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Kids can burn off energy on the climbing wall at Madeline's Play Cafe. Photo by Jennifer Voit

Things To Do Indoors Across Long Island

1. Visit a Play Cafe 

Experience one of Long Island’s play cafés, which feature indoor excitement for little ones and menus filled with sweet treats and beverages for parents to enjoy. From a Paris-themed play cafe to the modern Social Play Haus, the options are great for indoor activities. 

2. Let the Kids Bounce and Play

Book a session at one of Long Island's best indoor family fun centers and let kids of all ages bounce, climb, slide, play sports and dance out all that extra energy. 

3. Ignite Your Child's Imagination

A STEAM-based venue like the Long Island Explorium in Port Jefferson offers plenty of hands-on activities, special programs and exhibits that are both fun and educational.

4. Aim for a Strike

Challenge your kids to a friendly game or two of bowling at Long Island's best alleys, where bumpers are optional.

5. Have Your Toddlers Work Off Their Energy

Keep your little ones moving and grooving with a visit to one of Long Island's best play spaces for toddlers.

6. Explore a New Library Play Space

A visit to a local Long Island library is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon with kids. Check out a FREE, destination-worthy library play space–and don’t forget about other perks available from libraries, including FREE museum passes.

7. Host a Cannonball Contest

Go for a swim…indoors, of course, at one of these family-friendly Long Island indoor pools. Swim lessons are also an option at many pool locations yearround. 

8. Sample Something Sweet

Head to a Long Island candy shop and let your kids (and yourself) indulge in some nostalgic treats and try some new creations. 

9. Enjoy Some High-Energy Action

If your tween or teen has a need for speed, head to a go-kart or slot car racing destination for an extreme sports adventure. 

10. Get in the Spirit of Sweden

Head to Ikea in Hicksville, where you can combine a day of shopping with exploring plenty of child-friendly areas. The store boasts a family-friendly restaurant and supervised play space, Smaland, open daily. 

11. So Many Museums, So Little Time

Head to Museum Row in Garden City to see the latest exhibits at the Long Island Children’s Museum, take a ride on Nunley's Carousel, visit the Nassau County Firefighters Museum, and explore the Cradle of Aviation. 

12. Visit Some Sea Creatures

If marine life fascinates your children, check out the Long Island Aquarium, where kids can see penguins, sharks, sea lions and more. 

13. Learn About Long Island's Ecology

Visit the friendly resident animals at Tackapausha Museum and Preserve, a south shore nature sanctuary or stop by the FREE, indoor Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center to explore a touch tank and more. 

14. Grab Your Gamers

Long Island is home to a bevy of awesome indoor arcades filled with interactive fun for the whole family. 

15. You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream

Head to one of Long Island's old-fashioned ice cream shops for a few scoops and a memorable adventure. 

16. Dine Out

 Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there’s no shortage of family-friendly restaurants on Long Island. Fun-themed restaurants are always a hit with kids. Some spots even have times when kids eat for free.

17. Nurture Your Little Artists

Check out a local Long Island art studio that offers classes for kids. From painting masterpieces to designing clothes, art studios offer kids of all ages hours of indoor fun. 

18. Relax in the Theater

Sit back and enjoy a movie in the theater or plan a family movie night and enjoy a family-friendly flick from the comfort of your couch. 

19. Lace Up Your Skates

Head to one of Long Island's best indoor ice skating rinks and practice your turns and spins. Or take a whirl at one of Long Island's best roller skating rinks. 

20. Try For A Hole In One

Gather your favorite foursome and play mini-golf at one of Long Island's indoor courses.

21. Scale New Heights

Climb the walls at an indoor rock climbing gym, like Melville's The Gravity Vault, or take on the challenge at Empire Adventure Park at Samanea Mall in Westbury.  

RELATED: 65 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day

Swing for the fences at Topgolf in Holtsville. Photo by the author

22. Practice Your Golf Swing

For non-mini golf, head to Topgolf in Holtsville. Kids can try a digital round of golf, knock down Angry Birds, watch a game on the big-screen, and enjoy some snacks while adults practice for their next game. 

23. Captivate Your Little Listener

For a fun storytime, visit The Next Chapter in Huntington on Mondays and enjoy letting someone else turn the pages for once and browse the bookstore with your aspiring readers. 

24. Go Back to The Gilded Age

Visit the Vanderbilt Mansion, where you can take a tour, explore animal exhibits from the former owner's extensive travels, and see an out-of-this-world show at the planetarium. 

25. Watch a Kid-Friendly Performance

Get tickets to a kid-friendly show at the Engeman Theater in Northport, the Argyle Theatre in Babylon, CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale, or the Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts. 

This post, originally published in 2017, is updated annually.