Fun Things to do This Winter Break
If you’re like me, the thought of staying home for two weeks can be…overwhelming. Here’s a list of activities that I’ll keep with me, so when it’s time to get out with the family, I’ll have some options handy.
MULTIPLE DAYS
- Open Daily 9am – dusk
Download a map of the property here, bundle up and take your kids for a hike along the property to view the sculptures and gardens. Face coverings required, restrooms are not available to hikers.
- Tuesday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
This year, the Botanical Garden is offering NYBG GLOW, an interactive light experience. Many dates are sold out, so be sure to check the website and buy your tickets early. Tickets range from $18 – $30 per person.
Huntington Holiday Spectacular
- Huntington Village, NY
- Ongoing through January 3
- Daily light show every 30 minutes from 5:30pm – 10pm
The nightly festivities will include lights, music and surprises. Guests can visit Wall Street to view this newly created Winter Wonderland. Local businesses will participate with special deals to promote the holiday season. Masks and social distancing required.
Long Island Children’s Museum (Indoors)
- Open December 26 – 31 from 10am – 5pm (10am – 11am for members only)
Limited to 25% capacity, kids can enjoy the Long Island Children’s Museum in-person or take advantage of their online programming this holiday season.
GET CREATIVE
Try making your own hot chocolate bombs at home, or freeze some bubbles when it’s really cold outside (not cold? try this indoor hack for frozen bubbles on a cookie tray).
If your kids are feeling crafty, head over to Michael’s for some arts and crafts projects, or create your own like this birdseed house for the winter.
ACTIVE PLAY
Outdoor Skating
There’s something to be said for skating in the open air. If you’re up for a visit to the city, head over to Rockefeller Center to see the tree, enjoy some skating and then visit Jacques Torres for possibly the best hot chocolate in NYC.
Want to stay local? Head over to Christopher Morley’s outdoor skating rink for an afternoon on the ice.
Try your hand at one of the fastest growing sports, Curling, at Bryant Park on their iceless court. Families or small groups get their own bubble tent, food & beverages, and 90 minutes of lane time! Prices start at $250 for a family of four (note that the lane is an ice composite). Click here to reserve.
HEAD OUT OF NASSAU
A fan favorite, the Magic of Lights runs daily through January 2, Sundays – Thursdays from 5pm – 10pm and Fridays & Saturdays from 5pm -11pm. Warning – this is an extremely popular tradition! Head out early! $25 per car.
Unseasonably warm? Park at the east of Robert Moses field 5 and then hike over to the lighthouse or beyond. Sunscreen recommended.
43 North Sea Road, Southampton NY 11968 | 631-283-9830
Find yourself buying a package of these delicious cookies every week? Head out to the original Tate’s Bake Shop in Southampton to try some of their other desserts and explore Southampton.
Route 24, Flanders, NY 11901 | 631-852-3377
Who can resist a favorite Long Island photo opp at this National Landmark? If you haven’t made the trek, check this off your list this break.
Randalls Island, NY
Tickets range from $17 – $29 per person
Lumino City Festival is an immersive art that brings together light sculptures inspired by magic, nature and the world! We’ve heard this is a bit crowded, but beautiful.
DATE SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES
December 22 PWPL Online
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
12/22/2020
Join The Cooking Lab of Port Washington for an interactive virtual baking workshop for kids. Follow along with Chef Mat as he teaches you to prepare delicious & fluffy muffins with a crunchy cinnamon crumb topping and drizzled vanilla icing. Ingredient and supply lists will be provided to registrants. For children in grades 2 to 6 with adult supervision. This program is made possible by The Children’s Advisory Council.
December 25 at Home
This one’s for older kids since Wonder Woman 1984 is rated PG-13, or maybe just for adults after the kids go to sleep. Watch in-person through streaming channel HBO Max or at a local theater (or, book a private screening for your bubble).
December 30 PWPL Online
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
12/30/2020
Create your own “Disasterpiece!” Using the library’s arts and craft supplies, you’ll meet on Zoom and everyone will create their own one of a kind piece of art. Registered participants will be notified when to pick up their bag of materials at the library. For children in grades 1 to 6.
