Things to Do in the New York Metro Area When School's Closed for Columbus Day

Celebrate the long weekend with these family-friendly activities!

By Anja Webb October 2, 2018

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Staten Island Zoo Goes Blue for Autism
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 8, 9am-12pm
WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy animal presentations, sensory exploration activities, and a scavenger hunt, plus a designated quiet area for breaks.
WANT TO GO? $6. 718-442-3101. statenislandzoo.org.
  

Nassau County Columbus Day Events

Columbus Day Paint Event- Ship!
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 8, 11am-12:30pm
WHERE: Key to My Art East Rockaway, 131 Main St., East Rockaway
AGES: 5-17
WHAT: While the kids are off from school, get them out of the house for some painting fun at Key to My Art!
WANT TO GO? $20. 516-218-2920. keytomyart.com.

The Amazing Maize
WHEN: Sept. 22- Oct. 27, Weekends and Columbus Day, 11am-4:30pm
WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park
AGES: All
WHAT: Challenge yourself with finding clues, solving puzzles, and making your way out of the 3-acre maze.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Who knew getting lost could be so much fun?
WANT TO GO? $10 adult; $5 children ages 4-11; free for children ages 3 and younger. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.
   

Columbus Day Activities in Suffolk County

SuperHero Crafts
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 8, 12–3pm
WHERE: The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor
AGES: All
WHAT: Be inspired by the giant champions of the sea and create superhero-themed crafts at help-yourself stations.
WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children ages 4-18; free for children younger than 4. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Teen/Tween Pottery Immersion
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 8, 12:15-3:15pm
WHERE: Studio E Art Classes, 565 Route 25A, Miller Place
AGES: 9-17
WHAT: Students work on high powered pottery wheels and learn hand-building techniques with clay.
WANT TO GO? $50. 631-744-4001. studioeartclass.com.

Dogman Paint Event!
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 8, 11am-12:30pm
WHERE: Key to My Art, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Come paint the cover of the latest Dogman book.
WANT TO GO? $20. 631-608-9048. keytomyart.com.

LOL Doll Surprise JoJo Siwa Paint Event
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 8, 1:30-3pm
WHERE: Key to My Art, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Come paint the Jojo Siwa LOL doll.
WANT TO GO? $20 . 631-608-9048. keytomyart.com.

Workshops for Children: Ravenous Raptors
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 8, 10am–12pm
WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport
AGES: 5-8
WHAT: Learn all about raptors.
WANT TO GO? $20. 631-854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org.
    

Westchester County Columbus Day Activities

Falconry Presentation: Skyhunters in Flight
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 8, 1pm
WHERE: Wave Hill, 649 W. 249th St., Bronx
AGES: All
WHAT: Watch hawks, falcons, and owls sharpen their hunting skills during an exciting outdoor flight demonstration.
WANT TO GO? $8; $4 students and seniors; $2 children ages 6-18; free for children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
    

Rockland & Bergen Counties Columbus Day Events

Public Hayrides
WHEN: Sept. 17- Oct. 31, Monday-Friday, 3-5pm; Saturday, Sunday, and Columbus Day, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Secor Farms, 85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy a scenic ride then explore the corn maze, pick a pumpkin, and relax under the rustic pergola.
WANT TO GO? $4; free for children younger than 1. 201-529-2595. secorfarms.com.

FREE Tales & Tunes
WHEN: Sept. 24- Dec. 10 , Mondays, 11am and 7pm; Tuesdays, 11:30am
WHERE: Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo , Garnerville
AGES: 3-5
WHAT: Enjoy stories, fingerplays, songs, and bubbles!
WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.