Weekend Plans? Here’s Your Long Island “Anti-Boredom” Itinerary for Jan 2–4

Let me guess.

It’s the first weekend of January. The holidays are officially over. The decorations are half down, the tree’s shedding like a Golden Retriever in July, and your kids are now on Day 10 asking, “What are we doing today?” every 14 minutes.

Don’t panic. I got you. Whether you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids, hoping to sneak in some culture without anyone noticing, or just need an excuse to leave the house before you throttle someone over Monopoly rules, here’s your Long Island weekend survival guide, Dean Miller style.

🍬 First Up: Lock Yourself in a Candy Shop (Yes, Really)

Let’s start with something sweet — literally. Escape Room: The Sweet Shoppe in Franklin Square is the perfect excuse to trap your family in a faux candy store and make them work together to break out. It’s fun. It’s chaotic. And it’s the only time yelling at your 13-year-old about clues is encouraged. Open all weekend (Jan 2–4), with booking slots from afternoon into the evening, this experience at Challenge Escape Rooms is ideal for families with kids 10 and up, or couples who want to find out who’s better under pressure (hint: it’s probably your spouse).

🎬 Next Stop: A Mini-Concert Without the Arena Prices

Now, if your kids have ever made you endure a car ride full of Kidz Bop bangers (and I know they have), this one’s for them. KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie is playing all weekend at AMC Stony Brook 17, and it’s basically like taking your little ones to a concert… minus the $300 tickets and parking stress. Two showtimes per day, snacks optional (but let’s be honest, they’re not really optional).

🎨 Feeling Fancy? Let’s Get Artsy.

For those of you craving a break from loud music and sugar-fueled escape rooms, let me suggest something elevated (and by that I mean quieter and less sticky).

Start with the Michael Liman Photo-Art Exhibit at the Great Neck Library. This show is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, and it’s a lovely way to stroll through some visually striking work — no decoder ring or sugar rush required.

If you're still feeling the vibe, head over to the Wet Paints Studio Group Art Show at the East Islip Public Library. Yes, it’s literally a group called Wet Paints, and no, you won’t get in trouble if you touch anything — but don’t, please. This show features local artists showing off their skills, and you might just leave inspired enough to pick up a paintbrush (or at least a new print for the dining room).

Looking for one more dose of art before the weekend’s done? The Adler Gallery at Port Washington Library is featuring Rachelle Krieger’s Solo Show, which is as relaxing and beautiful as it sounds. Her nature-inspired works are a reminder that there’s life beyond the group chat and the constant hum of your dryer.

🐳 Whales, Cocoa, and Childhood Joy

Of course, no list is complete without a shoutout to The Whaling Museum & Education Center in Cold Spring Harbor. If you’ve got younger kids (or just want to pretend you’re the type of parent who does educational outings), their “Warm Up on Frosty Fridays” event is chef’s kiss. On Friday, Jan 2, they’re offering free hot cocoa with admission — history and hot chocolate? That’s a win.

🐠 Cap It All Off With Fish Faces and Penguin Waddles

And when all else fails — when everyone’s still restless and you need something with tanks, sea creatures, and guaranteed kid-wowing moments — it’s time to hit the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead.

From sharks to sea lions, this spot is perfect for that “we did something wholesome” feeling before heading back into the reality of laundry, meal prepping, and pretending your house isn’t secretly held together with Amazon boxes and duct tape.

🏁 Final Thought (Before You Cancel Your Weekend Plans and Just Watch Netflix)

Look, you don’t need to hop on a plane or drop thousands of dollars to make real memories right here on Long Island. Whether you’re solving candy shop mysteries, dancing in the aisles at Kidz Bop, sipping cocoa surrounded by harpoons, or admiring brush strokes you definitely couldn’t replicate, there’s something for everyone this weekend.

So pick an event. Or two. Get out of the house. Laugh a little. And if while you’re out there, you start wondering whether you’ve outgrown your current home, well… you know where to find me.

📩 Just shoot me a message or book a quick call at TheBeaconTeam.com
Let’s talk real estate when the kids aren’t climbing the walls.