Visitors | Getting Here | Weekend | 7 Days | Kids | Facts
Contrary to popular belief, the Hamptons are not a playground solely for adults. In fact, if you know where to go there are plenty of places to bring the kids along or drop them off while you have your adult-time. In addition to the many spots for a day by the ocean or picnic in the park, there is much to offer for the little ones in your lives.
Active Pursuits
The beach is always a great place to start (weather permitting of course). Surfhampton in Southampton, Main Beach Kids in Wainscott, and the Flying Point Surf School all offer surfing and windsurfing lessons (among others) specifically tailored for kids. They offer the equipment and the hands-on instruction that can develop little Junior into Kelly Slater in no time.
Away from the water and on the green (a mini green that is), there's Lynch Links in Southampton and the Puff n Putt center in Montauk. Whereas Lynch Links has a stacked, 18-hole miniature golf course, Puff n Putt has an indoor arcade in addition to its course of 9 holes.
An ideal outdoor location for kids, with or without adults, is the oldest dude ranch in the United States– Deep Hollow Ranch, where a horse ride through the foliage covered dunes of Montauk is a great trip after meeting the sheep, donkeys, horses and cattle in the petting zoo. Rita's Stables is nearby for pony rides if the Ranch is booked. Another great place for kids to interact with loveable animals is the Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children's Zoo, just up the road in Manorville. The Kindergarten Kats program is a popular up-close look at lions and tigers (but no bears)!
Dance classes, karate practice, and a slew of indoor basketball, floor hockey, squash and more are always available at the Southampton Youth Services. It's the perfect spot to convince your kids to burn off their energy so they sleep well at night.
Inside Options
Whether it's raining or time to take a break from the sun, the museums and indoor spots for kid-friendly activities are as numerous as the outdoor fun spots. Atlantis Marine World Aquarium in Riverhead educates as it entertains with fish and aquatic creatures of all shapes, sizes and colors.
Bring out the inner Pollack or Krasner in your sons and daughters as they paint their own pottery at Follow Your Art in Southampton or learn various art techniques from Karyn Mannix at the Golden Eagle in East Hampton.
A truly ideal place for all things kids is the Children's Museum of the East End. The interactive, fun and mind-stimulating museum/amphitheater is its own magical world. The Museum also offers classes in painting, sculpture and even architecture.
Child-Friendly Hotels & Restaurants
It's okay if you spend a week or more in the Hamptons without taking the family to a 5-star meal concocted by an executive chef who uses ingredients your kids cannot even pronounce. Instead, keep it simple and tasty with ice cream, burgers, and classic American cuisine at the Candy Kitchen in Bridgehampton, Sip n Soda in Southampton or John's Drive In in Montauk. Paul's in Southampton is also an ideal spot for a pre/post-movie meal as it's right next to the Southampton United Artists Cinema.
Sports fans of all ages will adore the pro-athletic ambiance of Fellingham's in Southampton and nature fans won't be able to stop staring at the mini-aquarium at the Lobster Inn in Southampton or the Crow's Nest in Montauk.
When it comes to lodging, most places in the Hamptons are either a cozy little inn with carriage house style or miniature resorts that contain a pool and/or tennis court for outdoor recreation (i.e Ocean Colony in Amagansett or Baron's Cove in Sag Harbor). Then there are places like the Southampton Inn, which has a playroom that contains a library, video games, and a big chest of toys. Gurney's Inn in Montauk is another option, with an indoor, seawater pool.
So, as you can see, there' are countless accommodations and activities for your kids or your own inner child. And this is not confined to the summer season. Don't forget to browse our events calendar for time-specific kid-friendly events, and don't be afraid to share your own ideas for family fun by posting a comment below.
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