As we get ready for the President's Day week (Winter Break) it can be hard to think of fun and frugal things to do with the kids. For most families, not every holiday can be a lavish vacation! This week, we plan to stay close to home and check out some great local activities. It makes for a nice balance and even if things don’t go as planned at least we don't sit at home all week long.
Let's focus on some education opportunities
Black history month is a nationally recognized month is an annual celebration of the rich history of black and African-Americans. It’s a way to honor and learn more about the great achievements of black Americans. Here are just a few ways you can learn more:
1. Visit a museum that has Black History Month exhibits or a museum focused on black History.
2. Watch a documentary that focuses on the civil rights movement. There are many great movies and documentaries to watch. PBS offers an abundance of programming for Black History Month (local listings vary), and you can find a variety of documentaries and films on Netflix.
3. Read a biography about one or more of the Presidents. There are a wide range of books available from simple books for 1st graders to in-depth biographies for teens and adults.
Visit local attractions
It’s the perfect time to visit a local museum or attraction. While they’re sure to be packed with other kids on school break it’s a great way to spend the day:
1.Visit a local nature preserve
Sweetbriar Nature Center, Smithtown
ECSS: Sweetbriar Nature Center is a private not-for-profit, 501c3 corporation. Through education and examples, ECSS encourages responsible decision making, appreciation, and respect for the unique wildlife and ecosystems found on Long Island.
Sweetbriar Nature Center is situated on 54 acres of varied garden, woodland, field and wetland habitats on the Nissequogue River. Hundreds of species of plants and animals make homes here.
2. Find some local classes to keep the kiddos busy.
Michaels
Visit a local store to find out about their community classes and kids club classes.
Commack, New York retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).Located in: Macy's plazaAddress: 50 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY 11725Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 9PM
Phone: (631) 499-2408
Smithtown Historical Society
Head to their beautiful property to explore all they have to offer. They even have kid's classes this week! You can find them on our daily event calendar here: https://smithtown.macaronikid.com/events
Get Active
Burning off some energy is the name of the game here. Look for free or low-cost and keep the kids going until they’re ready to drop.
1.Get out into nature with a family hike.
Caleb Smith State Park, Smithtown
Tucked in the heart of Smithtown, Caleb Smith State Park is one of only two state nature preserves on Long Island. This attraction is comprised of 543 acres of land perfect for hiking and offers exquisite views of rare plants like the Pink Lady Slipper, Indian Pipe and Trailing Arbutus. Address: 581 West Jericho Turnpike | Phone: 631-265-1054
Blydenburgh County Park
Forested park offering hiking trails, a playground, picnic areas & a pond for rowboats & fishing.
Address: Veteran's Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11788
Phone: (631) 854-3712
2. Ice skating/ Indoor play
The Rinx — Hauppauge
The Rinx has a great special for President's Week-- Super Sessions! Click here to see how you can skate all day for 1 price.
At this Town of Islip facility at Hidden Pond Park, enjoy two sheets of NHL regulation-size ice, party packages, skating schools, hockey camps, and snack bars. Open during the week from 12:30 to 2:30pm and 4 to 5:45pm Tuesdays through Fridays. There’s also a Friday “Rock & Roll Night” from 8:15 to 10:15pm and weekend sessions are from 11:00 am to 3:00pm.
Urban Air Adventure Park- Lake Grove
Whether you want to jump, run or play, Open Play time is where it is at! During our regular open hours, you have access to the most awesome playground the world has to offer - URBAN AIR! Seriously. There’s so much to do inside Urban Air that you might have to come back for a second visit. Once you’ve experienced the adventure park for yourself, you’ll see what we mean when we say we’re more than just a trampoline park. Young or old, tall or short, athlete or armchair quarterback – our attractions will help you defy gravity. Test your skills in the Warrior Obstacle Course, compete with friends, or practice your own tricks freestyle. No matter how you choose to play, you c
To get a free Event Calendar delivered to your inbox every week, click HERE!
an take it to the next level at Urban Air.
