Get out in CT this weekend with MLK Community Day at New Britain Museum of American Art. Event photo courtesy of the museum.
MLK Weekend 2026 in Connecticut: Best Things To Do With Kids
Kick off 2026 with fun and free things to do in Connecticut this January! Family Day event photo courtesy of the Yale University Art Galleries.
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in CT in January 2026, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Lay back and let gravity do all the work with the best snow turning in Connecticut for families! Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Snow Tubing near Connecticut for Families in 2026
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut Kids
Find fun for all ages at these Connecticut attractions, museums, and things to do! Photo courtesy of the Yale Peabody Museum
Things To Do in Connecticut That Everyone Will Love—From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
The kids can hang out and have fun with the top free things to do in Connecticut! Earthplace photo by Zoe Brown, courtesy of the center.
100 Free Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids
New England Family Travel Guide
Our ultimate Connecticut bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut with kids! Mystic Seaport photo by author Kelly Patino
Ultimate Connecticut Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in CT
Roll on in to the top birthday party places in Connecticut for teens and tweens in 2025! Photo courtesy of Bowlero
Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens in 2025
Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway
By land, by sea, by river—however!— families are coming to the best Museums in Connecticut! Connecticut River Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Hop aboard for a trip through Litchfield County and fun things to do with kids! Naugatuck Railroad photo courtesy of the Railroad Museum of New England.
25 Things to Do With Kids in Litchfield, Connecticut
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
GUIDE
Connecticut Guide to Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
GUIDE
Connecticut Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Guide
Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel
Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors
Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut
A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
The Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Connecticut
Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers
Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Canva
Kids Eat Free: Connecticut Restaurants for Every Day of the Week
Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
A Dozen Short Hikes in Connecticut for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
Top Attractions in Connecticut: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
From rolling hills and lakes to scenic views and summits, there's great outdoor adventure for families at Connecticut state parks. Photo courtesy of Visit CT
25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit with Kids
Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
Top Connecticut Playgrounds That Families Will Love
Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut
Ride, splash, and have gallons of fun at the best outdoor water parks in New England! Splash Away Bay Water Park photo courtesy of Quassy Amusement Park
Best Outdoor Water Parks in New England for Family Fun
Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
Top Skate Parks in Connecticut
Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
  VIDEO
25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids
Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
Best Nature Centers in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
We’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing!
Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures
The festivities get downright magical with Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT! Photo courtesy of Dean Davids Magician
Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT That Come To You
Big fun comes roaring into Connecticut for kids this weekend! Dinosaur World Live photo by Pamela Wraith courtesy of the event
Dinosaur World Live, Cocoa and Trains, and More Fun Things To Do in CT This Weekend

MLK Weekend 2026 on Long Island: Best Things To Do with Kids

Get face-to-face with all your emotions at the Long Island Children's Museum's new Inside Out exhibit. Photo courtesy of LICM
Get face-to-face with all your emotions at the Long Island Children's Museum's new Inside Out exhibit. Photo courtesy of LICM
1/16/26 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this long MLK weekend? From movies and concerts to civil rights activities and more, here are our top picks for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

A brand-new, family-friendly exhibit inspired by Pixar’s Inside Out is opening at the Long Island Children’s Museum this weekend, bringing hands-on fun, big emotions, and special opening-weekend activities that make it a must-do on Long Island. Families can also enjoy the enchanting—and rescheduled from last weekend—Winterfest at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary.

Two big touring shows come to town, with the Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Glow-N-Fire stopping at the Nassau Coliseum, while Disney on Ice takes a spin at UBS Arena. 

Families can honor Dr. King's legacy at various state parks or at the Walt Whitman Birthplace, with a story and craft. Be sure to check your local library for various service opportunities. 

Looking for even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Long Island Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week—and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not getting our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Please share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Make a mess on purpose at this slime workshop offered by the Children’s Museum of the East End. Photo courtesy of CMEE
Make a mess on purpose at this slime workshop offered by the Children’s Museum of the East End. Photo courtesy of CMEE

Top Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids

Disney On Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party at UBS Arena

Elmont
Thursday, January 15-Monday, January 19
Disney On Ice presents Mickey's Search Party, featuring 14 classic and modern Disney stories in an ice skating production. Attend in costume to watch these Disney characters debut at UBS Arena at Belmont Park. READ MORE

Winterfest at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary

Garden City – FREE
Saturday, January 17
Spend some time in nature at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary, as it hosts a Winterfest celebration. This free event includes a campfire, candlelighting ceremony, a guided walk, hot chocolate, and more.  READ MORE

Junior Ranger Day at the Fire Island Seashore

Patchogue – FREE
Saturday, January 17
Learn about Fire Island in winter through fun displays and activities. Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet, complete the activities, and take the Junior Ranger pledge. READ MORE

National Theatre Live: The Life of Pi at Guild Hall

East Hampton
Saturday, January 17
Puppetry, magic, and storytelling come together in this Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of the best-selling novel, Life of Pi, at Guild Hall. Filmed live in London’s West End, this cinematic presentation brings the acclaimed theatrical production to the big screen with stunning, state-of-the-art visuals. READ MORE

Inside Out Exhibit Opening Weekend at LICM

Garden City
Opens Saturday, January 17
A colorful, new, traveling exhibit is opening at the Long Island Children’s Museum, and it’s one families won’t want to miss! Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out invites kids and grown-ups alike to step inside the world of feelings through interactive, hands-on, and digital experiences inspired by the beloved film. READ MORE

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live at Nassau Coliseum

Uniondale
Saturday, January 17-Sunday, January 18
The Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live tour brings its show to the Nassau Coliseum. Keep your eyes peeled for its call-new truck: Rhinomite, a dynamite Rhino-themed truck. READ MORE

Sunday Science: Science Spa Jr. at CSTL

Rockville Centre
Sunday, January 18
Sunday Science is the perfect drop-off program for children to learn hands-on science! Warm up from the winter weather with a day at the spa! Experiment to create lip balm, bath bombs, and more to keep you cozy as the cold winds blow.    READ MORE

Rainbow Fish Musical at Showplace at Bellmore Movies

Bellmore
Sunday, January 18
With shiny, multi-colored scales, Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in all of the ocean, and the only one of his (or her!) kind. Watch this tale unfold on the Showplace at Bellmore Movies stage, courtesy of the Sunrise Theatre Company. READ MORE

MLK Day of Service at the Patchogue-Medford Library

Patchogue – FREE
Sunday, January 18
Carnegie Library in Patchogue hosts a unique opportunity to learn all about MLK's Day of Service and what you can do to help the Ronald McDonald House. Listen to a story about MLK. Enjoy a short presentation by a Ronald McDonald House ambassador. Then, spend some time decorating and stuffing snack bags to donate to families staying at Stony Brook Children's Hospital. READ MORE

Dine In Movie at 317 Main Featuring Ratatouille

Farmingdale
Sunday, January 18
This six-course immersive dining experience at 317 Main is inspired by a favorite Disney film, Ratatouille. READ MORE

Slime Workshop at the Children's Museum of the East End

Bridgehampton
Monday, January 19
Have an ooey gooey time making slime during this workshop at the Children's Museum of the East End. READ MORE

Holiday Workshops at the Science Museum of Long Island

Plandome
Monday, January 19
Children ages four and up are welcome to join SMLI on their days off from school to enjoy hours of fun, hand-on science activities. Children can participate in experiments, create crafts, and observe demonstrations. READ MORE

Kids Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum

Huntington – FREE
Monday, January 19
Kids can listen to a story about Martin Luther King Jr., one of the greatest American heroes, and complete a fun and thoughtful craft project - all courtesy of the Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum. READ MORE

Long Island State Parks Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Various Locations – FREE
Through January
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Long Island State Parks throughout the month of January. READ MORE
Port Jefferson's annual ice festival is a seasonal favorite. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson BID
Port Jefferson's annual ice festival is a seasonal favorite. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson BID

More Things To Do on Long Island This Week With Kids

Top Free Things To Do with Kids on Long Island in January 2026, According to MP Editors

Enjoy great family-friendly activities on LI this month without spending a cent. READ MORE

14 Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

These great indoor play spaces on LI are absolutely free. READ MORE

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 34 Best Things To Do with Kids on Long Island

Don't let the long LI winter slow you down–pack your days with these fun activities. READ MORE

Best Snow Tubing near NYC for Families

These slopes in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania offer family-friendly snow tubing. READ MORE
There's a wacky holiday every day of the month. Photo via canva.com
There's a wacky holiday every day of the month. Photo via canva.com

Winter Fun for Long Island Kids

January Holidays for Kids: A Kid-Friendly Celebration for Every Day

Though the holidays are over, we've got 31 things to celebrate in January! READ MORE

Guide to Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids

Find the best FREE kids activities on Long Island. READ MORE

100 Free Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

Here's our mega-list of free things to do on LI with kids. READ MORE

Best Indoor Water Parks near NYC for a Warm Weather Getaway

Enjoy a pool day any time of year at one of these nearby water parks. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Jaime Sumersille
Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.
Recent Articles By Jaime Sumersille:
Read more articles by Jaime Sumersille.