Long Island Children's Museum
The Long Island Children's Museum (LICM) in Garden City is the Nassau-side family museum anchor for kids ages 3-10. 40,000 sq ft, 14 permanent exhibit galleries, a 144-seat theater for daily kids' performances, daily art + science workshops, and a working sun-deck for outdoor programming.
The Long Island Children’s Museum is the Nassau-side family museum anchor. 40,000 sq ft of hands-on programming designed for ages 3-10, with 14 permanent exhibit galleries, a working theater, and daily art + science workshops. Located in the Museum Row complex in Garden City (alongside the Cradle of Aviation), it’s been the canonical LI rainy-day family destination since 2002.
Practical:
- Hours: Tue-Sun 10-5; closed Mondays except holiday Mondays
- Pricing: $16/person ages 1+; members $130/year for the family
- Age sweet spot: 3-10. Toddlers (1-2) work well too; under-1s are free
- Best time: Tue/Wed mornings (much quieter than weekends)
- Food: Small cafe on-site; many families pack lunch + use the outdoor patio
- Parking: Free, on-site, abundant
- Stroller-friendly: Fully; elevators between floors
Annual programming highlights:
- Summer theater season for kids (daily shows June-August)
- “Maker Days” workshop series (3D printing, robotics for ages 7+)
- Holiday programming (Hanukkah + Christmas + Lunar New Year all featured)