Weekend Plans? Your Long Island “Anti-Boredom” Itinerary for Jan 16–18

Because staying home again sounds like a trap, and your kids are this close to starting a living room wrestling federation.

Let’s set the scene: It’s mid-January. The decorations are finally boxed up (well, most of them), the novelty of new holiday toys has worn off, and everyone’s hit that post-holiday slump. The kids are restless, your spouse keeps bringing up that unfinished home project, and you’ve watched so many streaming shows your couch has a permanent imprint of your body.

Time to reclaim your weekend. And not just with another trip to Costco. Here's your Dean Miller-approved weekend lineup — packed with music, laughter, art, and yes, things to do with the kids that won’t make you want to fake a Zoom meeting.


🎸 Start Strong with Some Live Music

If you’ve been craving real music — the kind that isn’t played through a Bluetooth speaker your kid borrowed and never returned — head over to Repeal XVIII in Huntington on Friday night (Jan 16) for Band of Characters, a throwback rock cover band that’ll take you straight back to the ‘90s and early 2000s. Bonus: It’s free. Yes, free. That’s a price we can all vibe with.

Or maybe you're a guitar junkie (or just want to feel like one). Then the Masters of the Telecaster at The Suffolk Theater in Riverhead is a no-brainer. Friday at 8 PM, prepare for a face-melting lineup of blues and rock legends — including G.E. Smith, who’s got more strings under his belt than most of us have socks.

🎤 Saturday Night? Hello, Neil.

Saturday (Jan 17), Huntington’s Paramount Theater is serving up nostalgia on a sparkly platter with Neil Forever, a Neil Diamond tribute concert that promises all the hits — “Sweet Caroline,” anyone? If your parents or in-laws are in town, take them. You’ll earn serious favorite child points.


🎭 Need a Laugh or a Tear? Theater’s Calling.

Not into concerts? Prefer a story that doesn’t involve your 6-year-old’s Hot Wheels crash reenactment? Catch “Ring of Fire” at the Engeman Theater in Northport — a high-energy musical tribute to Johnny Cash that’ll leave you humming and maybe emotionally reflecting on your childhood dog. Or something like that.

Or if you just need to laugh, British comedian Paul Chowdhry is taking the stage at The Paramount on Friday night, and let’s be honest — who doesn’t need an hour of unapologetically dry sarcasm after the week you’ve had?


🧒 Okay, But What About the Kids?

I got you. This is Long Island — we don’t just cope with winter break energy, we outsmart it.

Start with the TMB Model Train Club Open House in Dix Hills, running all weekend (Jan 17–18). Kids (and let’s be honest, grown dads too) will be glued to the intricate model setups. It’s fascinating, it’s wholesome, and it gives you at least an hour without hearing “I’m bored.”

Or take a trip to the Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor on Sunday (Jan 18) for their Sea Survival Challenge. Think hands-on science, not snooze-fest. It’s fun, educational, and they’ll probably sleep better afterward. You're welcome.

Want something truly local and low-key? Check out Walt Whitman Birthplace’s kids’ program on Saturday and Sunday mornings (Jan 17–18, 9:30–11 AM). They’ll learn, they’ll craft, and you’ll get to say “We did something cultural today” over coffee later.


⛸️ Still Got Little Ones Who Love Disney?

Then pack up the car and get to UBS Arena in Elmont for Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party. Running Friday through Sunday, it’s got sparkles, skating, and all the mouse-led magic your kids can handle without causing a screen-time meltdown.


🌳 For the Outdoorsy Types (Yes, Even in January)

If the sun peeks out (or you’re just stir-crazy enough to brave the cold), hit Bethpage State Park or Robert Moses for a winter walk. Nothing clears your head like salty air and watching your dog lose its mind in the snow.


🎯 Final Word Before You Give Up and Order More Takeout

Listen, you don’t have to spend a fortune or pack up the whole family for a trip to have a memorable weekend. Long Island’s got plenty going on — from tribute concerts and AR art to model trains and Disney magic. Whether you’re planning a date night, a family day, or just looking for an excuse to wear real pants again, January 16–18 is full of options.

So pick something fun. Leave the house. And if somewhere between Disney on Ice and a Johnny Cash singalong you realize… “Hmm, maybe it’s time for a bigger backyard or a better kitchen” — I happen to know a guy.

📩 Shoot me a message or head over to TheBeaconTeam.com
We’ll talk about real estate. You bring the weekend stories — I’ll bring the strategy.