Kid's Museum for Learning and Fun

The Long Island Children's Museum was born in 1989 when a group of parents were discussing the need for a museum suited for children in the style many had seen in their travels across the country. Their goal to "... stimulate a child's natural curiosity and educate them through exploration and play,'' was met when they opened the Children's Museum in 1993. The 5,400 square foot site was a donation from the local energy company and at the time featured only five hands-on exhibits. Once the museum attracted children, they would determine if it was worth expanding.

Met by more than 25,000 people in the museum's first four months in operation, they knew it was a success. Expansion plans began almost immediately and the search for a new location was on. Construction started on the new facility in 2000 and took two years to complete. There are now 14 interactive exhibits, three classroom learning studios, a 145 seat theater, and indoor and outdoor gallery space at the museum.

The museum provides both hands-on learning through its exhibits and exposure for children to the performing arts. There are numerous programs including daily early childhood program classes, art, science, and music workshops, the Generation to Generation folk art series, and various parenting workshops. Part of the museum's goal is to supplement the learning that occurs in the school system. They have also opened their doors to educational and cultural institutions who may not have it in their budgets to bring children to the space. The KICKstart program features educational experiences for kids, teachers, and families all year long.

Galleries and exhibits include exploration of bubbles, climbing, communication, patterns, and tools. They incorporate science, social studies, language arts, history, fun, and learning into one space and give kids a chance to interact with lessons instead of just reading them or being lectured on them.

The space is also a great destination for children's parties. Party themes are created based on age and feature events for children aged two through five like Tot Spot and Messy Merriment, as well as kids up to 12 years old like Spy School. Parties include activities, access to the museum, and various food packages. Treat can be brought from home, or for an additional fee the museum will provide pizza, juice, and cake with your celebration.

A trip to the museum would be incomplete without a visit to the museum store. Featured at the store are tons of educational toys, divided into categories like arts and crafts, building, nature, music, science, and board games. Prices of the items are listed on the museum's website, so parents will have an idea of how much money to bring along, and what their family can afford prior to a museum visit. You may want to help your child search for a few affordable items online before heading off to the museum. This way they will be excited about realistic souvenirs from their experience.

If you are looking for a fun place where kids can learn and play, head to the Long Island Children's Museum.