Big rides, shows, more on Long Island for kids in 2019

A Tyrannosaurus Rex on display at the Dinosaurs! exhibit at the Center for Science Teaching & Learning Rockville Centre on Dec. 26. Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara
We all hope every new year is going to be a great one — and while adults are at the unpredictable beck and call of grown-up stuff, kids on Long Island can already count on a whole bunch of awesome stuff announced for 2019.
The “Lighthouse Drop Tower” at Adventureland
Just when you thought management couldn’t squeeze in yet another awesome ride, Adventureland is planning on debuting its latest wild experience on the park's opening day (March 23). The Lighthouse Drop Tower will stand 41 feet tall next to Mystery Mansion, across from the Turbulence Coaster. Featuring a maximum gondola drop of 26 feet, it will be able to handle 10 riders at a time and will be good for children more than 47 inches in height (or more than 39 inches with an adult). Two existing rides will get revamped themes: The Rattle Snake and Rescue Boats. Prices: Pay One Price (POP) bracelets are $33.99; single tickets are $1.50, rides cost 3-5 tickets each Info: 2245 Broad Hollow Road, East Farmingdale; 631-694-6868, adventureland.us.
“Dinosaurs!” at CSTL
Despite the November unveiling of an animatronic life-size ankylosaur and a big stegosaur, details remain tight on when the center will be opening its upcoming dinosaur-focused exhibit. However, it is expected to feature 25 dinos in total (with only a few more able to move like the ankylosaur) to serve as an interactive tutorial on the lives of those long-gone but ever-fascinating beasts. Prices: To be determined Info: The Center for Science Teaching and Learning at Tanglewood Preserve: 1450 Tanglewood Rd., Rockville Centre; 516-764-0045, cstl.org/dinosaurs.
Disney On Ice presents "Frozen"
From Jan. 10-13, kids can experience the Disney neoclassic in what is probably the most authentic way: on ice. However, this version of Elsa and Anna’s tale is hosted by Mickey and Minnie, with cameos by characters from "Toy Story" and Disney princesses, among other favorites. Prices: $30-$124 Info: NYCB Live: Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum: 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale; 800-745-3000, disneyonice.com.
"Laurie Berkner Live! Solo Tour"
A star of the kids music scene for at least a generation now, there are teens who grew up on children’s recording artist Laurie Berkner’s indie-for-youngsters sound. Although The Paramount is a pretty big space, it’s cozy enough that your little ones should get a great chance to dance while seeing what Berkner’s show is all about. Shows at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Jan. 27. Prices: $19.50-$110 Info: The Paramount: 370 New York Ave., Huntington; 631-673-7300, paramountny.com.
Monster Jam 2019
Featuring a fearsome lineup of monster trucks, the powerful vehicles face off in races and freestyle competitions, pulling tricks and ripping up the ground all the while. Runs Jan. 25-27. Prices: $35-$142 Info: Nassau Coliseum: 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale; 800-745-3000, monsterjam.com.
"Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live"
Conservationist and zookeeper Jungle Jack Hanna is coming to LI at 3 p.m. on Feb. 16, and bringing some of his top animal friends with him (penguins, kangaroos, cheetahs and more) as well as several stories taken from his decades of experience. Prices: $52.25-$125.50 Info: NYCB Theatre at Westbury: 960 Brush Hollow Rd.; 516-247-5200, thetheatreatwestbury.com.
"Disney’s DCappella"
Stopping by Long Island during a 41-date tour, Disney Music Group’s DCappella delivers vocal-only renditions of current and classic Disney tracks at 7 p.m. on Feb. 23. Prices: $39.50-$129 Info: NYCB Theatre at Westbury: 960 Brush Hollow Rd.; 516-247-5200, thetheatreatwestbury.com.
"American Girl Live"
Some of the popular American Girl characters come to life in this musical stage show set at a sleepover camp where the Girls meet, chat, sing and share their dreams. Performances at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 and 5 p.m. March 1. Prices: $27.50-$165 Info: The Paramount: 370 New York Ave., Huntington; 631-673-7300, paramountny.com.
"PJ Masks Live!"
Gekko, Owlette and Catboy spring from their animated adventures on TV to the stage of Nassau Coliseum in this live show starring the superheroes — along with new pal PJ Robot — as they battle villains like Luna Girl, Night Ninja and Romeo. April 12-14. Prices: $28.50- $123.50 Info: Nassau Coliseum: 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale; 800-745-3000, pjmaskslive.com.
Wildplay Element Park at Jones Beach
Wildplay has zipline-loaded challenge climbs, with nets, swings and obstacle games. There will be three aerial adventure courses, including one designed for kids. Already found at such spots as Niagara Falls, upstate Thacher Park near Voorheesville) and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, a Jones Beach edition has been announced for summer 2019. Prices: To be announced. Info: wildplay.com/jones-beach.
All Kids Fair
Back for its ninth year, the All Kids Fair offers various workshops and classes for kids, face painting, dozens of vendors, balloon animals and other attractions. The even takes place 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on April 7. Prices: $5, free ages two and younger Info: Hilton Long Island, 598 Broad Hollow Rd., Melville; 516-621-1446, allkidsfair.com.
KidzBop World Tour 2019
You know the music, you hear Kidz Bop on the radio and online, but the live tour adds another dimension to the music. The show at 4 p.m. on July 21 is performed by six kids, selected from a nationwide casting call, who are the singing and dancing stars of the show. Prices: $35-$262.50 Info: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater: 895 Bay Pkwy., Wantagh; 866-558-8468, kidzbop.com.
Nickelodeon's JoJo Siwa D.R. E. A. M The Tour
From her time as a member on the reality show “Dance Moms” to her music career to several appearances on Nickelodeon, JoJo Siwa has become a megastar of the kids entertainment scene. She’ll be visiting Long Island this summer for one night only at 7 p.m. on July 26. Prices: $55-$280.59 Info: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum: 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale; 800-745-3000, jojosiwatour.com
Sonic Sensation at Long Island Children’s Museum
Available to explore for most of the first half of 2019, this transitory exhibit gives young guests a chance to do something most kids are naturally good at: get loud. By way of 14 interactive stations, children can create soundtracks, conduct an orchestra, become familiar with all aspects of sounds and yell their hearts out in a “Scream Chamber,” all while participating in a scientific experience. Runs Jan. 26 through May 5. Prices: $14, free ages 1 and younger Info: Long Island Children's Museum: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City; 516-224-5800, licm.org/exhibits/exhibit/sonic-sensation.