25 Cool Things To Do on February's Winter Break with Long Island Kids
Winter break, February vacation, President's Week, or mid-winter break — no matter what you call it, your Long Island kids will be home from school for a whole week, and you need fun ideas to keep them busy!
Our list of 25 family-friendly, interactive, and exciting events happening across Long Island is a must-read. February break on Long Island runs from Monday, February 16, to Friday, February 20, 2026, this year.
My kids love so many of these incredible activities and places to visit during our stay-cation. We like to plan a day to explore at the Long Island Aquarium, and the kids always ask for ice skating! For parents who have to work, there are one-day and week-long camps to get the kids out of the house and into the action.
For even more ideas, check out our awesome Winter Fun Guide and list of 100 FREE Things to Do with Kids on Long Island.
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Indoor Things To Do on Long Island During the February Winter Break
1. Long Island Aquarium
From touring exhibits to crafts to games and movies, there’s plenty to keep your kids busy at the Long Island Aquarium’s week-long camp. Kids ages 5-11 can attend this winter fun-cation for a single day or the whole week. Pre-registration is required. Or, if you have off from work, you can always make it a family day exploring the wonders of the aquarium together!
2. Bowling
Plan a fun and active afternoon or evening visit to one of Long Island's best bowling alleys for families. My kids always love a bowling challenge and some family fun at Lucky Strike in Mineola.
3. Roller Skating
Get groovy at United Skates of America in Seaford, which offers roller skating fun for all ages. This rink has a super line-up of special events for February break, including character fun with Spidey and Friends, Sonic, Olaf, and even Donuts with Labubus. My daughter always has a blast skating around at this roller rink.
RELATED: Winter Fun Guide for Long Island Families

Sharpen your putting skills under the lights at Glowgolf. Photo by the author
4. Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf
Enjoy a whole new spin on mini-golf at these glow-in-the-dark courses. Try Glowgolf in Garden City, or Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park, or if you have older kids and teens, take your game to the next level at Topgolf.
5. Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center
Discover how nature and energy collide at this incredible, FREE nature center. Interactive exhibits include an aquatic touch tank and a sand play station that the kids will love. My kids love learning about the creatures in the touch tank every time we visit. Be sure to arrive before 1pm to use the touch tank.
6. Ninja Camps
Kids will flip for No Limit Ninja's School Break Camp. This ninja training adventure is for kiddos Pre-K and up, where they are broken into appropriate age groups.
7. Vanderbilt Museum
Plan a visit to the Vanderbilt Museum for winter break with the family to explore and register the kids for one of the museum's winter break workshops.
8. Arts Camp
Gold Coast Art Center hosts a winter recess art camp. Students will enjoy art, dance, acting, and more fun activities. Note that the camp only runs for 4 days during the break.
9. Enjoy a Sweet Treat
Whether you're craving a scoop, sundae, or shake, check out an old-fashioned ice cream spot for a sweet treat or get a sugar fix at one of Long Island's best candy shops. My kids love ice cream and candy any time of year, but they also flip for a visit to one of these delicious hot chocolate spots on Long Island during the colder months!
10. Visit CSTL
Try some hands-on science experiments and more at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning’s full-day winter break camp. Perfect for kids who love science and interactive fun! Or visit with the family for Amazing Animals Week to learn all about these cute critters!
11. The Whaling Museum
Celebrate Lunar New Year on Wednesday, February 17, 2026, with the Legends of the Dragon. Explore the museum, learn how real-life sea creatures began some dragon legends, and design a dragon craft to take home.
12. Long Island Children's Museum
Check out the new exhibit Emotions at Play with Pixar's Inside Out at the Long Island Children's Museum, which runs in residence until Sunday, May 10, 2026.
13. Science Museum of Long Island
Sign up for the Science Museum of Long Island's drop-off workshops during the winter break. This in-person, week-long series features a different theme every day and concludes with a sweet treat: maple sugaring!
14. Family-Friendly Theater Shows
Grab your little ones and check out Pete the Cat at LICM or Disney's Frozen Jr. at The Engeman Theater.
Outdoor Things To Do on Long Island During February's Winter Break
15. Visit a Playground
Check out the swings and spinning discs at Garvies Point Playground and then explore the kid-friendly city of Glen Cove.
16. Winter Walk
Walk around the outdoor sculpture garden and trails at the Nassau County Museum of Art. We've found lots of other outdoor art destinations nearby, too.
17. Learn About Sea Life
Tour the aquariums, ponds, and other exhibits at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium.

Glide around an indoor rink. Photo by Jennifer Voit
18. Ice Skating
Take a spin with the kids on one of the outdoor ice skating rinks on Long Island that are open now. Or if the temps are too frigid for you, try visiting one of Long Island's indoor ice rinks. My kids love a visit to Iceland in New Hyde Park. Tip: if you have little ones, try to make an earlier session when it is a little less crowded!
19. Sweetbriar Nature Center
Visit Sweetbriar Nature Center's Winter Discovery Days, where kids ages 5 to 11 can attend 1-day or week-long camps.
20. Wildlife Camp
Kids can take hikes, meet some animals, and create crafts at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge’s Winter Wildlife Camp. Be sure your child is dressed appropriately for the outdoor activities.
21. Sands Point Preserve
Explore the Sands Point Preserve's lush lawns, trails, and more. Seek out the Dino Trail and follow the footprints into the forest.
22. Go Sledding
If we get snow during the week off, bundle up the kids and grab those sleds to hit one of the best family sledding spots on Long Island.
23. Cross-Country Skiing
Ready for more outdoor winter fun? Try a winter walk or go cross-country skiing.
24. Sports Fishing Education Center
Sports Fishing Education Center and Aquaculture Facility offers a February break camp where kids can learn all about marine mammals in Suffolk County.
25. The Milleridge Village
My kids love a visit to historic Milleridge Village for a fun walk around and a chance to browse in the shops. The village is always free to walk around, but some of the seasonal activities do have a fee.
FAQs About February's Winter Break in Long Island
Q: What are the best family-friendly events during February's winter break in Long Island?
A: The Long Island Children's Museum has incredible exhibits, shows, and educational fun for the whole family. United Skates of America also has great family-friendly events during February's winter break.
Q: Are there any free things to do with kids during February's winter break in Long Island?
There are many free things to do on Long Island during winter break. Check out local libraries, recreational centers, and community calendars for free events. Another favorite for us is a visit to the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, which is free to visit.
Q. What indoor activities are open during February's winter break?
A: Some indoor activities open during February break on Long Island are family fun centers like Urban Air or Bounce, bowling, indoor ice skating rinks, and awesome museums.
Q. Are museums, zoos, or attractions open during winter break in Long Island?
A: Museums and attractions are open during the winter break in Long Island. Many museums have free admission passes available through your local library with your library card. Zoos on Long Island are mostly closed during the winter months.
Q. What's the best day trip from Long Island during February's winter break?
A: My kids love a day trip to New York City. It is a quick drive or train ride to the city, and there are always many options for things to do and see.
This post was originally published in 2018 and is updated annually.
Unless noted, photos courtesy of the venues.
Places featured in this article:
Monster Mini Golf
No Limit Ninja
Vanderbilt Mansion
Center for Science Teaching & Learning
Whaling Museum
Garvies Point Playground
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium
