Long Island

Check out the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show and Enchanted Forest before it closes on Sunday. Photo courtesy of the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County

The Nutcracker, Dinosaurs, and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend

These are the best kid-friendly events to check out on LI this weekend.

Fifth Street in Ronkonkoma is aglow with Christmas lights during the holidays.

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and 2025 Holiday Lights on Long Island

Check out these LI homes that are decked out for the holidays.

LuminoCity returns to Long Island with another stunning installation at Eisenhower Park. Photo courtesy of LuminoCity

20 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities on Long Island in 2025

Theses are our picks for the best in holiday fun on Long Island.

GUIDE

Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Long Island Kids

Find all the best local holiday events and activities for kids and families, from Santa to ice...

See how the village of Port Jefferson magically turns back time to the Dicken's Era. Photo courtesy of the festival's Facebook page

25 Free Holiday and Christmas Events on Long Island for Kids in 2025

Enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank at these LI events.

LuminoCity returns to Long Island's Eisenhower Park this Christmas season. Photo courtesy LuminoCity

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows on Long Island 2025

Check out these stunning holiday light displays throughout LI.

From holiday tales to dreidel making, the Sands Point Preserve boasts an afternoon full of family fun. Photo courtesy of Sands Point Preserve

20 Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors

Here are our picks for must-do activities on Long Island this December.

Have brunch with Santa at the Long Island Aquarium this holiday season. Photo by Jennifer Voit

Breakfast with Santa on Long Island in 2025

Here's where LI kids can meet and eat with Santa.

Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025

Relive the classic story with one of these magical train rides.

Long Island's Most Popular Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025

From light shows to Santa sightings, these are some of LI's most popular holiday events.

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

Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State

Your ultimate bucket list of the best things to do in NY as a family.

Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.

21 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Suffolk County

Enjoy bounce houses, indoor games, and more at these great LI play venues.

Xplore Family Fun Center's birthday parties include pizza, drinks, and arcade cards. Photo by the author

Top Birthday Party Places on Long Island for Kids

Start your party planning at one of these top-notch local venues.

Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.

GUIDE

Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026

Find cool backpacks, back-to-school supplies, and tips for a new year.

Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills

GUIDE

Long Island Summer Camp Guide

Find a great summer camp in Long Island, New York, for your child.

Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.

Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County

Get the kids out of the house and into some fun at these LI play destinations.

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

These indoor amusement park will help kids burn off their boundless energy.

Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP

Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island

There's plenty to eat and little to pay at these family-friendly LI eateries.

Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins

GUIDE

Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids

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

Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro

Top Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors

These great indoor play spaces on LI are absolutely free.

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

Check out these great ways to have fun on LI when the weather outside is frightful.

Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall

GUIDE

Guide to Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids

Find the best FREE kids activities on Long Island.

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

Take a picturesque stroll in one of these quaint LI towns.

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

These are our picks for destination-worthy playgrounds across Long Island.

Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County

Get the kids out of the house and into some fun at these LI play destinations.

Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author

Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island

These LI indoor birthday party places are perfect for your kid's special day.

75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

Turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.

GUIDE

Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids

Have fun with these awesome classes for kids on Long Island.

Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island

There's plenty to eat and little to pay at these family-friendly LI eateries.

Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.

17 Secret Long Island Spots Kids Love

Go off the beaten path for a meditative walk, to hand feed birds, or explore a hidden shoreline.

Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM

Best Long Island Science Museums for Kids

Cultivate your child's scientific curiosity at these great STEM centers on LI.

Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the eastern seaboard. Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island

Ultimate Long Island Bucket List: 100 Things To Do on LI with Kids Before They Grow Up

Here are the absolute must-do activities with kids on LI.

Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels

Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals on Long Island

Plan an affordable and fun bday at one of these LI venues.

Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.

12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers

These no-cost destinations on LI will delight your little one without denting your wallet.

GUIDE

Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids

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

Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM

Best Museums for Kids on Long Island

Explore, play, and learn at these Long Island museums.

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

Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids

These Long Island dining destinations will keep your kids smiling over dinner.

GUIDE

Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island

There are 52 weekends a year, that's more than four-dozen opportunities to take a mini-vacation.

Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

Top Attractions in Long Island: Best Things to See and Do With Kids

From Manhasset to Montauk, here are some great things to do with kids.

Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home

Execute mind-blowing science experiments with stuff you have around the house.

GUIDE

Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Find crafts for kids and cool projects to spark kids' imaginations!

Find Things To Do In Long Island

SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES

Winter Wonderland at Clark Botanic Garden
Clark Botanic Garden - 10:00 AM Pick

Holiday Model Train Exhibit at Town of Babylon History Museum
Town of Babylon History Museum - 12:00 PM Pick

Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Old Bethpage Village Restoration - 5:00 PM Pick

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show and Enchanted Forest
Camp Edey - 5:00 PM Pick

stART Studio at CMEE
Children's Museum of the East End - 9:45 AM

Featured

Christmas House Long Island
Broadway Commons - various times

Winter Wonderland at Clark Botanic Garden
Clark Botanic Garden - 10:00 AM Pick

Dinosaur Carnival at CSTL
Center for Science Teaching & Learning - 10:00 AM Pick

Holiday Model Train Exhibit at Town of Babylon History Museum
Town of Babylon History Museum - 12:00 PM Pick

Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Old Bethpage Village Restoration - 5:00 PM Pick

Winter Wonderland at Clark Botanic Garden
Clark Botanic Garden - 10:00 AM Pick

Dinosaur Carnival at CSTL
Center for Science Teaching & Learning - 10:00 AM Pick

Holiday Model Train Exhibit at Town of Babylon History Museum
Town of Babylon History Museum - 12:00 PM Pick

Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Old Bethpage Village Restoration - 5:00 PM Pick

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County's Holiday Light Show and Enchanted Forest
Camp Edey - 5:00 PM Pick

Winter Wonderland at Clark Botanic Garden
Clark Botanic Garden - 10:00 AM Pick

Children's Story and Craft Time at The Next Chapter
The Next Chapter - 10:30 AM Pick

Dinosaur Carnival at CSTL
Center for Science Teaching & Learning - 10:00 AM Pick

Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Old Bethpage Village Restoration - 5:00 PM Pick

Town of Islip Drive-Thru Holiday Lights
Brookwood Hall Park - 5:00 PM Pick

Winter Wonderland at Clark Botanic Garden
Clark Botanic Garden - 10:00 AM Pick

Dinosaur Carnival at CSTL
Center for Science Teaching & Learning - 10:00 AM Pick

Candlelight Evenings Holiday Show at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Old Bethpage Village Restoration - 5:00 PM Pick

Snowflake Sock Skating at LICM
Long Island Children's Museum - various times Pick

Fun-cation Winter Break at the Long Island Aquarium
Long Island Aquarium - 9:00 AM

Winter Wonderland at Clark Botanic Garden
Clark Botanic Garden - 10:00 AM Pick

Fun-cation Winter Break at the Long Island Aquarium
Long Island Aquarium - 9:00 AM

The Happy Elf at The Argyle Theatre
The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village - 10:30 AM

Frosty the Snowman at CM Performing Arts Center
CM Performing Arts Center - 10:00 AM

Barnaby Saves Christmas at Theatre Three
Theatre Three - 11:00 AM

Winter Wonderland at Clark Botanic Garden
Clark Botanic Garden - 10:00 AM Pick

Nassau County Museum of Art Exhibition: REAL, SURREAL, AND PHOTOREAL
Nassau County Museum of Art - 1:00 PM

Jones Beach Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Show
Jones Beach - 5:00 PM

Long Beach Boardwalk Lights
Long Beach Boardwalk - 5:00 PM

Riverhead Holiday Light Show
Splish Splash - 5:00 PM

Latest Articles

Galactic snow tubing at Camelback offers an LED light show come nightfall.

Best Snow Tubing near NYC for Families

Stephanie Ogozalek, Dec 19 - These slopes in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania offer family-friendly snow tubing. READ MORE

The Nutcracker, Dinosaurs, and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend

Jaime Sumersille, Dec 19 - These are the best kid-friendly events to check out on LI this weekend. READ MORE

Noisemakers and party hats make the evening feel festive from the start! Photo by Ivan Samkov via Pexels

How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve With Kids at Home: 22 Parent-Tested Ideas

Jean Kuo Lee, Dec 18 - Countdown treat bags, time capsules, and more ways to welcome 2025 at home. READ MORE

Waterdrinker's Winter Wonderland creates a magical outdoor atmosphere for families to walk through.

Why Waterdrinker Family Farm's Winter Wonderland Is a Must for Long Island Families

Jennifer Voit, Dec 15 - The Manorville holiday experience includes ice skating, play areas, and tons of photo-ops. READ MORE

Have a ball this winter at indoor fun centers on Long Island like Nana’s Wonderland. Photo by Gina Massaro

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

Lisa Fogarty, Dec 14 - Don't let the long LI winter slow you down–pack your days with these fun activities. READ MORE

Head to an arcade like Lucky Strike for some post-Christmas thrills. Photo by Jennifer Voit

Long Island's Top Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year's with Kids

Jennifer Voit, Dec 12 - Here are our picks for the top things to do on LI over Christmas break. READ MORE

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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

Colorful foliage, hiking, even luxury digs: Plan your fall escape. READ MORE

Hershey Park's Candy Cane Lane is the stuff of sweet, holiday memories. Photo courtesy of Hershey Park

Christmas Towns and Festive Hotels near NYC that Will Blow Your Mind

If all you want for Christmas is a seasonal getaway, consider this list is our gift to you. READ MORE

There's even a carousel in The Strong National Museum of Play.

30 Things To Do in Rochester, New York, with Kids

Have some family fun in Rochester with this handy guide. READ MORE

The Saugerties Lighthouse is a stunning getaway no matter the season.

Sleep in a Lighthouse and More Hudson Valley Family Resorts and Hotels

From boutique hotels to a rustic farm, try these Hudson Valley escapes. READ MORE

The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!

Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids

These NYC hotels house special perks for kids, from pools to bunkbeds. READ MORE

Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State

Your ultimate bucket list of the best things to do in NY as a family. READ MORE