10 fun Presidents Day ideas for kids
Children can create a Year of the Snake lantern at the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium in Centerport on Feb. 18, 2013. Credit: Handout
While many Long Island children's winter breaks were cut short due to superstorm Sandy, most schools are closed on Monday for Presidents Day. So if you're sticking around town for the long weekend, here are a few things to do on President's Day, including family-friendly performances, crafts, indoor play, free events and more.
1. New York Rangers Hockey Weekend at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center (Stewart and Cherry Avenues, Bethpage). Families will get the chance to ice skate with New York Rangers alumni and members of their development team, as well as play games, receive giveaways and more from 10 a.m.-noon. Price: Free.
2. Trash to Treasures at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium (1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor). Create recycled art and turn household items into crafts from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Price: $6 adults, $4 ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger
3. Circus Renaldo at the Long Island Children's Museum (11 Davis Ave., Garden City). Meet the Remarkable Renaldo, the ringmaster clown of the circus, and witness his juggling, pranks, magic and humor. Al Caliense, Renaldo's alter ego, will be signing his children's book “Renaldo Joins the Circus.” Show times: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Price: $5 with museum admission ($12), $10 theater only.
4. President's Day Film and Fun at Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum (301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor). At 1 p.m., kids are welcome to create a sparkly fish craft and watch a screening of Disney's “Ponyo,” an animated adventure about a boy and his friendship with a goldfish who longs to become human. Snacks are included. Price: Free with museum admission ($6 adults, $5 kids ages 5-12).
5. Year of the Snake Lantern at Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium (180 Little Neck Rd., Centerport). Children in grades K-3 can check out the natural-history collection, examine skins and skeletons, and create a Lunar New Year-inspired lantern for good luck from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Participants are asked to bring a bag lunch. Price: $35.
6. Victorian Tea Party at Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site and Interpretive Center (246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington). At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., children will learn dining manners, practice table setting and role-play to help boost self-esteem and confidence. Children can bring a friend or their favorite doll. The event takes place in the Gathering House Barn and includes a tour. Price: $10.
7. Pinkalicious at Bellmore Movies (222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore) After the show, kids can meet Pinkalicious and all their favorite characters from the book at 1 p.m. Price: $10.
8. Craft: Fishing in February at Maritime Explorium (101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson). Kids can design and construct their own fishing pole from 1-5 p.m. Price: $5.
9. Visit Le Play Cafe, Once Upon a Treetop, Jump and other indoor places to play on Long Island. Here's our complete guide to indoor place spaces.
10. Check out your local library for storytime, crafts, workshops and more.
If you're still looking for ideas, check out 100 things to do with your kids on Long Island.
