Winter Fun For Everyone

By Nicole Rosenthal
Contributing writer

Winter break is an exciting time, full of snowy days, friendly faces and holiday fun. There are so many entertaining activities for college students close by on Long Island.

With cold, snow days, and final exams and papers behind us, there is no better time to sit back and watch a good movie. This holiday season, why not try something a little different? The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium may have just what you are looking for. Along with its revered Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport offers a variety of shows at its Planetarium ranging from informative documentaries to rock-inspired laser light shows.

Outdoor aficionados and rookies alike treasure ice skating during cold winter months, offered virtually everywhere on the island. Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn offers one of the best outdoor skating rinks on Long Island. It is the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and seasonal tradition. Yet, if the outdoors is not quite your forte, Cantiague Park in Hicksville offers an indoor ice skating rink that has served as the practice site for the New York Islanders and more recently hosted Olympian Nancy Kerrigan.

Looking to unleash your creative side? Paint a Piece in Commack is the perfect destination to create your choice of scented candle, pottery, or glass creations with friends. With over 30 scents to choose from, these homemade ornaments can be an adorable keepsake and even a last-minute stocking stuffer.

Or, perhaps you are seeking a more thrilling holiday adventure? Puzzle Break Long Island in Syosset prides itself on being the original world famous room escape strategy game, with custom rooms, themes and varying levels of difficulty. You and your team will get locked inside a fully-immersive room filled with puzzles to solve and codes to crack. With just one hour to escape, do you have what it takes? Can You Escape in Mineola is another place hitting the room-escape craze, featuring six different rooms to choose from, as well as a unique mobile escape room.

There are limitless places to explore near campus during the holiday break. However you decide to spend your winter days off, the Pioneer staff wishes you a safe and healthy holiday.