1. Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum
City: Centerport, NY
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (631) 854-5555
Address: 180 Little Neck Rd.
Description: Located on the former 43-acre estate of William Kissam Vanderbilt II, this complex now houses several different museums and outdoor exhibits. A wide range of special events, concerts, workshops, and lectures are hosted here throughout the year, including children’s theater performances. The planetarium, for example, runs a variety of shows targeted to either adults, kids, or families. Mansion tours are offered on an ongoing basis. For the holidays, the entire property displays festive lights and decorations. The on-site museum store offers a unique collection of gifts and merchandise. Open year-round, hours vary by season.
2. Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum
City: Centerport, NY
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (631) 854-5555
Address: 180 Little Neck Rd.
Description: The Vanderbilt Museum offers a unique combination of activities, attractions, and exhibits in one complex. There’s a mansion, a marine and natural history museum, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a gorgeous park. Exhibition and program themes focus on Long Island’s Gold Coast era, and upon William K. Vanderbilt II’s desire that his marine, natural history, and ethnographic collections promote appreciation and understanding of the marvelous diversity of life, other cultures, and scientific knowledge. The planetarium, for example, is one of the largest and most impressive in the country. It’s housed within a 60-foot-tall sky theater and contains a projector that can display more than 11,300 stars. The Vanderbilt Museum is open throughout the year, and can provide a half day or full day’s worth of entertainment that’s suitable for older children, teens, and adults.
3. Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum (And Planetarium)
City: Centerport, NY
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (631) 854-5555
Address: 180 Little Neck Rd.
Description: The state-of-the-art planetarium at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum has ongoing Sky Shows that are both entertaining and educational. It’s open year-round and offers a variety of kid-friendly shows and programs. Throughout the summer the main museum also offers special children’s programs. During summer 2009, for example, there was a program open to kids between the ages of 6 and 12 called Wizard University. During the month of July, four weeklong sessions were held, with each day’s activities lasting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the month of Aug, instead of weeklong programs, single-day classes and workshops were held. Contact the museum for schedules.