Mineola, NY-Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), Department of Parks, Recreation & Museums Commissioner Doreen Banks and Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi today kicked off Nassau County's "Be Our Guest" week, announcing that children get in free to seven of the County's premier museums and parks during the week of February 17-21.

"We are declaring an end to Mid-Winter Recess boredom for the children and parents of Nassau County," said Presiding Officer Jacobs. " There is something for everyone to enjoy, from a free swim at the Aquatic Center to a visit to the Sands Point Museum to see the exciting new exhibit, Beakman's World. All the attractions go a long way to educate and entertain."

Commissioner Doreen Banks adds: "We are looking forward to greeting Nassau County families to our parks, museums and preserves next week. We invite you to plan your entire week around us. Bring your suits and towels to the Eisenhower Park Aquatic Center and lace up the skates for icy fun at the Cantiague and Grant Park Ice Rinks. Each museum has special programs planned for the week, the preserves have miles of trails to explore, and don't forget to visit the science playground that is Beakman's World at Sands Point."

Those museums and parks included in the "Be Our Guest" free admission giveaway are the County's Sands Point Museum & Preserve in Sands Point, Garvies Point Museum and Preserve in Glen Cove, Tackapausha Museum and Preserve in Seaford, African American Museum in Hempstead, Nassau County Aquatic Center at Eisenhower Park, Grant Park Skating rink in Hewlett and Cantiague Skating Rink in Hicksville. Up to four (4) children are free with one adult paid admission at museums, and free children's admissions are offered at the Aquatic Center and ice rinks as well.

"This is an investment in Nassau County's future," said County Executive Suozzi. "With minimal impact to our finances we are able to encourage generations to visit Nassau's hidden treasures."

In addition, kids who visit any of the parks and museums will have an opportunity to participate in a Trivia Contest, based on facts they learn at each of the six locations. Winners of the contest will enjoy a summer picnic lunch at Eisenhower Park with County officials.

"While we all struggle to do more with less, we hope this free pass to some of the County's best museums and parks will give some relief to parents," said Jacobs. "And when the kids ask, 'What are we doing this week?' parents can have a different answer every day of the week."

1. Sands Point Museum & Preserve
   95 Middleneck Road, Sands Point, (516) 571-7900
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
   $6 adults, Children 4-12-FREE! And $4 for seniors, 60+
   Current exhibit at the Preserve is Beakman's World on Tour, a hands-on exhibit based on the exciting children's TV program. Always inquisitive Beakman takes visitors on a journey of discovery by asking, "How do scientists look for answers?" The exhibit also features: Incredible fast facts, Famous Dead Guys and Gals, Hands-on Experiments and lots of other surprises.
   
   
2. Garvies Point Museum and Preserve
   Barry Drive, Glen Cove
   (516) 571-8010
   Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
   $2 adults, Children-FREE this week
   Garvies Point Museum and Preserve offers a strong combination of educational opportunities. The permanent museum exhibits are devoted to regional geology and Indian archaeology. During winter break week the special programs are as follows: Tuesday-10a.m.-Noon, "Native American Games of the Northeast," 1 - 3 p.m., "Native American Games of the Southwest." Wednesday-11a.m. & 2 p.m., Film-"The Ultimate Guide to T-Rex," Friday-10 a.m. - 3 p.m., "Rock, Mineral, Fossil & Indian Artifact ID day," bring in your own item for identification by a curator. Also: Nearly five miles of nature trails wind through the property!
   
   
3. Tackapausha Museum and Preserve.
   Washington Ave., Seaford
   (516) 571-7443
   Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
   $2 adults, children FREE this week
   Together, the Tackapausha Museum and Preserve exhibits include habitat groups which show Long Island's wildlife at different stages and seasons of development and a popular display that features a live owl and bats in a reversed day-night cycle, introducing observers to the world of night animals. In addition, a small collection of live animals from the region is presented in displays and educational programs. The Museum offers live animal programs and video programs highlighting various natural history subjects. Daily at Noon-"Bat Time" Bat video, bat songs & dances and Bat Lunchtime (bring an apple or pear to share with the bats!) Adjoining the Museum is Tackapausha Preserve, a 77-acre tract of glacial outwash plain that is maintained in its natural state as a wildlife sanctuary.
   
   
4. African American Museum
   110 North Franklin St., Hempstead
   (516) 572-0730
   Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
   FREE admission*
   This museum is primarily comprised of rotating exhibits, which showcase African American artistic talent while celebrating the rich history of African Americans in this country. The museum's special programs in February include several for Black History Month. This month the museum presents "Angels of Deliverance-Underground Railroad" exhibit on loan from the Queens Historical Society. *There is never a fee to visit this museum, but every visitor under 12 this week will get a free gift.
   
   
5. Nassau County Aquatic Center
   Eisenhower Park, East Meadow
   516-572-0501
   One (1) child FREE* with each paying adult, Adult fee is $5, Seniors-$1
   *FREE admission on Feb. 17 and 18 ONLY!
   Hours are 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Bring your own towel
   The Swimming and Diving Center, located in Eisenhower Park, has hosted such events as the Goodwill Games and the 1999 Empire State Games. Admission gains access to the swimming pool and locker room use only.
   
   
6. Grant Park
   Broadway and Sheridan Ave., Hewlett
   (516) 571-7821
   One (1) child free (including skate rental) with each paying adult. Adult: $5, Senior: $1 (skate rental extra)
   Sessions: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. - Noon, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Friday evening: 8:30-10:30 p.m.
   Grant Park features an ice rink with sessions and charter sessions in the winter months. A seasonal sled hill is also available.
   
   
7. Cantiague Park
   480 West John Street, Hicksville
   (516) 571-7052
   Two (2) children's admissions free with each paying adult. Adult: $5, Senior: $1 (skate rental extra)
   Sessions: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m.-12 noon, 3:30-5:30 p.m.; Friday evenings:
   9-11 p.m.
   Nassau County's first indoor municipal rink, housed in attractive domed area with bleacher seating.