East End

Pick Your Own Apple Farms For Families On Long Island

Submitted by Melanie on Sat, 09/24/2016 - 6:22am

Believe it or not, it's apple picking time already. The apple picking season typically lasts from mid to late August to late October. Apple picking is a great family outing filled with fresh air, a little exercise, a bit of a treasure hunt, and a bounty at the end. Whether searching for an orchard with all of the bells and whistles or one with trees perfectly sized for wee ones, there are plenty of pick your own apple farms to choose from. Call before going to ensure that each farm is open, and to confirm that there is enough fruit for picking that day. Check out our Pick Your Own Guide for more suggestions on apple picking farms in the tri-state area.

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6 Long Island Boardwalk Gems

Submitted by Andrew G. Rosen on Thu, 08/25/2016 - 12:00am

The best part of the beach isn't always the sand and water. Sometimes, it's a quaint stroll along the boardwalk. And Long Island has plenty of them! Gone are the splinter fears and potential pitfalls of yesterday; most Long Island boardwalks have been refurbished with less flammable, sustainable woods. These boardwalk spots offer something special for kids and adults alike.

Jones Beach Boardwalk
1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
516-785-1600

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9 Fun Stops to Help Families Survive the Drive to Long Island's East End

Submitted by Rachel Sokol on Fri, 08/05/2016 - 10:00am

As a child and teenager, I spent one week every summer out in Amagansett with my family; digging my toes in the sand, catching some (cold!) waves with my boogie board and driving into Montauk with my parents and siblings for some ice cream. However, one thing I will never forget about heading to the East End is the long drive--sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic is never fun. I'd stare out the window and repeatedly ask my dad, "Are we there yet?" Well, karma has arrived in the form of my own kid, who sits in the back asking me that same question over and over. Luckily, there are some great shops, attractions and places of interest to see while heading east, which makes for some nice family-friendly pit-stops to break up the monotony of that long stretch of highway called the Long Island Expressway. Check out these boredom busters and actually enjoy the ride!

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Family-Friendly Hotels on Long Island's East End

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 07/27/2016 - 10:00am

If you’ve ever visited the East End of Long Island, you know there is lodging to meet just about every need. There are hotels near fishing resorts, country inns near golf courses and bed-and-breakfasts within walking distance of the North Fork’s celebrated wineries. Families visiting the Hamptons and North Fork have options, too, from chain hotels near kid-favorite attractions to mom-and-pop guesthouses with private beaches and pools. Some of these even have their own mini-golf courses and sports facilities for those who prefer more all-inclusive family entertainment. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Hamptons and North Fork hotels, motels and guesthouses for families. Most are easily accessible from the region’s major roads or via the Long Island Rail Road.

Be advised, however: Lodging on the East End is at a premium during peak months, which are July and August in the Hamptons and August and September on the North Fork. Book early for best prices and monitor lodging websites for last-minute specials. And for ideas on what to do in the area, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.

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LI Day Trip: The Little Red Barn in Jamesport

Submitted by Linda DiProperzio on Wed, 07/20/2016 - 10:00am

One of my favorite things to do with the kids over the summer is to take some day trips to the East End to enjoy everything it has to offer for families. From pick your own farms to frolicking on the area’s beautiful beaches, there is plenty to keep the kids occupied while school is out of session.

A few weeks ago, we got the chance to explore one of the North Fork’s gems: The Little Red Barn in Jamesport. Ten years ago, Kate Nickles and her husband bought 40 acres of land, including the barn that was the original home to the carousel that is now in Greenport. In addition to building their dream home on the property, Kate, a native to the area and a lifelong horse rider, decided to open The Little Red Barn to pass down her knowledge and love for horses and other farm animals to local and visiting children.

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Day Trip: Family Fun in Long Island's Sag Harbor

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 07/15/2016 - 10:00am

Summertime means vacation time for many families, and luckily you don't have to travel far for a getaway that has something for everyone in the family. Simply head to the East End village of Sag Harbor for some seaside fun. From historical locales to beautiful beaches, it's the perfect place for a day trip or a weekend away. You can easily spend a good part of the day walking down quaint Main Street, lined with shops and restaurants, and make your way to the marina to watch the sailboats go by. Then stop by the windmill that houses the Visitor Center for info on local events, and check out some of our favorite things to do in this beautiful town. And for more to do in the area, take a look at the Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

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Fishing Tournaments for LI Kids in the Hamptons & North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Wed, 07/13/2016 - 10:00am

There are many perks to living on an island, and fishing is definitely one of them. Mid to late summer offers East End children an opportunity to enjoy this fun and family-friendly activity with a series of saltwater tournaments sure to delight young anglers.

The prize catch for kids is usually the snapper, the juvenile version of the bluefish. Plentiful on either fork and fun to catch, they offer kids an introduction to game fishing from the safety of the town dock. Other tournaments target the elusive fluke or flounder and require a trip offshore. But whatever the prey, kids can enjoy a day in the sun while perhaps picking up a trophy or two.

Here are our favorite fishing tournaments for kids. Parents should check the websites listed or call in case of weather-related changes. And make sure to check out our Hamptons and North Fork Guide for the best in family-friendly entertainment on the East End.

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Best Community Barbecues for Families in the Hamptons & North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Tue, 07/05/2016 - 9:00am

On the East End of Long Island, few summer traditions are as time-honored (and tasty) as the community barbecue. From the Fourth of July through Labor Day, villages on the North and South Forks gather for evenings of chicken, corn and low-cost, family-friendly bonding. The cooking begins early in the morning, but planning for these fundraisers begins months in advance. Tickets, often $25 or less, are prized commodities for families looking for an authentic East End night out. Community-minded residents love these neighborhood tailgate parties, and for kids, what’s better than a night of fried chicken and ice cream?

We've rounded up our favorite East End community barbecues; be sure to call for ticket information. And for more activities in the area this summer, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.

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10 Father's Day Activities for Long Island Dads

Submitted by Denise on Fri, 06/10/2016 - 10:00am

Father's Day is fast approaching, so if you still haven't planned something for dad's special day, we have some cool ideas happening right hear on Long Island. From taking in a ballgame and going fishing to building a rocket and eating breakfast at the racetrack, there is something to fit almost every father's personality. And for more activities going on in the area, check out our Long Island Events Calendar.

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June GoList: Best Things To Do with Long Island Kids This Month

Submitted by Linda DiProperzio on Tue, 05/31/2016 - 10:00am

Summer finally arrives in June, and there is definitely excitement in the air across Long Island—just check out all of the cool events (both indoors and out) happening throughout the month. From strawberry festivals and H arborFest, to a pirate festival and learning about dolphins, there is something to keep every member of the family happy in June. For even more kid-friendly activities taking place this month, check out our Event Calendar. And also be sure to take a look at our Summer Fun Guide, too.

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