Venture out this winter while spending quality time with your family at these brain-building, innovative museums that your children will want to visit more than once.
Children’s Museum of the East End
Affectionately known as CMEE, this museum is geared for children approximately six months and up. There are weekly activities, field trips and meet-up groups including Baby and Me on Tuesday and After School Lego League. Inside you will find an art room and plenty of exploratory and kinesthetic learning rooms that are interconnected. When the weather is warmer there is mini-golf and live performances at the outdoor theater. Annual memberships and day passes are available.
376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Tpke, Bridgehampton; 631-537-8250; cmee.org
Long Island Explorium
A children’s museum with a focus on science and engineering, visitors will enjoy fun and interactive hands-on exhibits that foster the understanding and love of STEM. Programs for families and children include Little Sparks for preschoolers and an annual Mini Maker Faire — the next one is June 8. The Explorium offers camps during school breaks as well as during summer vacation.
101 E Broadway, Port Jefferson; 631-331-3277; longislandexplorium.org
Heckscher Museum of Art
Nestled inside of Heckscher Park, the eponymous museum is home to more than 2,500 works of American and European art in its permanent collection. Visitors will find a “Create Your Own” Activity Station, a Selfie Station and a variety of seasonal festival activities. Museum memberships are available.
2 Prime Ave, Huntington; 631-351-3250; heckscher.org
Long Island Museum
The museum showcases Long Island’s rich history and diverse cultures. In addition to a selection of rotating historical exhibitions, there is also The Carriage Museum, which includes eight galleries that tell the story of transportation before automobiles. Children’s programs include hands-on art, carriage design, and a blacksmith workshop. Open Thursday through Sunday.
1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook, 631-751-0066; longislandmuseum.org
South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center
Children and adults of all ages are invited to explore live and recreated natural habitat exhibits. There is a marine touch tank where visitors can old undersea creatures such as crabs and urchins. Outside is the Native Butterfly Garden, Native Wildflower Garden, Educational Pond, Purple Martin nesting gourd site, and more. Visitors can take nature walks through the 40 acre Vineyard Field Preserve bordering the museum, and explore the trail system of the Long Pond Greenbelt. A variety of weekend events, and special exhibits rotate throughout the year. Individual passes and memberships are available.
377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Tpke, Bridgehampton; 631-537-9735; sofo.org
