Things to Do with Kids on Long Island this Weekend

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

By NYMetroParents Staff August 17, 2022

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

Editor's Picks for This Weekend

Arts In The Plaza FREE

WHEN: May. 28 - Oct. 29, Saturdays, 10am-3pm
WHERE: Kennedy Plaza, 1 W Chester St., Long Beach, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Arts In The Plaza is Long Beach's Weekly Arts Festival featuring handcrafted art by Long Island artists and live music! WANT TO GO? 516-476-2473.
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Swim with the Mermaids

WHEN: Jul. 1 - Sep. 5, Mondays and Fridays, 10:30am; 11:45am; 1:30pm; 2:45pm
WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Your little one will be delighted to swim with a real, live mermaid, as she navigates the Shark Reef Lagoon which is filled with gorgeous tropical fish from all over the world. WANT TO GO? $49 plus admission to the aquarium: $42.99, $31.99 seniors 62 and older; $29.99 ages 3-12. 631-208-9200.
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Summer Carnival

WHEN: Aug. 18 - 20, Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, 6-11pm; Sunday, 4-11pm
WHERE: Eisenhower Park, Park Boulevard, Westbury, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

It's a weekend of family fun with thrilling carnival rides, exciting games, and your favorite fair foods! See website for discounted ride bracelets.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free; pay one price bracelets $39.95; individual ride tickets are available at $1.25 each.
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Bug Safari

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 11am-1pm
WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Hunt elusive grasshoppers, butterflies, predatory insects and other crawly creatures in the gardens. Bring a butterfly net and collecting jars.

WANT TO GO? Included with admission: $14; $12 seniors 62 and older and full time students; $8 ages 7-17. 516-252-3392.
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Snapper & Crab Derby

WHEN: Aug. 20 - 21, 10am-2pm
WHERE: Captree State Park, 3500 Ocean Pkwy., Bayshore, NY
AGES: 5-17
WHAT: Children 16 years old and younger are encouraged to discover and enjoy fishing with prizes awarded to the heaviest snapper and crab caught. WANT TO GO? $8 Vehicle use fee in effect. 631-669-0449.
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2022 Seafood Festival

WHEN: Aug. 20 - 21, 11am-6pm
WHERE: Long Island Maritime Museum, 88 West Ave., West Sayville, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: It's a day of fun that will have everyone wanting to come back for seconds with fabulous food, entertainment for the kids, and the museum's 1888 Oyster Sloop Priscilla! WANT TO GO? $9 online, $10 at the door; free admission for children younger than 12.
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Even More Weekend Fun

Glow in the Park at The Adventure Park at Long Island

WHEN: Apr. 2 - Nov. 5, Saturdays, 6-10pm
WHERE: Adventure Park, 75 Colonial Springs Road, Gate 3, Wheatley Heights, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: The evening Glow in the Park events allow you to zipline through trees lit up by glow attire, colored lights, music and more! WANT TO GO? $54. 631-983-3844.
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Tails of Southampton

WHEN: May. 4 - Dec. 31, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Southampton History Museum, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

The Southampton History Museum opens the 2022 season with a new exhibit that combines historic photographs of people with their pets from its historic collection along with digital images of caretakers and their animal companions. Also, pet inspired artwork by three professional Southampton artists will be shown. People living in Southampton began taking photographs of their animal companions in the 1870s and continue to do so today. Animal themed artwork and furnishings were either hand-made or manufactured for 150 years - objects in the exhibit are either donated or on loan to the Museum by local residents. A wide variety of pet themed toys, dishes, banks, pillows and doorstops from the Museum’s collection can be seen along with recent submissions of recently taken digital photographs.

Photo: Rose de Rose with pets c. 1910 Southampton History Museum Collections

WANT TO GO? $10; free for members and children 17 and younger. 631-283-2494.
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Tails of Southampton

WHEN: May. 4 - Dec. 31, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Southampton History Museum, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Photo: Rose de Rose with pets c. 1910 Southampton History Museum Collections

WANT TO GO? $10; free for members and children 17 and younger. 631-283-2494.
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Firepit Fridays

WHEN: Jun. 24 - Sep. 2, Fridays, 6-10pm
WHERE: The Adventure Park at Long Island, 75 Colonial Springs Rd. Gate 3, Wheatley Heights, NY
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Get cozy by the campfire after an evening of climbing. 7 and older. WANT TO GO? $49. 631-983-3844.
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Pirate Quest

WHEN: Jul. 1 - Aug. 31, Thursdays-Sundays, 11am-4pm; **No session July 4 & August 7**
WHERE: The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Use a compass and a treasure map to solve puzzles and hunt for hidden treasure around the museum in this pirate-themed self-serve program. Complete your quest and decorate your very own treasure chest to take home. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 member 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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Tots Cook Classes

WHEN: Jul. 7 - Aug. 26, Thursdays and Fridays, 11am-12:30PM
WHERE: Garden Of Eve, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead, NY
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Cildren will go on a harvest tour of the farm to gather everything needed for the day and learn about how they were produced then turn them into delectable delicacies. WANT TO GO? $20 per child. 631-722-8777.
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Berry Weekends

WHEN: Jul. 8 - Aug. 28, Saturdays and Sunday, 9am-6pm
WHERE: Garden Of Eve, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, oh my! Indulge in ripe goodness, nature's desserts, as organic berries ripen throughout July and August WANT TO GO? $10.95 per person. 631-722-8777.
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Pop-Up Saturdays

WHEN: Jul. 9 - Aug. 20, Saturdays, 2-4pm
WHERE: Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) will be hosting seven Pop-Up Saturdays (rain dates: Sundays) in Stony Brook Village on Saturdays. This family friendly event is filled with animals, magic, music, art and even Tai Chi! Pop-Up Saturdays are free to the public and except where noted, will take place in Stony Brook Village’s Inner Court (by the Rustic Loft and Crazy Beans). Pop-Up Saturdays are a family friendly event series sponsored by Edward Jones in honor of their 100th anniversary throughout 2022!

July 9th, experience the Magic of Amore from 2pm to 3pm, and North Fork Country Kids Rescue Vixen from 2pm to 4pm.

July 16th, Sweetbriar Nature Center will bring birds of prey and touchable animals from 2pm to 3pm. Silent Mind Tai Chi will take place from 3pm to 4pm.

July 23, Burke and Brenda will be performing original and cover songs in the genres of R&B, Roots, Blues and Contemporary Acoustic from 2 to 4pm at the Post Office, and Silent Mind Tai Chi will take place from (3pm to 4pm).

July 30, Characatures by Marty Macaluso (no rain date) will visit the village and draw caricatures of individuals and groups from 2pm to 4pm.

August 6, Sweetbriar Nature Center returns with birds of prey and animals to touch from 2pm to 4pm.

August 13, enjoy storytelling and singing by Johnny Cuomo from 2pm to 3pm, enjoy the music of Burke and Brenda at the Post Office from 2pm to 4pm.

August 20, the last pop-up Saturday, Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center will visit the center with adoptable dogs from 2pm to 4pm and the last Silent Mind Tai Chi class will take place from 3pm to 4pm.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free. Prices vary for goods and games. 631-751-2244.
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Summer Concert Series on the Village Green FREE

WHEN: Jul. 9 - Aug. 21, Sundays, 7-9pm
WHERE: The Village Green inStony Brook Village , across from 129 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) is excited to announce the long awaited return of the Summer Concert Series on the Village Green. Performances include the Precisions, a vintage rock group performing songs from the golden age of rock and roll on July 10; the Rustlers, a high energy group performing southern rock songs on July 17; the Cluster, a super group performing hits from the 50s through the 80s on July 24; Linda Ipanema, performing traditional jazz songs on July 31; the Brooklyn Bards, performing acoustic traditional Irish music on August 7; the NY Exceptions, a doo-wop band performing songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s on August 14; and Country Rhythms, a country music line dance instruction group on August 21. In the case of rain, the concerts will be cancelled.

WANT TO GO? 631-751-2244.
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Summer Concert Series on the Village Green FREE

WHEN: Jul. 10 - Aug. 21, Sundays, 7-9pm
WHERE: The Jennie Melville Village Green, 129 Main Street, Stony Brook , NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) is excited to announce the long awaited return of the Summer Concert Series on the Village Green. Performances include the Precisions, a vintage rock group performing songs from the golden age of rock and roll on July 10; the Rustlers, a high energy group performing classic and contemporary country and rock and roll songs on July 17; the Clusters, a super group performing hits from the 50s through the 80s on July 24; Linda Ipanema, performing traditional jazz songs on July 31; the Brooklyn Bards, performing acoustic traditional Irish music on August 7; the NY Exceptions, a doo-wop band performing songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s on August 14; and Country Rhythms, a country music line dance instruction group. In the case of rain, the concerts will be cancelled.

WANT TO GO? 631-751-2244.
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Family Treasures with Tales to Tell: Summer Exhibit 2022 FREE

WHEN: Jul. 22 - Oct. 10, Fridays-Sundays, 11am-3pm
WHERE: Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead, NY
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT:

Does your family have treasured keepsakes? Heirlooms with long-lost stories waiting to be discovered? Hallockville Museum Farm presents “Family Treasures with Tales to Tell,” an exhibition of historic quilts, spinning wheels, butter churns, and other artifacts contributed by North Fork families. A highlight of “Family Treasures with Tales to Tell,” is a collection of historic quilts that were donated recently to the Hallockville Museum Farm. Each quilt on display features a story about its maker, the owner, and the individuals’ histories.

WANT TO GO? 631-298-5292.
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Sunflower Festival

WHEN: Jul. 23 - Aug. 28, 9am-6pm, daily
WHERE: Garden Of Eve, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Explore a 5 acre sunflower field, fun photo ops, Family Fun Fields, pedal karts, hay tower, farm animals, spider web, and more. WANT TO GO? $10.95. 631-722-8777.
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Pirate Crafternoons

WHEN: Aug. 2 - 31, Tuesdays-Sundays, 1-4pm
WHERE: The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Lads and lasses are invited to enjoy the exhibits and help themselves to seasonal, self-serve swashbuckling crafts in this workshop WANT TO GO? FREE with admission: $6; $5 children and seniors; free for members. 631-367-3418.
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Celebrate Exercise with Your Child Week

WHEN: Aug. 7 - 19, Sunday-Thursday, 10am-8pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am-9pm
WHERE: Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park Lake Grove, 3147 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove, NY
AGES: 5-17
WHAT:

In celebration of Exercise with Your Children Week, Urban Air Lake Grove, the only 50,000 sq. ft. indoor adventure park of its kind on Long Island, will offer a ticket special from Sunday, August 7, 2022 from 10am to 8pm through Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 10am to 9pm. Visitors who purchase an ultimate or platinum pass at Urban Air Lake Grove can bring a friend to the park for $10 (friend will receive the same access). Offer can only be redeemed in person. Urban Air Lake Grove is a unique destination for Suffolk County families. The main attractions are the Sky Rider zip line, High Ropes obstacle course, Spin Zone bumper cars, and a full set of rock-climbing walls.

WANT TO GO? $15.99-$39.49. 631-861-4125.
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Ella, First Lady of Song

WHEN: Aug. 18 - Sep. 11, See website for schedule
WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy, 1000 hempstead ave, Rockville Centre, NY
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Starring Freida Payne Written and Directed by Lee Summers Conceived by Maurice Hines The inspiring Story of Ella Fitzgerald’s remarkable journey from homeless teenager to the world’s first lady of song. WANT TO GO? $40-$65. 516-323-4444.
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Community Seining FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 10am-12pm
WHERE: Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, West End 2 — Jones Beach State Park 150 Bay Parkway, Wantagh, NY
AGES: 9-17
WHAT:

Join an educator to learn all about seine fishing and learn all about the aquatic organisms that call Jones Bay home. Seine fishing employs a large net (seine) with two poles. Two people stand parallel to the shore, each holding one pole. As it sweeps the water, the net catches aquatic organisms. After surveying these organisms, they will be returned to the bay. Ages 8 and older.

WANT TO GO? 516-809-8222.
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Open House at the Art League of Long Island FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 11am-2pm
WHERE: Art League of Long Island, 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Get an inside look at the Dynamic Visual Arts Center located in the heart of Long Island Tour the Studios Meet the Instructors Enjoy the artist's reception in the gallery celebrating works by the Art League's talented instructors. Catch live art instructor demonstrations, learn about their classes. Free Kits for the first 100 Visitors Courtesy of Staples.

WANT TO GO? 631-462-5400.
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Gardening for Pollinators FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 10-11:30am
WHERE: Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, 340 Smith Rd., Shirley, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Participants will learn how to landscape for pollinators with help from the onsite pollinator garden. WANT TO GO? 631-286-0485.
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Harbes Tomato Harvest

WHEN: Aug. 20 - 21, 10am-7pm
WHERE: Harbes Family Farm, 715 Sound Avenue, Mattituck, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Don’t miss Harbes Annual Tomato Harvest. Help celebrate summer and enjoy Harbes farm-fresh tomatoes! Tomato Eating Contests are back again for 2022! They will be held in the Barnyard Adventure at 2:30pm & 4:30pm on both Saturday & Sunday. First come, first served. Participation limited. Must purchase Barnyard admission to participate. The Barnyard admission includes a Musical Hayride tour of the 100-acre farm and famous pig races. There are also farm animals, the very popular “Jumbo Jumpers” bounce pillows, a Sports Zone with baseball, football, and basketball tossing games, “Lil’ Farmers PlayLand” filled with lots of fun activities for preschoolers, a trike track, obstacle course, hedge maze, our musical animatronic chicken show, and much more. There’ll be FREE LIVE MUSIC in our courtyard area both days from 1-5 pm. Saturday, singer/guitarist Matt Taylor will be performing. Come enjoy this versa tile musical performer. Sunday, acoustic singer/songwriter Robin Sidor will be our musical guest. Robin performs a wide range of covers including classic rock, folk, alternative, and pop. Don’t miss this popular performer! NOTE: Barnyard Adventure requires admission.

WANT TO GO? $23.95; free admission for children 2 and younger. 631-482-7641.
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58th Annual Art Show & Craft Fair FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Shelter Island School Grounds, 33 North Ferry Rd., Shelter Island, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Join quality artists and craftspeople in this well-attended show that is open to artisans only to display, demonstrate and sell their own outstanding, high quality, original works in any medium or style. WANT TO GO? 877-893-2290.
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Long Island Bluegrass & Roots Music Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 20, 12-8pm
WHERE: Tanner Park, Baylawn Ave., Copiague, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

The Long Island Bluegrass & Roots Music Festival is an afternoon of traditional Bluegrass, Americana, and Roots Music, plus workshops, food and beverage vendors, and fun! Bluegrass music workshops are available featuring performers from the main stage bands. There is also a hosted 'Jam Area' for those who play bluegrass music on any level and want to bring an instrument so they can join in during the afternoon.

The 2022 Line-Up features local and regional acts as well as national touring artists, providing a day of new music discovery along with well-loved favorites in a friendly atmosphere. To cap off the 20th-Year Celebration, there will be an evening dance party featuring Long Island’s own Gene Casey & The Lone Sharks after the headline act, Compton & Newberry, at approximately 7pm.

WANT TO GO? $20; $15 seniors 65 and older, kids 12-16, military, disabled; free admission for children 11 and younger.
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Family Summer Fest

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 21, 4-5:30pm
WHERE: Chabad of Port Washington, 80 Shore Road, Port Washington, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Get ready for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, at this festival featuring beekeeping demonstrations, BBQ dinner, carnival games, train ride, Euro Jump, and more!

WANT TO GO? $18 per family. 516-767-8672.
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We All Scream for Ice Cream

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 21, 12-2pm
WHERE: Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY
AGES: 3-8
WHAT:

Ice cream is everyone’s favorite summertime snack. Did you know that early examples of this treat often didn’t contain milk? The Roman emperor Nero and Alexander the Great would have snow brought in from nearby mountains to mix with honey and nectar. Beat the summer heat by crafting a colorful paper ice cream cone to take home.

This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately ten minutes and is yours to keep.

WANT TO GO? Included with admission: $15; free for members. 516-224-5800.
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We All Scream for Ice Cream

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 21, 12-2pm
WHERE: Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY
AGES: 3-8
WHAT:

This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately ten minutes and is yours to keep.

WANT TO GO? Included with admission: $15; free for members. 516-224-5800.
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The Cellini Annual Italian Feast

WHEN: Aug. 24 - 28, Wednesday-Friday, 6-11pm; Saturday, 3-11pm; Sunday, 3-10pm
WHERE: Michael J. Tully Park, 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Bring out the family for thrilling carnival rides, live entertainment every night, vendors, carnival games, casino games, and plenty of food including the best zeppoles on Long Island! Make sure to be there for the spectacular fireworks display on Saturday night! Sunday is Community Appreciation Day – Free admission from 3-5pm along with half price pasta!

WANT TO GO? $2 admission; free admission for children younger than 5. 646-438-2838.
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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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