Kidding Around On Long Island

Summer on Long Island means more than just
sand and sea. Kids can clown around with circus types, brush up their bookish
brows, and even hit a local vineyard (trust us). Whether you’re visiting for a
day or a few weeks, here are nine ideas for enjoying kid-friendly fun in the Hamptons and beyond.

Plan A Day
At The Arboretum.
Greenhouses, gardens and woodland paths abound at the Planting Fields
Arboretum, a 400-acre historic estate in Oyster Bay that’s also home to a
65-room mansion-turned-museum. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, 516-922-9200, plantingfields.org.

Take The
Kids Vineyard Hopping.
Think wineries are just for adults? Think again. The Island’s famed North Fork Wine
Country has several vineyards that cater to adults and children. We especially
love Palmer Vineyards, which holds family events throughout the year. The
Vineyard’s lawn is perfect for picnics. (Well-behaved pets allowed.) Aquebogue, Long Island, 631-722-9463, palmervineyards.com.

Hang Loose At Ditch Plains Beach.
Ride the waves of early summer freedom at the spot popularly known as ‘the
surfer’s beach,’ perfect for beginners and longboarders. Sign your kids up for
lessons at one of the many surf schools in Montauk and snap photos for an
envy-inducing holiday card as they paddle past the scenic Montauk Point
Lighthouse. Ditch Plains Road, Montauk,
NY, 631-324-2417, montauk-online.com.

See What’s
Going On At CMEE. There’s always
something a-buzz at the Children’s Museum of the East End. On Friday June 3^rd,
the museum will host “Pizza and Pajama Night”, where children can park it for
an evening of story time and crafts. The week of June 27^th, athletes
ages 3-5 can kick it in “Kids in Sports,” a camp centered on basketball,
baseball, and soccer. “Waffle Day,” is Sunday, June 26^th. Closed on
Tuesdays in June. 367 Bridgehampton/Sag
Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, 631-537-8250, cmee.org.

Hit Up A
BBQ Joint.
The grill rules at Turtle Crossing, an authentic Southwestern barbecue
restaurant in East
Hampton.
Nosh on mouthwatering slow-smoked ribs, chicken, and pork or sink your teeth
into roasted corn on the cob. Kids (10 and under) can enjoy tasty options like Nathan’s
hot dogs, cheese quesadillas and grilled shrimp. Leave room for one the Crossing’s
homemade desserts—we can’t get enough of the smooth Key Lime Pie. 221 Pantigo Road, East Hampton, 631-324-7166, turtlecrossing.com.

Read On A
Rainy Day.
In Westhampton Beach lies Books & Books,
a bookstore independently owned and operated by long-time residents. Check out their
Kid’s Room for title-lined shelves and activities. On Saturday June 18^th,
they’ll host author Mark Kurlansky at the Quogue Public Library. He will read
from his new children’s book, World Without Fish. Advanced registration
required. 130 Main Street, Westhampton Beach, 631-998-3260, booksandbooks.com.

Learn
About The History Of Flight. Experience the sensations of flight and space exploration
at the Cradle of Aviation and traipse beneath the jets and skydivers suspended
from the museum’s atrium. Families can explore (and climb) through 75 planes
and spacecrafts. On Saturday June 4^th, Cradle will host its 3^rd
Annual Bottle Rocket Competition for children in 3^rd-8^th grades.
For Star Wars fans, the 501^st
Legion’s Empire City Garrison visits on Saturday, June 18^th. Take
pictures with Stormtroopers and other Galaxy enemies. Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, 516-572-4111, cradleofaviation.org.

Go On A
Pony Ride.
Just outside of East Hampton in the village of Amagansett, rests Stony Hill
Stables – a picturesque equestrian facility that offers horse and pony riding
lessons for children as young as 4. For longer stays, children under 7 can
attend the summer “Pony Camp,” a three-day-per-week program that teaches the
basics of riding and horsemanship. Camp sessions run from the week of June 14^th
through the week of September 1^st. 268 Town Lane, Amagansett, 631-267-3203, stonyhillstables.net..

Catch A
Show In Westhampton Beach. A haven for theater,
music, dance and film, the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center offers
several youth- and family-themed events during summer. At the end of July (29-31),
Zoppé, the Italian Family Circus, will come to town. Catch comedic Nino the
Clown and the daring feats of acrobats. 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach, 631-288-1500, whbpac.org.