We've rounded up the top 7 kids' events on Long Island this October, including an autism-friendly movie screening of Frankenweenie, Thrill the World @ Islip, and fun family shows, plus tons of great Halloween events!
Sensory-Friendly Screening: Frankenweenie
Oct. 13
Children with autism and their families can view the new Disney film Frankenweenie in a sensory-friendly environment where lights are up, sound is down, and kids can dance, walk, shout, and sing. Screenings take place at: AMC Lowes Nassau Metroplex 10 in Levittown; AMC Lowes Theaters at Stonybrook 17 in Stonybrook; and AMC Loews Shore 8 in Huntington.
Heckscher State Park, East Islip
Oct. 14
As many as three million Americans may have Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that usually strikes in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood and lasts a lifetime. Help the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Long Island chapter raise money for research when you join its Walk to Cure Diabetes, a 3-mile family-friendly walk at Heckscher State Park.
Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington
Oct. 14
Kids will get a dose of culture at the Heckscher Family Hour: A Colorful Celebration. Museum educator Tami Wood will give a family-friendly tour of the museum’s exhibit, Absorbed by Color: Art in the 20th Century, and encourage a conversation about the art followed by hands-on gallery projects. The activity is appropriate for toddlers and elementary-aged children. Registration is recommended, as space is limited.
Halloween may not be an official holiday, but try telling that to the millions of children (and adults) who start thinking about their costumes on Nov. 1—of the year before. If you’re ready for some spooky fun, we highly suggest checking out The Rise of the Jack O’ Lanterns at Old Westbury Gardens as well as these family-friendly events. Then head to nymetroparents.com/halloween for a cauldron full of Halloween tips and treats, plus tons of giveaways!
Nassau County Museum of Art, Roslyn Harbor
Oct. 20
Exhibition: Marc Chagall features works by the celebrated artist who tells stories through his paintings, often about his childhood village in Russia. Chagall’s pieces introduce a world where people and animals—cows, goats, donkeys, horses, and birds—defy the laws of gravity and float upside down or sideways. In Discover Chagall’s Childhood World, families will visit the exhibition, interact with animals in a special petting zoo, and collaborate on pastel drawings that represent their own neighborhoods.
Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City
Oct. 21
Periphery Theatre of Madrid Spain presents Guyi-Guyi, a humorous play about a crocodile raised by ducks that teaches kids a valuable life lesson. Join Guyi-Guyi on his journey as he follows his instincts and learns how to be a “good” crocodile.
Brookwood Hall Park, East Islip
Oct. 27
Now in its third year, Thrill the World @ Islip will join with similar events across the globe to attempt to break the world record for the largest simultaneous Thriller dance while raising money for local, national, and international charities. Show your support and watch as dozens of people of all ages dance to Michael Jackson’s spooky song. The Long Island Flash Mob Organization will make an appearance as well. Some of the charities slated to benefit from the proceeds include the ASPCA, Sierra Club, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, and Island Harvest, Long Island’s largest food pantry. Those who would like to participate in the dance should sign up by Oct. 12 on the website.
(In photo: A little rain didn’t deter the 72 “zombies” who participated in last year’s dance.)
John W. Engeman Theater, Northport
Weekends in October
Anyone who loves the books of Dr. Seuss should find time to see Seussical, a musical that joins many of the author’s most popular characters in one adventure that takes them from the Jungle of Nool to New York City. The Engeman's Youth Theater program is sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union.
More Fun
Find pick-your-own pumpkin patches and farms in Long Island and beyond
Search for even more fun family activities in our full calendar of events
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