Long Island Children's Museum Offering Fun Columbus Day Activities

Don't just have your kids sit around the house on Columbus Day. Use the time off from school to help them learn some fun and interesting new things.

The Long Island Children’s Museum is taking advantage of the holiday to teach children about navigation tools used by sailors on their nautical adventures this week, providing families with a chance to learn about houses around the world and welcomes a popular musician to its theater.

The Long Island Children's Museum, located at 11 Davis Ave. in Garden City, will be open on Monday, Oct. 10 and offering special programs.

Musical Romp with Steve Weeks -- 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Join Steve Weeks for an interactive family romp filled with music, humor and games. He’ll be performing such favorites as "Kiki Kangaroo," "Someday" and "Don't Nothing Work Around Here No More.” Come prepared to laugh. Come prepared to sing ... and bring those dancing shoes! Steve is coming all the way from the mountains of Colorado to be with us, so come hike to LICM and sing along with Steve.

Ages: 3 and up. Fee: $7 with museum admission ($5 LICM members), $10 theater only.

I Spy With My Little Eye -- 2 and 4 p.m.

Calling all explorers! A spyglass is a type of telescope used by sailors to help them spot approaching land and other ships. Learn about the history of the spyglass, and create your own toy telescope inspired by this maritime invention!

Ages: 3 and up. Free with museum admission.

The Museum is also offering fun events all week and month.

“Owl” Be Your Friend! -- 2:30 and 4 p.m., Oct. 11 through 14

Create your own friendly owl collage using torn paper and feathers!

All ages. Free with museum admission.

Kids in the Kitchen -- 11:30 a.m., Oct. 14

Each week, little chefs will be making easy, yummy and kid-friendly snack (cookies, mini pizzas, etc.) that they make from start to finish. Helping in the kitchen is a great learning tool as children practice measuring ingredients, following directions and building their vocabulary. Join us as we mix things up in the kitchen to stir an interest in kitchen creativity and healthy eating.

Ages 3-5. Fee: $5 with museum admission.

Messy Afternoons -- 33:30-5 p.m., Oct. 15 and 16

We’ll be up to our elbows in oobleck, clean mud and slime -- and we hope you’ll join us for the type of artistic activities that everyone loves, but not one likes to clean-up after. Except us!

Ages: 18 months to 4 years. Free with museum admission.

Traveling Exhibit: Your House, My House -- Open through January

Your House, My House takes visitors on a fantastic journey into the homes of people around the world – no passport or luggage required! See how culture, climate, tradition and geography influence the way a house is built. The bilingual (English/Spanish) exhibit includes four themed areas allowing visitors to design, build and visit homes; large (walk-in) houses, small houses, floating houses and even houses that pack and up and go with a family, called a ger. Explore interior elements such as furniture, cooking utensils, games and musical instruments to gain insights into how lifestyle and culture are reflected in homes. Local exhibit support provided by Astoria Bank .

All ages. Free with museum admission.

Community Gallery: Arts Alive LI -- Through Oct. 30

Artists ranging in age from pre-K to high school were asked to use “the arts” – visual, performing and media arts as inspirations for poster designs for Celebrate Arts Month. The posters on display in this exhibition represent winning entries in each of three age categories: pre-K - Grade 2; Grades 3 – 6; Grades 7 – 12.

All ages. Free with museum admission.

All activities will be held at the Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Museum hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most school holidays. Museum admission: $13 for adults and children over 1 year old, $12 seniors, FREE to museum members and children under 1 year old. Additional fees for theater and special programs may apply. For additional information, call 516-224-5800.

Photo: Long Island Children's Museum.