You don’t always have to go to Manhattan to explore museums and exhibitions. Long Island is home to some top-notch galleries and exhibits and there’s no better time to explore them than now. Escape the chilly temperatures and spend your weekend marveling these five top Long Island museum exhibits.

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The Long Island Museum: Long Island in the Sixties

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Running through Dec. 31, this exhibition captures the groove and swing of the Island in the early-to-mid 1960s. This era of rock-and-roll and prosperity brought Long Island into the national spotlight and amidst the fetes, which gave way to the Civil Rights Movement. In the exhibit, which is supported by Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, Long Islanders can relive this period of transformation and celebration. Go.

Nassau County Museum of Art: Light Works, A Century of Photography

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Calling all photography enthusiasts. Explore the history of photography from the 19th century work of Eadweard Muybridge to the contemporary prints of Richard Misrach. This exhibit is on display through March and features work from 1873 to 2000 by a group of renowned photographers, including Edward Curtis, Ansel Adams and Diane Arbus. Go.

Cradle of Aviation Museum

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A trip to this museum offers a day of family fun and education. The museum, located in Garden City, features nine permanent galleries, 30 hands-on exhibits and more than 75 air and space crafts. From hot air balloons to lunar modules, this aerospace experience highlights 100 years of aviation and focuses on the East End’s role as the “Cradle of Aviation.” Go.

Parrish Art Museum: Platform, Jonah Bokaer

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On display through January, this exhibit features the work of Jonah Bokaer, an interdisciplinary artist who merges visual art and film with artistic research and choreography. The exhibition features a projection of a new choreographic work and 122 drawings based on a 1977 opera musical. Go.

The Long Island Maritime Museum: Going Dutch

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Explore Long Island’s maritime history and learn about West Sayville’s Dutch heritage. A series of photos and postcards portray life from the Netherlands to Long Island and allow visitors to experience what life was like in Yerseke, a village in the Dutch province of Zeeland. Go.