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Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions Open on Thanksgiving on Long Island

1. Movie Theaters

Bellmore Playhouse and Sayville Theater are two local theaters that will be open on Thanksgiving Day. While they don't have the bells and whistles of larger theater chains, they offer affordable tickets and concessions. With exciting, family-friendly sequels like Wicked: For Good and Zootopia 2 hitting theaters, it will be a popular weekend for movie-going. 

Aim for a high score on Thanksgiving Day at Round 1 in Hicksville. Photo by the author

2. Round 1 – Hicksville

Round 1 offers more than just arcade games and racking up tickets for prize redemption. It sports a bowling alley, ping-pong, billiard tables, and private karaoke rooms. It's open during normal operating hours on Thanksgiving, so the family can have fun before or after the Thanksgiving dinner. 

3. Dave & Busters – Westbury, Islandia

Dave & Busters is another option for some high-scoring fun. Adults can grab a drink while watching the kids battle it out, or get in on the action themselves. Westbury opens at 5pm on Thanksgiving, while the Islandia location opens at 3pm. 

4. Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink – Great Neck

Lace up and get in the winter spirit with a Thanksgiving Day public skate session at Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink. Public sessions are offered in two-hour blocks; from 10am-12pm and 12:30pm-2:30pm. 

Let the kids get out some energy at a playground. Photo by the author

5. Playgrounds and Parks

Grab the kids and a football, then head to a local park to play off the feast you'll be eating later. Some parks with a good field and playground in Nassau are Eisenhower Park and Bethpage State Park. Options in Suffolk County include Gardiner County Park, Cathedral Pines County Park, and Sunken Meadow State Park.

6. Turkey Trot 5ks

Towns and villages across Long Island hold their annual turkey trots on Thanksgiving Day. Families are welcome to walk or run these 5ks. Many runs benefit charities in the community. Check our calendar for a list of runs across Long Island. 

7. Magic of Lights – Jones Beach

The festive drive-through experience is back at Jones Beach this year. Magic of Lights boasts over a mile of lighted displays, including the 12 Days of Christmas. Meet Santa at the holiday village and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. Tickets are per car, not per person, so fill up those seats.

Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving on Long Island

Don't panic if you've forgotten the aluminum foil or a pie. Many of Long Island's grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving, though they do close early. Check websites or call directly for the exact operating hours. Note that Long Island Trader Joe's locations are closed for Thanksgiving.

The following stores are open on Thanksgiving Day: 

• King Kullen 
• Whole Foods
• Stop and Shop
• Uncle Guiseppe's
• Iavarone Bros.

Tips for Families Spending Thanksgiving Day on Long Island

• When possible, get tickets in advance to avoid sold-out movies and experiences.
• Dress warmly for outdoor adventures, and be sure to bring water if the family is doing something active.

FAQ: What's Open on Thanksgiving Day on Long Island?

Q1: Are the malls open on Long Island on Thanksgiving?
The Smith Haven Mall, Roosevelt Field Mall, and The Walt Whitman Mall are all closed on Thanksgiving Day. 

Q2: Is the Long Island Railroad running on Thanksgiving?
Yes, the Long Island Railroad runs on a holiday schedule if you're looking to travel to NYC or out east. If you plan on going to the city on Thanksgiving Day, you can check out our guide to what's open here.

Q3: Are the NICE and SCT buses running on Thanksgiving?
Yes, both Nassau's NICE buses and Suffolk's SCT buses will be running on a Sunday schedule.