The eye-popping displays of the Dyker Lights are a holiday must-see in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
Christmas Weekend 2025 in NYC Top Things To Do: Caroling, Kwanzaa, and More
NYC's dazzlng department store windows glow on Christmas Day and make for an enchanting holiday walk. Photo by Jody Mercier
What’s Open on Christmas Day 2025? Stores, Grocery Stores & Family-Friendly Places for Parents in NYC
The Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo shine brightly into the new year. Photo by Terria Clay/Bronx Zoo
New York City's Top Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year’s with Kids
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
The soaring Cathedral of St. John the Divine hosts several family-friendly church services this holiday season.
Where to Find Family-Friendly Christmas Masses and Church Services in NYC
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
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
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
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
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
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.
GUIDE
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
GUIDE
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
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
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.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
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
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
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
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
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
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
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.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
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
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Weekend Events: Long Island Festival, Greek Fest, Fireworks

Thrill to a hot-air balloon ride over Long Island at the Long Island Summer Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
Thrill to a hot-air balloon ride over Long Island at the Long Island Summer Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
7/10/19 - By Jaime Sumersille

Take flight in a hot air balloon ride at the Long Island Summer Festival this Saturday. Check out the Long Island Children's Museum's latest exhibit, Mash Up Menagerie, which offers visitors the opportunity to collaborate with artist-in-residence Scott Larrabee.These are just some of the exciting goings-on across Long Island this weekend.  

Elsewhere, join in a celebration of bubbles at the Whaling Museum and explore the many ways creatures use bubbles in their environments. Or head to Brookhaven to Long Island Live Steamers this Sunday and ride steam, diesel, and electric trains operating on eight acres of scale tracks. 

See our events calendar and July GoList for even more weekend inspiration. Our summer fun guide keeps you tuned in all season. 

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive articles like this in your inbox every week.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Celebrate Greek dance, food, and culture at the annual Hamptons Greek Festival in Southampton. Photo courtesy of the festival
Celebrate Greek dance, food, and culture at the annual Hamptons Greek Festival in Southampton. Photo courtesy of the festival

Family-Friendly Events on Long Island All Weekend

Huntington Summer Arts Festival

Huntington — FREE
The Huntington Summer Arts Festival brings a roster of exciting performing artists to the Chapin Rainbow Stage in Heckscher Park this year.   READ MORE

Hamptons Greek Festival

Southampton
Enjoy Greek culinary delights, dancing, live music, entertainment, rides, games, raffles and more to benefit the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Southampton. READ MORE

Exhibit: Mash-Up Menagerie at LICM

Garden City
The newest LICM exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to collaborate with artist-in-residence Scott Larrabee. READ MORE
Learn how to navigate at the Finding Your Way event at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve . Photo courtesy of the preserve
Learn how to navigate at the Finding Your Way event at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve . Photo courtesy of the preserve

Family-Friendly Events on Long Island, Saturday, July 13

Finding Your Way at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve

Smithtown
Using sticks and stones, families enjoy learning how to set up and follow trail signs. READ MORE

Rockville Centre Fireworks and Music

Rockville Centre — FREE
Rockville Centre's annual fireworks show is a celebration of the village. Paired with a performance by the South Shore Symphony Orchestra, guests are treated to a full evening of entertainment. READ MORE

East Islip Concert in the Park and Fireworks

East Islip — FREE
The show, hosted by Grucci, takes place at Heckscher State Park and is being held in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. READ MORE

Bubblemania at The Whaling Museum

Cold Spring Harbor
Did you know that humpback whales use bubble to hunt? Join this annual celebration of bubbles as the museum explores the ways creatures use bubbles in their environments. READ MORE

Science Saturdays at the Long Island Science Center

Riverhead — Floating
Kids can play and explore interactive technology exhibits in a hands-on, instructor-led workshop.  READ MORE

The Long Island Summer Festival

Lake Grove
Enjoy hot air balloon rides, a carnival, and more than 100 vendors as the Long Island Festival takes place at Smith Haven Mall. READ MORE
Attention train enthusiasts: Hitch a ride at Long Island Live Steamers' public run day on Sunday. Photo courtesy of the Long Island Live Steamers
Attention train enthusiasts: Hitch a ride at Long Island Live Steamers' public run day on Sunday. Photo courtesy of the Long Island Live Steamers

Family-Friendly Events on Long Island, Sunday, July 14

Long Island Live Steamers Mini Train Rides

Brookhaven
Chug on down to Long Island Live Steamers' twice-monthly Sunday public run days. Ride steam, diesel, and electric trains operating on eight acres of scale tracks.  READ MORE

Smithtown's Family Concerts at Hoyt Farm

Smithtown — FREE
The Smithtown Recreation Department has scheduled several performances for this year's free concert series at Hoyt Farm. Bring chairs and picnic dinners to enjoy the show. READ MORE

Concerts at North Hempstead Beach

Port Washington — FREE
Kids enjoy dancing to performances from country music to a Billy Joel and Zac Brown Band tribute bands, 70s rock and roll and more.  ​ READ MORE

Create and Photograph Mini Animals with Sculpey Clay with Ruby Jackson

Southampton
Inspired by National Geographic Photo Ark by Joel Sartore, join artist Ruby Jackson for a fun session creating tiny animals out of Sculpey clay and then photographing them with your iPhones in the mini photo studio.  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.