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Things to Do with Kids on Long Island this Weekend

Things to Do with Kids on Long Island this Weekend

Fill your weekend with family fun in Nassau and Suffolk counties!


Enjoy these fun weekend activities with your kids on Long Island. Start planning your weekend now.


More Fun Events

Blaze: Long Island

WHEN: Friday, Sep. 22
WHERE: Old Bethpage Restoration Village, , Old Bethpage Restoration Village, Old Bethpage Restoration Village

WHAT:

Walk the immersive pumpkin trail on the grounds of a 19th-century village where thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns light up the night, complete with an all-original soundtrack, synchronized lighting, and special effects you have to see to believe! See website for complete schedule.

WANT TO GO? $19-$29

Puffy Paint Fun

WHEN: Friday, Sep. 22
WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, , Westhampton Free Library, Westhampton Free Library

WHAT:

Age: Tweens (grades 4-6) and Teens (grades 6-12)

Description: Design a reusable bag with colorful puffy paint (Registration required).

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card

Blaze: Long Island

WHEN: Friday, Sep. 22
WHERE: Old Bethpage Restoration Village, , Old Bethpage Restoration Village, Old Bethpage Restoration Village

WHAT:

Walk the immersive pumpkin trail on the grounds of a 19th-century village where thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns light up the night, complete with an all-original soundtrack, synchronized lighting, and special effects you have to see to believe! See website for complete schedule.

WANT TO GO? $19-$29

2023 Maritime Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: East End Seaport Museum, , East End Seaport Museum, East End Seaport Museum

WHAT:

Hosted by East End Seaport Museum & Marine Foundation (EESM), the Festival benefits educational programs, museum offerings, and the preservation Long Beach Bar (Bug) Light. Enjoy classic boat displays, kayak races, music, children’s activities, maritime demonstrations, roving Sea Shanties and of course approximately 100 great vendors that feature hand crafted and unique items. Don’t miss our festive Merfolk parade on Saturday at 11am!

Photo Credit Joe Maddalone for Parade shots

WANT TO GO? Free

THE GREAT COW HARBOR 10K RUN

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: Northport High School, , Northport High School, Northport High School

WHAT:

THE GREAT COW HARBOR 10K RUN& 2K Fun Run 10K is Capped at 5,000 registrants! 8:30AM START Second and Subsequent Groups Released Each Minute Thereafter
The Great Cow Harbor 10K Run is one of the most prestigious foot races in the country. Runner’s World has named the Great Cow Harbor 10K Run as one of the top 100 races in the USA. New England Runner regularly places The Great Cow Harbor 10K Run in its Top 100 Races
Race For Charity: This year the Great Cow Harbor 10K Run is proud to support Special Olympics Long Island, Northwell Health Foundation, the Veterans Administration, local food pantry, and other local causes.

WANT TO GO? $25

Citizen Science DNA Barcoding Workshop FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo), South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY, South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo), South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo)

WHAT:

Identifying insects can be difficult, and scientists need your help! Join Entomologist Jeffry Petracca from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s DNA Learning Center (DNALC) for a day-long workshop where you will become Citizen Scientists as part of the DNALC’s Citizen DNA Barcode Network, and learn how to identify insects using their DNA! During this workshop, you will collect insects from the grounds of the South Fork Natural History Museum, extract their DNA, and use hands-on laboratory techniques to develop a DNA barcode for identification. Your DNA barcodes will even be published to a national database that will be used by scientists worldwide!

Workshop Leader: Jeffry Petracca, Entomologist and High School Educator

This FREE program is for adults and teens, 13 years of age and older.

WANT TO GO? Free

San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons 2023

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons, , San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons, San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons

WHAT:

Celebrate Italian culture and great food at this annual event. There will be Pizza & Cannoli eating contest on Saturday and Zeppole & Meatball eating contests on Sunday.  Plus, live entertainment daily and spectacular fireworks by Grucci on Saturday at 8:15pm!

 

 

WANT TO GO? Admission by donation

Draw Out! Community Arts Festival at The Heckscher Museum FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Heckscher Museum of Art, Heckscher Museum of Art

WHAT:

Calling artists of all ages!  Enjoy a FREE day full of art and music in the Museum and Heckscher Park, Huntington.  Participate in watercolor painting by the pond, sketching from a live model, docents in galleries, hear live music on the terrace, and create with artist Robyn Cooper of Protégé Art Studio. Enjoy traditional songs and
dances presented by the Shinnecock Boys & Girls Club Dance Troupe throughout the day.

First 100 guests receive FREE ART SUPPLIES while supplies last.

In addition, 10 Huntington area organizations will have exciting art activities in the park.

WANT TO GO? Free

Draw Out! Festival de Arte Gratis

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Heckscher Museum of Art, Heckscher Museum of Art

WHAT:

¡¡NUEVA FECHA!!

Sábado, 23 de septiembre de 2023
12 a 5 p.m.
¡GRATIS!

¡Llamando artistas de todas las edades! ¡Acompáñanos a un día lleno de artes y música gratis en el museo y el parque Heckscher!

•Pintura con acuarelas en el estanque
•Bosquejos de un modelo en vivo
•Guías en las galerías
•Música en vivo en la terraza con Jason Dorsa
•Crear con la artista Robyn Cooper del estudio Protégé

Los primeros 100 invitadosreceive recibirán
!MATERIALES DE ARTE GRATIS!

No se requiere reservar.
*El evento será cancelado si hay mal tiempo.

WANT TO GO? Gratis

Back to School Minecraft Fun! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 23
WHERE: Quogue Library Inc, 90 Quogue St., Quogue Library Inc, Quogue Library Inc

WHAT:

First graders to fifth graders, join TD3 Innovative Gaming to develop academic and social skills through the world of Minecraft! Registration required. This is an independent program; please note that parents/guardians must stay on the property for the duration of the program.

WANT TO GO? Free

Exploring the Geology of Montauk with Frank

WHEN: Sunday, Sep. 24
WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Rd, Vanderbilt Museum, Vanderbilt Museum

WHAT:

Believed by many to be Long Island’s most spectacular geological exposure the “Ditch Plains Section” has been studied by geologists for more than 100 years and is still full of the mysteries of our glacial past. On this walk you’ll follow magnificent trails, down to the ocean, that lead to rare and unusual geologic formations – hoodoos, bizarre, fluted pinnacles of clay, – ice contact deposits, known as Montauk till, the rocks and soil material carried by the glacier and then left behind when it melted, approximately 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

Walk Leader: Frank Quevedo, SOFO Executive Director

This program is for adults and teens.

Program fee will also provide non-members with free admission to the museum on a day of their choice. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.



WANT TO GO? $15; $10 Children; Free for members

Charity Challenge

WHEN: Sunday, Sep. 24
WHERE: Eisenhower Park – Field 2, , Eisenhower Park – Field 2, Eisenhower Park – Field 2

WHAT:

9AM Start Rain or Shine
FREE Kiddie Fun Run 8:30AM Start

EISENHOWER PARK – FIELD 2
Parking Lot 2, East Meadow, NY 11554

Awesome T-Shirts!
Specific Tents
Professional Finish Line Announcer
Post Race Food & Snacks courtesy of All Round Foods!

WANT TO GO? $30

Fall for Your Furry Friend Adoption Event FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sep. 24
WHERE: Dogtopia of Bethpage, , Dogtopia of Bethpage, Dogtopia of Bethpage

WHAT:

Dogtopia of Bethpage will be hosting an Adoption Drive & Fundraising event featuring local animal rescues, dog related vendors, and plenty of fun activities for the family. These activities include raffles, agility lessons, balloon animals, and more. This event is aimed to help adoptable puppies find a home, and raise money for the Dogtopia Foundation.  

WANT TO GO? Free

Exploring the Geology of Montauk with Frank

WHEN: Sunday, Sep. 24
WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo), South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY, South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo), South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo)

WHAT:

Believed by many to be Long Island’s most spectacular geological exposure the “Ditch Plains Section” has been studied by geologists for more than 100 years and is still full of the mysteries of our glacial past. On this walk you’ll follow magnificent trails, down to the ocean, that lead to rare and unusual geologic formations – hoodoos, bizarre, fluted pinnacles of clay, – ice contact deposits, known as Montauk till, the rocks and soil material carried by the glacier and then left behind when it melted, approximately 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

Walk Leader: Frank Quevedo, SOFO Executive Director

This program is for adults and teens.

This program fee will also provide non-members with free admission to the museum on a day of their choice. Members are free. Advanced reservations are required for all events.

WANT TO GO? $15; $10 Children; Free for members

Nature Walk Art: Creating Sun Prints with Leaves and Flowers

WHEN: Sunday, Sep. 24
WHERE: South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo), South Fork Natural History Museum, 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY, South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo), South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo)

WHAT:

Through a blend of art & science, create magical prints with natural materials and the power of sunlight! Participants will be able to collect organic objects such as leaves and flowers in a walk through Vineyard Field, which will then be used to create unique artwork with sunprint paper. Additionally, there will be a discussion on the properties and power of UV light.

Program Leader: Nikole Holowat, SOFO Environmental Educator

This program is for children ages 6 and older.

Program fee will also provide non-members with free admission to the museum on a day of their choice.  Advanced reservations are required for all events.

WANT TO GO? $3 fee, $15 Adults, $10 Children, Free for members

Autumnal Tumbler

WHEN: Friday, Sep. 29
WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, , Westhampton Free Library, Westhampton Free Library

WHAT:

Age: Adults

Join us to decorate a reusable glass tumbler with fun seasonal designs made with Cricut vinyl! (Registration required).

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card

Circus Vazquez

WHEN: Friday, Sep. 29
WHERE: Walt Whitman Mall, , Walt Whitman Mall, Walt Whitman Mall

WHAT:

This brand-new high-energy production brings together a magnificent new cast of international circus superstars that will delight audiences of all ages. This awe-inspiring, death-defying, hilarious and affordable live circus experience is unforgettable fun for the entire family. The performers are the heart of the circus and Circus Vazquez features some of the world’s finest. Ringmaster Memo Vazquez, a third-generation performer, presides over the festivities as the amiable host who sometimes even finds himself getting in on the act. Italy’s award-winning clown duo, Fumagalli and Davis, will elicit an abundance of laughs with their distinctive brand of outrageous comedy. The Reyes Brothers, from Chile, deftly demonstrate their fast-paced juggling prowess. Be amazed by the acrobatic artistry of the Legion M Teeterboard Troupe, direct from Mongolia. The incomparable unicycle master Pavel Valla Bertini, will keep audiences on the edge of their seat as he builds up to a gravity-defying 15-wheel vertical cycle. High above the circus ring, trapeze artist Camilla Palma from Chile presents a heart-pounding and breathtaking aerial display. India’s Hasan Ansari showcases his extreme dexterity in the rarely seen Palo Hindu act. The members of Ukraine’s Bingo Troupe bring an exciting mix of lively dance and acrobatic performances. Throughout the show, the live Circus Vazquez Band weaves together a magnificent musical tapestry that accompanies each act. And once the show is over, the audience is able to meet many of the stars who just entertained them.

WANT TO GO? $30-$80

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 ManhattanBrooklynQueensWestchester, and Rockland weekend roundups for more fun inspiration!

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