Celebrate 2026 at the Oshogatsu celebration at Levy Park. Photo courtesy of the Japanese American Society of Houston.
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Cheap, delicious, and good for leftovers. Photo of Buffalo Grille by Jessica Stautberg
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Don't miss the MLK Grande Parade this January 2026. Photo by 2C2K Photography via Flickr 2.0
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Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
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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.
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Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
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Winterfest, Slime Workshop, and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend

Sands Point Preserve kicks off a wilderness survival series Saturday where teens can learn survival basics alongside their parents. Photo courtesy of the venue
Sands Point Preserve kicks off a wilderness survival series Saturday where teens can learn survival basics alongside their parents. Photo courtesy of the venue
1/7/26 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

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.

If you’re craving warm, hands-on moments, don’t miss the Morse Code Moniker at the Long Island Children’s Museum. Pint-sized spies can learn all about Morse Code by crafting bracelets that spell their names in dots and dashes.

Scientists-in-training, take note: This Slime Chemistry workshop at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is calling your name. Experiment with ooey-gooey mixtures and learn the science behind everyone’s favorite stretchy stuff.

Find all that and more top picks for the weekend ahead below!

Looking for even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Long Island Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week—and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not getting our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Please share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

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The Jones Beach Nature Center invites families to a hands-on slime workshop this weekend. Photo by Gina Massaro
The Jones Beach Nature Center invites families to a hands-on slime workshop this weekend. Photo by Gina Massaro

Best Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids

Warm Up on Frosty Fridays at The Whaling Museum

Cold Spring Harbor
Friday, January 9
Get out of the cold and enjoy a free cup of hot cocoa during Warm Up on Frosty Fridays at The Whaling Museum. While you're there, explore all the educational installations and activities the museum has to offer. READ MORE

Winterfest at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary

Garden City – FREE
Saturday, January 10
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

Saturday Story Time with The Hampton Library

Bridgehampton – FREE
Saturday, January 10
Join the Hampton Library for a morning of story time with your little one.  READ MORE

Elated Eagles at LICM

Garden City
Saturday, January 10
Learn all about these majestic birds and make your own flying eagle craft at the Long Island Children's Museum in honor of National Save the Eagles Day. READ MORE

Wilderness Survival Workshop at Sands Point Preserve

Port Washington
Saturday, January 10
Join survival expert Mike Evans for a hands-on wilderness survival series designed for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike at the Sands Point Preserve. Explore essential skills from emergency preparedness to advanced bushcraft, including key concepts like the Rule of 3s and the 5 Cs.  READ MORE

Fossil Finds at Sunken Meadow State Park

Kings Park
Saturday, January 10
Explore the world of fossils at Sunken Meadow State Park. Journey through time as nature educators explore what kinds of plants and animals lived on Earth in the past. READ MORE

Violet’s Victory at the Nassau County Museum of Art

Roslyn
Saturday, January 10
Join children’s author Valerie Goldstein at the Nassau County Museum of Art for a special storytime! Dive into Violet’s Victory! and follow Violet, a determined young girl with lavender hair, as she discovers her strength, perseverance, and the power of adaptive sports on her journey to achieve her dreams. READ MORE

Morse Code Moniker at LICM

Garden City
Sunday, January 11
Celebrate Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day at the Long Island Children's Museum. Stop by and learn about Samuel Morse, the telegraph, and learn how to spell your name in dashes and dots while making a bracelet. READ MORE

STEAM Workshop: Slime Chemistry at Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center

Wantagh
Sunday, January 11
Join an educator at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center each week to explore a different topic in science, technology, engineering, art, or mathematics through experiments, art projects, and more. READ MORE

Cinema for Kids at the Cinema Arts Centre

Huntington
Sunday, January 11
The Cinema Arts Centre hosts a weekly Sunday afternoon showing of classic family-friendly films that include discounted tickets for kids! READ MORE
Get out of town for a snow-tubing day trip to Camelback Resort. Photo courtesy of Camelback
Get out of town for a snow-tubing day trip to Camelback Resort. Photo courtesy of Camelback

More Things To Do on Long Island This Week With Kids

Top Free Things To Do with Kids on Long Island in January 2026, According to MP Editors

Enjoy great family-friendly activities on LI this month without spending a cent. READ MORE

14 Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

These great indoor play spaces on LI are absolutely free. 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

Best Snow Tubing near NYC for Families

These slopes in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania offer family-friendly snow tubing. READ MORE
Enjoy a warm indoor water park get away. Photo courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge
Enjoy a warm indoor water park get away. Photo courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge

Winter Fun for Long Island Kids

January Holidays for Kids: A Kid-Friendly Celebration for Every Day

Though the holidays are over, we've got 31 things to celebrate in January! READ MORE

Guide to Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids

Find the best FREE kids activities on Long Island. READ MORE

100 Free Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

Here's our mega-list of free things to do on LI with kids. READ MORE

Best Indoor Water Parks near NYC for a Warm Weather Getaway

Enjoy a pool day any time of year at one of these nearby water parks. 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.
Recent Articles By Jaime Sumersille:
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