Making a Splash at the Long Island Children’s Museum’s O-FISH-ally New Year Celebration

We went to the Long Island Children’s Museum for their “Countdown to New Year – O-FISH-ally” event with our two kids, and once again, it reminded me why this place is such a favorite for our family. Our children love this museum year-round, but this event made it feel extra special.

From the moment we walked in, the entire museum had a festive energy — bright decorations, upbeat music, and excited families everywhere. The staff really went all out to make it feel like a celebration, not just a regular day at the museum.

There were art and craft stations set up throughout the galleries, and each one had a fun, ocean-themed twist to go with the “O-FISH-ally” theme. Kids could make their own glittery fish hats, create bubbly underwater scenes, and even design ocean creature masks. Everything was thoughtfully organized, with plenty of supplies and a clear creative focus. My kids jumped right in and stayed engaged for a long time — which says a lot. You could tell real care went into planning every detail of the event.

The musical part of the day was also a big hit. The DJ was fantastic — incredibly energetic and so good at connecting with the kids. He mixed in kid-friendly pop favorites with fun interactive games that got everyone dancing. The museum’s central atrium became a mini dance floor, full of laughter, movement, and confetti. The vibe was pure joy.

One of my favorite little touches was the small bags of confetti handed out to each guest. It was such a simple gesture, but it made every child feel like part of the celebration. When the official countdown began, you could feel the excitement build. Then the confetti cannons went off, the music swelled, and everyone started cheering. The kids’ faces were pure happiness — that perfect mix of awe and exhilaration that only moments like this can bring.

As always, the Long Island Children’s Museum staff were incredible — patient, kind, and so attentive. They made sure every activity ran smoothly and were always ready to lend a hand or offer a smile. That level of care is one of the many reasons we keep coming back.

If you haven’t visited yet, the museum’s exhibits are worth exploring year-round. From the hands-on bubbles area to the climbing structures and imaginative play zones, there’s something for every age group. And special events like this one add a whole new layer of magic.

It was a wonderful way to ring in the New Year with our kids, surrounded by creativity, community, and so much fun. We left with confetti in our hair, tired smiles, and one very clear takeaway — we can’t wait to go back.