School’s Out: Things To Do This Winter Recess

By Haley Pereyo
info@longislandergroup.com

With school out for President’s Day and Winter Recess, kids can run wild, and there are plenty of places across the Town of Huntington for them to keep busy, and keep parents less stressed.

Kids can participate in several creative workshops at Vanderbilt Education Center in Centerport next week

Creative Workshops at Vanderbilt Education Center
(180 Little Neck Road, Centerport)
Feb. 19-21, 10 a.m.-12 noon
Cost: $20 non-members, $18 members

The Vanderbilt Education Center will be hosting three creative workshops throughout the week. On Monday, Feb. 19 kids in grades K-4 can participate in the self-portrait workshop, and learn about the Vanderbilt family while touring the mansion to look at their portraits. On Tuesday, Feb. 20, kids in grades K -4 can learn about the Vanderbilt Cup and William K. Vanderbilt’s love for racing, and even get to make a model car at the Vanderbilt Cup workshop. On Wednesday, Feb. 21, preschool children ages 3-4, with an adult, can learn about birds and make a piece of art out of a repurposed water bottle in the penguins workshop.

Fun, Hands-on Activities For All ages at Cold Spring Harbor
Fish Hatchery & Aquarium (1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor)
Feb. 19-23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium will host a variety of events throughout the week. On Feb. 19, make snow that won’t melt during the Winter Wonderland event from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. On Feb. 20-21, bring a warm pair of mittens and make ice cream at the make-your-own homemade ice cream station. On Feb. 22-23, make slime and learn why slime is so important for animals with the slippery, slimy science station.

There will be a birthday party for none other than George Washington at The Whaling Museum on Feb. 19.

George Washington’s Birthday at The Whaling Museum and Education Center
(279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor)
Feb. 19, 1-2 p.m.; 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $12 (ages 5+; includes piece of cake)

Kids can come to The Whaling Museum and Education Center to celebrate George Washington’s Birthday on Feb. 19. They can also learn about the importance of Long Island’s whaling industry back in the day, see a real whale oil lamp and make a punched metal art project. And since it is a birthday party, enjoy a slice of cake!

Winter Break With The Historical Society at various locations in Huntington
Feb. 20-22, 9:30 a.m.-12 noon
$30 per class (members), $35 (non-members); $55/$60 for two classes; $80/$85 three

The Huntington Historical Society will welcome kids in grades 1-6 for a trio of activities next week. First, on Tuesday, Feb. 20, the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I will be recognized at the Soldiers & Sailors building (228 Main St.) with artifacts from the era on display, and a peak at the memorial plaque outside. Kids will also have the chance to meet local veterans, and make a gas mask, toy parachute and medal. Then, on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at Conklin Barn (2 High St.), kids can dive into the wonderful world of weaving. Using one of four shaft looms, kids will weave a doll and can take home a piece of their very own hand woven fabric. Lastly, on Thursday, Feb. 22, also at Conklin Barn, kids can explore the Victorian Era with some of its lesser known pastimes, such as phrenology, fortunetelling and more. Each class runs 9:30-12 noon. Space is limited. Call Rob Dickson at 631-427-7045 ext. 404 for more info, or to register.

The Victorian Era will be alive and well at the Walt Whitman Birthplace next week during an old-fashioned tea party for kids

Kids’ Dreamcatcher & Tea Party at Walt Whitman Birthplace
(246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station)
Feb. 21, 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $12 per child (age 5+) for one program; $20 for both

The Walt Whitman Birthplace Historic Site will be hosting two programs for kids during winter recess. From 1-2:30 p.m. on Feb. 21, learn about how Native American children made dream catchers, and make one to take home and hang in a special place. Then, from 2:30-4 p.m., enjoy a Victorian Tea Party. During this program, kids will learn social skills, and even how to properly hold and cut with a fork and knife. Kids are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal or doll, or to just come and meet new friends. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. These are “drop-off” programs - parents are invited to stay and browse current exhibits while children are participating.

The Seuss-ical world will come alive at John W. Engeman Theater in Northport with showings of “Dr. Seuss’ The Cat In the Hat” running through Marc 4.

“Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat” at John W. Engeman Theater
at Northport (250 Main St., Northport)
Shows through March 4
Tickets start at $15

Spend the day at the theater! Head down to the John W. Engeman Theater to see the cast of “Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat” bring to life the Seuss-ical world. There will be showings on select Saturdays and Sundays through March 4. For the full schedule, or to buy tickets (starting at $15), log on to Engemantheater.com.