Every summer, my DMs fill up with the same question: “What should we actually do with kids in the Hamptons?”
After growing up out east and spending every summer and holiday here with my family, I’ve collected a list of tried-and-true favorites. Some are iconic, some are hidden gems, and a few are the traditions I’ve been doing since I was a kid myself. Now getting to experience them all over again with Benny and Nina has been pretty magical.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or lucky enough to spend the whole summer here, here’s my family’s little black book of the best kid-friendly spots in the Hamptons.
Activities
Madoo Mondays: One of my favorite summer traditions. Every Monday morning, Madoo Garden hosts live music for little ones in one of the most beautiful gardens in the Hamptons. Bring a blanket, let your kids run barefoot through the grass, dance to the music, and soak up one of the sweetest mornings of the week.
Monday Night Drum Circle at Sagg Main Beach: If you only do one thing from this list, make it this. I’ve been coming to the drum circle since I was about 10 years old, and it still gives me goosebumps. Grab a pizza, bring blankets, stay through sunset, and let your kids dance barefoot in the sand while the drummers play. It’s pure Hamptons magic.
Corwith Farmstand: If you know, you know. We stop here at least once a week for fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, pies, and all the local treats. The kids love climbing on the tractors, playing in the hay bales, and picking out peaches or strawberries. It’s simple, nostalgic, and exactly what summer should feel like.
Amber Waves Farm: Grab breakfast, wander through the gardens, and let the kids explore. They host wonderful family programming throughout the summer and it’s one of my favorite places to slow down for a morning.
Wölffer Wine Stand: One of the best family surprises in the Hamptons. Every Friday and Saturday evening starting around 5 p.m., there’s live music, plenty of space for kids to dance, and an unbeatable sunset. Such a fun atmosphere for everyone.
Montauk Point Lighthouse: Head all the way to the tip of Long Island to visit New York State’s oldest lighthouse. Older kids will love climbing to the top, and the views are worth the trip.
Shabbat on the Beach: One of the most special summer traditions in the Hamptons. Every Friday evening, families gather on Main Beach to welcome Shabbat with music, singing, and prayer as the sun sets over the ocean. Whether you’re Jewish or simply looking for a meaningful community experience, it’s a beautiful way to end the week. Bring a blanket, let the kids play in the sand, and soak in one of the most magical sunsets you’ll find out east.
Beach Days
My favorites:
- Sagg Main Beach
- Gibson Beach
- Peter’s Pond Beach
- Flying Point Beach
- Coopers Beach
- Main Beach
Don’t leave home without:
- Beach wagon
- CoolCabana
- Beach chairs
- Plenty of snacks in a chic cooler (trust me)
- A beach game (if not with kids)
- A beach bag filled with toys
Rainy Day Favorites
CMEE (Children’s Museum of the East End)
An absolute must. Yes, it gets busy, but there’s a reason. My kids could spend hours here.
Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen
An old-school soda fountain that’s been around since 1925. Breakfast, milkshakes, homemade ice cream, and all the nostalgic vibes.
Hampton Library
One of the best-kept secrets. Their free children’s programming is incredible.
Sweet Treat Stops
- Buddhaberry
- Candy Kitchen for homemade ice cream (the best!)
- Goldberg’s bagels followed by an ice cream stroll.
- Big Olaf’s in Sag Harbor. My forever favorite. Order the black raspberry, then take your cone down to the wharf and watch the boats.
Family Dinner Favorites
- Blue Parrot in East Hampton. A childhood Mexican and Tex-Mex favorite that’s still one of the most family-friendly spots around.
- Sag Pizza. Always packed with local families and surprisingly one of my favorite gluten-free pizzas.
- LT Burger. So happy it’s back. Casual, delicious, and perfect with kids.
- The Clam Bar. An iconic Hamptons stop and one of the easiest places to bring little ones.
- Bostwick’s Chowder House: One of our favorite family-friendly spots for lunch or dinner. The casual outdoor seating makes it an easy choice with little ones, and the menu has something for everyone, from fresh seafood to classic kid-friendly favorites.
- Townline BBQ: Another go-to for a laid-back family, barbecue favorites, and plenty of space make it an easy, fun option for lunch or dinner.
Best Playgrounds
- Agawam Park
- Mashashimuet Park (our family’s favorite)
- CMEE Outdoor Playground
Summer Events Worth Planning Around
- Shabbat on the Beach
- Madoo Mondays
- Monday Night Drum Circle
- CMEE Family Fair
- Balsam Farms Market
- Local carnivals
My Favorite Kids’ Stores in the Hamptons
If you’re shopping for little ones out east, these are the stores I find myself going back to every single summer.
Stella & Ruby | Sag Harbor One of my absolute favorites for beautifully curated children’s clothing. They carry so many special European brands alongside timeless classics, making it the perfect stop for everything from newborn gifts to special occasion outfits.
The Little Red Planet | Sag Harbor If you’re looking for unique European children’s brands you truly can’t find just anywhere, this is your spot. Every piece feels thoughtfully curated, with an emphasis on sustainable fashion.
Relax | Bridgehampton Home to our favorite Polka Dot England pajamas, plus the sweetest mix of children’s clothing, gifts, and everyday essentials. It’s one of those stores you’ll pop into for one thing and leave with five.
Stevenson’s Toys & Games | East Hampton My go-to for birthday gifts and rainy afternoons. It’s an old-school toy store in the best possible way, packed with classic games, imaginative toys, and nostalgic finds that kids actually play with. Every child should experience a toy store like this.
My Local Favorites
- Coffee: Sagtown Coffee or Sagaponack General Store
- Breakfast: Candy Kitchen
- Farm Stand: Amber Waves or Balsam Farm
- Ice Cream: Big Olaf’s
- Rainy Day: CMEE
- Weekly Tradition: Drum Circle & Shabbat on the Beach
- Beach: our forever favorite Gibson Beach
- Flowers: Sunflowers from any roadside stand
What’s Always in My Beach Bag
- Baby Beach Coverup
- Mineral sunscreen
- Snack containers
- Sand toys
- Lightweight beach towel
- Baby carrier
- Bubble machine (the biggest hit with toddlers!)
Closing
Summer out east will always be my favorite season. My parents bought our family home more than 35 years ago from the writer John Irving, back when this was still a sleepy little fisherman town, and it’s where some of my happiest childhood memories were made. Getting to bring Benny and Nina here now and watch them experience those same traditions feels incredibly special. I hope this guide helps you discover a few new favorites, start a couple of traditions of your own, and make your Hamptons days just a little easier and a lot more magical. Happy summer!
Katie’s Insider Tips
- Skip Jitney traffic by heading to the beach before 9:30 a.m.
- Keep a sweatshirt in the car because Hamptons nights cool down fast.
- Farm stand pies sell out early, so grab one in the morning.
- Always bring cash for roadside flower stands.
- The best sunsets are at Gibson Beach and Sagg Main.
