05 Jun HAMPTONS ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
KID-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN THE HAMPTONS
Many things to do in the Hamptons are friendly for people of all ages, but you may want to plan some activities especially for the kids. We’ve compiled a list to help you do exactly that.
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF EAST END
Open Wednesday through Monday, this children’s museum is a place where little ones can learn, explore, and play. The museum holds tyke-sized buildings for the kids to explore, as well as bug and vegetable gardens. Other activities such as a free art studio and a musical forest are also offered. There’s a wide range of activities for every interest, so no matter what your child likes to do, he or she will find something that will suit them at this playful place.
LONG ISLAND SCIENCE CENTER
This organization hopes to foster kids’ curiosity in math, science, engineering, and technology. It does this by offering activities in its museum, including a crime scene investigation simulation, a whisper tube to explore sound and volume, and a two-way mirror to teach about the complexities of sight. Science Saturdays explore one theme in-depth from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Upcoming topics include the summer solstice and the wonders of water. After the museum, stop by the science store, where your child can choose from a selection of magnifying glasses, butterfly kits, and other items to continue their scientific inquiries.
LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM
Visitors here can see eels, stingrays, jellyfish, and also a range of birds in the aviary room—and that’s just the indoor part of the aquarium. Outdoors, they can see otters, penguins, and sea lions. The aquarium offers special adventure days for different age groups. These programs let kids experience all the fun of the aquarium with their peers. Older kids can even dive into the shark tank, if they want to experience the sea life in an up-close way. Be sure to check out the calendar of daily events when you visit, so that you don’t miss out on any fun programs.
FUDGE COMPANY
The colorful window display of this sweet shop invites you to step inside and enjoy the array of treats available. Besides homemade fudge, 30 flavors of frozen treats, including ice cream, frozen yogurts, and sherbets are also waiting to be tried. And given that you’re right by the sea, you won’t want to leave without purchasing some saltwater taffy.
CEDAR POINT COUNTY PARK
If you’re looking for a place to camp, Cedar Point County Park is a great spot. There are slides and other fun equipment for the kids, picnic areas, and basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts.
On Saturday nights, the park shows free family-friendly films, and there are also a general store and snack bar, should you find you forgot to pack something.
FIREMAN’S MUSEUM
For a glimpse into the past, the Fireman’s Museum offers a range of equipment used by firemen in the 19th century. A fire hose, a fire pumper, and a rescue apparatus are all on display here, letting kids see for themselves what sort of equipment firemen used in older times. If your child is at all interested in history or firefighting, this museum is a must-see.
SPLISH SPLASH LONG ISLAND
This 96-acre water park was voted one of the best in America by Travel+Leisure magazine. Your kids will love the gigantic, twisting slides, and cabanas are available for private rental if you’d like to reserve your own space to rest and eat in. Stop for a burger at one of the park’s restaurants, or relax as you float down the lazy river. While the Hamptons is well-known for its beaches, your kids’ fondest memories of the area may come from this waterpark.
Your kids deserve a fun vacation, too. Check out these fun and educational activities and see what you can include in your next trip to the Hamptons.
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