Top 11 Things to Do on Long Island this January

Here are 11 fun and low-cost things to do with kids on Long Island in January, including museum exhibits, concerts, and more in Cold Spring Harbor, Dix Hills, Garden City, Huntington, Port Jefferson, Port Washington, Uniondale, and beyond.

Disney On Ice: Treasure Trove

Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

Jan. 10-13

Hit the ice with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, and Goofy as they embark on a treasure hunt for some of the most popular Disney films ever. Audiences at Disney On Ice: Treasure Trove will experience a medley of their favorite animated Disney movies throughout the years, from the very first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to the 50th Disney film, Tangled. Featuring eight movies and more than 50 Disney characters, the show spotlights action-packed stories that will resonate not only with kids today, but with their parents as well.

The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and the Hare

Jan. 6: Landmark on Main Street, Port Washington

Jan. 27: Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook

Catch an electrifying double performance of The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and the Hare this month. The innovative Lightwire Theater, with its dazzling visuals, poignant choreography, and creative use of music, ranging from classical to jazz to pop, literally brings these beloved tales into a new and brilliant light using electroluminescent wire.

Raggedy Ann and Andy

Theatre Three, Port Jefferson

Jan. 19 and 25-27

Like Jack and Jill, Raggedy Ann and Andy is one of those popular duos that are beloved by generations and remain part of the popular culture. A live production at Theatre Three has the famous rag dolls setting out from the Tiwilliger Workshop on an adventure to bring a special little girl a special doll.

The Magic of Thaddeus

Dix Hills Performing Arts Center, Dix Hills

Jan. 20

Comedy, magic, mystery, and illusion are the hallmarks of The Magic of Thaddeus. Thaddeus, who has been performing on Long Island for more than 25 years, will be joined on stage by his 14-year-old son Teddy, who is known for his escape act.

Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City

Jan. 21

At Dreaming with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., kids will explore the remarkable life of Dr. King and draw inspiration from his speeches and work as they create an artwork of peace.

For more ideas on how to celebrate the holiday (and keep the kids busy on their day off from school), search our full calendar for events during MLK Weekend (Jan. 19-21).

Monster Jam

Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

Jan. 25-27

Monster Jam is the most popular monster truck tour in the country, reaching more than 4 million fans annually at the most prestigious arenas and stadiums throughout the world. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, monster trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. This four-wheeled extravaganza features heart-pounding racing and unbelievable freestyle driving. A pre-show Pit Party gives all fans a chance to meet the stars of Monster Jam up close and personal.

Batty for Blood

Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City

Jan. 26

At the Long Island Children’s Museum’s new exhibit, Attack of the Bloodsuckers, kids can learn about mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, leeches, and other parasites known as sanguinivores (creatures that eat blood), including why these critters are important to the ecosystem and how to keep them out of your system. The exhibit opens Jan. 18. On Jan. 26, the museum hosts Batty for Blood, a workshop that explores vampire bats and includes a friendly bat project.

Bari Koral Family Rock Band in Concert

Landmark on Main Street, Port Washington

Jan. 27

Who can get kids (and their parents, too) on their feet and dancing at the strum of a guitar? The Bari Koral Family Rock Band can! Award-winning children’s music artist Bari Koral delights children of all ages with her blend of original country, blues, and folk music.

Yo Gabba Gabba Live!

The Paramount, Huntington

Jan. 30-31

DJ Lance Rock, Munro, Foofa, and all their friends will get you to “shake the sillies out” when they take the stage for Yo Gabba Gabba Live!, a show based on the popular Nick Jr. program.

Long Island at Work and at Play

Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities, Cold Spring Harbor

Jan. 1-31

Throughout January, The Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities is displaying nostalgic pictures in its exhibit, Long Island at Work and at Play, which depicts early 20th-century life in Manhasset, Port Jefferson, Bayville, East Hampton, and other Long Island towns.

Go Sledding!

State Parks on Long Island

Daylight hours, weather permitting

We may complain, but the truth is, there’s nothing better than a good old-fashioned snow day, especially the rare kind where you don’t have to be anywhere and can slow down to enjoy the time with the kids. Those days call for sleeping in, baking, building snowmen, and that most cherished of all traditions—sledding (followed by the obligatory hot cocoa). If you’re looking for the best place to find fresh powder on Long Island, try one of these official sledding locations.