The Long Island Explorium will host its Holiday Shopping Hustle & STEM Rumble on Friday, Dec. 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., offering children a fun and educational experience while parents shop during Port Jefferson’s Shop, Sip & Snack event.
In partnership with the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature hands-on STEM activities in a safe, supervised environment.
Lisa Collet Rodriguez, director of technology and digital media at the Long Island Explorium, says the event provides children with a “safe, fun, and educational environment,” allowing parents to shop worry-free.
“Parents are going to need something to keep their children occupied, and what better than a trusted community partner that’s been producing these types of events for a while,” she said. “When you’re done shopping and go back and pick them up, you hear all about the fun that they had.”
The Explorium, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through hands-on experiments and exhibits that inspire young minds and build confidence.
“The Explorium is an integral part of the village’s fabric,” said Angeline Judex, executive director of the Long Island Explorium. “We believe in creating those ‘wow’ moments that ignite a lifelong passion for STEM in young learners. By building strong, connected communities, we meet the needs of our neighbors and contribute to a vibrant local culture.”
The Holiday Shopping Hustle & STEM Rumble is a new shopping-related venture for the Explorium, though the museum has previously offered similar drop-off programs for kids, such as during Port Jefferson Restaurant Week. The event coincides with Port Jefferson’s Shop, Sip & Snack, when local businesses extend their hours.
Rodriguez added that the STEM Rumble will have a “festive holiday twist” and is structured so that kids “don’t even realize they’re learning because they’re having fun.”
The $30 cost also includes hot cocoa and popcorn. Limited spots remain, and the deadline to register is Dec. 10 on the Explorium’s website.
The Long Island Explorium also offers summer camps, field trips, Scout activities, and outdoor environmental workshops. Its biggest event, Maker Faire Long Island, enters its eighth year in June 2025. Describing it as “the greatest show on earth,” Rodriguez said Maker Faire brings together Makers of all kinds—from artisans to robotic engineers.
Founded in 2005, the Long Island Explorium will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, serving pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
Visitors can explore the Explorium on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. as part of its fall and winter schedule. The venue is located at 101 East Broadway in Port Jefferson Village's historic Chandlery Building near Port Jefferson Harbor.