Long Island

25 Things To Do in Montauk with Kids

The beaches in Montauk are among the nation's best. Photo by Joe Shlabotnik via Flickr

If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, Montauk, on the extreme East End of Long Island, is the place to be. Montauk has things to do for everyone in the family, whether you crave excitement, exercise, or just want to read a book on the sand.

From the western edge of the community to the lighthouse at Montauk Point, Montauk boasts more than 5,000 acres of parkland, a host of surf schools, fishing and camping adventures, and more. It's a welcoming destination with a host of diverse activities sure to entertain kids of all ages.

Stopping off in the Hamptons along the way? Check out our list of great East End activities for families and our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide

Family-Friendly Wineries on Long Island's East End

Grab some apple crisp ice cream from the ice cream shop and a bottle of dry rose from wine barn at Harbes Family Farm.

With so many wineries on Long Island's East End now welcoming children, Long Island wine country has become a huge destination not just for couples and bachelorette parties, but for families with kids, too.

From picnic areas to live music and fun annual events, we’ve rounded up a host of kid-friendly wineries on Long Island's East End—many of which are family-owned and operated—offering the best experiences for little visitors. In addition to wine, most tasting rooms at these Long Island vineyards offer light snacks and nonalcoholic beverages, and some even allow outside food and drink in designated picnic areas. Of course, kids must be supervised, and any pets must be on leashes. Be sure to check individual websites for specific rules. And be responsible if you're driving.

Top Beach Playgrounds on Long Island

Explore the playground before hitting the beach at Jones Beach State Park. Photo courtesy of Jones Beach

Long Island beaches offer the opportunity for memory-making experiences. Some of the best include time frolicking on the playground to the soundtrack of crashing summer waves. We've rounded up some of the best beach spots with playgrounds in Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End. So pack a lunch and plan to spend the day enjoying these destinations. Make sure to snap pictures of the smiles from a fun day in the sun.

And remember Long Island has plenty of family-friendly beaches. While you're at it, check off a few activities on our list of 25 things we can't wait to do with Long Island kids this summer and see more great ideas in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Bounce Houses and More Cool Birthday Party Rentals on Long Island

Jump into the summer party season with an inflatable party palace from the Big Bounce Theory.

When it comes to at-home birthday parties on Long Island, bounce house rentals and gaming trucks have seemingly cornered the market for a while now. Over the last few years, entertainment companies have tailored their experiences to become mobile. From culinary concoctions to crafty creations, these Long Island companies bring the party to you. 

For more birthday party ideas, check out our Guide to Birthday Parties on Long Island, which includes a list of birthday party entertainers on Long Island that come to you

Family-Friendly Waterfront Restaurants on Long Island

Anchor Down Dockside's specialities are seafood and steak.

Long Island's waterfront restaurants offer the refuge of an ocean breeze, a delightful view, and fantastic meals. Lucky for us Long Islanders, many area restaurants are nestled right on the water. There's no better way to start or end the day with the family than with a delicious meal right on the water.

Below, we've rounded up Long Island's top waterfront restaurants in Nassau, Suffolk, and of course, the East End. A delectable, waterfront meal is only miles away.

Find our roundup of Long Island's best restaurants with entertainment for kids and more dining ideas in our Long Island Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.

100 Things To Do on Long Island Before Kids Grow Up

Learn to surf at Montauk's SurfLuca or another surf school. Photo courtesy of the school.

Check out these iconic things to do in Long Island with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that everyone growing up in the area really must experience!

We are fortunate in so many ways to live on Long Island. In what other region of the country can you pack your kids up for a morning train ride to Manhattan, then whisk them off later to one of the Hamptons’ most enviable beaches?

From Nassau County to Suffolk County and all the way to the East End, Long Island has creative play spaces, wonderful children's museums, farmstands ripe with flavor, great parks and playgrounds, over-the-top seasonal celebrations, and even amusement and water park fun. And that’s just the beginning.

With four seasons' worth of fun in our backyard, how do you pick 100 activities every family on Long Island must experience? Well, it’s not scientific. We have no algorithms to determine them for us. Instead, we rely on you, our Mommy Poppins Long Island enthusiasts, as well as our parent-strong team of local writers, to keep us informed. So let's not belabor this introduction; here is our childhood bucket list for Long Island kids.

White Post Farms' New Giraffe Feeding Encounter

Meet the world’s tallest mammals at White Post Farms' giraffe experience. Photo courtesy of the farm

Travel with the family to the African grasslands without leaving Long Island with a visit to the all-new giraffe encounter experience at White Post Farms in Melville. Pose for selfies, pet the giraffes, and maybe even get a kiss from a long-necked cutie. Read on for details about how to get to know one of the tallest animals in the world. 

For more fun with animals, check out our Guide to Long Island Zoos and Gardens, which includes our list of Long Island's best petting zoos.

Heat Wave Hot List: 26 Cool Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

Chill out at Splish Splash Water Park when the mercury rises. Photo courtesy of Splish Splash

Looking for ways to beat the heat on Long Island? Here are 26 awesome things to do during a heat wave.

Deep summer usually brings high temps and plenty of humidity, leaving Long Island families scrambling to find ways to cool off. Whether you want to bask in the sunshine or chill in central AC, there are plenty of options in both Nassau and Suffolk counties to help you beat the heat—and all are guaranteed fun for every age. After all, you want to enjoy every bit of summer before school begins. 

Find more great outdoorsy things to do in our Ultimate Long Island Kids Summer Vacation Guide, and be sure to bookmark our frequently-updated Long Island Family Activity Calendar

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