Best Children’s Museums on Long Island
One of the best ways to spend time with your little ones all year round is Through Visit a local children’s museum. Children’s museums often have changing exhibits, fun activities, and monthly events. They are great options for parents looking for affordable and fun things to do with their kids. On Long Island, parents have several choices for fun, family-friendly, and kid-friendly museums that are suitable for all ages. Here is our list of children’s museums museums and kid-friendly museums on Long Island.
Psst…Best Children’s Museums in New York City (That Kids Will Love)
The Children’s Museum of the East End was founded in 1997 by parents with the mission of creating a safe place for their children to have fun and learn at the same time. Seven mothers on the East End of Long Island were inspired to to create a children’s museum to provide educational opportunities through play. After a successful pilot exhibition, they gained community support and opened the Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE) in Bridgehampton in 2005.
With more than 7,000 square feet of exhibition and program space, the museum attracts nearly 75,000 visitors annually and continues to fulfill its mission to inspire imagination and advance learning for children of all backgrounds and abilities. CMEE Bridgehampton, 376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, PO Box 316, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
The Long Island Children’s Museum is a nonprofit learning space where children can explore and play. With exhibits, programs, and performances designed to inspire creativity and collaboration, the museum offers unique opportunities for children to develop essential skills and confidence. Parents can find weekly STEM programs, early childhood programs, performances, a water play area, and more at this museum. 11 Davis Ave., Garden City, NY 11530
The Cradle of Aviation Museum in East Garden City is a renowned aviation and aerospace museum that showcases Long Island’s important role in aviation history. Since opening in 1980, the museum has undergone extensive renovations and expansion, evolving into a state-of-the-art facility. The museum’s mission is to preserve the region’s aviation heritage and inspire future generations through education, with a vision to become a leading center for aviation and technology education.
In this museum, Families can enjoy air and spacecraft exhibits, a planetarium and weekly family events. For young children we recommend the Junior Jet Club, a soft play area for children aged 2 to 6 years. Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530
The Science Museum of Long Island (SMLI) is a nonprofit scientific organization that has been have been providing science education on Long Island since 1962. Their programs are designed to stimulate children’s interest in science through hands-on learning, allowing them to experience the fun and excitement of scientific discovery. The 36-acre Leeds Pond Preserve offers students unique access to a natural laboratory and helps foster a greater understanding and respect for the environment and the natural world. There are So Lots of opportunities for family workshops, holiday workshops, scout badge programs and much more for families to enjoy. 1526 N. Plandome Road, Manhasset, NY 11030
The Long Island Explorium is an essential educational institution that has been serving the Long Island community and the New York metropolitan area since 2004. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Explorium is dedicated to provide the community with a rich STEM educational experience. It serves as Long Island’s Family Maker Space, promoting creativity, innovation and collaborative learning for families. At the exploration children will learn by hands on exhibition that are both educational and fun for all children. Port Jeff Harbor, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
The American Air Force Museum is located in one of the last remaining Republic Aviation Hangars, built in 1940 to support aircraft production during WWII. The museum preserves the legacy of this historic aircraft manufacturer and the nation’s aviation history. The exhibits are expertly designed and provide an immersive experience for families to learn about all the planes and the people behind them. 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Head to the Long Island Aquarium for a fun-filled day. Families have an action-packed program where they can observe exotic marine life, meet seals, visit the family fun center and much more. The experiences at this aquarium are unique and will Certainly create memories that last. 431 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
Tackapausha Preserve is an 84-acre sanctuary in Seaford on the South Shore. It offers five miles of clearly marked trails, oak woodlands, ponds, streams and a variety of wildlife. The preserve also features a 3,000-square-foot museum with exhibits on Long Island ecology, animal exhibits, and interactive children’s activities that are fun for all ages. 2225 Washington Avenue between Merrick Road and Sunrise Highway Seaford, NY 11783
Nassau County Fire Museum and Education Center
The Nassau County Firefighters Museum offers an interactive and educational experience for all families. The museum provides insight Unpleasant important things like a fire emergency, alarm activation and the extinguish by flames on site. In addition to learning about fire safety, children can explore the evolution of firefighting equipment and even ‘drive a car’.“ a 1934 Mack fire truck. What kid wouldn’t love that? One Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
The 25,000-square-foot Museum of American Armor is convenient inside the restoration of Old Bethpage Village. The museum recreates a military armored column among old farms and country roads, and offers an immersive experience of American troops during World War II. This museum educates families and creates a unique immersive experience that many will not find anywhere else.
Children will love seeing the public display of operational vehicles, including a variety of iconic military vehicles and weapons from World War II, such as Sherman tanks, Stuart light tanks, a 155mm howitzer, reconnaissance vehicles and anti-aircraft guns. The display also features classic cars, jeeps, gun carriers and half-tracks, with multimedia displays enhancing the experience. Families also have the opportunity to view tanks being repaired and restored. 1303 Ronde Swampweg, Old Bethpage, NY 11804
Keep this list in mind the next time you’re planning a fun family day out on Long Island. Head to one of these incredible museums and facilities for a day of excitement. Each place offers something every child will love and is very Also fun for parents.
Thalia Fernandez