Free & Fun Things to Do on Memorial Day Weekend with Kids: Hamptons & North Fork

5/22/13 - By Natalie Silverstein

Finally, Memorial Day Weekend, warmer weather, and the kick-off of summer in the Hamptons. It's time to get outdoors, hit the beach, ride a bike and embark on a new adventure. From farmers' markets, to art shows, to a charity kite fly on the beach, there is something for every family. Following is a sampling of the best kid-friendly events being offered from Manorville to Montuak to help you enjoy the first long weekend of summer.

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Grand Opening Weekend: Shinnecock Museum and Wikun Village - Southampton
Come and experience the grand opening of the new exhibit: Learn our Past, Share our Story, about the native Shinnecock people who have inhabited Long Island for over 10,000 years. Activities include tours, singing & dancing, activities for kids and traditional skills demonstrations. FREE

6th Annual Montauk Green Art Show - Montauk
Hosted by the Montauk Arts Association, this huge art show takes over the Village Green with local artisans displaying paintings, photography, mixed media, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics and glass creations. Rain or shine. FREE

South Hose Spring Carnival—Greenport 
May 23-May 27, 6pm-11pm 
Greenport Fire Department's annual carnival at the Polo Grounds on Moore's Lane. Rides, games, and food. Pay one price ride specials. 

Saturday, May 25

Bridgehampton Fine Art and Craft Show - Bridgehampton
Arts and crafts shows abound in the Hamptons over the summer, but this is one of the best.  The South Fork Craftsmen's Guild sponsors this annual event, in its seventh year, featuring artists from all over the East End. The juried show features painters, photographers, jewelry makers and wood-workers. FREE

Kites for a Cure - Southampton
Sponsored by Uniting Against Lung Cancer, Kites for a Cure is a family kite fly to benefit lung cancer research. Your donation entitles you to a high quality kite that can be decorated on site and flown over the ocean. The annual event draws more than 1,000 kite-flyers and friends to Cooper Beach where live music plays and refreshments are available. Bring a blanket, enjoy the music and fly a kite for a good cause. $30 donation

Seussical at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center - Westhampton Beach
Adapted from the Broadway show, this national touring company is a kid-friendly version of Dr. Seuss's best-loved stories. Tickets $15 - $25

Collectible Car Show - Riverhead
The family-friendly Martha Clara Vineyard hosts a collectible car show to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Wine tastings, music, auctions, food and more.  $5 for adults, kids under 12 are free

Pollack Family Drip Painting - East Hampton
The Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center is a wonderful place to experience the abstract master's colorful work up close. Children's book author Joyce Raimondo will lead tours of the home and studio. Afterward, families can partake in a messy art project to create their own drip paintings. Dress for a mess. Advance registration required. $35 per person

Story Time - Bridgehampton
A rainy Saturday morning? Don't despair. Head over the Main Library for story and craft time. FREE

Westhampton Beach Farmers Market - Westhampton Beach
Every Saturday in Summer, from 9am - 1pm, over 45 local farmers, growers and producers sell their wares in the WHB Village Parking lot. There is always music, plus educational programs and activities for kids. FREE

5th Annual New Suffolk Chowder Fest - New Suffolk
Saturday, May 25, 12-3pm 
Head to the Galley Ho at First and Main for locally prepared chowders, barbecue, live music with RockIT Science, street art by Rod Tyron, children’s activities and games, face painting and a huge perennial sale, all at the site of the U.S. Navy’s first submarine base. All proceeds go toward the restoration and revitalization of the Waterfront property for community benefit. Adults, $18, $20 at door. Children under 12 eat FREE. Buy tickets in advance.

Sunday, May 26

Third Annual Blessing of the Boards - Montauk
Bring your surfboard, stand-up paddle board, boogie board or skate-board to St. Therese of Lisieux Church for this annual event. Maybe you'll get a little extra help in catching the big waves, and staying safe this summer. FREE

Southampton Farmers Market - Southampton
Voted "Best Farmers Market of 2012" by Dan's Paper's Readers Choice, this massive farmer's market features local growers and producers, artisans, chefs and bakers.  Performances by local talent as well as kids' activities make it a fun outing for the whole family.  FREE

Origami Seedling Planter - Amagansett
Kids over age 8 are invited to make a biodegradable planter out of newspaper and sunflower seeds. Just add water and sunshine. Call or stop by for reservation.  FREE

East End Arts' Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival - Riverhead
This 17th annual event draws 5,000 local residents and artists for a fun-filled day of live music, street painting, arts and crafts, gourmet food trucks, face painting and more. Rain date - May 27.  FREE

 

About the Author

Natalie Silverstein

Natalie Silverstein - NYC and LI Writer

A longtime New Yorker who enjoys exploring the city with her husband and three young children, Silverstein worked in health-care management before becoming a full-time parent, and part-time freelance writer, philanthropist and volunteer. In addition to contributing to Mommy Poppins NYC and Long Island, Natalie uses her healthcare knowledge as a copywriter and editor for Michael's Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to providing information and support to people struggling with colorectal cancer. She is passionate about teaching her kids the importance of giving back to their community, and serves as the New York coordinator of Doing Good Together, an organization dedicated to inspiring families to raise children who care and contribute. In that role, she curates a monthly list of kid-friendly service opportunities for families who want to have fun by volunteering together. She is a board member and active volunteer at her children's school, and a supporter of a variety of other charitable organizations in New York City. Follow her on Google+.