NEWSLETTER
Dinosaurs, Art, STEM, Theater & Waterplay — All at Affordable Prices
Garden City, N.Y. - This summer, Long Island Children's Museum invites families to dive into a world of daily discoveries with exciting activities ranging from dinosaur explorations to creative art projects, STEM challenges and interactive theater performances. The Museum's programming calendar is designed for families seeking enriching, hands-on activities to keep kids engaged and entertained throughout the summer. LICM offers a welcoming space where parents and children can explore, learn and create together — providing activity options to keep kids engaged all summer long.
Kids can become Citizen Scientists by studying butterflies in our Milkweed Garden, listen to bird songs, dig into the Mud Kitchen, explore composting and learn about water in the H2OH! area. With pollinator-friendly plants, a Three Sisters Garden, and endless ways to engage the senses, Our Backyard is the perfect place for families to connect with nature and each other while discovering the wonders right outside our doors.
"Every day at LICM is a new adventure! From digging into dinosaurs to making a splash in our water play area, we've packed the summer with hands-on fun for curious kids and their grown-ups," says LICM President Erika S. Floreska. "Our ever-changing programs mean there's always something fresh to explore — and with affordable options, families can enjoy a summer full of discovery without breaking the bank. It's the perfect way to spend time together, spark imaginations, and make some seriously joyful memories."
Adventures Await:
- Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Adventures: Meet real paleontologist Dr. Mike D'Emic during "Ponder with a Paleontologist" (July 10) to learn about fossil excavation, touch real fossils, and hear stories of his latest discoveries. Join "Unbox a Saurus for Us" theater shows where characters unveil a never-before-seen dinosaur in this highly interactive scientific comedy (Premieres July 23).
- Art and Creative Workshops: Dive deep into creativity with the weekly ArtVentures series, where young artists explore different materials like watercolors, clay and recycled materials while learning techniques such as printmaking, collage and photography. From Sweet Dream Pillowcase decorating sessions to puppet-making in Brown Bag Buddies, Bubble Magic sessions exploring bubble science and watercolor workshops — every week brings new artistic adventures and techniques to master.
- STEM Experiments and Nature Studies: Explore with the Green Teens in weekly "STEM Explorers" programs, sponsored by National Grid, visitors can become citizen scientists as they study monarch butterflies in the Milkweed Garden, create flying pterodactyls and test them in a wind tube, and build Columbia command modules for space exploration.
- Educational Play Experiences: Join "From the Museum Store to Your Playroom Floor" sessions on Monday, July 7 and 14, where LICM's resident play experts guide families through hands-on exploration of carefully curated educational toys, puzzles, building kits, and board games designed to support creativity, problem-solving, and early learning development.
- Early Childhood Programs: Weekly "Music and Movement" classes with creative exercises and interactive sing-alongs, and specialized early childhood programs, age-appropriate "Pop Tots" multi-sensory art experiences designed to promote socialization and support toddlers' cognitive and creative development, plus "Little Learners Art Lab" workshops introducing hands-on materials and artistic inspiration. These workshops are best for children under 5 years of age.
Special Summer Highlights:
- From Fire to Water: Mishoon Arrival Ceremony (June 30): LICM kicks off its summer programming with a special cultural celebration as Indigenous leaders from Long Island—including Shinnecock Cultural Steward Chenae Bullock, members of the Shinnecock Boys & Girls Club, as well as members of the Montauk, Unkechaug, Setelacott and Matinencock Nations—present a traditional mishoon (dugout canoe) to the Museum. Enjoy drumming, dancing, and the ceremonial gifting that honors Indigenous maritime traditions. This event offers a first look at the mishoon, a key artifact of the new Saltwater Stories exhibit opening in October. Families can enjoy hands-on activities and sample traditional Native foods. Come celebrate heritage, community and connection to Long Island’s waterways!
- Honey Hoopla (August 16): A full-day celebration for World Honey Bee Day, exploring the fascinating world of bees, their anatomy, and contributions to our planet. Learn about beekeeping, create bee crafts, and sample different types of honey in this bee-amazingly comprehensive experience. In the LICM Theater, The Beezy County Fair is coming up, and it's time to find out who will win the trophy for the Best Honey of the Year. Audiences will get to buzz along as the Theater brings the story to life!
- AdvoKids Special Events:
- International Day of Friendship (July 27): Celebrate kindness and friendship while making friendship bracelets.
- National Wellness Month (August 10): Learn about mental wellness and create fret dolls to share worries with during this important conversation about emotional health.
- Back-to-School Preparation: Help scholars with the transition back to school by creating customized pencil pouch workshops as summer winds down, helping kids show off their personal style.
Daily Programming Extras: Every day features special themed crafts — "Ice Cream Dream" crafts in July (2:30 to 4 p.m.) and "Peace of Art" activities in August (2:30 to 4 p.m.), ensuring there's always something extra to create and take home.
Summer Tip:
LICM's membership program offers exceptional value for families who want to make learning a year-round adventure. Starting at just $100, memberships include:
- Unlimited visits throughout the year
- Exclusive "Members Only Hours" (9-10 a.m. on select days) for a quieter museum experience
- Special member pricing on fee-based programs
- Try-before-you-buy option: Apply your general admission ticket cost toward a membership purchase.
Visit Information: LICM is open daily from June 30 through August 31 (closed July 4th only). Most programs are drop-in style and free with admission, with select specialized workshops requiring a small additional fee. To skip the line and guarantee your spot, purchase tickets online at www.licm.org. Mondays offer the best experience, as no group visits are scheduled, providing more relaxed access to exhibits and programs.
Supporting Partners: LICM's summer programming is made possible through partnerships with Bank of America (Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed exhibit and programming), National Grid (STEM Explorers), and Fourleaf Federal Credit Union (AdvoKids series).
About the Long Island Children’s Museum (www.licm.org)
The mission of Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) is to connect all our communities’ children, and those who care for them, to a life of wonder, imagination and exploration. At LICM, children discover their passions and their relationship to the world we share. The 40,000-square-foot museum serves over 300,000 children and adults annually. The private, not-for-profit institution chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, offers museum-based educational programs and cultural experiences, as well as an extensive community outreach program offered in schools, libraries and youth centers across Long Island.
Recognized with several honors, including the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), LICM is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the gold standard of museum excellence. It is currently the only accredited children’s museum in New York State and is one of only 16 accredited children’s museums nationwide. LICM has earned 4-stars on Charity Navigator and has Platinum Transparency on Candid.
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Photo Caption: From Fire to Water - Explore Indigenous traditions as LICM welcomes a traditional mishoon for inclusion in new exhibit opening in October.
Media Contact:
Maureen P. Mangan
Direct Line: (516) 224-5828