The Bellmore Family Street Festival has carnival rides and plenty more fun for kids. Photo by author

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Enjoy the beauty of the season with a fall foliage walk on one of Long Island's beautiful trails. Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island

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Spooky Fest at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning celebrates the Halloween season with scary and non-scary attractions for all ages. Photo courtesy of CSTL

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GUIDE

LI Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2025

Take a bite out of the large, juicy apples at Lewin Farms. Photo by Gina Massaro

Apple Picking on Long Island: Best Apple Farms and Apple Festivals for Kids in 2025

Families can celebrate Long Island's agricultural heritage at the Hallockville Museum Farm Country Fair. Photo by author

23 Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids September 2025, From Mommy Poppins Editors

Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.

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Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026

The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader

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Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.

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Xplore Family Fun Center's birthday parties include pizza, drinks, and arcade cards. Photo by the author

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Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills

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Long Island Summer Camp Guide

Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.

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Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit

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Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP

Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island

Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins

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Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro

Top Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors

The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel

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Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall

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Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author

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A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon

Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids

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Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author

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Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.

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Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM

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Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the eastern seaboard. Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island

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Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels

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Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.

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Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM

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Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com

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Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

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Celebrate the first weekend of fall at Sands Point Preserve's Fall Fun Fest with tons of hands-on, kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the venue

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Best Polar Express Train Rides & Christmas Trains in Los Angeles

Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. Photo courtesy of the train

10/25/24 - By Kylie Williams

'Tis the season for Polar Express train rides or Christmas trains! Los Angeles has plenty of holiday magic waiting on the rails, from a staple in Griffith Park to a movie-like adventure on the SoCal Polar Express. So, put on those matching family PJs and get ready to sing some carols, hear a story, and chow down on Christmas cookies, while embracing the holiday spirit. Kiddos may even get the chance to hand over those wish lists to Santa Claus in person.

There are seats available (so far!) on the Christmas train rides below that take place from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas. Reserve your spot ASAP because Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast.

Get in the holiday spirit with the best neighborhood holiday lights in Los Angeles, take your Christmas card to the next level with LA-only photo ops with Santa, and visit our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families for more holiday adventures.