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Affordable Family Activities in the Hamptons 

1. Long Island Aquarium

The Long Island Aquarium is a must-do when visiting Riverhead, and it's one of our favorite East End destinations. Say hello to the penguins, stingrays, exotic and native fish, and sharks (from a safe distance, of course). Check with your local library for discounted tickets and look for special promos and events this summer at the aquarium during its 25th anniversary!

2. Children's Museum of the East End

Take command of the indoor tugboat or fire engine, then enjoy a game of mini-golf at the Children’s Museum of the East End in Bridgehampton. Check your local library for FREE passes to plan a great day at this interactive museum where little ones will love to play, explore, and learn!

3. Pollock-Krasner House

Budding artists will love to visit the former home of LI's great Abstract Expressionist painter, Jackson Pollock. Self-guided or guided tours are available. Check the website for availability to see this East Hampton studio, which is a National Historic Landmark. 

4. Carriage House Museum

Don’t overlook a visit to the Carriage House Museum in Amagansett for a historic adventure. What kids wouldn’t love the collection of horse-drawn carriages and buggies? Kids under 6 years old are FREE. 

Cool off at Splish Splash water park as part of a day of Hamptons fun. Photo courtesy of Splish Splash

5. Splish Splash

Plan a day to cool off at Splish Splash in Calverton, Long Island's premier water park. Check your local library for discounted ticket deals. Kids under age 2 are FREE, and there are discounts for older children and seniors, too.

6. Whale Watching

If you are in Montauk, treat the kids to a whale-watching cruise. Trips pass the famous Montauk Lighthouse in search of whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. A marine biologist is on board to answer all of your questions. Children 4 and younger are free. 

7. Visit a Lighthouse

You can immerse yourself in Long Island's maritime past at one of its three East End lighthouses: Horton’s Point in Southold, “Bug Light” in Greenport, and Montauk Point in, you guessed it, Montauk Point. 

8. Set Sail

Families can hire a sailboat for a private daytime cruise through Montauk Harbor and Block Island Sound. This activity is on the pricier side, but it's worth the splurge for a special family occasion or experience. 

9. Ferry Excursions

For an inexpensive day on the water, head to Greenport on the North Fork and jump on the North Ferry to Shelter Island. Leave the car behind; passenger fares are a mere $3, and it’s FREE for those 9 and younger.

10. History Walks

Get your history on with a walking tour of the Village of Southampton, courtesy of the Southampton History Museum. Several of these inexpensive tours welcome children old enough to endure the walk.

11. Ghost Tours

While at the History Museum, sign up to take a ghost walk through Southampton. Paranormal tours of the Rogers Mansion are offered on select Saturdays from July through October. They're fun and not too scary, but still better suited for tween and teenage kids.

12. Riverhead Raceway

Riverhead is home to a host of sports, including NASCAR. Kids will get a thrill out of watching the races. And, while you're nearby, check out Tanger Outlets for some early back-to-school shopping.

13. Hampton Classic Horse Show 

Who said equestrian sports had to be expensive? The Hampton Classic brings the world's top riders and horses to Bridgehampton. It has kid-friendly events all week and a special day dedicated to them.

14. Hamptons Collegiate Baseball 

See amateur baseball at perhaps its highest level. Hamptons Collegiate Baseball plays games through August at fields across both forks.

15. Mini-Golf

You can try your hand at miniature golf at the Clubhouse in East Hampton, Drossos in Greenport, Hamptons Mini Golf in Southampton, or Whale's Tale on Shelter Island.

16. Farm Fun

Farm activities for the family are not just limited to the fall. If you're near Riverhead, check out Garden of Eve Organic Farm, where kids can interact with farm "residents" or plan a day to visit Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck for pig races, goat mountain slides, and more farm animal fun. The nonprofit Amber Waves farm in Amagansett features an education facility and plenty of kid-themed fun.

17. Summer Berry Picking

It’s berry season all summer across the East End. Strawberry picking season is primarily in June. Late July is the ideal time for blueberries and raspberries. Blackberries ripen in August. Pick your own at these East End berry farms.

18. Go Bowling

Knock a few pins down at The All Star in Riverhead, where kids can bowl on one of the lanes featuring auto-bumpers. Older children will love the large-screen televisions that dot the venue and the arcade.

19. Take in a Movie 

The East End boasts a bunch of movie theaters, including in East Hampton. More contemporary ones dot the landscape, too, including in Sag Harbor and Hampton Bays. 

20. Shakespeare in the Hamptons

If the play's the thing for your kids, the Hamptons Shakespeare Festival offers kids ages 8-15 the chance to work with trained Shakespearean instructors.

21. Mashomack Preserve

While you’re on Shelter Island, take a hike through Mashomack Preserve for a view of the East End’s natural world. More than 200 species of birds pass through Mashomack, and 80 call the preserve home. How many can you spot?  

22. Lavender By the Bay

Lavender By the Bay in East Marion, on the North Fork, immerses visitors in acres of natural fragrances. And the land takes on a lovely purple hue early in the summer when its signature flower blooms. Walk through the fields, visit the gift shop, or just enjoy the solitude.   

23. Greenport Carousel

Daredevils will want to check out the Greenport Skate Park, where boarders can drop in on one of several ramps. Helmets and safety gear are required. Those favoring a slower pace might prefer a ride on the beautiful antique carousel. Either way, kids will love this charming harbor community. 

RELATED: Great Outdoor Restaurants for Long Island Families

Hop aboard a surfboard at a surfing school. Photo courtesy of Corey's Waves

24. Surf Montauk

Montauk is a unique community, and we've written plenty over the years about its kid-friendly entertainment options. Stroll through a state park—there are five in Montauk—take a surf class with the kids, or maybe enjoy a fishing trip.

25. Sag Harbor Whaling Museum

Take a trip to Sag Harbor, on the South Fork, and return to the days of whalers and sailors. Admission to the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum is just $3 for kids under 12.

26. Family-Friendly Wineries ... 

Enjoy the East End uncorked at a family-friendly winery. Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly destinations in East End wine country. 

27. ... And Breweries

If you fancy a beer garden vibe, check out the family fun at Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, Jamesport Farm Brewery, Long Island Farm Brewery, or Peconic County Brewing. The vibe is equally family-friendly at Riverhead Ciderhouse.    

28. Barn Dancing

Head to the Annual Barn Dance at the Hallockville Museum Farm. No experience is necessary, and all ages are welcome. The agricultural museum also serves as an East End Ellis Island, chronicling the lives of the region’s immigrants.

29. All Aboard

If you have train-loving kids, hop on the Long Island Rail Road at, say, Westhampton and travel east to Montauk. From the North Fork, board the LIRR at Riverhead and travel to Greenport. Take in the scenery along the ocean and Long Island Sound coasts. Those same train-traveling kids will love the Railroad Museum of Long Island in Riverhead and Greenport. The museum hosts events most weekends with other regional train clubs, and kids can get a close-up look at some historical trains.

30. Longhouse Reserve

Plan a visit to enjoy the outdoors in East Hampton as you walk through the beautiful gardens and see the stunning sculptures at Longhouse Reserve. Kids ages 12 and younger are FREE. 

​31. Natural History Museum

A few miles south of the Morton refuge is the South Fork Natural History Museum in Bridgehampton, which houses a butterfly garden, touch tank, nature trails, wildflower garden, and more.

32. Parish Art Museum

Plan a visit to the Parish Art Museum in Water Mill with the family to see some spectacular art exhibits. Kids ages 18 and younger enjoy free admission to the museum. The museum is best suited for art-loving older kids and teens to enjoy, as well as a cafe and museum store to check out. 

33. Cutchogue Green Historic Buildings

Take a trip back to the North Fork’s Colonial period at the Cutchogue Green Historic Buildings. Tour the 1740 Wickham Farmhouse and the Old House, a registered national landmark that dates to 1649. The Old House is considered the state's oldest English-type frame house.

34. Community Barbecues

Get into the civic spirit and celebrate with your neighbors at one of the region’s many community barbecues, often held by the local fire department or church. Imagine a community-wide tailgate party.

35. Carnival Fun

Take the kids to one of the East End's summer carnivals, like the annual Hampton Bays Fire Department Carnival for rides, cotton candy, and, of course, some carnival games. 

RELATED: Family-Friendly Hotels on Long Island's East End

There are great beaches to check out all over the Hamptons. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

Free Things to Do with Kids in the Hamptons and North Fork

36. Beach Day

The East End of Long Island is home to some of the finest family beaches in the entire nation. Sandy bottoms and ocean surf delight beach goers on the South Fork. On the North Fork, expect calmer waters but a rockier bottom in the Long Island Sound. Water shoes are a good investment if you plan to swim in the Sound. Regardless of your destination, lifeguards are usually on site daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day at town beaches. The majority of beach areas are open to the public, but note there are parking fees or parking permits needed for many spots. 

37. Beach & Town Playgrounds

The sun and surf are fun, but what kid doesn't appreciate a playground? These East End beach playgrounds are perfect for youngsters who prefer a little adventure on their beach afternoons. Many of the towns in the Hamptons also have great interactive playgrounds to explore, like the pirate-themed Westhampton Beach playground, newly renovated last year. 

38. Kite Flying

With steady breezes, East End beaches provide some of the best conditions for kite flying. If you fancy a stylish kite for your little one, consider Kites of the Harbor in Sag Harbor. 

39. Kayaks and Paddleboards

You can canoe, kayak, or paddleboard your way through the East End's local waterways. Instruction and gear are available for novices, or bring your own! 

40. Bike Rides

Here is a great bike excursion for eager families on Shelter Island: Start at the North Ferry terminal and ride a few miles across the island to the South Ferry, which connects to North Haven and Sag Harbor.

41. Explore the Night Sky

Got a star-gazer in the family? Visit the Custer Institute and Observatory in Southold, the region's only outdoor observatory open from 8 pm to midnight on Saturdays. 

42. Explore a Local Library

Long Island is filled with amazing local libraries with exceptional play areas for kids, and the Hamptons is no exception. Kids will love to explore Rogers Memorial Library in Southampton or Hampton Library in Birdgehampton, which even has an outdoor play area. 

43. The Big Duck

Take a drive to the Big Duck in Flanders for some fun family photos and a peek in the gift shop. 

44. Kid-Friendly Reads

Explore an independent bookstore — the true heart of so many towns — such as Burton's in Greenport or Canio's in Sag Harbor. Both boast children's sections where your kids can search for their new favorite beach read.

RELATED: Kid-Friendly LIRR Stops for Family Fun

Explore nature on water or foot at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Photo courtesy of the refuge

45. Wonders of Wildlife

Kids can glimpse Long Island wildlife at destinations throughout the East End, including at the beautiful Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Further east, the Elizabeth A. Morton Wildlife Refuge in Noyac is home to seabirds, amphibians, and more. Take a hike and explore the salt-marsh ecosystem.

46. Visit a Farmers Market

The Hamptons is filled with incredible farmers' markets to walk around with the family and even grab a snack. One of our favorites is the Farmers Market at Agawam Park in Southampton Village on summer Sundays with water views and a fantastic playground for kids of all ages. 

Best Free Events for Families in the Hamptons and North Fork

47. Outdoor Concerts

Pack a lawn chair and picnic basket and enjoy a twilight concert in Southampton. The Southampton Cultural Center hosts free concerts on Wednesday nights at Agawam Park or Cooper's Beach in Southampton.

48. Street Festivals 

Riverhead’s Alive on 25 street festivals bring together musicians, artists, vendors, food trucks, and, of course, the public in an outdoor celebration of East End life.

49. Cheer on the Runners

In September, fans line the streets of Southampton to salute the competitors in the Hamptons Marathon and Half-Marathon. Montauk does the same in July at the annual Montauk Lighthouse Triathlon.   

50. Outdoor Movies

Watch a classic movie outdoors in East Hampton, Montauk, and elsewhere across the East End. 

51. Maritime Festival

Families will love the Greenport Maritime Festival in September. Celebrate the village’s maritime heritage with parades, story times, classic boat exhibits, and kids’ fishing competitions.

RELATED: 25 Fun Things To Do in Montauk With Kids

Puppet shows come alive at Goat on a Boat theater in Sag Harbor. Photo courtesy of the theater

52. Puppet Theater

Plan a day with the kids to head to the park and check out Goat on a Boat mobile puppet theater for younger kids. Check the website for locations and times

53. See 4th of July Fireworks

The Stars Over Montauk 4th of July Fireworks over Umbrella Beach are a spectacular way to make unforgettable summer memories with the family. 

Budget-Friendly Dining Options in the Hamptons and North Fork

54. Outdoor Dining

Claudio's Waterfront, a family-friendly restaurant in Greenport, is perhaps the North Fork’s best location for people-watching, and it offers a great children's menu for kids 12 and younger. It's one of hundreds of outdoor or waterfront restaurants on the East End.

55. Pizza

There is no shortage of pizza destinations on the East End. A few we like: Roadhouse in Riverhead, Dive Bar in Amagansett, Francesca's in Hampton Bays, and Michelangelo's across the North Fork.

56. Ice Cream

The East End has a host of gourmet ice cream parlors, gelato spots, and frozen yogurt shops. Magic Fountain in Mattituck and Snowflake Ice Cream Shoppe in Riverhead make their own. Buddhaberry in Sag Harbor offers unique frozen yogurt flavors, sorbets, and smoothies. A brand new location is also set to open this summer in Southampton. 

RELATED: Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlors Long Island Kids Will Love

Enjoy an ice cream "Tateswiche" at Tate's Southampton bakery. Photo courtesy of Tate's Bake Shop

57. Candy and Sweet Treats

Indulge your sweet tooth at one of the East End’s many gourmet cookie or candy shops. Popular destinations include Tate’s Bake Shop in Southampton, Grindstone Coffee and Donuts in Sag Harbor, Dylan’s Candy Bar in East Hampton, and the Main Road Biscuit Company in Jamesport.

Family-Friendly East End Hotels

Kids love vacations, especially when they involve a stay at a hotel! The East End is a fantastic getaway and offers family-friendly hotel options for a night or a few days. Many of the Hamptons hotels can be pricey, especially during the peak season, but some offer deals.

If you can plan your trip during the weekdays, or even slightly off-season, you can find better prices. There are also Airbnb options to explore in some areas, particularly in Hampton Bays, which is central to a lot of the activities and beaches. We've highlighted a few options below from our full list of Family-Friendly Hotels in the Hamptons and North Fork. 

58. Hilton Garden Inn – Riverhead

The Hilton Garden Inn is conveniently located across the street from the shopping mecca of Tanger Outlets and a few miles away from Splish Splash water park in Calverton. This Hilton also has an indoor pool, restaurant, and gym. Summer rates average $300 per night, with prices higher on the weekends and discounts for frequent Hilton visitors.

59. The Atlantic Hotel – Southampton

This hotel features 62 guest rooms with amenities ranging from a heated pool to a lawn area to relax to volleyball and tennis court action. The property also offers suites that can sleep up to 8 people if you have a large group. The location is close to town, so the family will have plenty of time to explore the nearby shops and restaurants. In-season room rates begin around $300 per night, depending on the day of the week, and go up from there.

60. Hartman's Briney Breezes Beach Motel – Montauk

This spot is footsteps from the beach and a short walk from downtown Montauk. Kids can even set up some surf lessons at a surf school nearby while in the area. Each room has a balcony or patio, and the property’s expansive lawn is perfect for playing catch or some ring toss. The pool is open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day for swimming fun. Expect to pay about $595 per night in-season, and about half that off-season. 

This article was updated in 2025. James Smith contributed additional reporting.