Southampton

Best Apple Picking Orchards for Kids on Long Island

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Sun, 08/18/2019 - 12:22pm

Long Island's pick-your-own apple farms are scattered throughout the East End, making apple picking the perfect family activity to kick off the fall season. From small farm stands to orchards with dwarf trees sized just right for little hands, to other family-friendly venues, there are plenty of places to pick apples around the island, and we've rounded them up for you.

Apple picking season can begin as early as the end of August and continue through October. Be sure to check each apple farm’s website for hours and bounty updates.

Find more pick-your-own fun in our Long Island Farm Guide, including where to pick peaches or pumpkins, or feed the goats and sheep at area petting zoos and barnyards.

Family-Friendly Hotels in the Hamptons and North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Sun, 07/21/2019 - 11:00am

If you’ve ever visited the Hamptons and North Fork on 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 East End have options, too, from chain hotels near kid-favorite attractions to mom-and-pop guesthouses with private beaches and pools. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Hamptons and North Fork hotels, motels and guesthouses for families.

Southampton With Kids: Fun Things to Do in This Hamptons Beach Community

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Tue, 07/09/2019 - 2:15pm

Southampton Village sits along a stretch of shoreline on the South Fork of Long Island's East End. Nestled between Hampton Bays and Water Mill, sandy beaches and celebrity sightings are where it's at, especially in the summer. It's an ideal destination for a family day trip, and visiting on weekdays or getting an early-morning weekend start will save you hours in Hamptons traffic.

Read on for our family-friendly guide to what to do and see, which beaches to visit, and where to eat and play.

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!

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddle Board Rentals for Families in the Hamptons and North Fork

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Tue, 06/27/2017 - 12:30pm

Scenic, protected waterways are abundant on eastern Long Island. It’s one of the reasons we love living or visiting there, especially in the summer.

If your family enjoys kayaking, canoeing, surfing, or paddle boarding, why not head to the East End, where there are plenty of bucolic spots to enjoy your favorite water sport. From Westhampton to Montauk and all over the North Fork, local shops rent gear and offer instruction. Always call ahead for availability and to make reservations.

For other suggestions on how to enjoy the East End this summer, check out our guide to the Hamptons and North Fork. Visit our Summer Fun Guide for more ways to celebrate the season, and if you're feeling especially ambitious take on a few of our 100 Things to Do With Kids on Long Island.

Pony Rides and Horseback Riding Lessons in the Hamptons

Submitted by Lisa Mancuso on Mon, 05/01/2017 - 2:51pm

Whether your child aspires to one day compete in The Hampton Classic or has never been in a saddle before, there are plenty of places on the East End where children can explore their equestrian side.

From first-time horseback riding lessons and trail rides to pony rides and camps, we’ve rounded up some of the best kid-friendly ranches, farms, and riding stables in the Hamptons.

You’ll find even more suggestions for seasonal fun on the East End in our guide to the Hamptons and North Fork. Our guide to kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding offers some of the best deals on aquatic adventures. And don’t forget to check out the Event Calendar for the latest happenings all over the Island.

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.

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.