Things to Do with Kids on Long Island this Weekend
Fill your weekend with family fun in Nassau and Suffolk counties!
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WANT TO GO? $24.75; $21.75 children 8 and younger. 516-624-7433.
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'Tis the Season for Photos with Caring Santa
WHEN: Dec. 5 - 12, Sundays, 10-11:30amWHERE: Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Come meet Santa during this private photo experience exclusively for children with special needs. WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99 . 631-724-8066.
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Sensory Santa Photos
WHEN: Dec. 5 - 12, Sundays, 9:30-10:30amWHERE: Westfield South Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Hwy., Bay Shore, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:
Autism Speaks is thrilled to be partnering with Cherry Hill Programs again this holiday season to provide sensory-friendly Santa Experiences for families. All families with children with autism and other special needs can enjoy the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa, in a more subdued and calm environment. Sensory-friendly visits with Santa are free and keepsake photo packages will be available for purchase.
WANT TO GO? Visit is free, photo packages start at $39.99 . 631-888-3525.Click Here for More Information
Home for the Holidays
WHEN: Dec. 9 - 19, Thursday-Sunday, 6-9pm; Saturday, 12/11 2-5pmWHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Experience the magic of the holidays next to a roaring fireplace, listening to live jazz with a big mug of cocoa in a 1920’s Tudor revival, decorated to fill your heart with the holiday spirit. WANT TO GO? $40; $20 Youth 7-17; $38 Senior; $100 Family (2 Adults, 2 Kids); free for children 6 and younger. 516-922-8678.
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Family Holiday Gingerbread House Kits (Virtual)
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 10, 6pmWHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:
Work with your family to construct a holiday-themed gingerbread house (Registration required).
WANT TO GO? FREE with Westhampton FREE Library Card . 631-288-3335.Click Here for More Information
Brookhaven Town Tree Lighting FREE
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 10, 6pmWHERE: Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Hang out with costumed characters, enjoy hot chocolate and candy canes, music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus, who will arrive by helicopter to assist in the tree lighting. WANT TO GO? 631-451-5330.
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Wooden Snowmen Ornaments
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 10, 5pmWHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach, NY
AGES: 9-17
WHAT:
Make and decorate your own cute snowmen (Registration required).
WANT TO GO? FREE with Westhampton FREE Library Card . 631-288-3335.Click Here for More Information
Elf Jr. The Musical
WHEN: Dec. 10 - 12, Friday, 7pm; Sunday, 3pmWHERE: Ballet Long Island, 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: See the heartwarming story of Buddy the Elf finding his true family and saving Christmas! WANT TO GO? $18; $9 children and senior citizens. 631-737-1964.
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Breakfast with Santa
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 10:30am-12:00pmWHERE: United Skates of America, 1276 Hicksville Rd, Seaford, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy a full buffet breakfast and meet Santa and his friends, Frosty, the Gingerbread Man, The Wooden Soldier, Rudolph & Mrs. Claus! WANT TO GO? $22; $18 per child; free for children 2 and younger. 516-795-5474.
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Guided Nature Walks
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 10-11amWHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:
Explore different aspects of the preserve’s environment, encompassing its unique physical features and wildlife, as well as critical conservation issues and helpful practices to create a healthy, sustainable environment. Expert guides, environmental educator Hildur Palsdottir and Port Washington Monarch Alliance Founder David Jakim, bring a range of perspectives for each outdoor adventure. Participants must maintain social distancing and wear facemasks for everyone’s health and safety.
WANT TO GO? $15; $10 members; $5 children; free for children members. 516-571-7901.Click Here for More Information
Festival of Games - Retro Holiday Shopping and Gaming Event
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 10am-9pm WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum , Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Shop local small businesses for retro video games, toys, comics, and collectibles. Plus, enjoy free gameplay in the Arcade Age Exhibit featuring over 70 arcade classics. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children 2-12 and seniors. 516-572-4111.
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Long Island Nets vs College Park Skyhawks
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 7pmWHERE: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: See the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League take on the College Park Skyhawks! WANT TO GO? Starting at $20. 516-231-4848.
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2021 Jingle Bell Run
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 9amWHERE: Hofstra University, 1000 Hempstead Turnpike, Hempstead, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Strut your stuff in your favorite holiday costume while raising money for a good cause. WANT TO GO? $35. 908-347-6040.
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Aglow: A Holiday Experience at the Moran Studio
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 5-7pmWHERE: Thomas & Mary Nimmo Moran Studio, 229 Main Street, East Hampton, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Discover the origins of many of today's holiday customs, visit with Santa Claus, enjoy live Christmas music, and a make a small children's craft. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children younger than 16. 631-324-6850.
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Gingerbread Holiday Event
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 10-11:30am, 12:30-2pm, 2:30-4pmWHERE: Old Bethpage Restoration Village, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:
Take in the sights and smells of the season! Throughout the historic village there will be numerous cooking and baking demonstrations, with each kitchen preparing different authentic to the time period foods and displays. From cranberry sauce to pies, and stuffing to a rotisserie turkey, you’ll get to see all the “fixin’s” of a 19th century Thanksgiving meal. Please note that these cooking and baking demonstrations are just that, demonstrations, and unfortunately the foods prepared are not available for public consumption.
WANT TO GO? $25 per gingerbread house. 631-930-9054 .Click Here for More Information
Repair Cafe FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 11am-3pmWHERE: Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 East Main Street, Patchogue, NY
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT:
Bring your broken items and get them fixed with the help of expert volunteers, and learn how it is done! Volunteer repair experts will be available to help make repairs free of charge. Tools and materials will also be on hand. Bring along your broken items from home, such as toasters, lamps, hair dryers, clothes, bikes, toys, crockery, etc. If you would like to volunteer to repair items, specifically jewelry and sewn items, please email communityengagement@pmlib.org. Registration is encouraged, but not required.
WANT TO GO? 631-654-4700.Click Here for More Information
Christmas Market
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 11am-3pmWHERE: The Babylon Beautification Society, 244 W Main St., Babylon, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:
The Babylon Beautification Society is pleased to host a new event in the Village of Babylon. The Christmas Market will be held around the Village Gazebo and at Bayman Park. The Christmas Market will feature craft vendors selling fine gifts – just in time for the holidays! Snacks, hot cocoa, and fine baked goods will be available for sale.Make sure to have your camera ready for photos with Olaf and Santa! Plus, Dickens Carolers will be walking around singing holiday classics.
WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods.
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Community Healing Banner Project FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 12-5pmWHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Ln. , Southampton, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Led by Sag Harbor artist Mare Dianora, this collaborative project will address how the effects of the pandemic have impacted lives and how people are choosing to move forward. WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967.
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Princess Tea Party
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 1pmWHERE: Ballet Long Island, 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma, NY
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Join the princesses and their friends for a tea party including cupcakes, candy canes, hot chocolate and more. Plus, take photos with the princesses and Santa! WANT TO GO? $19. 631-737-1964.
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Star Quest
WHEN: Dec. 11 - 31, Thursdays-Sundays and Dec 26-31, 11am-4pmWHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center , 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Hunt for star constellations around the museum with a spyglass to navigate your journey, just like mariners at sea. Solve puzzles to find your reward - a glittery star lantern you can decorate to light your way home. WANT TO GO? $10 or $5 members plus admission: $6; $5 seniors 62 and older and children 4-18; free for children 3 and younger and those with Active Military with ID. 631-367-3418.
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Brunch with Santa Beachside!
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 12, 11am-1pm and 2:30-4:30pmWHERE: Gatsby On The Ocean , 2000 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:
Santa and his Elf will be meeting and greeting, taking photos with your little one(s), and giving a gift to each child! Parents, this event is for you too! Enjoy a Mimosa, Eat til your bellies are full and laugh til your heart is content!
WANT TO GO? $39.95; $19.95 per child. 516-785-0012.Click Here for More Information
Greenland Nursery 6th Annual Community Tree Lighting FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 12, 5-7pmWHERE: Greenland Landscape and Nursery, 292 Town Line Road , Commack, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Be there for this special tree lighting featuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Christmas music, hot cocoa and more! Please bring an unrwrapped toy for children in need. WANT TO GO? 631-368-7182.
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Breakfast With Santa 2021
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 12, 11am-1pmWHERE: The Royal Palm, 2143 Boundary Ave., Farmingdale, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate the joys of the season with a festive celebration at Breakfast with Santa. WANT TO GO? $40; $22 children younger than 17; $20 additional child. 516-845-1151.
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Sunday Afternoon Concert: The Rock Underground Holiday Show FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 12, 2-3pmWHERE: Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 East Main Street, Patchogue, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Students from The Rock Underground, Patchogue's new music school, will be performing holiday tunes for your enjoyment! WANT TO GO? 631-654-4700.
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Gingerbread House Build 2021
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 12, 12pm or 2pmWHERE: Bailey Arboretum, 194 Bayville Road, Locust Valley, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:
Join the Bailey House for some delicious holiday fun! Families will enjoy a classic holiday storybook, followed by candy-filled gingerbread house decorating! Please note that this event is indoors. All adults and children over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask for the entire duration of the event.
If you have any questions about the Gingerbread House Build, please call or email Caitlin Orellana at eduction@baileyarboreum.org
WANT TO GO? $10; $7 members; free for adults. 516-801-1458.Click Here for More Information
Gingerbread House Build 2021
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 12, 12pm or 2pmWHERE: Bailey Arboretum, 194 Bayville Road, Locust Valley, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:
Join the Bailey House for some delicious holiday fun! Families will enjoy a classic holiday storybook, followed by candy-filled gingerbread house decorating! Please note that this event is indoors. All adults and children over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask for the entire duration of the event.
If you have any questions about the Gingerbread House Build, please call or email Caitlin Orellana at eduction@baileyarboreum.org
WANT TO GO? $10; $7 members; free for adults. 516-801-1458.Click Here for More Information
The Nutcracker Act II
WHEN: Dec. 15 - 18, Wednesday, 11am and 12:15pm; Saturday 1pm and 3pmWHERE: Ballet Long Island, 1863 Pond Rd, Ronkonkoma, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: This 50 minute version of The Nutcracker brings you to The Land of Sweets where there is Chocolate from Spain, Tea From China, Coffee From Arabia and dancing Flowers. WANT TO GO? $18; $9 children and senior citizens. 631-737-1964.
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Looking for more events in your area? Search our comprehensive events calendar.
Looking to plan an awesome weekend on Long Island packed with fun for the whole family? Whether you are planning a day trip in close to the New York metro area or are looking for kid-friendly fun that's close to home, we've got you covered! There’s a lot of kid-friendly family fun planned for this weekend right here in Nassau and Suffolk counties. From storytimes and concerts to museum exhibits, crafts activities, seasonal events, and more, you'll find something to do that keeps the whole family having fun! Plan your weekend on Long Island with our guide that highlights the best family-friendly (vritual and in-person) events happening throughout Long Island. And check out our Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester, and Rockland weekend roundups for more fun inspiration!
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