Year-Round Family Events

Port Jefferson is known for its vibrant calendar of family-friendly events that bring the community together in every season. In the fall, the Harvest Fest features live music, pumpkin-themed fun, and the beloved Dog Costume Parade. As winter approaches, the entire village transforms into a storybook setting during the Charles Dickens Festival, with costumed characters, carriages, carolers, and live performances. In the heart of winter, the Ice Festival delights with live ice sculpting, fire pits, and hot cocoa stations. Warmer months bring outdoor movie nights, a Fourth of July parade, and harborfront celebrations like the Dragon Boat Parade and Summer Concert Series. These events are designed to be inclusive, engaging, and unforgettable for all ages.

Whether you're a longtime resident or visiting for the weekend, Port Jefferson offers countless ways to make memories with the whole family. From waterfront parks and interactive science exhibits to boat rides, live theater, and seasonal festivals, there's something for every age and interest.

Explore scenic playgrounds, take a pirate-themed ferry ride, catch a show at Theatre Three, or spend an afternoon building and learning at the Explorium. With year-round programming and family-friendly businesses at every corner, Port Jeff makes quality time easy, playful, and unforgettable.

  • Rocketship Park (Clifton H. Lee Memorial Park)
    Newly renovated playground with a jungle gym, basketball and tennis courts, picnic area—always a favorite local hangout

  • Harborfront Park & Village Center
    A waterfront hub featuring a pier, green lawns, splash pad, seasonal ice rink, rotating art exhibits, and community events like concerts and movie nights

  • Village Center Youth Programs
    Seasonal camps offering sports, arts, classes, and teen programs for kids of all ages

  • Long Island Explorium
    Interactive STEAM “maker space” for hands-on learning fun

  • Theatre Three & Mather House Museum
    Live family-friendly performances, plus historic exhibits and educational tours at the museum complex

  • Ginny Marie Schooner Rides
    Daily sailing excursions aboard a 50-foot schooner—great for all ages

  • Tiki Boat Long Island
    Private group boat tours with fun décor and scenic harbor floats

  • Fishing Charters (Captain Fish, Celtic Quest, Osprey Fleet)
    Family-friendly half and full-day fishing trips departing from the marina

  • Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
    Available seasonally at the harbor and East Beach, offering a great way to explore the Sound.

  • Ferry to Bridgeport
    Bring your family (and even your dog!) on the Port Jefferson–Bridgeport Ferry—no extra fee for pets