With temperatures reaching record lows, it’s easy to get cabin fever sitting inside the house to escape the cold. But for those brave enough to face the cold just long enough to make the walk from their front door to their car, Hicksville has several indoor offerings to keep the winter blues at bay. Whether you’re looking to get stretch your muscles, learn about your hometown or help those in need, Hicksville has a little something for everyone.
1. Glide away at Cantiague Park Ice Skating Rink
If you’re looking for a way to get some exercise, or enjoy time with friends, check out the indoor skating rink at Cantiague Park. The indoor rink is open to the public every day from 1 to 3 p.m., and additionally on Fridays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., and 9 to 11 p.m. Admission with a leisure pass is $7, and skate rentals are $4. Looking to improve your skills? Figure skating and ice skating lessons are also available for skaters of all expertise levels. For more information call 516-571-7056.
2. Get lost in a fairy tale at the Long Island Puppet Theater
The Long Island Puppet Theatre has been putting on entertaining marionette shows in Hicksville for the past 15 years. Run by husband-wife team Roman and Eliza Valdes, the theatre is the only one of its kind on Long Island and is a perfect place to take young kids. Also worth checking out is the Valdes’ extensive display of puppets from around the world, which adorn the lobby of the theater. The current show is “The Little Mermaid: It’s a Whole New World” and there are multiple show times seven days a week. Tickets are $12. The Long Island Puppet Theater is located at 10 Heitz Place. For more information visit www.lipuppet.com
3. Be king of the mound at Baseball Plus
Baseball season may be over but that doesn’t mean you can’t work on your swing. Baseball Plus, located at 400 Duffy Avenue, features state of the art baseball and softball pitching machines, and an enclosed throwing area for pitchers and catchers. Batting cage is $28 for half an hour and $48 for an hour. For more information, visit www.baseballplusny.com or call 516-827-5009.
4. Blast to the past at the Hicksville Gregory Museum
Dinosaur fossils, gemstones and minerals are just some of the treasures one can find at the Hicksville Gregory Museum. Located at 1 Heitz Place, the museum is filled with wall to wall artifacts that will transport you back to the age of dinosaurs, down to South America, or to the Hicksville of long ago. The museum is open from Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Free for Hicksville residents. For more information call 516-822-7505 or visit www.gregorymuseum.org.
5. Check out the Hicksville Public Library
Your local library is a lot more than just books. The Hicksville Public Library has events going on every day of the week; whether it’s a fitness class, cooking lesson, movie screening, book discussion, or one of many teen or children’s programs. Check out the Library Calendar on page 26A to find out which upcoming activity you might be interested in.
6. Give back by volunteering
Don’t let the good spirit of the holiday season stop with the last opened gift. There are plenty of ways to get involved and give back to the local community. You could be a tutor at the Hicksville Boys and Girls or help out at Hicksville United Methodist Church’s food pantry. Hold a fundraising event for The Morgan Center or volunteer at an event with the Sarah Grace Foundation. St. Ignatius Loyola Church also has numerous volunteer opportunities including being a translator, cleaning volunteers, drivers and pro bono attorneys. And there are plenty more. Volunteering not only helps your neighbors in need, but it helps you meet new people and use your skills—whether it’s visiting the elderly, mentoring young kids, knitting, or anything else—for good.
7. Try a new class at the Town of Oyster Bay Hicksville Athletic Center
The Town of Oyster Bay Hicksville Athletic Center is a state of the art facility that partners with the Nassau County Police Athletic League to feature numerous fitness classes and activities for town residents. Each season, the center holds different clinics and classes. Their youth winter session, which includes a golf clinic, tennis instruction, fencing, and ballet, is currently underway. There are also different programs for adults including co-ed badminton and volleyball. Those looking to get in shape can sign up for fitness classes such as Zumba, yoga and cardio kickboxing. Morning and evening open basketball sessions are also offered to Town residents 18 and older every day. The center is located at 167 Broadway. For more information, call 516-733-8406.
