In search of something fun to do with the family this winter recess but don’t want to travel far? For our readers in Nassau County, that could mean staying close to home.
There is a wide range of activities to take advantage of while the kids are off from school this week, and the county is encouraging its residents to take advantage of those opportunities. From ice skating and swimming, to bird walks, face painting and films, the county’s public parks, museums and cultural institutions are brimming with entertainment.
Here is a handy lineup of activities to put on your winter break agenda.
Visit nassaucountyny.gov to learn more.
GO ICE SKATING
Cantiague Park
Open skate sessions are held Monday through Friday at this Hicksville ice rink from 10 a.m. to noon. There are additional hours Monday and Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. and on Friday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Skate rentals are available for $5. Learn more.
Christopher Morley Park
This outdoor rink in Roslyn hosts open skate sessions Monday through Friday from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. An additional Friday open skate session is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, sessions are held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 1:15 to 3:15 p.m.; and 4 to 6 p.m.
Season skating passes and skate rentals are available. Learn more.
Grant Park
The Hewlett ice rink hosts open skate sessions Monday through Friday from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. An additional Friday open skate session is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, sessions are held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 1:15 to 3:15 p.m.; and 4 to 6 p.m.
Season skating passes and skate rentals are available. Learn more.
GO FOR A SWIM
Aquatic Center
The Aquatic Center in East Meadow offers day passes for adults and kids. Public swims are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more.
Cantiague Park
In addition to ice skating, Cantiague Park in Hicksville also has a public swimming pool. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Day passes are available. Learn more.
VISIT A MUSEUM
Garvies Point Museum & Preserve
This Glen Cove museum has a host of exhibits, films and craft classes to keep kids entertained. Some activities of note this winter break are face painting on Tuesday, Feb. 19; pottery making on Wednesday, Feb. 20; and Geology Day on Saturday, Feb. 23, which allows kids to participate in hands-on workshops. Other programs throughout the week include a movie on how to build an igloo, and Native American games. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children. Visit garviespointmuseum.comfor a full schedule.
African American Museum
The African American Museum in Hempstead has exhibitions, collections and programs that showcase African American culture, art and tradition through education. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is also a special Black Heritage Stamp Unveiling Friday, Feb. 15 at 11:30 a.m. and a family paint night on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Entry is free with a suggested donation. Visit theaamuseum.orgfor more information.
Tackapausha Museum & Preserve
Tackapausha Museum & Preserve in Seaford is a historic and beautiful 84-acre sanctuary of oak forests, ponds and streams. Its population of small mammals and birds can be viewed via five miles of clearly marked trails at Nassau County’s Natural History Museum. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Hours are Thursday through Sunday form 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more here tackapausha.com.