East End

Top Mommy-and-Me Baby Classes on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Tue, 08/15/2017 - 6:12pm

From Zumba to yoga to cooking and art, there are plenty of ways to nurture your baby’s mind, body, and creative spirit. Not to mention your own. We’ve rounded up some of the best mommy-and-me classes on Long Island, ideal if you want to to stay fit or learn a new craft. You and your baby will have fun, meet other moms and tots, and, most importantly, spend precious time together.

Of course, classes are open to dads, grandparents and other caregivers. Be sure to check class websites for times, costs and registration details.

For more suggestions on inexpensive ways to entertain your kids, check out our guide to FREE activities on Long Island, including 50 Free Things to Do with Long Island Kids. Our classes and enrichment guide also offers a host of ideas to stimulate your child's learning.

Have fun.

Bounce Houses and Trampoline Parks for Long Island Kids

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Fri, 08/04/2017 - 6:18pm

If you find your high-energy kids are bouncing off the walls, it may be time to head to one of the many bounce houses and trampoline parks found throughout Long Island.

From inflatable slides to obstacle courses and high-flying trampolines, these play spaces are a great way for kids to work off their energy and have some indoor fun when it’s too hot, cold, or wet to play outdoors.

Whether you’re looking for an impromptu bouncing session or want to schedule a birthday party, most of these venues offer a variety of play options. Just be sure to check out their websites for all the specifics.

And for more active fun indoors and outdoors around Long Island, check out our Summer Fun Guide and the Event Calendar.

Bridgehampton with Kids: Top Attractions for Families

Submitted by Thien August on Tue, 08/01/2017 - 1:30pm

Bridgehampton is just one of many happy Hamptons towns that offer magnificent beaches, yummy restaurants, shops, galleries, theaters, horse riding, and vineyards. We've come up with a list of can't-miss activities and places in and around Bridgehampton for families traveling to this South Fork town with kids, or just us locals taking a day trip to explore more of Long Island.

For more kid-friendly activities out east, check out 50 things to do with kids in the Hamptons and North Fork, or head over to our local Day Trips Guide to explore another town.

Fishing on Long Island: Where to Cast a Line with Kids

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 07/28/2017 - 3:30pm

Ready to teach your little one how to cast a line? Fishing is not only a fun outdoor family activity, but also one with deep roots on Long Island with its maritime history and culture.

Surrounded by water, kids can drop a line in myriad waterfront towns, beaches, local piers, boats, and parks. We've rounded up a few of our favorite family-friendly fishing venues around Long Island where you can test your skills for hooking the catch of the day.

Looking for more summer seaside enjoyment? Make sure to visit our list of stunning Long Island lighthouses.

Family Friendly Restaurants in The Hamptons & North Fork

Submitted by Kimberly Chacon on Mon, 07/24/2017 - 3:45pm

It might please moms and dads to know the East End offers an assortment of family-friendly eateries. These spots offer everything from the traditional lobster roll to a "guppy" menu, ideal for young appetites.

Some of these locations even offer outdoor dining with stunning views, so it's a good idea to venture out early to avoid the crowds. We've rounded our favorite family-friendly locations, where you can sample the catch of the day (or most anything else) and eat with boats shimmering in the marina behind you. (Did we say summer photo-op?)

Before heading out to the East End, be sure to check our g uide to the Hamptons and North Fork to help plan your visit. In addition, check out our list of 50 Things to Do with Kids in the Hamptons and North Fork. Bring your appetite, because delicious options are waiting.

6 Long Island Boardwalk Gems Kids Will Love

Submitted by Natalie Ferro A... on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 1:45pm

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.

Here are a half-dozen of our favorite Long Island boardwalks, including a few you might not immediately associate with the ocean. From Nassau County to Suffolk and the East End, they are yours to explore. For more seasonal fun, be sure to see our Summer Fun Guide, our list of the best Long Island beaches for families, and perhaps even our guide to LI beach playgrounds.

Top 25 Rainy-Day Activities in the Hamptons & North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Tue, 07/18/2017 - 12:55pm

Not every summer day is perfect on Long Island’s East End. In fact, there are those days in July and August when Mother Nature just refuses to cooperate.

When those moments occur, parents have to get more creative in minding the little ones. The good news is that as the Hamptons and North Fork have become more year-round destinations, the entertainment options for children have grown.

It’s true: Even in the summer, the East End isn’t just about beaches and playgrounds. We have museums, art galleries, indoor play spaces, and more. So with that in mind, here are 25 ways to stave off rainy-day fever on the East End. And here’s hoping the clouds don’t linger too long.

By the way, paring this list down is no easy task. For more inspiration, see our comprehensive guide to the East End and our list of 50 things to do with kids on the East End this summer. If you need accommodations, see our list of the top kid-friendly hotels in the region.

50 Things to Do with Kids in the Hamptons and North Fork This Summer

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 07/07/2017 - 10:00am

So much to do, so little time.

That’s a popular refrain on Long Island’s East End, where vacationers and residents alike struggle to pack as much adventure as possible into the 60-some days between school years. Which is where we come in, of course.

Our Mommy Poppins experts have updated their list of the best family entertainment opportunities on the North and South forks, ideally suited for July and August. We’ve researched family beaches, state and county parks, pools, and even indoor options just in case Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.

So have a look, and while you’re at it check out our guide to this unique region, home to farms, museums, wineries, and even the trendy celebrity or two. Who knows: While you’re here, you might even scratch an item or two off our list of 100 must-do things with LI kids. Hurry, time’s a-wasting.

Top Beach Playgrounds on Long Island

Submitted by Kimberly Chacon on Thu, 07/06/2017 - 11:30am

Long Island beaches offer the opportunity for a host of memory-making experiences. Some of the best include those times spent frolicking on the playground to the soundtrack of crashing summer waves.

We've rounded up some of the best beach spots to play in Nassau, Suffolk and the East End, where playgrounds delight kids of all ages. So pack a lunch and plan to spend the day enjoying these locations. Make sure to snap pictures of the smiles from a fun day in the sun.

And remember Long Island has plenty of f amily-friendly beaches. While you're at it, why not tackle our 100 things with kids to do on Long Island, many of which, not surprisingly, involve the water. Enjoy.

11 Family-Friendly Museums in the Hamptons and North Fork

Submitted by Thien August on Wed, 07/05/2017 - 11:53am

For kids interested in science, nature, art, trains, or lighthouses, there is a family-friendly museum for everyone to discover in the Hamptons and North Fork.

With its rich history from the earliest days of colonial America and its important natural wildlife habitats, there's so much to learn about on the East End of Long Island. Ducking into a museum or art workshop is also a great activity for rainy vacation days, or just ducking out of the sun. Read on for our top picks of art museums, children's museums, and even nature centers for kids and families visiting or living in the area.