February Comes Alive at LICM with Theater, Cultural Celebrations, and FREE Family Nights 

February comes alive at the Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) with a dynamic month of live theater, cultural celebrations, FREE family programs, and hands-on experiences designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection for visitors of all ages. 

From the blue-carpet premiere of Pete the Cat to Lunar New Year performances, a vibrant Carnival celebration, and the launch of FREE Family Nights, LICM invites families to enjoy a full month of play, learning, and togetherness. 

FEATURED THEATER

Pete the Cat — Premiere at LICM Theater

Script and lyrics by Sarah Hammond 
Music by Will Aronson

Based on the Pete the Cat series of books by Kimberly and James Dean    

Originally Commissioned, Developed and Produced by TheaterWorksUSA    

Music Orchestrated and Produced by Frank Galgano and Matt Castle 

For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth.   

But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW bus! 

PETE THE CAT is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Corp. www.concordtheatricals.com    

Fee: $11 with Museum admission ($9 members), $15 Theater only

Blue Carpet Premiere Event
Monday, February 16
Blue Carpet walk at 11:30 am | Performance at 1 pm

Dress up, meet Pete, enjoy snacks, exclusive access to Pete’s Groovy Lounge, and take home a special swag bag. 

Tickets:
$11 with Museum admission ($9 members)
$15 Theater only

CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS

Lunar New Year Performance

Friday, February 14 | 11 am & 1 pm

Chinese Theater Works presents a vibrant performance celebrating Lunar New Year through traditional storytelling, movement, and music. 

Carnival: A Celebration of Caribbean & Latin American Culture

Saturday, February 28 | 11 am–4 pm

Experience the color and energy of Carnival with music, dance, crafts, food, stilt walkers, and drummers. Families can decorate parade floats, create Carnival-inspired crafts, and enjoy traditions that celebrate culture and the changing of seasons. 

All ages. Free with Museum admission.

FEATURED EXHIBITS & EXPERIENCES

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out

An interactive exhibition exploring how emotions, memory, and imagination shape everyday life through hands-on and digital experiences inspired by Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear. 

All ages. Free with Museum admission.

Inside Out–Inspired Programs:

• Headquarters Hats
  • Saturday, February 7 | Noon–2 pm
  • Sunday, February 8 | 1–3 pm

Artist Corner: Amethyst Playground by Kelly Olshan

A hands-on art environment encouraging exploration of color, texture, and magnetic paint. Opened January 31 and on view throughout February. 

FREE FAMILY NIGHTS & FEBRUARY BREAK HIGHLIGHTS

Piggy Banks & College Savings (529) Night
Monday, February 3 | 5:30–7 pm
Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase 

Families are invited to enjoy a FREE night at the Museum, featuring hands-on play and a themed craft for children. While kids continue supervised play throughout the Museum, parents are invited to the LICM Theater for a brief, informative workshop on 529 college savings plans. Advance registration required.

Engineering Week

February 16–20

Hands-on energy-themed activities and STEM Explorers led by LICM Green Teens, encourage curiosity and problem-solving. 

STEM Explorers, powered by Green Teens, and Engineering Week at LICM are made possible with the support of National Grid.

Cool Cats Chill Zone

February 16–20 | 1–4 pm

Relax, unwind, and create feel-good art inspired by Pete the Cat.

ONGOING PROGRAMS & SPECIAL DAYS

Free with Museum admission unless noted.

• Lunar New Year Lanterns
  • February 14 | Noon–3 pm 
  • February 22 | 1–3 pm 
• Sailor’s Valentine
  • February 14 | 11 am–1 pm 
• AdvoKids: Black History Month – Long Island Black Whalers
  • February 15 | 11 am–1 pm 
• National Letters to Elders Day
  • February 21 | Noon–2 pm 
• Sweetheart Necklaces
  • Tuesdays–Fridays, 2:30–4 pm (excluding February 16–20) 

Extended Museum Hours & Bonus Monday

February 16–20 | Open until 5 pm

About the Long Island Children’s Museum  

The Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) connects children and their caregivers to a world of wonder, imagination, and exploration. Through hands-on exhibits, cultural programs, and educational outreach, LICM inspires lifelong learning and community connection, through the power of play. Serving more than 300,000 visitors annually, LICM is the only accredited children’s museum in New York State and one of just 16 nationwide. The Museum has been honored with the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), earned 4-stars on Charity Navigator, and achieved Platinum Transparency on Candid.