Spring Break 2024: 25 Fun Things To Do on Long Island

Go off-trail at one of Long Island’s many parks and preserves. Photo by Gina Massaro
Go off-trail at one of Long Island’s many parks and preserves. Photo by Gina Massaro
3/17/24 - By Jaime Sumersille

Spring break 2024 is on the horizon, so we've scoured Long Island for ideas to keep your family entertained and engaged during the vacation. We've rounded up lots of outdoor activities and also prepared for April showers with indoor options.

Most Long Island schoolkids are on break a few times throughout March and April. Some of our picks take place on specific days, and others are anytime activities. You can find more seasonal fun in our Guide to Spring Activities on Long Island.

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Top Activities for Long Island Kids During Spring Break 2024

1. Hunt for Eggs

Easter egg hunts are taking place across Long Island. Find a hunt near you and register in advance (if required).

2. Get Lost

Long Island's family-friendly escape rooms provide out-of-the-ordinary fun for tweens and teens.

RELATED: Cheap Spring Break Travel Ideas for Families

See The Adventures of Peter Cottontail during spring break on Long Island
The Adventures of Peter Rabbit comes to life at Theater Three. 

3. See a Live Show

There are plenty of kid-friendly plays and musicals across Long Island. The Adventures of Peter Rabbit at Theatre Three, is an adaptation of Beatrix Potter's beloved story. Alice in Wonderland runs at the Engeman Theater on Saturdays and Sundays. Based on the beloved movie, Disney's Descendants has performances at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center.

4. Hang Out With Sharks

The Long Island Aquarium allows you to embark on an adventure to the lost city of Atlantis, where you'll be greeted by stingrays, sharks, seahorses, and even mermaids. There's also a Spring Fun-Cation Camp offered by the day or the week, plus a Princess Tea Party on April 21.

5. Plan an Overnight

You don't have to go far to find a cool family-friendly hotel for a staycation on Long Island. We've got budget friendly options for you too!

6. Grab Your Hiking Boots

Head outside for a nature hike on one of Long Island’s many family-friendly trails. The North Shore Rail Trail connects two Long Island towns in a completely traffic-free environment. Be sure to take along the binoculars and pack some snacks. 

7. Entertainment Hubs

The Samanea New York Mall has a diverse roster of stores and venues that offer dining, arts, and entertainment – with a bunch more on the way. Of course, you can also hop over state lines and visit the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. More than just a mall, it features North America's largest indoor water park, a Nickelodeon Universe theme park, a Sea Life Aquarium, mini golf, and even a Toys 'R' Us. 

8. Hit the Skatepark

Young daredevils can hone their skills on skateboards, rollerblades, and even bicycles at these Long Island skateparks

RELATEDGorgeous Spring Day Trips Near Long Island for Families

Feed the goats at White Post Farms
Feed the goats at White Post Farms. Photo by Gina Massaro

9. Visit the Farm Animals

White Post Farms opens daily for the season in March. The farm also boasts magic shows, an egg hunt, the Easter Bunny, and more farm fun. The Long Island Game Farm is another option with unique experiences and programs for visitors. A budget-friendly option is the Holtsville Ecology Site. And Long Island has many more animal farms and petting zoos to visit.

10. Go for a Stroll

If you’ve got a little one, head outdoors to enjoy one of Long Island’s great stroller-friendly park walks. Or set your sights on a seaside jaunt and stroll along a boardwalk

11. Visit a Playground or Two

Check out our list of the top playgrounds on Long Island. If you have a toddler or preschooler, there are plenty of playgrounds with equipment built just for them.

12. Explore a New-to-You Park

From our favorite state parks to local county parks in Nassau and Suffolk counties, Long Island green spaces offer plenty to see and do. Enjoy hiking, great playgrounds, boating, guided nature hikes, scavenger hunts, and more. We've also curated this list of secret spots and hidden gems across the Island. See if you can cross a few off the list. 

13. Hit the Roller Rink

United Skates of America has indoor skating sessions; some even feature themes, characters, brunches, and more. 

14. Enjoy Food and Fun

These Long Island play cafes offer snacks and play spaces.

15. Stare at the Stars

Watch a show in the immersive, full-dome planetarium at the Cradle of Aviation and stick around afterward to explore the rest of the fun. Check out family movie nights, a pay-one-price Arcade Age exhibit (open until April), or the Junior Jet Club, which is always a hit with the little ones.

16. Jump Around

Instead of the couch or the bed, let kids jump around at a trampoline park. You can also soar to new heights at iFly in Long Island City.

17. Go Back in Time

Garvies Point Museum hosts March break fun and Dinosaur Daze in April, where young paleontologists can learn from dinosaur experts, see real fossils, and more. For more dino fun, check out the dinosaur exhibit at the Center for Science. Young paleontologists will not want to miss it.

18. Smell the Flowers

Old Westbury Gardens opens for the season on April 1. Catch its dog days event on April 21, which is always a blast to take the kids and fido to. There are also break-out sessions for kiddos during the end of April school vacation. 

19. Celebrate at a Spring Festival

There's plenty of fun blossoming at these spring festivals on Long Island.

RELATED: The Best Museums for Kids on Long Island


Get ready for thrills and fun at Adventureland. Photo by the author

20. Hit the Theme Park

Local hot spot Adventureland is open weekends beginning March 23 and through Memorial Day. Three rides have been retired and we are anxiously awaiting to see what will replace them. 

21. See a Lighthouse

Climb 182 steps to reach the Fire Island Lighthouse observatory and enjoy a bird's eye view of the Great South Bay. Or check out other picturesque Long Island lighthouses.

22. Head to the City

All aboard the LIRR for an NYC day trip. Take in a Broadway play, visit one of the top attractions, or indulge in a meal at an iconic eatery.

23. Have a Glass or Pint

Kids don't get to have all the fun at these family-friendly wineries and breweries on Long Island.

24. Explore the Shore

Whether you choose to visit the rocky shoreline for picturesque views of the Long Island Sound or head to the South Shore for smooth sand, here are our favorite beach walks for families.

25. Take a Day Trip

Head north to visit Legoland, which is open for the season. Enjoy a cycling adventure on a rail trail in New York State, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania. Or check out one of these other awesome day trips in the area.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the venues

This post is updated annually.