Weekend family fun on Long Island: Groundhog Day, Peter Max, 'Little Mermaid' and more
Kids can join in on a scavenger hunt and craft event with Sweetbriar Sam, the resident groundhog at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014. Credit: Sweetbriar Nature Center
Looking for things to do with the kids this weekend? From groundhogs to Disney mermaids, Peter Max and more, there's plenty of activities happening on Long Island. Here are my top five picks for family-friendly activities this weekend:
Sweetbriar Groundhog at Sweetbriar Nature Center (62 Eckernkamp Dr., Smithtown). On Sunday from 1-3 p.m., families can go on a scavenger hunt to discover the whereabouts of Sweetbriar's groundhog Sam, then create a groundhog craft. Price: $6.
Ovations Dance Repertory Company: Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts (71 E. Main St., Patchogue). Set in a magical underwater kingdom, this children's production follows Ariel, a beautiful young mermaid who longs to leave her ocean home behind and live in the world above on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Price: $14-$20.
Peter Max Family Day at Nassau County Museum of Art (1 Museum Dr., off Northern Blvd., Roslyn Harbor). Children can take part in Peter Max's art contest (download the drawing from the museum's website before you go) and learn about his life as an artist. Price: $8 family materials fee.
Celebrate Groundhog Day at Maritime Explorium (101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson). Create your own shadow puppets and learn to make them dance on Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Price: $5.
Primitive Pursuits: Weekend Winter Wilderness Explorers at Manor Plains Nature Park (93 Manor Rd., Huntington). On Sunday from noon-3 p.m., children ages 7-11 will build shelters, play games, create a craft with natural materials, make fire from friction, search for animal tracks and more. Price: $30; registration is required.
