Winter Break Activities for Kids on Long Island
Winter break is coming up, and we're sure your kids can't wait for the week away from school. You, however--not so much. What are you going to do with them all day every day for a whole week?! Don't despair! We've got you covered. Here's a list of activities, programs, workshops and camps to keep the kids busy during their week off from school. Please note that virtually all of these programs do require advanced reservations or registration.
(Photo: Vanderbilt Museum's Holiday Workshop)
Vanderbilt Museum Holiday Workshops
180 Littleneck Rd, Centerport
Who: Grades 1–3
When: Monday, February 20–Saturday, February 24; 10am –1pm
The museum will hold arts-and-crafts workshops each day with themes inspired by the history, architecture and collections in this wonderful historic Oyster Bay mansion, including the big cats in the habitat wing, the 3,000-year-old mummy in residence, and the maritime collections. Children should bring a bag lunch. Costs for nonmembers are $25 per child per day and advance reservations are required. On Wednesday, February 22, the museum will also host a special workshop on Polar Friends for children in pre-k and kindergarten from 11am to 12pm. The cost of this program for nonmembers is $16 per child. For more information on these and other events click here. To register, please call (631) 854-5539.
Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center
74 Hauppauge Rd, Commack
Who: K-12 and special needs
When: Monday, February 20–Friday, February 24; 9am– 3pm
The Suffolk Y JCC has a full week of camp programs available for different age groups. Activities include gym and sports, swimming, games, arts and crafts, and afternoon field trips for the older kids to places such as Monster Mini-Golf, the KZAM fun center, and BounceU. Afternoon programming for the younger children includes visits from local science centers and other specialists. Preregistration for all programs is required. There is an added $2 fee for same-day registration if space is still available. Extended hours are available. For more details and their full schedule click here or call (631) 462-9800.
East End Arts School
Brecknock Hall
Brecknock Rd, Greenport
When: Tuesday, February 21–Friday, February 24
Who: Classes for children ages 1 month–10 + years
The East End Art School is offering four weeklong vacation classes focused on music, dance and theater. For more information or to register call (631) 369-2171 or click here.
Long Island Maritime Museum
86 West Ave, West Sayville
Who: Grades K – 5
When: Monday, February 20–Friday, February 24
10am–12pm
Join museum staff for a week of fun craft workshops and learn more about Long Island’s rich maritime history. Topics will include whalers and sailors, lighthouses, shell fishing and more. $15 per class or $60 for the full week. Advance registration is required. For more information or to register, click here or call (631) 854-4974.
Fire Island National Seashore: Fire Island Lighthouse
When: 9am to 4pm
The lighthouse has reduced tower tour fees for children under 12 years old (must be 42 inches tall to climb) all Presidents' Week long. There will be special activity stations and a scavenger hunt for children. The lighthouse's new addition, the Fire Island Light Station Fresnel Lens Building, will be open. Special feature—Friday at 11am in the Lens Building—"Light" magic! For more information, call (631) 661-4876.
Camps
Rolling River Holiday Camp
477 Ocean Ave, East Rockaway
When: Tuesday, February 21–Friday, February 24
9am–4pm
Who: Ages 3–Grade 12
This winter day camp offers an almost summertime mix of traditional day camp activities, including athletics, gymnastics, yoga, crafts, cooking, art, movies, and the occasional field trip. Nonmembers $110 per day or $400 for four days. For more information click here or call (516) 593-2267.
Presidents' Week Winter Camp
Chai Center of Dix Hills
510 Vanderbilt Pkwy
Who: Ages 2 – 8
When: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Monday Feb 20 – Friday Feb 24 at 12:30PM
This camp offers a good mix of sports, arts and crafts, games, cooking projects and even some field trips. Costs are $200 for members and $250 for non-members. For more information, or to register call (631) 351-8672) or click HERE
YMCA of Glen Cove Winter Camp
YMCA of Glen Cove
25 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove
Who: Grades K – 6
When: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Monday, Feb 20 – Friday Feb 24
Come to the Y and enjoy all your favorite summer camp activities including gymnastics, swimming, arts and crafts and, weather permitting, healthy outdoor play. Children must bring a bag lunch, bathing suit and towel. Please dress for outdoor activities. Costs are $60 per child for one day and $250 for all five days. Membership in the Y is required for registration. For more information contact BrianFilippone, Youth Director, at (516) 671-8270 ext 29. Registration required 1 week prior to start of camp.
YMCA Great South Bay Vacation Camps
Great South Bay YMCA
200 West Main Street, Bay Shore
Who: All Ages (call for specific section details)
When: Tuesday Feb 21 – Friday Feb 24
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Camp activities include a fun mix of games, sports, arts and crafts and afternoon field trips for the older kids. Extended drop-off and pick-up hours are available. Cost is $50 per day and you must be a Y member to register. Advance registration is required. For more information, please call: (631) 665-4255
Vacation Camp
Patchogue Family Y
255 West Main Street, Patchogue
Who: All Ages (call for specific section details)
When: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Camp activities include swimming, games, sports, rock climbing walls, arts and crafts. Extended drop-off and pick-up hours are available. Cost is $45 per day or $200 for the full week. Membership in the Patchogue Family Y, or the Brookhaven Roe Y, and advance registration are required. For more information and to register call (631) 891-1800
February Fun Kids Club & Afternoon Tennis Program
Hampton Kids
175 Daniels Hole Road, Wainscott
Who: Ages 2 – 16
When: Monday, Feb 20 – Friday Feb 24
Crafts 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Ages 2 – 12)
Tennis 12:00 PM – 1:00 pm (Ages 2 – 7)
Tennis 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Ages 2 – 16)
Join the team at Hampton Kids for a week of fun morning craft workshops and/or afternoons of tennis. Costs for non-members for the morning workshops are $40 per child per day or $175 per week and include a snack, beverage, lunch and 20 game room tokens per child. There is a %15 discount for a second child. Costs for adding the afternoon tennis program are $25 per child per day ages 4-7 and $50 per day for children ages 8-12 (who have an extra hour of practice). Payment in full is due upon registration and registration is required. For more information and to register click HERE or call Tara or Annmarie at (631) 537-4614.
YMCA of East Hampton Holiday Winter Camp
2 Gingerbread Lane, East Hampton
Who: Ages 5 - 12
When: Monday Feb 20 – Friday Feb 24
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM,
This Y hosts a camp with a full range of activities from sports and games to arts and crafts and movies. All program registrations require an active membership. Cost for one day is $65 and for the full week is $275. There is a family discount of 40% for siblings if the children are registered for at least 3 days of camp each. If you register for the 5-day camp you are eligible for a 10% discount off the cost of their April Spring Break camp. More information can be found HERE or call (631) 329-6884.
Winter Camp at the Farm
Suffolk County Farm & Education Center
350 Yaphank Avenue, Yaphank 11980
Who: Grades 1 - 4
When: Tuesday Feb 21 – Thursday Feb 23
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Farming is alive and well on the North Fork of Long Island and this winter break is a great time for kids to get out and learn a bit more about this way of life. The Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering three days of indoor, outdoor all around the farm fun. Activities will include cooking, animal encounters, and arts and crafts. Costs are $50 per day or $135 for all three days. For more information and to register please call (631) 852-4600.
SCIENCE & NATURE CAMPS
Do you have a young scientist or explorer? If so, these exciting science and nature camps may be just the thing.
Winter Sanctuary Adventures
Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center
134 Cove Road, Oyster Bay
Who: Ages 4 -12
When: Tuesday Feb 21 – Friday Feb 24
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Campers will enjoy nature hikes, games, crafts, stories and live animal presentations, all based around an exciting daily theme. Costs are $225 per week or $70 per day for members, $255 per week, $80 per day non-members. To register, or for more information call (516) 922-3200 or click HERE.
School's Out! Winter Camp
Center for Science Teaching & Learning
1 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Center
Who: Ages 5 - 12
When: Monday Feb 20 – Friday Feb 24
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
A full week of fun, with hands-on activities, including science, building, nature & art. Campers should bring their lunch. Cost is $50 per child per day. After care is available. .For more information please see their Calendar & Registration Form or call (516) 764-0045.
Ocean Explorers Camp
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor
Who: Ages 5-8; 9 year olds may attend for $20 a day as Group Leaders.
When: Tuesday Feb 21 - Friday Feb 24
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Under the sea adventure with ocean games, sticky experiments and arts and crafts. A snack is served but bring a water bottle. Costs are $25 per day or $90 for four days for members; $30 per day or $105 for four days for non-members. There is 15% sibling discount. For more information or to register please call (631) 367-3418, ext 16, or take a look at their online Winter Programs Brochure.
Winter Wildlife Camp
Quogue Wildlife Refuge
3 Old County Road
, Quogue, NY
Who: Ages 5 – 11
When: Tuesday Feb 21 – Friday Feb 24
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Come to the Refuge for a great wildlife experience including 3 hours a day of wildlife, education, and fun! Each day will include a hike and a craft, so dress your child for the weather. Children will be able to participate in the feeding and handling some of the animals that live in the Nature Center. Please send child with a snack & drink. Sign up for one or all 4 days! $30.00 per day, or $100.00 for the four-day program. Registration and payment required in advance. For more information click HERE or call them at (631) 653-4771.
Holiday Discovery Camp
Sweetbriar Nature Center
62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown 11787
Who: Ages 5-11
When: Monday, Feb 20 – Friday, Feb 24
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Your children will have a blast exploring nature and meeting live animals at this 55 acre nature preserve and educational center. Camp themes this year include such intriguing subjects as: Animal Mysteries, Homes & Habitats, and Winter Wonders. Per day costs are $60 per child for members, $70 non-members. The cost for the full week is $235 for members and $275 for non=members. To register call (631) 979-6344.
COOKING CAMPS
Your little ones can cook up some sweet treats at these camps and workshops.
Winter Break Craft & Cooking Camp
Cupcake Corner
61 New Hyde Park Road, Garden City 11530
Who: Ages 5 – 12
When: Monday Feb 20 – Friday Feb 24
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Kids will learn to make pizza, cookies and cupcakes, chocolates and lollipops at this fun holiday camp. A full, nutritional, lunch and snack will be served. Costs are $45 per child per day or $200 for the full week. For more information, or to register, please call them at: (516) 328-2253.
Winter Break Workshops
The Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE)
376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike
, Bridgehampton
Who: Ages 3 - 8
When: Monday Feb 20 – Friday Feb 24
10:00 AM
This wonderful children’s museum will hold a different workshop at 10am each day of the vacation. On Monday they will be baking cherry pie in honor of our first President, on Wednesday it will be oatmeal cookies and on Friday they will be making smoothies. Costs are $10 for members and $22 for non-members and include museum admission. Registration is required. To register and for more information please call them at: (631) 537-8250.
WRITING, MUSIC & THEATER ARTS
Do you have a tween or teen who loves to write? Or perhaps your child just loves to perform. Winter vacation is a great time to spend developing their skills.
Winter Break Creative Writing Workshop
Chancellors Hall
Stony Brook Southampton
239 Montauk Highway, Southampton
Who: Ages 13 - 18
When: Monday February 20 – Friday Feb 24
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Young American Writers Project is offering a series of writing workshops during the vacation. Workshops will explore fiction, essay, poetry, play writing and screenwriting as children discover new and powerful ways to express their ideas. By week’s end each child will have several pieces of completed work. Course fee is $525 and some partial scholarships are available. For more information call (631) 632-5030 The Registration form can be downloaded HERE. DEADLINE: Feb 13
Wiz of The West Musical Theater Camp
Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center
78 Main Street, Westhampton Beach
Who: Ages 5 – 16 (must be in Kindergarten)
When: Monday Feb 20 – Friday Feb 24
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Performance 7:00 PM Friday Feb 24
This musical theater camp is just the thing for a star struck child who dreams of the stage. The Wiz of the West is a child-friendly twist on the Wizard of Oz and will be directed by directors of the Missoula Children’s Theater. Parts are cast on Monday and the musical is performed on Friday. In between rehearsals kids will enjoy an ice cream social, a pizza party and other exciting surprises. For more information click HERE or call them at (631) 288-2350.
Kids Vacation Theater Camp
Bay Street Theater
Corner of Bay and Main Streets, Sag Harbor
Who: Ages 8 -12
When: Monday Feb 20 – Friday Feb 24
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
This week long camp, run by Bay Street Theater's Artistic Director features classes and games incorporating every aspect of theater from singing, performance, dance and of course acting. Costs are $375 per child. Camp sells out fast. To register call Mary Ellen at the Administrative Office (631) 725-0818 ext 112. There will be another session offered over Spring Break in April.
SPORTS
The long winter break is a great time to learn a new sport or brush up some skills. There are camps for soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, and ice hockey to name a few. Many offer single day and half day options as well as five-day full day options.
Presidents Week Soccer Camp
Long Island Rough Riders
Mitchell Field
120 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City
Who: Ages 5 -12
Monday Feb 20 – Friday Feb 24
When: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Kids can learn soccer or brush up on their skills at this professional soccer camp hosted by the Long Island Rough Riders. Cost of the week long camp is $295. For more information and to determine which camp level is right for your child, please contact Yanis Ben Hamida at (516) 62-3900 ext 17. Camp details may be found online HERE.
Ice Hockey Mini-Camp
Port Washington Family Skating Center
70 Seaview Boulevard, Port Washington
Ages: Beginners to Intermediate
When: Monday, Feb 20 - Friday, Feb 24
10:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Skate, shoot and scrimmage. Brush up your hockey skills or try the game for the first time. A lunch of pizza and free admission to the 1:00 PM open skating sessions are included in the price. Full equipment is provided. Costs are $250 per week or $50 per day. Details may be found online HERE. For more information, to determine which section best suits your child's skill level, or to register please call (631) 484-6800.
Lil Sluggers Baseball & Soccer Camps
WEST (Winters Edge Sports Training)
156 Railroad Street, Huntington Station
Who: Ages 2 – 5
When: Monday, Feb 20 – Friday Feb 24
Lil Sluggers Baseball: 9 AM – 12:00 PM
SoccerTouch Camp: 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Lil Sluggers, a national sports development program for kids ages 2-5, is offering half day winter break camps for baseball skills in the morning, soccer skills in the afternoon, or a full day program for both. Campers should bring their own baseball glove and water. Full day campers should bring lunch. A snack will be provided. Half-day camps are $150 each for 5 days. The full day combination camp is $265 for five days. There is a 20% sibling discount for siblings registered in the same camp. Register by FEB 10 and save $15. To register call (631) 367-9378 or register online HERE.
Baseball Bonanza Camp
WEST (Winters Edge Sports Training)
156 Railroad Street, Huntington Station
Who: Ages 6 - 12
When:Monday, Feb 20 – Friday, Feb 24
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Professional coaches will teach newbies the game and help baseball fans brush up their skills at this weeklong camp. Campers should bring their own glove and lunch. A snack is provided. Cost is $250 for five days. $225 if registered before Feb 10. To register, call (631) 367-9378.
Island Garden Basketball Camp
45 Cherry Valley Avenue
West Hempstead
Who: Grades 2-9, all ability levels
When: Monday, Feb 20 – Friday, 24
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Come learn some basketball or brush up your game with Island Garden’s professional high school coaches. The camp will focus on all relevant skills and game play and all players will get time on the shooting machine. Lunch, drinks and snacks are available at moderate cost and Gatorade is provided for free. Cost is $65 per day or $275 for five days. If you sign up two children for the 5-day camp, siblings or a friend, each child will receive a $10 discount. If you sign 3 or more kids up for the full week camp each camper receives a $15 discount. A $50 deposit is required to hold your camper’s spot. For more information please call (516) 292-4956. You can register online here.
North Sport Basketball Camp
469 North Salonga Road, Northport
Who: Children in Grades 3-8
When: Monday, Feb 20 – Friday, Feb 24
Grades 3-5: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Grades 6-8: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
The North Sport 2nd Annual Presidents Week Basketball Camp is designed for players of all abilities. Camp focuses on offensive and defensive skill development, ball handling, shooting, player movement and 1 on 1 moves. Camp also includes controlled games to reinforce skills learned. Costs are $175 for five days or $50 per day walk in cost if space is available. There is a $10 discount (off each camper) for siblings who all sign up for the five-day camp. Extended drop off and pick-up hours are available at no extra cost. For more information call (631) 757-2255 or register online HERE.
Sportime Junior Tennis & Multi-Sports Camps
Who: Ages 3 – 17
When: Monday, Feb 20 – Friday Feb 24
The Long Island Sportime sports Centers offer both Junior Tennis camps and Multi-Sport camps. The multi-sport program includes games and activities that teach fundamental skills for among other sports, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Prices are quite variable from center to center, as is the range of camps. Some camps offer only Junior Tennis and others offer tennis, multi-sport and quick-start camps. For the full listings and all details visit the main Sportime website. Basic program listings, contact numbers and registration links for individual Sportime complexes are listed below. Single day and five day options are usually available.
Sportime Lynbrook Junior Tennis & Quickstart Camps
175 Merrick Road, Lynbrook
Costs for non-members for the tennis camp are $100 per day or $70 per half day. For more pricing and information click HERE or call Jeff Morys at (516) 887-1330.
Sportime Bethpage Junior Tennis & Quickstart Camps
101 Norcross Avenue, Bethpage
Costs for the Junior Tennis camps for non-members are $140 per day or $85 per half day. For a full week costs are $625 for full days and $375 for half days. Lunch is $8 per day. For more information and pricing of other camp options click HERE or call Mike Kossoff at (516) 933-8500.
Sportime Syosset Junior Tennis,
Quickstart & Multi-Sport Camps
75 Haskett Drive, Syosset
Full day Tennis Camp cost for non-members is $125 or $525 for a full week; Half-day costs for the Tennis Camp for non-members are $85 per day or $345 for the week. Lunch is $8 per day. For more information and pricing of other camps click HERE or call Karl Sommer at (516) 364-2727.
Sportime Massapequa Junior Tennis,
Quick Start and Multi-Sport Camps
5600 Old Sunrise Highway, Massapequa
Junior Tennis costs for non-members are $140 per full day and $625 for a full week. Half-day costs for non-members are $85 per day or $375 for the week. Lunch is $8 per day. For additional camp prices and more information click HERE or call Kelly Walther at (516) 799-3550.
Sportime Quogue Junior Tennis and Multi-Sport Camps
2571 Quogue-Riverhead Road, East Quogue
When: Multi-sport 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tennis 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Combination Camp : 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
You can choose 1, 3 and 5-day options. Prices vary by option and membership but for non-members a one day half day is $75 and full day is $125 while a five day half day class is $335 and the full five day camp is $560. For more information HERE or call Will VanRensburg at (631) 653-6767.
Mid-Winter Recess Sports Camp
Southampton Youth Services & Future Stars Tennis Club
1370A Majors Path
Southampton
Who: K - 6th Grade
When: Monday Feb 20 - Friday Feb 24
Learn new skills and practice old ones in Baseball, Tennis, Karate, Soccer and Volleyball. Players must bring their own lunch. You can sign up by the day or for the full week. Cost per day is $60 and per week is $250. For more information click HERE or call (631) 287-6707.
If none of these quite suits your family, it’s worth exploring a bit on your own. Most museums and many public libraries also offer special vacation programming, as do many town recreation departments. The Guild Hall in East Hampton, for example, is hosting Vacation Art Week workshops for ages 6-9 each day, the Parish Art Museum in Southampton is hosting art workshops for ages 4 and up on Monday and Tuesday and the Long Island Science Center in Riverhead is celebrating Engineers' Week with special engineering-related crafts and activities throughout the day.
Have fun and enjoy the vacation!!
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