Free (and cheap!) activities for kids on Long Island in March
The ExploreLI Street Team filled their baskets at the 2012 Spring Egg Hunt at Belmont Lake State Park. Credit: Gina Tomitz
Need weekend plans or something to do with the kids during the week? There are a ton of free children's events at local libraries, but we also found free and cheap ($5 or less) things to do elsewhere this month. Whether you have one, two, three or more kids in tow, here's a roundup of fun, budget-friendly events in March.
Free
Nature Tales at Seatuck Environmental Association (550 South Bay Ave., Islip) on Friday, March 8 and March 22 from 2-2:30 p.m. Jane Lewis teaches children ages 1-5 (along with a caregiver) about the natural world through books.
Magic Lessons at The Magic Shop (3711 Hempstead Tpke., Levittown) on Saturday, March 2 and March 9 at noon and 7 p.m. Free magic lessons for kids ages 10 and older; reservations are required.
Seaside Stories and Crafts: Spring Equinox at the Fire Island National Seashore Visitor's Center (Watch Hill, Fire Island) on Saturday, March 9 at noon. Create a seasonal craft and listen to spring-themed stories. The program is recommended for children ages 5-7 but all are welcome.
Head-Shaving Event for Childhood Cancer Research at Johnny McGorey's Irish Pub (131 Front St., Massapequa Park) on Saturday, March 9 at 1 p.m. Volunteers will shave their heads to help Conquer Kids' Cancer. Head-shavings will begin at 2 p.m.
Shabbat Stop at the Sid Jacobson JCC (300 Forest Dr., East Hills) on Saturday, March 9 from 2-5 p.m. Shabbat afternoons include celebrating culture, family and friends along with play, food, music, art and cooking. All ages are welcome.
Tennis Festival at Sportime at Massapequa (5600 Old Sunrise Hwy., Massapequa) on Sunday, March 10 from noon-2 p.m. All skill levels are welcome to learn about and play tennis.
Spring Shelling for Junior Rangers at Fire Island National Seashore Visitor's Center (Watch Hill, Fire Island) on Saturday, March 16 at noon. Children ages 8-12 can join a park ranger to learn about animals that live under seashells and their role in the ocean. Dress for the outdoors.
Chick Days at Talmage Farm Agway (1122 Osborne Ave., Riverhead) on Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Kids can learn about raising poultry and see several live chickens.
Spring Egg Hunt at Belmont Lake State Park (Exit 38 on Southern State Parkway, North Babylon) on Saturday, March 23 from noon-2 p.m. For children ages 9 and younger, hunt for eggs and enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, crafts and a visit with the Spring Bunny.
Cheap
Nocturnal Animals at Sands Point Preserve (127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point) on Sunday, March 3 at noon. Learn how animals search for food in the dark and why they sleep all day while watching a live animal show featuring nocturnal critters. Price: $10 per car, free with annual pass.
March Comes in Like A Lion at Maritime Explorium (101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson) on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10 from 1-5 p.m. Design your own windsock and test it on the outdoor deck. Price: $5.
Under the Sea at the Long Island Science Center (11 W. Main St., Riverhead) on Saturday, March 9 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn about marine life and participate in aquatic-themed crafts. You can even adopt a fish! Price: $5 kids ages 2 and older.
Owl Prowl at Sands Point Preserve (127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point) on Friday, March 15 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. After sunset, search for owls -- a bird that is solitary and nocturnal. Price: $10 per car, free with annual pass.
Pet Care Day at Long Island Science Center (11 W. Main St., Riverhead) on Saturday, March 16 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Meet some adoptable animals from the North Fork Animal Welfare League, learn how to care for your pet and make a craft. Price: $5 kids ages 2 and older.
St. Patrick's Day Craft at Maritime Explorium (101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson) on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17 from 1-5 p.m. Kids can construct their own leprechaun trap. Price: $5.
St. Patrick's Day Walk at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve (Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown) on Saturday, March 17 from 1:30-3 p.m. Enjoy a guided, leisurely walk as you explore the preserve. Price: $4, $3 children ages 3 and up; reservations are required.
Mad Scientist's Lab at Connetquot River State Park Preserve (Sunrise Highway, Oakdale) on Thursday, March 28 from 10-11:30 a.m. Become a mad scientist for a day as you create, split in half or blow up common household supplies. Price: $4, $3 children ages 3 and up; reservations are required.
Meet the Animals at Connetquot River State Park Preserve (Sunrise Highway, Oakdale) on Friday, March 29 from 10-11:30 a.m. Parents and children ages 3-5 will connect with nature through short walks, animal encounters and crafts. Price: Price: $4, $3 children ages 3 and up; reservations are required.
Spring Festival at Sweetbriar Nature Center (62 Eckernkamp Dr., Smithtown) on Saturday, March 30 from 1-4 p.m. Welcome the spring season with a fun-filled day of face painting, games, stories, wildlife programs, egg hunts, petting zoo and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Price: $5.
Family Nature Quest at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve (Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown) on Saturday, March 30 from 10-11:30 a.m. Head out on a scavenger hunt at your own pace and search for fascinating and humorous objects on the list. Check back at the end of the program for hints on anything you missed. Price: $4, $3 children ages 3 and up; reservations are required.
