When it rains, these places pour out the fun. Looking for a great rainy day activity on Long Island? We listed ten things to do when your outdoor plans get washed out.
Experience the Cradle of Aviation Museum
The Cradle of Aviation Museum offers history and fun for kids of all ages. There are hundreds of exhibits, a full dome planetarium, and there’s always new exhibits or events happening. Location: Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, (516) 572-4111.
The Mall
We don’t have to tell you that Long Island is known for its many malls. You probably grew up hanging out in one. From Roosevelt Field to Smith Haven there are plenty of malls to peruse, take a walk, or grab some eats at the food court.
Catch a Flick
Again, a no-brainer when it comes to a rainy day activity. Sure, you can veg on the couch with remote in hand but there is still something special about seeing a blockbuster movie on the big screen with a bunch of strangers while munching on a giant bucket of buttery popcorn. Take in a movie at a locally owned theater like PJ Cinemas or go to one of the giant megaplexes and recline in a comfy chair with food orders delivered right to your seat like at the AMC Dine-in theater in Levittown.
Indoor Sports
There are plenty of options here. Want to golf? Try out Birdies in Patchogue where the whole family can rent a golf simulator bay and try one of over 150 courses. Or go with friends to enjoy some cocktails while you putt. If hitting targets with sharp objects is your thing then why not try out one of these ax throwing or archery ranges.
Open Space Fun at Social Play Haus
Social Play Haus is a fresh and innovative take on the traditional child –centered play space. This one of a kind, modern event space was created with both children and adults in mind. The open concept environment allows families to play, eat and lounge together in a relaxed, nonjudgmental setting. Their space features games and activities for the entire family which encourage positive social interactions and allow parents to talk, lounge and share stories. They feature mid-century pieces and repurposed industrial materials creating a hip and retro vibe. Parents can enjoy a handcrafted latte or choose a drink from their selection of local craft beer and wine while watching over the little ones. Location: 200 Express Street, Plainview.
Liddle Bites Play Cafe For the Wee Ones
Liddle Bites is a uniquely styled play space for kids.with a boutique feel, known for their Life Size Doll House and indoor play space with imaginative play houses and shops. Toys and activities for crawlers to children up to age 8 that love imaginative play. Throughout the store there is a full selection of trendy merchandise and toys for sale that compliment the store and services. Plenty of classes and events throughout the year as well as open play sessions.
Battle Space Invaders at an Arcade
If you’re a certain age you might remember spending weekends and after-school pumping endless quarters into the arcade games at places like Time Out in the local mall but it’s hard to find a good arcade room these days. Click here for some places that still feature arcades. Some are for the little kiddies and others are fun for all ages. So next rainy day, plan an arcade adventure and try to beat your all-time high score on Pac-Man.
Discover the Big Blue at the LI Aquarium
The Long Island Aquarium has something for every underwater explorer big or small. Features one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark tank, year-round sea lion shows, African Penguins, Marmosets, touch tanks and more than 100 exhibits including the lavish indoor gardens of a Butterflies, Bugs & Birds Exhibit.
Strike Out at the Bowling Alley
If you haven’t been in a while, it’s time to put your multicolored shoes on and get yourself back to the alley to strike ten. Below we list just five places you can go to bowl.
- Port Jeff Bowl - Local bowling alley with everything you need to have a great time with friends and family. Location: 31 Chereb Lane, Port Jefferson Station, (631) 473-3300.
- Strike 10 Lanes - Strike 10 Lanes Deer Park brings a bold new look and attitude to bowling. There’s Glo Bowl every Friday and Saturday night and Strike 10 Lanes Deer Park is a participant in the Kids Bowl. Location: 849 Long Island Avenue, Deer Park, (631) 667-7750.
- Woodmere Lanes - Woodmere Lanes has been a staple in the Five Towns community for fifty years. Open daily, it offers entertainment for the whole family. If you build up an appetite, there's a large menu of tasty treats to choose from. Locations: 948 Broadway, Woodmere, (516) 374-9870.
- Ultra Lanes Massapequa Bowl - Location: 4235 Merrick Road Massapequa, (516) 541-8000.
Get in the Speed Zone With Slot Car Racing
Feel the need for speed on this rainy day? Check out slot car racing. In Suffolk head to Port Jeff Raceway (which is actually in Ronkonkoma) and in Nassau try Slots-a-Lot in Franklin Square.
Bonus: Splash in a Puddle
Weren't expecting that one were you? Why not go outside and get your booties a little wet? It’s fun and you probably have a puddle nearby today!