Visiting the Long Island Children’s Museum for FREE
Happy Monday! As I write this post there’s a dusting of snow on the ground and flurries are falling steadily outside my window. Truthfully, I can sit and watch the snowfall all day. Well, as long as I have a cozy blanket, and a warm cup of tea in hand. There’s a quiet magic in the snowfall that I find mesmerizing.
The weather we are experiencing here on Long Island has been quite unusual. Just yesterday, the girls, Justin and I were happily collecting seashells at a local beach in the afternoon. Interestingly enough it was nearly 60 degrees, and I was seriously doubting the accuracy of Puxutawney Phil. But, it seems Phil may be right after all…what do you think? Eh, only time will tell…
Winter Fun with Kids on Long Island
When it comes to winter, our family tends to hibernate.Well, at least in the past… And, to be honest with young children at home, it’s often easier to hunker down when the temperatures drop than collect everyone and head out to find adventure. But this year, with our youngest officially a preschooler we have more freedom to explore.
In fact, this post here shares more about my goals to carve out more time for family adventure, and to bring more hands-on learning experiences into our homeschooling routine. With that in mind, we have designated every Friday this winter as field trip Friday. What’s your favorite time of the week for a family adventure?
Nevertheless, it’s comforting to know that we don’t have to venture too far from home to find adventure. And, believe me, there are a lot of opportunities for fun here on Long Island, both indoors and out. But, lately we have been exploring kid friendly museums. I had no idea just how many there are right here at our doorstep.
The Long Island Children's Museum
In my opinion, the LICM is perfect for children ages 2-6. This early childhood museum is located in Nassau County (quite close to the Cradle of Aviation Museum), has 13 exhibits, and a tot spot. The museum was quite busy when we arrived, which was a welcome site – it’s good to see kids just being kids again.
We spent about an hour and half exploring the different exhibits in this play museum but Nora and Sadie spent the most time in Bubbles, Sandy Island, and the Climb-It exhibits. In the Bubbles exhibit you can step inside an enormous bubble, or simply have fun trying to see who can make the biggest bubbles.
In Sandy Island, the girls took turns serving up lobster, clams and mussels at the seafood shack. And, in the Climb – It exhibit, the girls worked together to navigate their way through the twists and turns of the climbing sculpture that was propped in between the ground floor and second floor. I enjoyed exploring the Sound Showers exhibit, where you can play a variety of musical instruments, as well as the Age of Dinosaurs, a temporary exhibit in residence until May 29, 2022.
Membership, Tickets, and Free Admission
The LICM offers a membership option which allows you to visit the museum as many times as you want within a 12 month period. They offer a few membership options at different price points. The most expensive membership being the Premium Extended Membership for $260/year, and the least expensive being the Dual Membership for $85/year. You can get more information on their membership benefits right here.
If you are just visiting Long Island, and want to add this children’s museum to your itinerary, you must reserve your tickets in advance. Tickets are $15 per person.
Finally, if you are a Long Island resident, you might just get to visit this museum for FREE! Be sure to check in with your local library to see if they participate in the free museum pass program. Our library card has unlocked many opportunities for adventure this winter.
Children’s museums are places where children learn through play and exploration in environments designed just for them. Which children’s museum is your favorite to visit?
