5 Great Museums on Long Island for Families
Although NYC is one of a kind, you don’t need to schlep your family onto the LIRR every time you want to do a fun activity together! Long Island can hold its own when it comes to entertainment.
If you’re searching for ideas to give your children an enriching and educational adventure within the vicinity of their home, look no further! Long Island is bustling with museums of all kinds for parents and children alike.
With ongoing programming and several special events, museums on Long Island are sure to fascinate even the toughest critics: your beloved kids. With so many options to choose from, here are a few of the different museums on Long Island.
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Long Island Children’s Museum
11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
Admission (for online ticket purchase): Adults, $17; Children, $17; Seniors (65 and up), $16; Children under 1, Free
The Long Island Children’s Museum hopes to foster an environment that allows children to immerse themselves in imagination and new discoveries.
Exhibits are fun for all ages, and include classics like the bubble experiment (a personal favorite of mine) to unique traveling exhibits like Very Eric Carle!
The Long Island Children’s Museum website is expertly curated to ensure parents know how to best support their child as they learn and explore.
To see for yourself, check out the “How to Guide Your Experience” and “What You Learn” sections under the descriptions of each exhibit. For example, learn more about Totspot and the interpersonal skills your child can develop in the community workspace.
The museum is also home to the LICM theater, where you can take your children to enjoy the performing arts; a variety of STEM programs and Nunley’s Carousel.
To pick the perfect day for your family to visit this iconic Long Island spot, check out this calendar!
Cradle of Aviation Museum
Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, NY
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
Admission: (prices reflect the Museum and Planetarium Show Combo): Adults (Ages 13-61), $21; Children (Ages 2-12), $19; Seniors (Age 62+), $19
The Cradle of Aviation Museum shows the history of aviation through the lens of how Long Island impacted advancements in this field. Exhibits tell a story of planes and space, which are especially perfect for any child who dreams of being a pilot or astronaut.
If your children are fascinated by the universe and stars, the planetarium show is a must-see. The Cradle of Aviation Museum has a full-dome planetarium, equipped with laser projectors and high-resolution technology that will make you and your family feel like you are floating in space.
This unparalleled experience takes you through the history of space, with show topics ranging from the stars, to asteroids, Mars and more.
The Whaling Museum and Education Center
301 Main Street in Cold Spring Harbor
Hours: Fall-Spring: Thurs-Sun, 11-4 pm; Summer: Tues-Sun,11- 4 pm
Admission: Admission: Adults (Ages 13+), $8; Seniors (Ages 65+), $6; Children (Ages 4-17), $6; Children (Ages 0-3), Free; Members and those with Active Military with ID, Free
The Whaling Museum and Education Center offers a fascinating collection of exhibits that bring the region’s whaling history to life, featuring historic artifacts, whaling tools, and maritime art. Visitors can dive into interactive displays about nautical myths, legends, and the ocean’s cultural impact, making it a perfect spot for families and history buffs.
Their new family-friendly exhibition, Monsters & Mermaids, explores the world of nautical myths and legends. Visitors can discover how the ocean has influenced cultures, see a Fiji Mermaid, stand beneath a 26-foot-long Giant Squid made from marine debris, and learn how sailors’ myths sparked creativity—all while exploring mermaid lore and trying their hand at sketching sea creatures.
Other exhibitions include the 19th Century Whaleboat, which is the only fully equipped whaleboat with original gear in New York State.
Thar She Blows: Whaling History on Long Island highlights how whaling was Long Island’s second-largest industry after farming, shaping local communities. Here, guests can work on a ship hull and learn about whaling’s role in launching the conservation movement.
Finally, If I Were a Whaler is an immersive exhibit where families can step into a whaler’s life. Hoist sails, swab decks and climb into a whaler’s bunk bed for a truly hands-on experience.
Nassau County Museum of Art
One Museum Drive, Roslyn, NY
Hours: Varies by department, see website for details
Admission: Adults, $15; Children under 12, $5; Student with ID, $5; Seniors (Age 62+), $10; Children 4 and under, Free; Museum Members – Free
Located in Roslyn, the Nassau County Museum of Art (NCMA) offers on demand, virtual and live programming to ensure your family can engage with the museum’s activities and exhibits in the most convenient way.
With exhibitions constantly changing, no two visits to the museum will be the same. There is always something new and exciting to discover in the museum’s halls or from the comfort of your own home.
The outdoor section of the NCMA includes breathtaking trails, an arboretum and gardens. Spend time with your loved ones exploring the sculpture garden, and use this set of clues to guide your family’s search.
Additionally, the NCMA offers art classes and workshops in The Manes Art & Education Center throughout the year!
Definitely be on the lookout for information on these classes in addition to details about exclusive family programs, and events like Family Saturdays, which connect children and parents through artistic expression.
Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County
100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove, NY
Hours: Monday -Friday, 10 am – 4:30 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 12 noon – 4 pm
Admission (online ticket purchase): Adults, $10; Students and Seniors, $5
Long Island is home to a variety of historical museums. The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC) uses community outreach and education to teach individuals of all ages about the dangers of anti-Semitism, prejudice, bullying, intolerance, and discrimination.
The HMTC aims to create a safe environment for people, regardless of faith or ethnicity, that fosters a community of acceptance and respect.
Visitors can choose a self-guided tour, docent-led tours, and one-hour docent-led tours of the Children’s Memorial Garden, which is dedicated to the 1.5 million child victims of the Holocaust and all the children who passed away during World War II.
Be sure to reserve these exclusive tours at least one week in advance. This museum is for people of all ages, but some topics may be complex for children on the younger side.
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