Are you looking for the best things to do on Long Island with kids this winter? Read on for dozens of great options. 

As temperatures drop on Long Island, it can be hard to keep the kids active and entertained. Look no further–we have you covered with our winter bucket list of 30+ family-friendly, interactive ways to beat the boredom and winter blues. From the best children's museums to ice skating fun to outdoor adventures, Long Island has it all. 

For even more seasonal entertainment, check out our Winter Fun Guide and Family Activity Calendar.

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Best Indoor Things To Do this Winter on Long Island

1. Visit the Long Island Children's Museum – Garden City

The Long Island Children's Museum continues to engage children of all ages with its interactive kid-focused exhibits and activities. Be sure to check out the museum's seasonal Snowflake Sock Skating, open until Sunday, January 4, 2026. Plus, adventure into the new Saltwater Stories exhibit.

2. Jump in a Giant Ball Pit at Nana's Wonderland – Massapequa Park

Nana's Wonderland is one of our favorite indoor play spaces for the baby, toddler, and preschooler crowd. The pastel colors are so inviting, and let's face it, the kids go gaga over sliding into the giant ball pit. Nana's Wonderland is best for kids 6 and under. 

3. Visit Long Island Aquarium – Riverhead

Visit the Long Island Aquarium, which is mostly indoors. The touch tank and sting ray feeding are my sensory-loving kids' favorite spots.

Play firefighter at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum. Photo by Gina Massaro

4. Fight Fires at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center – Garden City

Learn about the history of firefighting and take part in hands-on exhibits at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center. While some kids love the historical trucks, mine loved pretending to respond to a house fire. 

5. Get a Strike at a Levittown Lanes – Levittown

I prefer to take the kids bowling where there is less of an arcade since they (and honestly, I) become easily distracted by it. Not local to Levittown? Check out one of Long Island's best bowling alleys for families. 

6. Rack Up Points at Round One – Hicksville

When it's time to game, our favorite arcade is Round One. We love the different claw and prize machines. Plus, the prize area always has something fun. If your kids are big into games like mine, take a look at Long Island's Best Arcades, including ClawCade in Roosevelt Field Mall.

7. Sign Up for a Science Program at The Science Museum of Long Island – Manhasset

The Science Museum of Long Island in Plandome boasts after-school workshops, STEM-based events, and even nursery science programs.

8. Mini-Golf at Monster Mini Golf – Deer Park

Believe it or not, some of Long Island's best mini-golf venues are indoors, including Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park.

RELATED: Skiing, Snowboarding, & Snow Sports Guide

Gain some serious air on an indoor trampoline this winter. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

9. Get Active at Urban Air – Lake Grove, Commack

Climb, bounce, slide, zip line, and ninja warrior your way through Urban Air or one of Long Island's best indoor family fun centers. Many of the fun centers have toddler sections for the little ones to jump and play. 

10. Visit Westbury Memorial Public Library's Children's Library – Westbury

This Children's library is housed in its own building. It has a giant Connect Four, Lego tables, a checkout area, and windowsill reading nooks. The best part is, it's a FREE way to spend an indoor afternoon. Take a look at these other FREE destination-worthy library play spaces and children's rooms on Long Island. 

11. Get Creative at Children's Art Classes – East Rockaway

My kids take after their mom. They can spend hours painting and crafting. Creative kids like mine will love a drop-in art class like those at Children's Art Classes in East Rockaway. Be sure to also check out Long Island art studios that offer classes for kids. From painting to sculpting to fashion design, these art studios provide hours of indoor fun for kids of all ages. 

12. Go Glo-Karting at Xplore Commack – Commack

While glo-karting is an additional fee to the open play, the kids have so much fun. Unlike other play places with timed slots, the great thing about Xplore is that there is no time limit. Xplore Commack is smaller than its Port Jefferson counterpart, but it's perfect for families with kids in multiple age groups. I can be in the toddler section with my 14-month-old while my older ones run amok in the play structure across the way. Everything is within your field of vision. 

13. Visit the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center – Wantagh

There are lots of hands-on exhibits at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center. While it's small, you can easily spend 2 hours with all the fun activities for kids. Plus, there is a touch tank, but call before you go to check the touch tank hours. The best part is that entry is completely FREE during the winter, since there is no state park parking fee in effect. 

14. Indoor Ice Skating at Northwell Health Ice Center – East Meadow

Northwell Health Ice Center is a beautiful and modern arena featuring two NHL-sized rinks. Public skate is great for advanced skaters and beginners. The rink offers skate aids for younger skaters to help them feel more independent on the ice. 

15. Roller Skating at United Skates – Seaford

Done enough ice skating? Try roller skating at United Skates of America in Seaford. The facility holds different events throughout the week, including skating with favorite characters like Stitch and Labubu.

16. Children's Museum of the East End – Bridgehampton

At the Children's Museum of the East End, kids can learn to sail, meet special hand puppets, score a hole-in-one on the mini-golf course, or play chef at the CMEE Food Truck. My kids love the open play space and climbing area in the middle of the museum.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Museums on Long Island

Explore the wonders of space at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Photo by the author

17. Visit the Cradle of Aviation Museum – Garden City

With more than 75 examples of aircraft and spacecraft and a planetarium, you'll find plenty to do and lots to learn at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Check your local library to see if you can score FREE museum passes. 

18. Go Swimming at Saf-T-Swim – Levittown

Try out swim lessons at one of Long Island's best indoor pools over the winter so the kids will be ready for summer swimming. Local Saf-T-Swims also have open pool hours you can sign up for without having to commit to lessons. It's a great way to get a small taste of summer activities again. 

19. Visit Empire Adventure Park – Westbury

Plan a day to climb to new heights at one of Long Island's indoor rock climbing gyms, like the one at Empire Adventure Park in Westbury. In addition to rock climbing, there's an obstacle course, trampoli,nes and a toddler zone. 

20. Get Some Sweets at Roger's Dessert Bar – Patchogue

Roger's Dessert Bar has a wall of u-pick candies, soft serve ice cream, desserts, and even stuffed animals. Winter is long, so you'll have time to visit other Long Island dessert shops or bakeries to indulge in some delicious treats with the kids on a blustery day.

21. Spend Holiday Cash at Fun Stuff Toys – Seaford

Did the kids get some cash for the holidays? Head to a local toy store, like Fun Stuff Toys, to test out some new toys and spend that check from Auntie.

22. See Mickey's Search Party at UBS Arena – Elmont

Disney on Ice's Mickey's Search Party features ice skating acts surrounding the films Toy Story, Coco, Moana, Aladdin and Frozen. It will be playing at the UBS Arena in January 2026. 

Kids love the spooktacular menu at Haunted House of Hamburgers. Photo by Gina Massaro

23. Pretend it's Halloween at Haunted House of Hamburgers – Farmingdale 

Our kids love the Haunted House of Hamburgers. The atmosphere can't be beat for spooky-lovers, plus there are lots of fun food options for kids. 

Outdoor Things To Do this Winter on Long Island 

24. Outdoor Ice Skating at The Rinx – Port Jefferson

Enjoy the day at a local outdoor skating rink, like the scenic Rinx at Harborfront Park in Port Jefferson. Located on the harbor, just past the village, it really doesn't feel like you're on Long Island anymore. It's easy to make a day out of a visit to Port Jefferson. 

25. Hike Quogue Wildlife Refuge – Quogue

Explore one of the trails at Quogue Wildlife Refuge, ranging from .8 miles to just over 3 miles. Spot local wildlife and fauna. Be sure to bundle up!

26. LuminoCity Fantasy Winter Fairyland – East Meadow

 This year's LuminoCity festival has even more interactive exhibits than last year. On the way home, explore Long Island's best Christmas light displays.

27. Art Installations at the Nassau County Museum of Art – Roslyn

See grand works of art outdoors at the Nassau County Museum of Art or at one of these other outdoor art destinations nearby.

28. Sled at Newbridge Park – Bellmore

The hill is pretty steep at Newbridge, and it's a favorite amongst locals. Take a look at these other local kid-friendly hills the next time the flakes fly.

29. Visit the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center – Yaphank

The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center is one of the few petting zoos that is open year-round, and admission is FREE, except during special events. The natural playground is a fun play area for kids 6 and under.

30. Dine Inside an Igloo at Coach Meeting House – Oyster Bay

Enjoy dining outside without dealing with the icy cold. Igloos are available for reservation at Coach Meeting House. 

31. Take a Winter Hike through Connetquot State Park – Oakdale

Bundle up, enjoy nature, and stretch your legs on a scenic walk through Connetquot State Park, or go on one of these other winter walks with the family. Connetquot is great for nature lovers, as there are lots of animals that call the state park home. 

32. Visit Town of Hempstead's New Playgrounds – Levittown

The Town of Hempstead has been overhauling local playgrounds throughout 2024 and 2025. Levittown, in particular, has seen many of its local playgrounds transformed with new and unique equipment. Once you're done exploring the new playgrounds in Town of Hempstead, check out one of Long Island's best playgrounds.

33. Go Horseback Riding at Gold Coast Equestrian – Old Brookville

Explore one of Long Island's beautiful equestrian centers, like Gold Coast Equestrian, to schedule horseback riding lessons for the kids or plan a family trail ride. Gold Coast Equestrian has both indoor and outdoor facilities. 

34. Jones Beach Winter Bird Walk – Wantagh

See the environment in a whole new way via a Jones Beach bird walk. These guided tours offer unique insights into the Long Island ecosystem.  

Unless noted, photos by the author

Don’t let a little cold weather keep you cooped up! With many indoor spaces closed right now, it's extra important to find fun new ways to get kids outside. There's a saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." Well, with the right winter gear (and a little ingenuity) there is plenty of fun to be had during even the shortest and coldest days. 

Before a bad case of cabin fever sets in, try one of these 40 outdoor activities that are sure to get the whole family outside and moving. From backyard campfire cooking to outdoor science experiments, these activities help keep kids away from screens and devices and get them fresh air and exercise in these chilly winter months.

You don't need to be a werewolf to enjoy howling at the Wolf Moon.

Get Kids Outside in the Winter—Activities To Do at Home

1. Frozen Sun Catchers 

When the temps fall below freezing, these beautiful sun catchers can be made completely outdoors. All you need is some outdoor treasures like sticks, berries, or leaves to make a frozen sun catcher. Food coloring makes a pretty addition, too. When the temperature isn't quite low enough, they can be frozen in the freezer, and then hung in the trees outside.

2. Howl at the Wolf Moon 

The first full moon of the year is called the Wolf Moon. Bundle up, and head outside to watch the first moon of the year rise above the horizon. Actually, there's no need to wait for the full moon. Kids adore howling at any moon!

Learning to identify evergreens is a pretty cool thing to know! Photo by Sara M.

3. Identify Evergreen Trees

Fir? Pine? Spruce? Get up close and personal with the needles and pine cones of evergreen trees and learn how to identify them with this handy guide.

4. Bird Watching 

Not all birds fly south for the winter. There are hundreds of migratory birds that make your backyard, parks, or sanctuaries home for the winter. From nesting bald eagles to Canadian geese, learn how to spot our feathered friends all winter long. 

5. Grow Onions 

Defy the natural elements and take on a new challenge this winter by getting your hands dirty in the garden. With a little planning, you can plant onions that will be ready to harvest in the Spring. 

Think like a bird and forage for what you need to make a nest. 

6. Build a Nest

Think like a bird, and forage for items outdoors to create a bird’s nest. This STEAM challenge is not only fun, it also teaches basic engineering skills. 

7. Campfire Cinnamon Rolls 

Just about anything tastes better over a fire, and there is something magical about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the fresh air. All you need is a stick and some cinnamon roll dough to create the perfect campfire concoction. 

8. Star Gaze 

With all those extra hours of darkness, observing the night sky can really put a bright spot in your day. Check out this interactive sky map and learn about what you will be looking at before you head outside.

Even the simplest feeder draws all the birds to your yard.

9. Build a Bird Feeder 

With colder temps, snow, and everything else Mother Nature throws at us, those birds have to work hard to find food in the winter! Give them a treat by creating one of these easy bird feeders. 

10. Kindness Rocks 

Instead of rainbows and sunshine, decorate a winter batch of kindness rocks with snowflakes and trees. You can leave them around the neighborhood or at a public park for others to find.

11. Animal Tracks 

Take a walk in freshly covered snow and see if you can spot any animal tracks. See if you can identify rabbits, squirrels—or maybe even a fox. If there isn't any snow around, kids also get a kick out of wilderness walks where you can try to find and identify scat.

12. Make Evergreen Tea 

Also called Pine Needle Tea, this is a special winter weather treat. Packed with antioxidants, pine needles have more vitamin C than orange juice! All you need to do is forage for some fresh pine needles to create this recipe. 

13. Garage Roller Rink


A garage is often underutilized real estate. The smooth concrete floors make it perfect for a variety of wheeled activities. So, kick the car onto the driveway, crank up the tunes, and get rollin’ with roller skates, ride-on cars for toddlers, or even mini scooters.

Driveways and sidewalks can be the site of a masterpiece! Photo Marisa Illonardo

14. Chalk Your Walk 

Any paved surface can become a beautiful canvas in the winter. Chalk your walk with motivational messages, or try drawing a snowy winter scene. 

15. Build a Campfire

That fire pit isn’t just for summer nights. Build one indoors if you have a fireplace, or dust off the snow on your outdoor fire pit. Cozy up with a mug of cocoa and let kids roast their own marshmallows, camp style. 

16. Create Frozen Bubbles

If the temperatures are particularly frigid, especially in the teens or single digits, try blowing frozen bubbles with the kids! It's a science lesson with a wow factor.

No need to hibernate all winter—hit the zoo and see what the animals are up to.

Things To Do with Kids Outside in Winter—Go Explore

17. Explore A Winter Waterfall 

Often, parks with waterfalls are overcrowded in the warmer weather, making it hard to enjoy the natural sounds of your surroundings. The sound of water trickling through the landscape is something that  solitude seekers can enjoy in the winter months. 

18. Visit a National Park

Unlike their famous furry residents, our national parks do not hibernate in the winter. In fact, guests will enjoy smaller crowds and get to enjoy the beauty of these natural treasures. Before visiting a park, please check the park website to make sure it is open this winter.

19. Add Some Magic with Twinkle Lights

Even after the holidays have passed, you can add a little light to the darkness by creating an outdoor play space with twinkle lights. Place lights around a patio or swing set to create a bright and cozy winter play space. 

20. Visit a Zoo 

A day trip to the local zoo should not be reserved for summer days. Check in on your zoo friends in the winter months and you will be rewarded with fewer crowds and the chance to see different animal activities. 

21. Visit a Botanical Garden 

Most botanical gardens provide shelter from the elements in toasty greenhouses where it always feels like summer. Stroll the grounds to absorb the stark beauty of winter, while the kids run around and get some of that pent-up energy released.

22. Glow Stick Hunt 

To set up a glow stick hunt, simply crack a glow stick, and place it into the snow, or behind rocks and trees. Once the sun goes down, head out, and see how many the kids can find.

23. Winter Scavenger Hunt 

Download a copy of our outdoor scavenger hunt and make your own winter scavenger hunt. Add items like a mitten, pine cone, or animal tracks to get the kids outside and moving.

Why wait for spring to take a hike?

24. Winter Hikes 

When the seemingly endless cold and gray of winter is giving the whole family a case of cabin fever, it’s time to bundle everyone up and head to the nearest park, trail, boardwalk, or beach to enjoy the crisp air.

25. Winter Photography

Find the beauty in winter by looking at the landscape through a new lens. Photograph a winter day adventure, or just have fun examining the shape and texture of the leafless trees. 

26. Flashlight Tag

Add a little light to the dark days of winter with a few rounds of flashlight tag. This twist on the classic game of tag is even more exhilarating in the cold night air. 

27. Bust Out the Sand Toys

Wet sand works just like snow. So dig out your shovels and pails and start building a snow castle. Use a mini rake to make a road around it. Plastic sand molds are great for packing with snow to decorate your yard with frozen starfish, crabs, and more. You can even open an ice cream shop by piling snow on small cups and adding grass sprinkles. If snow is in short supply, head to the nearest beach or playground and make a sand snowman!

28. Learn to Skate


No matter what the weather is outside, in the winter there is usually a skating rink nearby. If they haven't skated before, expect to spend most of your session holding your kids upright, or look for a rink with those ice skate buddies that they can hold as they "glide" across the ice.

Do you want to build a snowman? (Someday saying that will get old, but that day is not today.)

Games and Activities To Play in the Snow

29. Snowman Competition

Get the neighborhood to participate in a snowman competition. Arrange awards for categories like “most creative” or “tallest”—the winner gets the first cup of cocoa! 

30. Make Snow Ice Cream 

Here’s one way to sweeten up a snowy day! Use clean, fresh snow snow as the base and something sweet on top—this easy recipe uses maple syrup as a sweetener.

31. Study Snowflakes 

Sure, it’s fun to catch a few snowflakes on your tongue, but there is a whole lot of science behind those little flakes. Before they melt away, observe and study these little six-sided wonders on your own. 

32. Paint in the Snow 


Freshly fallen snow is a perfect blank canvas. Fill spray bottles with diluted watercolors or food coloring and spray away to create a masterpiece. 


33. Snow Obstacle Course 


Snow doesn’t just have to be for sledding. After the blizzard has passed, head outdoors to create a snow obstacle course with a series of challenges, such as making a snow angel, a snowball, and so on.

34. Shovel a Snow Maze

Got a lot of snow? Grab your shovel (or snowblower) and craft a path through your yard or the park to put your kids to the test. The walls don’t have to be over their heads, just provide enough false turn-offs to make it a challenge. If you find it difficult to come up with a design on the fly, grab a pencil and paper and map out your maze in advance. It’s something they can do over and over, and when they’ve got the solution down pat, the course can become a series of trenches to hide in during a snowball fight.

35. Learn to Cross Country Ski

Downhill skiing requires a lot of equipment and gear, not to mention expensive lift tickets and lessons. The great thing about cross-country skiing is that once you have the basics down, any flat snow-covered surface becomes your playground. 

36. Build a Snow Slide 

Everyone builds snowmen or snow forts; you can bring your snow play to the next level by taking the time to build a snow slide. 

37. Snowball Fight 

Nothing says winter like a good old fashioned snowball fight! Bring your snowballs to the next level with a snowball maker. No snow? No problem! These soft snowballs will get the job done.

38. Learn to Ski

One of the best ways to survive winter is to find a seasonal activity that the whole family can enjoy. It gives everyone a reason to look forward to the season, as well as something to do. Skiing is often the perfect family-friendly winter activity that will have you begging for MORE snow. The local ski mountain might not be renowned for its powder, but it'll probably do the job for a quick day trip. 


What kind of animal makes these tracks? The frightful childus showshoeius.

39. Learn to Snowshoe

Does skiing feel too daredevilish? Trade the skis for shoes. Snowshoeing requires very little instruction or equipment to enjoy a day of exploring in the great outdoors. Plus, no drive to a mountain is necessary. 

40. Find a Sledding Hill


Put on that gear and head for the hills! It doesn't take monster mountains and tricked out sleds; any snowy incline and saucer or even cardboard box can provide plenty of exhilarating runs.

Unless noted, photos by the author

Whether it's rainy, snowy, or simply too cold or hot to hit the park or backyard, exercise games and indoor activities that keep kids moving are a great way to get everyone in the family moving, giggling, and away from the screens for a bit.

We've put together a list of 30 easy indoor exercise games and fun exercises for kids at home. It's a really simple way for a family to integrate movement and exercise into any day. Most of these can be done right in your living room and will even work in tight city apartments (or hallways). We promise that everyone will be tired and laughing after attempting just a handful.

Looking for more indoor activities for kids? We have lots of ideas, including science experiments and sensory activities for all ages.

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When you keep the focus on the fun, exercise for kids isn't a chore—hopefully, these ideas will inspire your family to devise more entertaining ways to get moving.

Fun Exercises for Kids at Home

1. Push-ups

These push-up challenges are sure to get everyone moving. You can also try popcorn push-ups: Put a small bowl of popcorn on the floor, lower yourself down, and stick out your tongue to get a piece of popcorn with each thrust.

2. Jumping Jacks

They are so simple, but great for coordination and for getting your heart going. When my kids can't sleep, I have them do 25 to tire themselves out.

RELATED: 100 Awesome Art Projects for Creative At-Home Fun

 
The world looks funnier upside down, and it's also great exercise! Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

3. Headstands

Headstands are a great activity for the core muscles and to get blood going to the brain. Kids are often naturals!

4. TikTok Dances

The whole family can get up and moving—and maybe even go viral—as they learn a new TikTok Dance.

5. Steam Team

Burn off some steam while learning one of these 65 life skills—steam-cleaning the house.

6. Dance Party

Turn on the music and shake your groove thang.

7. Temper Tantrum

Have a fit for the fun of it. Flail, stomp, and scream.

8. Sock Skating

If you have hardwood floors, put on socks to skate around. Try spins or hockey stops, or see who can slide the farthest. My kids also like to up the speed factor with a couple of pieces of wax paper under each foot. Make sure to move the furniture, and watch for splinters!

9. Bubble Bashing

Blow bubbles and let your child try to pop them.

RELATED: 50 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

 
Any sheet becomes a living room parachute. Photo courtesy of Alex Green, Pexels

10. Parachute

This kiddie-gym standby can be recreated at home with sheets. Each person takes an end of the parachute or sheet and fans it upward while the kids take turns running underneath.

Indoor Exercise Games for Kids

11. Jump-Rope Games

From solo games to multiplayer ones, these jump-rope workout games really get the kids moving. 

12. Obstacle Course

Create a furniture course in your house or apartment. Add in specific mental or physical challenges to keep the kids guessing.

13. Bubble-Wrap Attack

If you get bubble wrap in the mail, jump on it until it's all popped, or try one of these other bubble-wrap games and activities.

14. Balloon Ball

There are endless ways to play with balloons indoors. Try to keep a balloon off the ground, play catch, or mix it up with balloon tennis.

15. Scavenger Hunt

Write up clues and hide them around the house. Kids can race to find each clue for a small prize at the end.

16. Hallway Bowling

Fill up water bottles and use any ball you have.

17. Recess Time

What’s everyone’s favorite subject? Recess! Try one of these indoor recess games to keep bodies (and brains) active.

18. Baby Activity Center

Keep the wee-est ones actively engaged by turning their high chair into a play zone.

RELATED: 99 Sensory Activities for Any Child

 
Blocks, beans, ice, or pretty much anything can contribute to your sensory bin. Photo courtesy of Tatiana Syrikova, Pexels

19. Sensory Bins

Little ones can explore, touch, grab, and lunge their way through one of these 10 sensory bin ideas for busy toddlers.

20. Animal Races

Hop like a bunny or frog, squat and waddle like a duck, and so on.

21. Follow the Leader

Add to the workout with energetic movements such as jumping, stomping, and squatting.

22. Freeze Dance

When the music stops, freeze in your pose and hold it until the music begins again.

23. Tickle Tag

Chase your children. When you catch them, it's tickle time.

24. Wheelbarrow, Crab, and Bear-Walk Races

Holding one of these tough positions gives you a real workout.

25. Cleanup Race

Set a timer or put on a song to see who can right the room the fastest.

26. Carnival

Set up carnival games such as "Knock Down the Milk Cans." We used Tupperware!

27. Hopscotch

Use tape to make an old-fashioned game of hopscotch on your floor.

RELATED: 20 Jump Rope Workout Games and Songs for Kids

 
Everyone loves a pillow fight! Photo courtesy of Monstera via Pexels

28. Pillow Fight

No explanation needed.

29. Wrestling

Put down a mat, or play on a rug or a bed. See if your kids can wrestle you to the ground.

30. Pushover Parents

Plant your feet and see if the kids can budge you. If you move your feet, they win. Stand on one foot to make it easier for little kids.

This article first published in October 2011, but is regularly updated.

The shortest month of the year packs a heck of a punch! There are a lot of holidays and fun things to celebrate in February. Sure, you know there's the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, Groundhog Day, Lunar New Year, and Presidents Day, but you can also celebrate Elmo's Birthday, Poop Day (great for potty training), and Pancake Day. And this year, there’s the Winter Olympics, too!

Scroll down for all 28 fun holidays in February, plus links to holiday-a-day ideas for every month of the year. 

Check this list, and you’ll find the perfect thing to do with your kids each and every day.  For more ideas for winter fun, check out our roundup of 30 Exercise Games and Indoor Activities that Get Kids Moving and your local Winter Vacation Guide.

Want a Holiday Every Day? Check Out Our Full Year Guide

In our guide to kid-friendly celebrations for every day of the year, A Year-Round Guide to Daily Fun with Kids, you will find our picks for fun every day, broken down by month. Use our daily calendar picks to spark creativity, plan after-school fun, or make winter weekends extra magical.

Fun February Holidays for Kids – A Holiday (or Something!) to Celebrate Every Day in 2026

Read one of the The Little Legends or Little Leaders books by Vashti Harrison. Photo courtesy of Amazon

February 1 – First Day of Black History Month

Call it African American Heritage Month, Black History Month, or African History Month, the month starts today and is a perfect time to seek out local Black-owned businesses and African American museums. Check your local Mommy Poppins regional home page, where almost all our cities have a roundup that includes ways to celebrate Black History Month. PBS Kids has a great guide for parents on introducing kids to Black History Month.

February 2 – Groundhog Day

Tune in for Punxsutawney Phil's prognostications for whether winter will end or extend. Hint: no shadow means early spring. Check with your kids to see what Phil predicts this year, and if it comes true. Then curl up for a movie night watching the Bill Murray classic, Groundhog Day.

February 3 – Elmo’s Birthday

Every kid's favorite muppet, and most parents' least favorite, has his birthday today. While we're not sure how that works, because according to canon, Elmo is perpetually 3 1/2, it's a fun time to watch Elmo's World (even with your big kids!) and bake Elmo a cute cake. We've got easy instructions on how to decorate a cake to look like Elmo that will delight everyone in your house.

 
Girls play sports! Duh. Photo licensed as public domain

February  – National Girls and Women in Sports Day

Haven't you seen the shirts? Everyone watches women's sports. And why wouldn't they? Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are killing it in the WNBA, Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff are picking up where the Williams sisters left off on the courts, and Sophia Smith and Naomi Girma are ones to watch in the NWSL. Check your local calendar of events for a women's professional or college sports game to attend with your kids. Then get out there and play catch or kick some balls!

February 5 – Disaster Day

With floods, fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes on the rise (at least, it sure feels like they are!), today is a great day to make sure your home is ready, you have some basic supplies (like flashlights with batteries and drinking water) set aside, and your kids know the family plan for emergencies. Our guide to Preparing For and Staying Safe During a Wildfire is a good disaster primer, with information on packing "go bags" and talking to kids about natural disasters.

February 6 – The Winter Olympics Kick Off!

The 2026 Winter Games in Milan Cortina, Italy, starts today with the Opening Ceremony. Whether you’re watching Chloe Kim dominate the halfpipe or Ilia Malinin land a record number of quads, this is going to be a great Olympics! So much fun to watch these young athletes with kids. And, the next Olympics will be in Los Angeles. Tickets lotteries are already open!

It's also National Frozen Yogurt Day

As if you need an excuse to eat froyo! But today is a great excuse as many local and national chains offer free frozen yogurt or BOGO deals. Surprise your kids with a froyo outing that's easy on the wallet.

February 7 – National Bubble Gum Day

Here are 3 fun facts about bubble gum:

Bubble gum flavor is actually a mix of banana, pineapple, cinnamon, cloves, and wintergreen flavorings. Gross, yet somehow it works well together. 
Bubble gum was originally called "Blibber-Blubber"
Bubble gum is pink because without any coloring it's kind of a gross gray color, so the inventor of the stuff, Walter Diemer, added a little red dye. It was all he had on hand.

A fun way to celebrate Bubble Gum Day is to learn how to make it yourself with an easy Do It Yourself Bubble Gum Kit.

 
Make some Super Bowl Sunday Football Bread for the big game. Photo courtesy of the Food Network

February 8 – Super Bowl Sunday

Is your team in the game? Do you even like football? It doesn't matter! The food, family, and party atmosphere of a Super Bowl watch party are all kids will remember. Try making some of these 5 fun, football-themed recipes with your kids in anticipation of the game:

Football Cake Pops
Football Krispie Treats
Football Cheese Ball
Football Bread
Football Ice Cream Sandwiches

February 9 – National Poop Day

Poop Day is always the day after the Super Bowl! Go figure. Kids love all things poo, so here are some fun ways to celebrate:

Start potty training, or talking about it, with anyone in the house who is the right age for it.
Prank your kids by leaving fake poo around the house for them to find. They won't be expecting April Fools Day jokes this early!
Read, or re-read, Everyone Poops. It's a classic.
Watch The Emoji Movie, with an appearance by every kid's favorite emoji: Poop (voiced by Patrick Stewart!).

February 10 – Extraterrestrial Culture Day

The second Tuesday of February is Extraterrestrial Culture Day. Tonight is a perfect night to curl up with the family, a big bag of Reece's Pieces, and watch E.T. The Extraterrestrial.

February 11 – National Guitar Day

If you have a guitar, break it out for a family jam session and sing along! If no one in the family has or plays guitar, you can make cardboard guitars or even do an air guitar competition. See if this resonates with one of your kids: guitar is a great hobby for kids to pick up at any age. Check out our list of 100 Sports and Hobbies for Kids to Try.

February 12 – Go snow tubing

Check out your local Winter Guide to find the places near you where you can go snow tubing! Almost everywhere had a nearby mountain that manufactures snow for a little tubing action; now's the time to get it in before winter is over.

February 13 – Kiss Day

Get a jump on Valentine's Day by leaving Hershey's Kisses under your kids' pillow before they wake up. And use the day as an excuse to get in a lot of snuggles, hugs, and kisses.  

Make cards or decorations for Valentine's Day.

February 14 – Valentine’s Day

Check out our Valentine's Day Guide for crafts, snacks, coloring pages, and more ways to celebrate Valentine's Day with kids.

February 15 – World Hippo Day

Visit your local zoo to see a hippo in person, and then read a book, featuring the animal of the day. Here are some of our favorites:

George and Martha by James Marshall
Fiona the Hippo
Hippos Go Berserk! by Sandra Boynton

February 16 – Presidents Day

Happy long weekend, families! Check your local calendar of events for something fun and patriotic to do this weekend. Or buy a mattress. This is the day selected to honor our American presidents because the third Monday in February is close to Washington's Birthday on February 22, and also near Abraham Lincoln's (February 12) as well

February 17 – Lunar New Year

It's the start of the Year of the Horse! Check your local calendar for fun parades or other celebrations. Try making longevity noodles or Lunar New Year almond cookies if you're celebrating at home.

It’s also Mardi Gras!

Make a King Cake and see who is King or Queen for the year at your house.

February 18 – Pluto Day

It’s a planet! I’m sorry. Honor our furthest planet by celebrating the solar system and heading to your local planetarium or going out to star gaze. Or, if you’re not by a planetarium and it’s cloudy or your city is plagued by light pollution, maybe watch some cartoons featuring Mickey's best pal.

Heave-ho! Get those muscles working; it'll work up some laughter, too.

February 19 – Tug of War Day

Go outside and organize a massive game of tug of war with friends, family, or at school! Then branch out into other outdoor childhood games. Cold day? That's ok! Even in the winter, kids need to go outside and get some fresh air and outside play.

February 20 – National Muffin Day

Make muffins together! This recipe for Spinach Cake Muffins is my family’s favorite, and an easy one for kids to learn to cook by baking! (And you'll sneak in a little healthy green stuff.)

February 21 – Language Day

Everyone should learn another language! Talk with your kids about the languages the people in your family speak, or would have spoken if they grew up in the countries their own ancestors were from. Then try learning how to say "Hello" in all the languages of your family. Books for young kids like Say Hello by Rachel Isadora are easy ways to learn how to say hello. You can also check websites like Babel for how to say hello, and other greetings from around the world. 

February 22 – Play Cards Day

Card games are fabulous; they're easily portable, fun for all ages, and bring families together to play. We've rounded up 25 card games every kid should know. Try out a new one every week and find your family's signature game. (We like Spit and Spoons!)

February 23 – Pinocchio Day

To be honest, this movie scared/scarred me when I was little, so think twice before showing your little ones! But if your kids won't be scared, it's a fun Disney classic. There have been two other interesting recent takes on the old Italian tale, and the Pinocchio by Robert Zemeckis starring Tom Hanks is definitely the more kid-friendly. But if you've got teens, watch Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio as a family.

Get wet indoors!

February 24 – Visit an indoor water park

There's something perverse about human nature; as soon as you really can't do something, it's all you want to do. So in the dead of winter, nothing sounds as appealing as splashing in a water park! Check out our Theme Parks and Water Parks Guide in your local area to find the best indoor water parks near you!

February 25 – Have winter fun outdoors

Outdoor water parks are a no in the winter. But outdoor fun is still a go! You still need vitamin D! Get out there and have some fun with our giant list of fun winter outdoor activities for kids.

February 26 – Tongue Twister Day

On our massive list of tongue twisters for kids, you can start simple with "Toy Boat" and work your way up to "If you must cross a coarse, cross cow across a crowded cow crossing, cross the cross, coarse cow across the crowded cow crossing carefully." How many of these can you say?

February 27 – National Polar Bear Day

Have you ever taken a polar bear plunge? That means going swimming in very cold water. Try it today with your kids (it supposedly has health benefits!). Just have a thermos of hot cocoa and loads of warm towels and blankets ready for when you get out of the water!

Nothing like starting or ending the day with adorable pancakes.

February 28 – Pancake Day

Have pancakes for dinner on Pancake Day! To make this extra exciting, adapt our Waffle Board ideas from our Dessert Board Recipes.

More Fun Holidays for Kids – Explore Every Month

Find more holidays each day of the year, by month:

Fun Holidays in January for Kids

Fun Holidays in March for Kids

Fun Holidays in April for Kids

Fun Holidays in May for Kids

Fun Holidays in June for Kids

Fun Holidays in July for Kids

Fun Holidays in August for Kids

Fun Holidays in September for Kids

Fun Holidays in October for Kids

Fun Holidays in November for Kids

Fun Holidays in December for Kids

February Holidays for Kids FAQ

Q: What are fun February holidays for kids?
A: For a short month, February has the most fun holidays and celebrations! There's Groundhog Day and Valentine's Day and President's Day, plus in 2026 there's the Olympics and the Super Bowl and Lunar New Year. It's also Black History Month! Whew. 

Q: Is today a holiday?
A: Yes! Every day in February has a fun holiday or national day you can celebrate with kids. Check the daily list above to see today’s holiday and easy ideas for celebrating.

Q: Where do these “national days” come from?
A: Many fun holidays come from cultural traditions, awareness organizations, or popular trends. Some are officially recognized; others are just for fun—but kids love them all.

Q: How can families celebrate February holidays at home?
A: Most February holidays can be celebrated with simple, low-prep activities like crafts, themed snacks, games, or reading related books.

Q: Are there fun holidays for other months too?
A: Yes! Every month has dozens of silly and meaningful holidays. See our monthly lists and our whole Year-Round Guide to Daily Fun with Kids for more ideas.

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