A Guide to Top Things to Do on Long Island
Top family activities on Long Island include Family Pickle Party at the Whaling Museum, Santa Photos at Walt Whitman Shops, LuminoCity: Fantasy Winter Fairyland, the Dock Closing 3.3 Mile Race, and Great Neck Library Games Day.
These events on Long Island offer exciting activities perfect for parents and kids alike. From hands-on crafts and outdoor adventures to community festivals and cultural outings, there’s plenty to explore. Here is just a taste of what’s happening this weekend in Long Island!
Psst… Check Out Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 Line-Up Announced
Too Long, Didn’t Read
- Best for Holiday Fun: Santa Photos, LuminoCity: Fantasy Winter Fairyland, Jingle Bell Bash, Broadway Across The Bay.
- Best for Outdoor Events: Hudsy 5K Run/Walk, Seeds of Hope 5K & 10K, Dock Closing 3.3 Mile Race.
- Best for Workshops & Activities: Adult & Child Paint Workshop, Family Pickle Party, Family Yoga.
- Best for little kids & families: Great Neck Library Games Day, Santa Photos, LuminoCity: Fantasy Winter Fairyland.
- Planning tips: Check dates/times, reserve spots if needed, dress for the weather, bring snacks or water, and arrive early for popular events.
Whether you want a holiday getaway, outdoor fun, or hands-on activities, Long Island has something for every family. Keep reading for full event details, times, locations, and what makes each one special.
Santa Photos
Capture the magic of the season with photos of Santa at Walt Whitman Shops. A festive experience for all ages, complete with holiday décor and joyful memories.
Nov. 7 – Dec. 24, various times
Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station
LuminoCity: Fantasy Winter Fairyland
Step into a dazzling world of lights, art, and imagination as Eisenhower Park transforms into a fantasy winter wonderland. Perfect for families of all ages.
Nov. 7 – Jan. 1, 2026, various times
Eisenhower Park, 1899 Park Boulevard, East Meadow
Hudsy 5K Run/Walk A 5K Run/Walk Honoring Joan Hudson
Join the community for this inspiring 5K run/walk celebrating the life of Joan Hudson. Proceeds support local causes while promoting fitness and togetherness.
Nov. 8, 9 am – Noon
Quogue Elementary School, 10 Edgewood Road, Quogue
Adult & Child Paint Workshop With Deborah Acquino
Create side by side with your child in this fun and relaxed painting workshop, led by local artist Deborah Acquino. All materials provided.
Nov. 8, 10 am – Noon
Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton
Jingle Bell Bash Annual Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season at Tanger Outlets’ festive Jingle Bell Bash, featuring the annual tree lighting, live entertainment, and holiday fun for the whole family.
Nov. 8, 3 – 6 pm
Tanger Outlets Deer Park, 152 The Arches Circle, Deer Park
HEARTS PW Presents “Broadway Across The Bay”
Enjoy an evening of show-stopping performances from Broadway talents and local stars in this community celebration of theater and song.
Nov. 8, 7 – 9 pm
Paul D. Schreiber High School, 101 Campus Drive, Port Washington
Seeds of Hope 5K & 10K
Run or walk to support a great cause at this annual event benefiting local families in need. Enjoy community spirit, refreshments, and post-race fun.
Nov. 9, 10 am – 1 pm
Moriches Field Brewing Company, 1 Wilcox Ave., Center Moriches
The Dock Closing 3.3 Mile Race
Say farewell to the summer season with this scenic 3.3-mile run through Montauk. A fun, community-driven race benefiting local charities.
Nov. 9, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Montauk Post Office, 873 S Euclid Ave., Montauk
Great Neck Library Games Day
Spend an afternoon of friendly competition and fun at the Great Neck Library, featuring a wide variety of games for all ages.
Nov. 9, 11:30 am – 4 pm
Great Neck Library, 159 Bayview Avenue, Great Neck
Family Pickle Party
Join a festive, hands-on workshop where families learn to make and decorate their own holiday pickles! A quirky seasonal favorite.
Nov. 9 noon – 1 pm & 2 – 3 pm
The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor
Family Yoga
Relax, stretch, and connect as a family in this inclusive yoga class designed for all ages and abilities.
Nov. 9, 1 – 2 pm
Revolution Yoga, 7 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre
Looking for even more family fun? Be sure to check out our comprehensive calendar of events, updated daily with the latest happenings across Long Island and beyond, from festivals and performances to free local activities for all ages.
Plan Your Family Weekend!
Things to Do with the Kids This Weekend in Manhattan
Things to Do with the Kids This Weekend in Brooklyn
Things to Do with the Kids This Weekend in Queens
Things to Do with the Kids This Weekend in Staten Island
Things to Do with the Kids This Weekend in Westchester
Quick Comparison of Long Island’s Top Family Activities
| Event | Date & Time | Location | Type of Activity | Age Group / Audience | Special Features / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Photos | Nov. 7 – Dec. 24, various times | Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station | Holiday photos with Santa | All ages | Festive décor, joyful memories |
| LuminoCity: Fantasy Winter Fairyland | Nov. 7 – Jan. 1, 2026, various times | Eisenhower Park, 1899 Park Boulevard, East Meadow | Light show/winter wonderland | All ages | Dazzling lights, art installations, and family-friendly |
| Hudsy 5K Run/Walk | Nov. 8, 9 am – Noon | Quogue Elementary School, 10 Edgewood Road, Quogue | Charity 5K run/walk | Adults & kids | Honors Joan Hudson, supports local causes |
| Adult & Child Paint Workshop | Nov. 8, 10 am – Noon | Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton | Art/painting workshop | Adults & children | Side-by-side painting, all materials provided |
| Jingle Bell Bash Annual Tree Lighting | Nov. 8, 3 – 6 pm | Tanger Outlets Deer Park, 152 The Arches Circle, Deer Park | Holiday festival/tree lighting | Families | Live entertainment, holiday fun |
| HEARTS PW Presents “Broadway Across The Bay” | Nov. 8, 7 – 9 pm | Paul D. Schreiber High School, 101 Campus Drive, Port Washington | Theater performance | Teens & adults | Broadway talents, local performers |
| Seeds of Hope 5K & 10K | Nov. 9, 10 am – 1 pm | Moriches Field Brewing Company, 1 Wilcox Ave., Center Moriches | Charity run/walk | Adults & kids | Supports local families, refreshments, and post-race fun |
| The Dock Closing 3.3 Mile Race | Nov. 9, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm | Montauk Post Office, 873 S Euclid Ave., Montauk | Scenic run | Adults & teens | Community-driven, supports charities |
| Great Neck Library Games Day | Nov. 9, 11:30 am – 4 pm | Great Neck Library, 159 Bayview Avenue, Great Neck | Games/library event | All ages | Wide variety of games, friendly competition |
| Family Pickle Party | Nov. 9, noon – 1 pm & 2 – 3 pm | The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor | Holiday food workshop | Families | Make and decorate holiday pickles, hands-on fun |
| Family Yoga | Nov. 9, 1 – 2 pm | Revolution Yoga, 7 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre | Yoga/wellness | All ages | Inclusive class for all abilities, family connection |
Where to Stay on Long Island?
Long Island offers many cozy, comfortable places for families who want a calm spot to sleep and rest after busy adventures. These stays feel warm, safe, and easy for kids, and they help make each day of exploring feel even more fun.
Below are a few helpful options in popular towns, each with a clear idea of what families can expect during a weekend visit.
- Family-Friendly Hotels in Melville and Garden City: Melville and Garden City hotels provide clean rooms, friendly staff, and simple comforts that make traveling with kids feel smooth and relaxed. Melville and Garden City offer easy access to parks, shops, and food spots.
- Beachside Stays in Montauk and Long Beach: Stays in Montauk and Long Beach sit close to the sand and water, offering pretty views, fresh air, and quiet mornings that families often enjoy at the shore. Montauk and Long Beach are known for peaceful beaches and bright mornings.
- Budget-Friendly Options in Hauppauge and Riverhead: Hotels and stays in Hauppauge and Riverhead keep costs low while still giving families a neat and cozy place to rest, making them great for weekend trips filled with activities. Hauppauge and Riverhead provide simple stays near many kid-friendly attractions.
- Resort-Style Stays in Greenport and Port Jefferson: These stays offer bigger rooms, calm outdoor spaces, and peaceful views that help families relax after a busy day. Greenport and Port Jefferson also have cute shops and waterfront paths that make evenings feel extra cozy.
- City-Style Hotels in Huntington and Rockville Centre: Huntington and Rockville Centre are close to busy town centers filled with bright lights, fun treats, and easy places to walk. Huntington and Rockville Centre offer family-friendly restaurants and simple travel routes to weekend events.
Questions Families Often Ask
- What are the best things to do on Long Island with kids this weekend?
Popular things to do on Long Island this weekend include holiday light displays, Santa photo spots, fun community races, hands-on workshops, and library game events. Each activity offers kid-friendly spaces, simple setups, and cheerful holiday energy. - Are there free or low-cost family events on Long Island?
Several family events on Long Island, NY, are free or low-cost, including tree lightings, library programs, community festivals, and seasonal celebrations. These activities help families enjoy fun outings without high costs. - What are some fun indoor activities for kids on Long Island?
Indoor Long Island kids’ activities include paint workshops, Santa visits, family yoga sessions, and creative museum programs. These events work well on cold or rainy days because they keep children entertained in warm, bright indoor spaces. - Where can families stay when visiting Long Island for weekend events?
Family-friendly stays can be found in towns such as Melville, Montauk, Garden City, and Greenport. These locations offer clean rooms, calm settings, and easy access to local attractions and weekend activities.
