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MLK Weekend 2025 on Long Island: Best Things To Do with Kids

Explore the out-of-this-world possibilities of space travel at the Long Island Children's Museum's new exhibit. Photo courtesy LICM
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1/17/25 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this long MLK weekend? From movies and concerts to civil rights activities and more, here are our top picks for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

Meanwhile, the Lunar New Year festivities at the Heckscher Museum of Art boasts lion dances, hands-on stations, origami art, and more.

There's more adventure to be had at the Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Glow-N-Fire show at Nassau Coliseum, and don't miss the Long Island Children's Museum's latest exhibit, Moon to Mars. It's also hosting some special programs set for MLK Day—read on for all the details.

More Things To Do on Long Island this Week with Kids

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Top Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids

Totally Taylor Drop-off Program at Kidz Course

East Northport
Friday, January 17
Kidz Course gives parents a night out while kids enjoy a Taylor Swift-themed night of entertainment. This experience includes a make-and-take craft, a concert, glitter slime, pizza, and ice cream. READ MORE

MLK Weekend of Service: Read-a-Loud with Bryant Library

East Hill – FREE
Saturday, January 18
The Bryant Library’s Children’s Department leads story time and arts and crafts, inspiring children to learn about kindness and MLK’s mission. READ MORE

Tracks & Traces at Hempstead Lake State Park

West Hempstead
Saturday, January 18
Learn about tracks and traces at Hempstead Lake State Park. Join nature educators for a stroll around the park as you find signs of wildlife. READ MORE

Author Read-Aloud at the Huntington Public Library

Huntington – FREE
Saturday, January 18
Join Maria Wen Adcock, author of It's Chinese New Year, Curious George, as she teaches kids about Lunar New Year. Enjoy a presentation, book reading, and a fun craft as you celebrate the Year of the Snake. READ MORE

Exhibit: Moon to Mars at the Long Island Children's Museum

Garden City
Opens Saturday, January 18
Blast off in Moon to Mars, a new, interactive, STEAM exhibit that transports children to out-of-this-world experiences in space travel. This touring exhibit was designed with support from NASA’s Deep Space Exploration Systems at the Johnson Space Center. READ MORE

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live at Nassau Coliseum

Uniondale
Saturday, January 18-Sunday, January 19
Following the success of Glow-N-Fire in 2025, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live continues the momentum into 2026 by introducing an all-new truck to the tour: Rhinomite - the dynamite Rhino-themed truck at this Nassau Coliseu show. READ MORE

Power-Up Playdate at Play a La Mode

East Setauket
Sunday, January 19
Get ready for a real-life Super Mario adventure at Play à La Mode that also includes games, a visit with Mario and Princess Peach, and more. READ MORE

Walk-In Touch Tank at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

Wantagh - FREE
Saturday, January 18 - Sunday, January 19
Drop in to the Jones Beach Nature Center to meet resident aquatic animals. An in-house educator introduces visitors to hermit crabs and snails, some of which you might recognize from around Long Island  READ MORE

AdvoKids at LICM: International Day of Person’s with a Disability

Garden City
Monday, January 20
In December, the Long Island Children's Museum's AdvoKids program focuses on International Day of Person’s with a Disability, introducing visitors to the actions of disability rights advocate Nyle Di Marco and the importance of being inclusive. Museum patrons will then decorate the ASL sign for love.  READ MORE

MLK National Day of Service

Various Locations – FREE
Monday, January 20
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day each year, Americans are encouraged to step up to make communities more equitable, and to take action to create the beloved community of Dr. King’s dream. Examples include cleaning up a public space, mentoring a young person, or helping those who are food insecure. READ MORE

MLK Day of Service in Glen Cove

Glen Cove – FREE
Monday, January 20
Join members of the AHRC community at the annual event in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March as a community ahead of attending a program commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King. READ MORE

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March

Long Beach – FREE
Monday, January 20
Gather at the corner of Laurelton Boulevard and West Park Avenue in Long Beach for this March honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy.  READ MORE

MLK Discovery at the Long Island Explorium

Port Jefferson
Monday, January 20
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with this Dream Big Discovery Day at the Long Island Explorium, where young engineers can explore their creative potential. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jaime Sumersille
Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.
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