During the final week of the year, school is going to be out, and kids will be looking to their parents for a million ways to have fun.
Is it too cold to spend time outside? Your best option may be to catch a musical or show inside a warm theater. If you’re more of a physical person and want to watch or take part in some exciting activities, there are options. Maybe you don’t need physical activity or something bright and shiny to make the break more fun. If that’s the case, there are some laid-back destinations, too.
Here are some of the best ways that families can keep themselves entertained during winter break on Long Island.
9 Things To Do on Long Island During Winter Break
Baby Shark Live!
After more than four years on YouTube, Baby Shark is still as popular as ever. This year, families will be able to experience the global phenomenon live as the Baby Shark Christmas Show will be in Greenvale on Dec. 27. The show will feature 80 minutes of fun for the whole family. Tilles Center, 720 Northern Blvd., Greenvale. $43-$83. babysharklive.com.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
For those who grew up watching the Shrek films or think their children would enjoy it, DreamWorks Animation will be releasing Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in theaters on Dec. 21, just in time for Christmas. This is the sixth film in the Shrek franchise and the first since 2011. fandango.com/puss-in-boots-the-last-wish.
New York Islanders
Hockey fans will be able to catch two New York Islanders games at UBS Arena during Christmas break. The Islanders will face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 27 and the Columbus Blue Jackets on Dec. 29, with both games starting at 7:30 p.m. UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. islanders.nhl.com.
Long Island Nets
If you’re a basketball fan who can’t make it to the city, the Long Island Nets got you covered. The team, the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, will play the Greensboro Swarm on Dec. 27 and Dec. 29, with both games starting at 7 p.m. Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale. longisland.gleague.nba.com.
Monster Mini-Golf
Monster Mini-Golf is your one-stop shop for fun and games. The indoor, glow-in-the dark venue in Deer Park features a mini-golf course, laser maze, arcade, and more, and is open every day until 10 p.m. 410-C Commack Rd., Deer Park. $10-30. monsterminigolf.com.
Ice Skating
One of the most popular physical activities to enjoy during the winter is none other than ice skating and there are many rinks across Long Island. Some of the best options include the Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink in Great Neck, Christopher Morley Park Ice Rink in Roslyn, and The Rinx in Port Jefferson.
Long Island Aquarium
The Long Island Aquarium is open every day except for Christmas Day and offers countless indoor and outdoor exhibits. Visitors will be able to find birds, bugs, and even bats, plus fish and other water dwellers. 431 E. Main St., Riverhead. $30-43. longislandaquarium.com.
Long Island Children’s Museum
The Long Island Children’s Museum is the perfect spot for your little ones, where they can spend hours with exhibits that aim to bring out creativity and ingenuity. Your children will climb, build, and play until they’re tired. The museum is open every Tuesday through Sunday except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 11 Davis Ave., Garden City. $15. licm.org.
Vanderbilt Museum
The Vanderbilt Museum is another museum that children will love, especially those with an interest in outer space. The museum boasts a large planetarium which houses astronomy resources and a rooftop observatory that’s open every Friday. 180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport. $7-10. vanderbiltmuseum.org.
