Things to Do In The Hamptons (Kid-Friendly!)
Headed for the Hamptons? If you’re taking the kids to this summer paradise, try some of our favorite things to do in the Hamptons for a trip that you’ll absolutely love.
The Hamptons are a dreamy little corner of the world where the woods meet the beach in a perfect blend of wilderness and surf town vibes.
But unlike a California coastal town, these little towns are held together by lobster rolls, high end shopping disguised as quaint villages, and New Yorkers longing to escape the rush of the city.
Visiting the Hamptons (aka the East End of New York’s Long Island) with kids can be a perfect spot for a family trip, with a little planning ahead! After our recent trip with our 8 and 6 year olds, I’m sharing all of our tips and recommendations for a breezy, dreamy trip to the Hamptons.
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The Hamptons With Kids
The Hamptons itself is a stretch of a few villages, from Southampton out to Montauk on the very tip of the East End of Long Island.
It’s a summer and weekend getaway for New Yorkers looking for some rest and relaxation, with a hearty helping of high-end vacation vibes.
While it’s got an incredible array of high-end restaurants, party spots, art galleries, and bars, it can also be fantastic for families and kids. This post would be very different if I were recommending for an adults-only trip!
The Best Beaches in The hamptons for Families
If you’re headed to the East End, chances are you’re hoping to get some beach time in! And lucky for you one of the best things to do in the Hamptons is to beach hop.
One thing I love about the Hamptons is that there are beaches that offer a little different vibe for every occasion. Here are some of our family faves.
Cooper’s Beach is on a stretch of beautiful sand behind “Billionaire’s Lane,” a string of multi-million dollar beach homes owned by Manhattan’s wealthy elite. You can expect pristine sand, beautiful grassy dunes, and choppy surf.
Meschutt Beach is an entirely different vibe. With Tiki Joe’s right on the beach serving fried food and plenty of drinks, this area is a little more touristy-feeling and busy.
That being said, our kids love this beach because of the plethora of shells and rocks to collect. I also love that the water is super calm and swimmable, even for our kiddos. Definitely worth a stop but don’t let this be the only Hamptons beach you visit.
Ponquogue Beach is a favorite for its tranquil, local vibe and beautiful soft sand. The water is a little too rough to swim, but this is a perfect beach for setting up camp for a few hours.
Be aware, each beach requires its own parking pass. Our rhythm was to go early in the morning before it was too hot, and in some cases we were there too early to purchase a parking pass. You can sometimes avoid the fee that way.
But make sure you know the guidelines for the beach you’re headed to, and avoid getting ticketed!
Things to Do In The Hamptons: The Best Shopping
One of my favorite things to do in the Hamptons has always been to wander the villages and do some window shopping!
I love the mix of well-known boutiques and local shops, often with incredible art galleries or restaurants tucked in between.
For this kind of delicious, summery wandering, I love Southampton Village and Sag Harbor. Find a parking spot and work your way up one side of the streets and back down the other.
There are a good amount of quaint toy shops and local souvenir spots in the villages as well, definitely alluring for any kiddos.
Bonus points for stopping to get ice cream or gelato as a little recharge while you’re browsing!
Where to Eat in The Hamptons with Kids
I love eating in the Hamptons because there’s everything from fine dining to greasy, delicious fish and chips. (And the lobster rolls, obviously!)
But for accessible, fun places to eat with a family, we’ve got you covered.
Sag Pizza is a fun (if pricey) pizza place with great pies and a cool aesthetic.
Rumba is a rum bar with a ferry boat to their sister establishment, Cowfish. Both have incredible cocktails and delicious food, but an atmosphere that’s comfortable enough for kiddos to be themselves in.
The Golden Pear is a great standby for an easy lunch. Sandwiches, salads, and outdoor seating so you can people watch in the village.
Bostwick’s Chowder House in East Hampton has arguably one of the best lobster rolls ever.
The Hampton Maid is a charming spot for breakfast, but make a reservation if you’re headed there on the weekend. This one is a little on the pricey side.
For a more laid-back breakfast, head to Hampton Coffee Company. The breakfast tacos are definitely recommended!
The Station Bar is a quirky local spot with incredibly friendly folks and great fish and chips. Grab a picnic table outside by the little boat harbor. On the weekends they have bingo in the evening.
Things to Do In The Hamptons
More things to do in the Hamptons? You got it!
If sightseeing is your thing, we have a few top recommends.
While you’re driving through neighborhoods gawking at the incredible houses, make some detours to go windmill hunting! The Hamptons have 12 historic windmills, dating back to the late 1700’s. They’re fun to search for and interesting to learn about.
Long House Reserve is a gorgeous garden setting dotted with sculptures, perfect for exploring.
If your kids are up for a drive, head out to Montauk and see the Montauk Point Lighthouse. You can also stop by and watch the surfers at Ditch Plains Beach.
Hamptons Mini Golf is an adorable stop, with the putting obstacles designed after Hamptons landmarks.
Become a Pro at Traveling with Kids
Traveling with kids is one of my greatest joys! It’s also a mission of mine to help more families feel more comfortable and confident with family travel.
So if you could use some general “traveling with kids” tips for your Hamptons trip, bookmark these:
Happy trails! xoxo
Thank you so much for this useful info!!