The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
Until January 4th, The Paley Museum has been transformed into a five-story winter wonderland.
Santa Photos, Classic Movies, and More Holiday Magic at PaleyLand
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Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
Celebrate the shortest day of the year at Marine Park's Festival of Lights. Photo courtesy of the Marine Park Alliance
47 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC for Kids in 2025
Santa is a busy man, so reservations are required to visit Santland at Macy's Herald Square in New York City in 2025. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo
Top Tips for Visiting Macy's Santaland in 2025
Sit on Santa's lap at Historic Richmond Town, which transforms into an old-time Dickens Village for the holidays. Photo courtesy of Historic Richmond Town
Where to Take Photos with Santa in NYC 2025
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Don’t Miss Holiday Circus Spectacular Merry Mayhem at the New Victory Theater
Hundreds of tuba players converge on Rockefeller Center each December for a merry afternoon of carol playing. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer
NYC's Most Unusual Christmas Events
The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025
The Met Opera returns to the stage with The Magic Flute this holiday season. Photo by Richard Termine/courtesy of the Met Opera
20 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Dyker Heights as the neighborhood lights up for the festive season. Photo courtesy of Dyker Heights Lights
Best 2025 Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in NYC
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
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Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
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NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
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Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
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Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
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For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
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The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
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Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
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The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
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No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
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Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
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Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
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Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
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Kids can enjoy hands-on Hanukkah fun at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Photo courtesy of CMOM
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Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids: Pumpkinfest, Irish Day, Oktoberfest

There might not be an escape from Milleridge Inn's Haunted Village. Photo courtesy fo the inn
There might not be an escape from Milleridge Inn's Haunted Village. Photo courtesy fo the inn
10/2/19 - By Jaime Sumersille

Welcome October on Long Island with a sunset wagon ride along Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank. Theatre Three is hosting a family-friendly Halloween show, A Kooky Spooky Halloween.

See our Fall Family Fun Guide for the best in seasonal entertainment, including day trip ideas, fall festivals, corn mazes. and plenty of FREE events and activities. As always, our Event Calendar and October GoList are loaded with fun, daily happenings for Long Island kids.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Jack-o'-lanterns light up the night at Old Westbury Gardens. Photo courtesy of RISE of the Jack O' Lanterns
Jack-o'-lanterns light up the night at Old Westbury Gardens. Photo courtesy of RISE of the Jack O' Lanterns

Things to Do on Long Island All Weekend

Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns at Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

Old Westbury
View thousands of hand-carved, illuminated jack-o'-lanterns creatively arranged along a scenic walking path within the Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts. READ MORE

Fall Festival at Hicks Nurseries

Westbury
At Hicks Nurseries' Fall Festival, fill your shopping cart with fall decor favorites while kids enjoy fun festival activities. Plus, Otto the Ghost stars in a free walk-through adventure, Otto’s Animated Halloween Story, all month long. READ MORE

Pumpkinfest at Suffolk County Farm & Education Center - CANCELED

Yaphank
NOTE: This event has been canceled due to the threat of inclement weather. Suffolk County Farm hosts its annual Fall Festival with wagon rides, pumpkin decorating, a corn maze, family games and more. READ MORE

Milleridge Halloween Village

Jericho
The annual Halloween village at the Milleridge Inn features a variety of ghoulishly good activities, including a haunted house, pumpkin patch, escape room, inflatables, a spooky train, a pumpkin patch, several quaint shops, and more. READ MORE

Sunset Wagon Rides at Suffolk County Farm and Education Center

Yaphank
Sunset Wagon Rides will be returning this October! Experience the farm after hours with your family, friends and kid, including a personal farm tour guides, wagon ride, pumpkin picking, corn maze, animal visits and campfire. READ MORE
Abner the ghost is afraid of the dark in A Kooky Spooky Halloween. Photo courtesy of Theatre Three
Abner the ghost is afraid of the dark in A Kooky Spooky Halloween. Photo courtesy of Theatre Three

Things to Do on Long Island Saturday, October 5

Long Beach Irish Day

Long Beach—FREE
The Ancient Order of Hibernians sponsors Irish Day throughout Long Beach, kicking things off with a parade. READ MORE

Family Fun Day Fair at East Meadow Farm

East Meadow Farm—FREE
Family event with music, food, wonderful childrens activities, nature, animals, games and more.  READ MORE

Seaford's Oktoberfest

Seaford—FREE
The Seaford Chamber of Commerce plans once again host Oktoberfest festival Oct. 3 in the parking lot of the Seaford Long Island Rail Road station. READ MORE

Free Kids Crafting Kits at Home Depot

Various Location—FREE
Pick up a free crafting kit and learn do-it-yourself skills and tool safety while creating a project. All of the instructions and materials are included, and at some locations a Home Depot staff member will guide you through the steps.  READ MORE

A Kooky Spooky Halloween at Theatre Three

Port Jefferson
Hilarious hijinks and a message of cooperation highlight A Kooky Spooky Halloween, a delightful musical for the entire family on the Theatre Three stage. READ MORE

Hispanic Heritage Day: Celebrando Nuestras Raices at the Cradle of Aviation

Garden City
Come celebrate the roots of the Latinx Community at Hispanic Heritage Day at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. The event will host a bilingual planetarium show: Las Estrellas de las Américas/Stars of the Americas. And include face painting, crafts, a bilingual guided tour, presentations by local artists and community organizations. The cost of museum admission is required. READ MORE

Lynbrook Village Oktoberfest

Lynbrook
Get ready for bands, brats, and beers at Lynbrook Village's Oktoberfest. READ MORE
The giant pumpkin weigh-off tips the scales this weekend at Hicks Nurseries. Photo courtesy of the nursery
The giant pumpkin weigh-off tips the scales this weekend at Hicks Nurseries. Photo courtesy of the nursery

Things to Do on Long Island Sunday, October 6

Fall Festival at Sagtikos Manor

Bay Shore
Live music and historical and crafting demonstrations will be part of this festival. Children’s activities include arts and crafts, old-fashioned games, and Colonial musicians.  READ MORE

Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off at Hicks Nurseries

Westbury
Visit the Fall Festival at Hicks Nurseries and catch an exciting competition that includes giant pumpkins. READ MORE

Plainview-Old Bethpage Fall Festival

Plainview—FREE
The seasonal celebration at the Plainview-Old Bethpage public library parking lot is expected to draw a crowd. There will be craft vendors, music, plenty of food options, and activities for kids. READ MORE

Story Time & Craft at The Dolphin Bookshop with author Alicia Arso-Distefano

Port Washington—FREE
The Dolphin Bookshop welcomes back authro Alicia Arso-Distefano as she reads "Lucy & Tyler are the Best of Friends." READ MORE

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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.
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