Greenport

Top Long Island Playgrounds for Toddlers

Submitted by Kimberly Chacon on Tue, 05/14/2019 - 12:00pm

Toddlers seem to have endless energy and the power to play all day. They might want to do all that older kids can, but with wobbly legs and arms that can't quite reach, they require special playgrounds.

From Nassau to Suffolk counties and all the way to the East End, designers of Long Island's parks have been thoughtful in creating play spaces for our littlest residents. So as the weather gets warmer, why not take your toddlers to a spot designed with their needs in mind?

We have done the legwork and scouted out the top toddler playgrounds across Long Island. Be sure to check our full list of parks and playgrounds on Long Island, then get out there and enjoy these beautiful days.

An Explosion of Purple Flowers Bloom at Lavender by the Bay

Submitted by James Smith on Mon, 07/16/2018 - 12:45pm

“Live life in full bloom.”

That’s the motto at Lavender by the Bay, a 17-acre oasis of flowering plants that turns the normally green North Fork of Long Island into a most regal purple for three weeks in the early summer.

Situated on the Main Road in the Victorian-strewn community of East Marion, near Greenport, the farm draws visitors from as far away as New York City, who come by car or railroad; and from New England, who shuttle across on the nearby Orient Point ferry. Young and old, they are drawn by the aroma of fresh lavender and the opportunity to distance themselves from the essentials of modern living.

The blooming season ended Sunday, July 15 and will resume in late June 2019. You can visit the gift shop daily through the end of September and on Thurdays through Mondays through the end of October. In the meantime, feel free to glimpse our guide to gardens and petting zoos across Long Island.

8 Kid-Friendly LIRR Stops for a Fun Day Trip

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Mon, 07/09/2018 - 3:53pm

Let’s face it. Traffic on Long Island is no picnic. In fact, sometimes the thought of taking a day trip to another part of this beautiful island makes us cringe when we think of the hours on the road and the challenge of keeping the kids in the backseat entertained.

But there is a another way to get from here to there…the LIRR! Taking the train is a convenient, fun way for families to get around the Island without the hassle of driving. From beach communities to charming downtowns to family-friendly museums, there are plenty of LIRR stops where families can hop off and explore the area for the day.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite family day trips reachable via the LIRR, highlighting the best attractions and sights in the area. All aboard!

Greenport with Kids: Fun Things to Do in this North Fork Village

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Tue, 06/26/2018 - 10:49am

If your family is looking for a fun place on Long Island to explore this summer, look no further than Greenport. Located on the North Fork, it is one of the East End’s most charming and historic communities, complete with a walkable Main Street, beautiful harbor, and tons of things to do for the entire family.

From local museums and gorgeous beaches to kid-friendly restaurants and unique shops, Greenport has much to offer families in the summertime. So, whether you decide to spend the day, enjoy a long weekend, or stay for the week, we’ve put together a list of things to do and see while you’re there.

Need more suggestions for things to do this summer? Check out our Summer Fun Guide and Long Island Events Calendar. For more out-east fun, take a look at our guide to the Hamptons and North Fork and our list of 50 must-do summer activities with kids on the East End.

Mini Golf, Batting Cages, and Fun for Kids in the Hamptons and North Fork

Submitted by Anna Fader on Thu, 04/20/2017 - 9:25am

Yes, the beaches are beautiful in the Hamptons and North Fork, but sooner or later, your family is going to be looking for something else to do this summer. For a change of pace and a chance for your kids to brush up on their golf and baseball bat swings, or just get out of the sun, we’ve rounded up a list of family-friendly mini golf courses, batting cages and indoor fun like arcades out east.

Most places have snack bars and some offer other amenities such as boat rentals so you can make a whole day of it.

For more fun activities on the east end, be sure to check out our guide to the Hamptons and North Fork and our listing of kayak, canoe, and paddle board rental places. And when your family is ready to hit the beach again, we found the best beaches for families on Long Island. Have fun!

Pop-Up Ice Skating Rinks in the Hamptons and North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Fri, 10/14/2016 - 11:47am

What’s better than gliding across a sheet of ice on a lovely winter day? How about doing it outdoors, where all of the season’s pageantry is on display?

Pop-up-ice rinks are popping up all over the East End of Long Island these days, from low-cost, low-frills facilities to high-end clubs that cater to every perk a skater could imagine.

We’ve got your winter entertainment covered here, with five seasonal rinks from Riverhead to East Hampton and Greenport. All are open to the public without residency restrictions but costs can be higher for nonresidents. For good measure, we’ve also included a pair of up-Island pop-up rinks just in case your seasonal shopping takes you off the East End.

As always, be advised these facilities are weather-dependent and opening and closing dates vary based on temperature, rainfall and patron interest. Prices are as of October 2016.

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.

Halloween Fun for LI Kids in the Hamptons & North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Mon, 10/12/2015 - 10:00am

Ghouls, goblins and scary get-ups are all the rage this time of year. On the East End of Long Island, there are as many ways to celebrate Halloween as there are seeds in a pumpkin. From the North Fork to the South, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites just in time for the holiday. Here you’ll find haunted houses, spooky walks, parties and even trick-or-treating tips to keep your young ones in the spirit of the season.

And for more seasonal fun, check out our Long Island Halloween Guide.

Fall Fun for LI Families in the Hamptons & North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Mon, 09/07/2015 - 6:00am

On the East End of Long Island, the fun never really does end. Vacationers and those new to the area might be surprised to hear that family time does indeed continue here after the calendar turns past Labor Day. The North Fork, in particular, comes alive as farm stands and wineries celebrate the autumn harvest, and fall festivities continue almost uninterrupted until Thanksgiving weekend. After that, it’s time for holiday cheer and the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree.

So take a moment to reflect on another well-spent summer, but consider also what memorable moments await in the autumn. Our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide includes information you can use all year-round and our Long Island Classes Guide will help you plan a visit around the school year.

Labor Day Weekend Fun for LI Kids in the Hamptons & North Fork, September 4-7

Submitted by James Smith on Tue, 09/01/2015 - 9:00am

Labor Day weekend brings an unofficial end to the vacation season on the East End of Long Island. The calendar gave us an extra week to celebrate and Mother Nature blessed us with near-ideal weather all season long. Let’s hope she stays kind for one more final weekend because there’s just too much going on to be stuck inside.

From Friday to Monday, East Enders can enjoy arts festivals, community parties, fishing derbies and, of course, the Shinnecock Pow Wow, Southampton’s annual celebration of the East End's indigenous people.

So get out and enjoy yourself. Take one more look at our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide for the best in East End entertainment and check out our Long Island Classes Guide to help you get ready for the school year. And remember: Memorial Day 2016 is only nine months away!