 children, from toddlers through Grade 8. Buckley is located on a 28-acre campus in the Village of North Hills. The founders’ vision was to create an independent school in the area modeled after some of the schools that their children attended in New York City. The school was designed as a rigorous learning institution to prepare students for entry into selective secondary schools.  READ MORE

Child's World Nursery School

Port Washington
During the year, the preschool offers programs for toddlers, nursery school, and pre-K. The pre-K program uses a developmentally appropriate approach to learning. The school follows Common Core Standards, much like New York State public schools. The school also offers extended-care options and a summer camp. READ MORE

Countryside Montessori School

Great Neck
Countryside Montessori School has two toddler classes and two primary classes. The toddler class is for children 18 months to 3 years old while primary includes nursery, pre-K, kindergarten, and first-grade students. Families are encouraged to keep their children in the primary program for three consecutive years to take advantage of the full curriculum. All curricula follow the Montessori philosophy. The school has an outdoor playground and access to natural surroundings that children are free to explore safely. READ MORE

Miss Sue's Preschool & Day Camp

Plainview
Miss Sue's Nursery School has been serving the public for over 60 years. The program focuses on honing fine motor, math, and reading readiness skills children will need for kindergarten. The day camp for preschoolers is run by the same team that runs its nursery school during the academic year.  READ MORE

The Green Vale School

Glen Head
The Green Vale School is one of Long Island's top early childhood through middle schools. Since 1923, families have chosen Green Vale for its academic excellence and emphasis at every age on character education, athletics, and both performing and visual arts.  READ MORE

Wee Friends Nursery School and Day Camp

Wantagh and Bellmore
At Wee Friends, preschoolers splash, paint, kick, sing, and play. Sports offerings introduce age-appropriate skills, and plenty of creative play is incorporated as well.  READ MORE

Best Full-Day Preschools in Suffolk County

Crestwood Country Day Camp and School

Melville
Operating on Long Island since 1956, Crestwood offers full, mini and junior days for ages 18 months to 16 years. Teen and L.I.T./Apprentice programs go from grades 7-12. The tuition includes door-to-door transportation, lunch, snacks, camp t-shirt, towel service, all activities, equipment, and all trips.   READ MORE

YMCA of Long Island - Preschool

Bay Shore, Huntington and Patchogue
The developmentally-appropriate curriculum at the YMCA of Long Island is designed for ages 18 months through 5 years old and includes art, science, music, fitness, outdoor play, circle time, and math and reading readiness skills. READ MORE

Ivy League Camp and Day School

Smithtown
Ivy League School is a toddler to 8th-grade learning community that promotes independence, fosters social competency, and inspires a love of learning. Ivy League Day Camp offers private tutoring for academics. Camp activities also include a ropes course, sports, aquatics, arts, and theater.  READ MORE

Best Preschools on The East End

Peconic Community School

Aquebogue
The Peconic Community School offers programs for kids ages 3 to 13. The school believes the purpose of education is to make the world a better place. Teachers encourage children to be resilient, reflective, creative and compassionate. Much of the classroom time is spent outside. This alternative preschool offers plenty of time for free play.  READ MORE

Raynor Country Day School

Speonk
Raynor Country Day School develops a love of learning in children as early as preschool. The school welcomes pre-kindergarteners through sixth graders. Students will become effective communicators, with a critical mind and a love of learning. The park-like campus sprawls across 12 acres. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Gina Massaro
Gina Massaro is a Long Island native who believes in whimsy, fairies, and the idea of never growing up. She’s a mom to 3 young kids and a small zoo, and she has over 8 years of experience and childhood education expertise as a preschool educator. She tries to find time to write and paint between school pickups, diaper changes, and dog walks. For more of her art and writing check out her website: ginamassaro.com.
Recent Articles By Gina Massaro:
Read more articles by Gina Massaro.