Ten Things To Do In The Hamptons With Kids

It is true, beach season isn’t for another six months, but I encourage you to start thinking about your summer vacation plans now, when most properties have not yet been booked! Yes indeed, now is time to find the vacation rental that suits you perfectly rather than having to choose from what is available by the time you actually get around to planning that vacation. (I’ve certainly been there.) And if you have a special occasion you’d like to celebrate or a family get together is long overdue, all the more reason to start planning early.

I love vacation destinations that include the ocean, and I also jump at every opportunity to visit art museums and galleries. Guess what? As it turns out, the The Hamptons isn’t just a summer play ground for the Upper East Side, it also has a very large art scene, and a really interesting history as a home to many famous artists. Any place that artists have chosen to call home will always be up my alley, as it means inspiration, beautiful nature or gritty city, great light, you know, all the things that help artists produce their best work. Now I’m dreaming about  Hamptons rentals for our yearly family get together, and I thought I’d do a little research about the area to figure out just where in the Hamptons would be our ideal spot, and what exactly we will do with all the cousins during our stay.

The Hamptons, namely part of the East End of Long Island, New York comprise a group of villages and hamlets in the towns of South Hampton and East Hampton, which together form the South Fork of Long Island. The Hamptons are a popular seaside resort and one of the historical summer colonies of the Northeastern United States. Because of its proximity to Connecticut and Rhode Island, much of the older architecture and aesthetics of the villages in the Hamptons resemble New England. New England charm, an art scene, lots of trails for hiking, dramatic sand dunes, great sunsets? I’ll see you there! But first lets delve just a bit into some of the places I’d like to visit, with kids in tow. Introducing Ten Things To Do In The Hamptons With Kids.

Ten Things To Do In The Hamptons With Kids

1. See where the Jackson Pollock created his Abstract Expressionist masterpieces!  I think if you want to teach your kids about art, museums are great, but equally great is a look at how and where the artist flourished. At the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center you can see the preserved house where Jackson Pollack and his artist wife Lee Krasner lived, tour the grounds, and inhabit the actual workshop space where Pollock created his large-scale works seen here above.

Above: The Merrit Chase House, painted by William Merit Chase.

The arts community in the Hamptons has origins extending back to the nineteenth century. Before Willem De Kooning and Andy Warhol, Amercan Impressionist artists like William Merrit Chase and Frederick Childe Hassam also called The Hamptons home, and many of their works depict local scenes.

2. Visit The Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Observe wildlife through huge windows that overlook Old Ice Pond. Enjoy a variety of exhibits, turtles, snakes, a touch table, a children’s room, and a sitting area with a beautiful view of the pond can be enjoyed inside of the Nature Center. This building is available for meetings and events, and is the gathering spot for many of the educational programs offered for adults, children, and families. If your kids, or some of your group is up for walking, enjoy one of the three family friendly trails. View their website here.

Photo: Left, Kate Stoltz

3. Spend A Day At The Beach. There isn’t a single visitor to the Hamptons who does not rave about the pristine beaches which stretch for miles along the Atlantic Ocean – rated the number one reason to visit the Hamptons. Just be aware of strict beach rules, fees and parking permits. If you don’t love crowds consider visiting off season, or enjoy the beach in the early morning or at sunset. Better yet, do your research, and find the beach that suits you. There are many lists of Hamptons Beaches and their ammenities online.

4. See A Puppet Show. Visit Goat On A Boat in Sag Harbor, one of only 20 existing children’s puppet theaters in the USA! While you are here check out the Sag Harbor whaling museum for some local history

Above: The Walking Dunes. Photo: wildabouthere.com

5. Visit The Walking Dunes in Hither Hills State Park in Montauk, NY. This unique ecological site located just off Route 27 draws naturalists from all over the world and has something for everyone to enjoy: fascinating land forms, a wide variety of plant communities, animal tracks, and exceptional scenic vistas.

6. Build A Sand Castle.  Take part in weekly sand castle building contests at Hither Hills State Park in Montauk every Thursday morning. All ages build their best castle using sand, water, and natural materials found on the beach. The State Park hosts additional family-friendly events like magic shows and musical performances. Photo: Left Aike’s Photograpy. Right, Sailing Monauk.

7. See Montauk via MonTiki. Tour The End of the island like you never have before via a catamaran crafted in the style of a Polynesian boat with Sailing Montauk. Book a simple day sail, sunset sail, sail & swim and more.

8. Climb to the Top Of The Montauk Lighthouse.  Kids 41 inches and taller can climb the 137 iron steps to the top of the tower of the Montauk Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in New York State.

9. Learn About Farming. Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett has programs for kids and a farmer’s market, plus they are a non-profit organization, so it is great to support their mission. 

10. Stay put and enjoy the family. Bring lots of yard and pool toys and simply enjoy the vacation rental you worked picked out for your family in January! Ah yes, and don’t forget to rent something with a professional barbeque and a fire pit, all the more reason to just hide those car keys!