A Brief Guide to Family-Friendly Trips to Long Island’s East End
This New York beach destination has much to offer families with children.
Montauk Lighthouse. Photo: Discover Long Island
Long Island, New York’s East End is known for its wineries on the North Fork and Hamptons beaches on the South Fork. But for families, there’s a lot more to explore at this summer destination that even makes it suitable for year-round trips.
From museums to water activities to theme parks, the East End offers plenty of activities for kids and adults alike to enjoy, plus many accommodations and dining options to complete the trip.
“Long Island’s East End has so much to offer to families that are traveling to the area,” Milissa A. Valentin, general manager of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Long Island-East End, told TMR. “And for those planning a special vacation – variety and adventure is what they will find.”
Activities
Valentin has a long list of recommendations for family fun on the East End: “From historical landmarks, to festivals, farms, racetracks, outdoor water parks, museums, beaches, breweries, vineyards, walking trails – you can find so many ways to spend time and deepen bonds with family,” she said.
Aside from the popular beaches, children of all ages tend to enjoy Splish Splash Water Park, Scott’s Pointe Long Island Adventure Park, Riverhead Raceway, and Harbes Family Farm.
In terms of museums, there is the Montauk Lighthouse Museum, Long Island Science Center, Children’s Museum of the East End – Bridgehampton, Long Island Aquarium, and the Greenport Antique Carousel.
Discover Long Island, the destination’s main marketing arm, highly suggests “hitting the beach, enjoying the sun and ocean, and if you have little ones just letting them play in the sand and splash around,” as well as renting out equipment for watersports such as wake boarding, tubing and waterskiing.
Accommodations
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Long Island-East End offers a relaxed, central location near all the fun on both the North and South Forks. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a comfortable lobby, and a free buffet Express Start Breakfast Bar.
Discover Long Island also recommends The Pridwin Hotel and Cottages, which has a schedule of kid-friendly activities, and The Bayview Resort, where families can rent out kayak, rowboat, paddleboard, games, bikes, and canoes.
Dining
For kid-friendly eats, Discover Long Island’s picks are Calissa Hamptons, Lily’s Seaside at Silly Lily Fishing Station, and Union Burger Bar.
Popular seafood restaurants in the area are Duryea’s and LUNCH Lobster Roll. Kids will also love Lucharitos Burrito Bar.
