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Catch a screening of the original 'Jumanji' at the Cinema Arts Centre on Jan. 12.
PROGRAMS

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Jan. 10 at 9:30 a.m. with hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Adaptations, Hibernation, and Migration

Children ages 7 to 12 are invited to join The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability for Adaptations, Hibernations and Migration, at the Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville on Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Participants will learn about the incredible adaptations animals use to find food, protect themselves, and endure seasonal changes while observing a variety of species like lemurs, zebras, capybaras, and playful goats. $40 per child. To register, visit www.longislandgamefarm.com. 631-878-6644

My Grown Up and Me

Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave., Huntington  & PJ Library present My Grown Up & Me, a program for ages 18 months to 4 years, on Jan. 12 from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Children and a parent or caregiver will enjoy a craft, snacks and storytime. $20 per child. For more info or to RSVP, email: [email protected]. 631-425-5835

Storytime Under the Stars

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its  Storytime Under the Stars series on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. A live narrator at the front of the theater will bring selected picture books to life, with pages projected onto the Planetarium dome so families can enjoy the illustrations and follow along. Between stories, an astronomy educator will explore seasonal constellations visible from here on Long Island. All children are invited to wear their comfiest pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Admission is $8 per person, $6 members. Register at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Jan. 13 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Amazing Amphibians

As part of its Pollywog Adventures series, Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor presents Amazing Amphibians on Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. Children ages 2 to 5 will enjoy an indoor activity, craft, story and then head outside (weather permitting) to feed trout. $20 fee includes admission for the day for one child and one adult. Pre-registration required at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

Moon Myths

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Moon Myths, on Jan. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 will enjoy short walks, story time, animal visitors, and crafts with a parent/caregiver. $4 per child. Reservations taken on eventbrite.com.

THEATER

‘Frozen Jr’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Jan. 18 to Feb. 23. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Tickets are $25 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Hansel and Gretel’

Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off the new year with Hansel and Gretel from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8 with a sensory friendly performance on Jan. 26. Go into the woods for an outrageous adventure with the world’s most famous brother-and-sister team, Hansel and Gretel. A feeble father, a wicked stepmother, and a well-meaning if misguided witch add up to hilarious hijinx. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Frozen Jr’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport kicks off the new year with a production of Frozen Jr. from Jan. 25 to March 2. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

FILM

‘Jumanji’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Jumanji on Jan. 12 at noon. When young Alan Parrish discovers a mysterious board game, he doesn’t realize its unimaginable powers, until he is magically transported before the startled eyes of his friend, Sarah, into the untamed jungles of Jumanji! Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children. www.cinemaartscentre.org

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

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METRO photo

Overwhelmed by the thought of having to pick the best preschool for your child? Emma Clark Library’s Preschool Fair is back on Saturday, January 11 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.  This is a great opportunity to speak informally with many local preschools all in one room, ask questions, and help narrow down your search and choose which schools you’d like to tour.  This event has no registration and is open to the public.

Representatives from preschools in Three Village and the surrounding area will be at the event, including

– Children’s Community Head Start
– Faith Preschool
– Harbor Country Day School 
– Kiddie Academy
– Laurel Hill School
– North Shore Montessori
– Our Savior New American School
– Play Groups School
– Setauket Presbyterian Preschool
– Smithtown Nursery School

Emma Clark Library is located at 120 Main Street in Setauket. For more information, email [email protected] or call 631-941-4080 ext. 123.

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Photo courtesy of StatePoint

What are TikTok’s privacy settings? Can parents control what advertising their children see on Facebook? How do parents limit the amount of time their children spend on Instagram?

A new parent tool, the Glossary of Digital Media Platforms, offers the answers and will be handy for parents of children trying out new phones or other tech-related holiday gifts. The American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health developed the free resource, which contains detailed information on popular digital platforms, including Apple, Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok and X, with more to come.

“Parenting around media can be so challenging,” said Jenny Radesky, MD, FAAP, co-medical director of the Center of Excellence. “Figuring out what apps and settings are best for your family is an important part of the conversation. At the center, we created the Glossary of Digital Media Platforms to make it a little easier for parents to learn about each app and figure out what settings and tools exist to keep their kid safe while connecting online.”

Users click on a platform to learn about its default and customizable safety settings; messaging and friending controls; screen-time management settings; parental controls and more.

Parents aren’t the only ones looking for assistance when it comes to the online world. Pediatric providers, teachers and others who work with children and teens can introduce the glossary briefly during clinic visits, back-to-school nights, in newsletters, or other communications and encourage families to have conversations about safe and balanced relationships with social media. The tool can also facilitate conversations on concepts like private versus public accounts, time limits and how to block or filter upsetting content.

Here are some examples of how the glossary can be used:

• If children have iPhones, parents can learn more about the Family Sharing feature, which includes settings to limit who a child can contact, downtime/do-not-disturb settings and the Ask To Buy option that requires a parent to approve purchases.

• If social media and notifications are distracting teens at night, families can use the glossary to look up apps and how to silence notifications or activate other nighttime settings.

• For teens who are stressed out by negative content on social media feeds, the glossary contains information on tools to curate feeds and block and filter content.

• If a child’s school has a phone policy, families can look up device or app settings to silence distracting apps during school hours.

The glossary joins a roster of resources available at Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, which includes conversation starters for parents concerned about how their children are using social media. The center’s activity cards can help young children build healthy relationships with media and their devices before they grow into teens and young adults.

Megan Moreno MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP, co-medical director of the Center of Excellence, urges parents and other adults to avoid taking a doom-and-gloom approach when talking about the sometimes-dangerous social media landscape with kids.

“We can give ourselves grace for these initial reactions of worry and fear, but we have a choice to make on what we want our reaction to be going forward,” Dr. Moreno said. “We can choose open-mindedness. We can choose curiosity. We can choose evidence over hype, and we can stay centered on our children and families.”

Visit the site here.

Source: StatePoint Media

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Photo courtesy of TMB Model Train Club

TMB Model Train Club at the Upper Room Church, 722 Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills hosts a Model Train Show Open House on Saturday, Jan. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 5 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Can’t make it? The club will also hold an open house on Jan. 18 and Feb. 8 from 11 am. to 4 p.m. and Jan. 19 and Feb. 9 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy  multiple trains from prewar to the most modern O gauge trains running at all times. Fun for the whole family. Free admission. For more information, visit www.tmbmodeltrainclub.com

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Create a festive lighthouse at the Whaling Museum on Jan. 2.
PROGRAMS

Holiday Break at the Hatchery

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Holiday Break on Jan. 2. Take part in hatchery tour at 11 a.m., trout feeding demonstrations at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and a live animal encounter at 2 p.m. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Festive Lighthouses

Did you know lighthouses were once lit with whale oil? The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Festive Lighthouses drop-in workshop on Jan. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Design and decorate a unique lighthouse of your own — complete with battery-powered tea light and mini wreath — to light up your home this winter.  Admission fee + $10 participant; $5 member. ​No registration required. 631-367-3418

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Jan. 3 at 9:30 a.m. with hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Snow Globe Workshop

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St.. Cold Spring Harbor for a Snow Globe Workshop on Jan. 3 at noon or 2 p.m. Have you ever wondered how whales stay warm in freezing waters? Celebrate the wonder of whales and other arctic creatures and explore blubber and bones from our collection. Design and create a wintry whale scene inside of a shimmering snow globe-style craft to take home. Admission fee + $10 participant; $5 member. ​No registration required 631-367-3418

Trout Birthday Celebration

Join the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for a Trout Birthday Celebration on Jan. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Meet the hatchery’s baby trout and don’t forget to bring a birthday card! Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on Jan. 6 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

THEATER

‘Frozen Jr’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Jan. 18 to Feb. 23. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Tickets are $25 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Hansel and Gretel’

Theatre Three, 423 Main St., Port Jefferson kicks off the new year with Hansel and Gretel from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8 with a sensory friendly performance on Jan. 26. Go into the woods for an outrageous adventure with the world’s most famous brother-and-sister team, Hansel and Gretel. A feeble father, a wicked stepmother, and a well-meaning if misguided witch add up to hilarious hijinx. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

‘Frozen Jr’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport kicks off the new year with a production of Frozen Jr. from Jan. 25 to March 2. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

FILM

‘Spy Kids’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Spy Kids on Jan. 5 at noon. Nine years ago, top international spies Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez traded the excitement of espionage for the adventure of parenthood. But when they’re called out on a secret mission, the Cortezes are separated from their family and kidnapped by the evil Fegan Floop. Fortunately, there are two people who possess the skills and know-how to reunite the family: Carmen and Juni Cortez, their kids. Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

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Photo courtesy of Urban Air Lake Grove

Urban Air Lake Grove indoor adventure park hosted a “New Year’s Eve at Noon” celebration and balloon drop to ring in the New Year on Dec. 31, thrilling the hundreds of kids and their parents who came out to ring in 2025 twelve hours early.

More than 2,000 multicolored balloons were released from a net more than 30 feet in the air, cascading down where kids hoisted them in the air like trophies and stomped them in a cacophony that sounded like firecrackers. Urban Air Lake Grove gave out hats and noisemakers to complete the festive atmosphere.

“Kids love it, and it’s a way for them to enjoy New Year’s without staying up until midnight,” said Keith Handler, Co-Founder of Urban Air Lake Grove. “It’s our second year doing it. It’s a really good time.”

This is the second year Urban Air Lake Grove has hosted the balloon drop. It celebrated its five year anniversary as Long Island’s tallest indoor adventure park earlier this year.

“We opened in 2019 and have been investing in the park ever since, with new mini go karts and virtual reality,” said Handler. “We love that we’re here and can give back to the community.”

About Urban Air Lake Grove

Urban Air Lake Grove is Long Island’s tallest indoor adventure park! Attractions include the Sky Rider, a zip-line style attraction with a winding track that carries young thrill-seekers flying along 30 feet in the air; a High Ropes obstacle course, Mini-Go Karts, Flash Pads jumping game, Spin Zone bumper cars, and a full set of rock-climbing walls, wall-to-wall trampoline adventures, and Urban Air’s exclusive Urban Warrior Course™ and Battle Beam.  Urban Air Lake Grove is located at 3147 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove, NY 11755. Phone: (631) 861-4125. Follow Urban Air on Facebook and Instagram on @UrbanAirLakeGrove.

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Image from Vanderbilt Museum

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents a special Gesture Drawing children’s workshop with artist Wendy Klemperer on Monday, Dec. 30 from noon to 2 p.m.

Participants will view drawings and sculptures of Klemperer’s exhibition Wrought Taxonomies, practice gestural drawing, and learn about the artistic process of creating sculpture that captures movement and form.

Beth Laxer-Limmer, Director of Education, said, “Working with an artist like Wendy is a rare opportunity for kids who love to draw.  Wendy’s work is wonderfully expressive and serene. Spotting her creatures existing on the property is always thrilling.”

Exclusively for children in grades 5 through 8, the fee is $45, $40 members.

Purchase tickets here.

 

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KEVIN! Catch a screening of ‘Home Alone’ at the Cinema Arts Centre on Dec. 29.
PROGRAMS

Vanderbilt Winter Recess Workshops

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport offers two workshops for winter recess — Bulb Botany & Winter Blooms on Dec. 26 from 10 a.m. to  noon and Solstice Lantern & Planetarium Show on Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. $20 per child, $18 members. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Holiday Break at the Fish Hatchery

Join Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for Holiday Break from Dec. 26 to Jan. 2. Click here for the full schedule. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Festive Lighthouses

Did you know lighthouses were lit with whale oil? The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor hosts a Festive Lighthouses drop-in workshop on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Design and decorate a unique lighthouse of your own — complete with battery-powered tea light and mini wreath — to light up your home this winter.  Admission fee + $10 participant; $5 member. ​No registration required. 631-367-3418

Hanukkah Celebration

Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Global Language Reads, 402 Main St., Port Jefferson with a special Hanukkah event on Dec. 26 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Kids will enjoy crafting menorahs, dreidels, and other holiday symbols, followed by a cozy book reading that shares the story and traditions of Hanukkah. $5 per child. glrbooks.com,  631-314-9080

First Steps in Nature

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown continues its First Steps in Nature series for ages 2 to 4 on Dec. 27 at 9:30 a.m. with hands-on exciting activities, crafts, stories and much more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun. $20 per child. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Magazine Strip Art for Kids 

Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St.. Setauket welcomes children in grades K through 6 to a Magazine Strip Art workshop on Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Make a silhouette decoration out of recycled magazine strips at Emma Clark Library. No registration required. Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected]

Snow Globe Workshop

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St.. Cold Spring Harbor for a Snow Globe Workshop on Dec. 27 and Jan. 3 at noon or 2 p.m. Have you ever wondered how whales stay warm in freezing waters? Celebrate the wonder of whales and other arctic creatures and explore blubber and bones from our collection. Design and create a wintry whale scene inside of a shimmering snow globe-style craft to take home. Admission fee + $10 participant; $5 member. ​No registration required 631-367-3418

Candledipping Workshop

Lighten up! Ignite your creativity, roll up your sleeves, and create your own custom, hand-dipped candle with tinted waxes to take home with you at a drop-in Candledipping Workshop at the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor on Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Design a colorful seashell candleholder for your candle to light up your home this winter! See whale blubber and oil from our collection, which were historically used for illumination. Admission fee + $10 participant; $5 member. ​No registration required 631-367-3418

Gesture Drawing Workshop

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport offers a Gesture Drawing Workshop with artist Wendy Klemperer on Dec. 30 from noon to 2 p.m. Participants will view drawings and sculptures in her exhibition Wrought Taxonomies, practice gestural drawing, and learn about the artistic process of creating sculpture that captures movement and form. For kids in grades 5 to 8 only. Tickets are $45, $40 members at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Nautical New Year

Did you know the New Year’s Eve ball is based on an old nautical timekeeping tradition? Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor on Dec. 31  at 11 a.m. for a countdown to 12 noon, and enjoy festive self-serve crafts all day during gallery hours. Free with museum admission. 631-367-3418

THEATER

‘Barnaby Saves Christmas’

Celebrate the holidays with Barnaby Saves Christmas at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson from Nov. 23 to Dec. 28. Come join Santa, Barnaby, Franklynne and all of their friends for a wonderful holiday treat. As our littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the holiday season. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

‘Frosty’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport celebrates the return of Frosty from Nov. 23 to Dec. 29. Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow. Jenny calls on her Mom, the mayor, and all of you to help her save her home and get Frosty to the North Pole. Tickets are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘Frozen Jr’

Smithtown Performing Arts Center, 2 East Main St., Smithtown presents Frozen Jr. from Jan. 18 to Feb. 23. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Tickets are $25 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Frozen Jr’

The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport kicks off the new year with a production of Frozen Jr. from Jan. 25 to March 2. When faced with danger, princesses Anna and Elsa discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. This enchanting musical features all of the memorable songs from the hit Disney film and will thaw even the coldest heart! All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

FILM

‘Home Alone’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of the holiday classic Home Alone on Dec. 29 at noon. When mischievous 8-year-old Kevin McCallister acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, his mother makes him sleep in the attic. After the McCallisters mistakenly leave for the airport without Kevin, he awakens to an empty house. Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children. www.cinemaartscentre.org

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

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Town of Smithtown Sensory-Friendly Movie Night on Dec. 14
Town of Smithtown Sensory-Friendly Movie Night on Dec. 14
Town of Smithtown Sensory-Friendly Movie Night on Dec. 14
Town of Smithtown Sensory-Friendly Movie Night on Dec. 14
Town of Smithtown Sensory-Friendly Movie Night on Dec. 14
Town of Smithtown Sensory-Friendly Movie Night on Dec. 14
Town of Smithtown Sensory-Friendly Movie Night on Dec. 14

The Town of Smithtown Disability Advisory Board hosted a sensory-friendly movie night on December 14, providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for over 100 Smithtown residents. Designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families, the event featured a screening of Moana 2 in a relaxed and accommodating environment.

“The success of our sensory-friendly movie night speaks to the importance of fostering events that create opportunities for all residents to feel welcome and comfortable … This is just the beginning, and we look forward to hosting more events that bring families and the community together,” said Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo.

Attendees enjoyed the movie with lowered sound, adjusted lighting, and on-screen captions, ensuring a comfortable experience for all. Each participant enjoyed popcorn, beverage, and a sensory bag filled with tactile and fidget items to encourage sensory stimulation, focus, and relaxation.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with families expressing gratitude for the inclusive event and excitement for future programming. Attendees asked about planning a future event. The common sentiment shared by participants, reflects the success and importance of such community-centered initiatives.

The Disability Advisory Board members, who were present to welcome families and ensure a smooth event, were thrilled to see the joy and engagement of residents. The Board’s mission is to promote inclusion, accessibility, and a supportive environment for all individuals throughout the Town of Smithtown.

Disability Advisory Board Members:

  • Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo
  • Cynthia Grimley
  • Lisa Camastro
  • Alyssa Connell
  • Alex Rupp
  • Christopher Peterson
  • Chris O’Connor
  • Mary Greco

The Town of Smithtown Disability Advisory Board remains committed to creating events and programs that prioritize accessibility, awareness, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

For more information on upcoming events or the Disability Advisory Board, please visit the Town of Smithtown’s website or email: [email protected]

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The Northport Historical Society unveiled its Kids Make History Cove on Dec. 15. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
The Northport Historical Society unveiled its Kids Make History Cove on Dec. 15. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
The Northport Historical Society unveiled its Kids Make History Cove on Dec. 15. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
The Northport Historical Society unveiled its Kids Make History Cove on Dec. 15. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
The Northport Historical Society unveiled its Kids Make History Cove on Dec. 15. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
The Northport Historical Society unveiled its Kids Make History Cove on Dec. 15. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
The Northport Historical Society unveiled its Kids Make History Cove on Dec. 15. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
The Northport Historical Society unveiled its Kids Make History Cove on Dec. 15. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
The Northport Historical Society unveiled its Kids Make History Cove on Dec. 15. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
The Northport Historical Society unveiled its Kids Make History Cove on Dec. 15. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli
The Northport Historical Society unveiled its Kids Make History Cove on Dec. 15. Photo by Jennifer Donatelli

By Jennifer Donatelli

The Northport Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 15 at the Northport Historical Society to celebrate the grand opening of its new exhibit, Kids Make History Cove.

With a grant from the Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, the historical society created the year-round exhibit which is both fun and educational for young history enthusiasts. Interior designer and business member Elizabeth Olivier volunteered her time to help design the exhibit.

Using the museum’s educational collection and vintage items such as Victorian-era clothing, a rotary phone, a typewriter and a scale, curator Liz Abrams incorporated historical artifacts to teach visitors about Northport’s history.

Executive Director Terry Reid said she came up with the idea for Kids Make History Cove as a way to teach children about Northport’s history while having fun playing with old-fashioned toys.

“This is enriching for parents as well,” Reid said, “because they can enjoy the museum while the kids play in the new exhibit.”

Paula Pangen, visiting from Austin, Texas, brought her granddaughter Cecilia “CiCi” Collaro, 2, from East Northport to play in the Kids Cove.

“She loved playing with the rotary phone and typewriter,” Pangen said.

Visitors got a special treat when Santa stopped by to read “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and take photos with children. Older kids also joined in the fun by participating in the Elf Scavenger Hunt which had them roaming the gallery to find hidden elves.

Claire Weissman of Northport brought her son, Miles, to see the new exhibit.

“I told Santa I want a Godzilla for Christmas,” Miles exclaimed as he looked for mini elves throughout the museum.

Reid said the scavenger hunt changes with each season and is another way to engage children while teaching them about history.

“They’re getting comfortable in a museum setting and realizing that museums are fun,” Reid explained. “Kids today are very interactive and we wanted to have low-tech toys that are engaging but also allow them to explore on their own.”

Cary Bianculli, director of marketing at the historical society, said the museum is committed to celebrating Northport’s history with its new Northport Notable feature. Each month, the museum will highlight a local historical figure who helped shape the community paired with a special activity for children.

“This month, we’re thrilled to highlight Henry Scudder, a Revolutionary War spy from Northport who played a crucial role in gathering intelligence during the American Revolution,” Reid said.

In honor of Scudder’s adventurous life, the museum is offering a Crack the Code activity where kids can engage in a hands-on game of deciphering secret codes similar to how Washington’s Culper Spy Ring operated to aid the American cause.

Founded in 1962, the Northport Historical Society and Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Northport and its surrounding communities. The museum, located at 215 Main St., houses permanent and rotating exhibits, educational programs and more than 12,000 documents, photos and artifacts that bring Northport’s history to life for residents and visitors alike.

The next Northport Notable will debut in February, featuring Edna Olmsted, a trailblazer who made history as the first woman to drive a car around the globe.

For more information on the monthly Northport Notables and other events, visit www.northporthistorical.org.

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