Main entrance to the Children's Museum from the parking lot.
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Long Island Children's Museum

4.5
·2k reviews·Garden City, United States

Former airplane hangar turned vibrant museum with hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
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Main entrance to the Children's Museum from the parking lot.

Long Island Children's Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Former airplane hangar turned vibrant museum with hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"A fantastic day and experience! Fun learning & playing at the same time."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎒 Pack a change of clothes

Essential for the water play area and sand/dirt zones! Kids get wet and messy.

👟 Wear comfy shoes

You'll be doing a lot of exploring across two floors and the backyard.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 2,318 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

H2OH! Water Play

H2OH! Water Play

Indoor water exhibit

Splash and play in a fun, interactive water zone. Perfect for cooling off on a hot day!

Tot Spot

Tot Spot

Dedicated area for under 4s

A safe and engaging space designed for toddlers and very young children to explore.

Theater Shows

Theater Shows

Museum theater

Entertaining and educational performances that captivate both kids and adults.

Outdoor Exploration

Outdoor Exploration

Backyard area

Features a sand pit and dirt dig area, offering hands-on outdoor fun.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Plan Your Visit

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to maximize your time and enjoy exhibits with fewer people. Consider visiting on weekdays if possible. The museum is housed in a former airplane hangar, so it can get lively!

Pack Smart for Playtime

Bring a change of clothes, especially for the water play area and sand/dirt zones. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring both indoor and outdoor spaces. Snacks are allowed, but the cafeteria can be pricey.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (post-lunch)
Why
Tour groups may thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (early)
Why
Experience the buzz, arrive early
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Best day exploring at the Long Island Children’s Museum!! . #fieldtripday #fieldtrips #kindergarten #inspiretheirearlyyears #earlychildhoodeducation #playingislearning #iteachk #kindergartenteacher #kinder #teachersofinstagram #stemforkids #stemeducation
kindergartencreations
54 likes • 1.2K views

🎒 Pack a change of clothes

Essential for the water play area and sand/dirt zones! Kids get wet and messy. Reddit

👟 Wear comfy shoes

You'll be doing a lot of exploring across two floors and the backyard. Reddit

Long Island Children's Museum ❤️ Part 3 #LICM
insane_mom2020
14 likes • 352 views
video so long I can’t post the rest ! #childrenmuseum #fyp #viral #content
laila_the_diva
124 likes • 7.6K views

🍎 Bring snacks or lunch

The cafeteria has vending machines, but they can be pricey. Reddit

⏰ Arrive early on weekends

To beat the biggest crowds and enjoy exhibits more peacefully. Reddit

reddit.com

New to garden city, help!

Hi, I moved to Garden City recently and have a toddler...I heard the Westbury library is a great place for a little outing. Do I need to sign up for a library card and is that even our library? Any reviews? Also, there's a small park about 10 mins away but parking has a sign…

Tips

from all over the internet

🎒 Pack a change of clothes

Essential for the water play area and sand/dirt zones! Kids get wet and messy. Reddit

👟 Wear comfy shoes

You'll be doing a lot of exploring across two floors and the backyard. Reddit

🍎 Bring snacks or lunch

The cafeteria has vending machines, but they can be pricey. Reddit

⏰ Arrive early on weekends

To beat the biggest crowds and enjoy exhibits more peacefully. Reddit

📅 Check for special events

The museum hosts themed events and shows year-round. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Long Island Children's Museum for its engaging, hands-on exhibits that cater to a wide age range, especially younger children. The staff are frequently mentioned as being friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall experience. It's a popular spot for educational fun and memorable family outings.

"This was a fantastic day and experience! Dedicated area for kids under 4, but they were still welcome and avke to interact everywhere else with only a few exceptions!!
My Grandson (18 months old) had a terrific time !!! All staff members were helpful and great at interacting with kids. They had many staff available to help and, it seemed, to be noting what was a highly interacted with exhibit as well as things that need a polishing up.

They do themed events during the year and they are getting ready for winter celebrations ! There was a great deal of educational content as well, not just play zones.

Bring a lunch or snacks, there is a cafeteria where you can eat, which has a couple of vending machines, but they are pricey."

Lisa Walker

"I’m the grandmother celebrating my granddaughter’s 4th birthday. Parents and children had a blast. It’s fun learning & playing at the same time. The 2 hosts were very attentive to the needs of everyone. They decorated, supervised activities, served food and cleaned up. They allowed everyone to enjoy themselves and my daughter hardly did anything. Very nice children birthday venue."

Dina calhoun

"I love going to the LICM. Everyone who works here is so lovely and sweet. It is always a pleasant experience! There's always a new interesting exhibit or show to check out.
And the permanent exhibits never get old and never fail to disappoint. 🫧🥁🎶🌊⛱️ My child loves the backyard and the H2OH! play area. It's a great place to stay cool on a hot summer day. 🌞
My favorite thing to check out at this museum are the theater shows. They are entertaining for both parents and children! And pretty much phenomenal in my opinion❣️
I can't wait for what's next in store."

Susan

What People Like

Interactive exhibits
Friendly staff
Water play area

What People Dislike

Cafeteria prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530. It's accessible by car, with parking available. Public transportation options include the LIRR to the nearby Westbury or Garden City stations, followed by a short taxi or rideshare. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available at the museum. It can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Yes, you can take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Westbury or Garden City stations. From there, a short taxi or rideshare will get you to the museum. TikTok

For families with toddlers, driving directly to the museum is often the most convenient option, allowing you to bring strollers and all necessary gear. Reddit

The museum is generally stroller-friendly, with ramps and elevators to access different levels. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the most current rates. Members often receive free admission. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for weekends or special events, is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Keep an eye on their website for potential discounts, group rates, or special promotions. Membership offers the best value for frequent visitors. Reddit

Opening hours can vary by season and day of the week. It's crucial to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. Reddit

Some special exhibits or theater shows might have an additional fee or require separate timed tickets. Always check the museum's schedule and ticketing information. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the H2OH! water play area, the Tot Spot for younger children, the interactive backyard with sand and dirt zones, and the engaging theater shows. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The Tot Spot is specifically designed for children under 4, but most exhibits are accessible and engaging for this age group. Reddit

Kids can engage in hands-on play, explore water exhibits, dig in sand and dirt, enjoy theater performances, and participate in various educational activities. TikTokReddit

While many exhibits cater to younger children, the interactive nature of the displays and special events can still be engaging for older kids. TikTok

Comfortable clothing and shoes are highly recommended, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and playing. Be prepared for potential water play! Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own lunch and snacks. There is a cafeteria area where you can eat your packed meals. Reddit

Yes, the museum has a cafeteria that offers a selection of food and drinks, along with vending machines. Reddit

The cafeteria typically offers a range of options, but it's always a good idea to check their current menu. Bringing your own healthy snacks is also a great option. Reddit

Garden City and Westbury offer various dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants, a short drive from the museum. Reddit

Some visitors have noted that the cafeteria and vending machine prices can be a bit pricey. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, personal photography and videography for non-commercial use are allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas. TikTok

Some exhibits might have specific restrictions on photography, especially if they involve delicate artifacts or performances. Look for signage. TikTok

The H2OH! water play area, the colorful exhibits, and the outdoor backyard offer great photo opportunities. The theater shows can also make for dynamic shots. TikTokInstagram

Personal social media content is usually fine, but for professional or commercial filming, you'll likely need to contact the museum for permission and guidelines. TikTok

Weekday mornings or early afternoons often have softer lighting and fewer crowds, making for better photo opportunities. Reddit

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