James Smith

Latest posts by James

Weekend Fun for LI Families in the Hamptons & North Fork, August 20-23

Submitted by James Smith on Tue, 08/18/2015 - 6:00pm

So the countdown to the unofficial end of summer has begun. That doesn’t mean, however, that enterprising parents won’t find plenty to do on the East End of Long Island this weekend.

From car shows to barbecues and cardboard boat racing, late-summer events dot the landscape of the North and South Forks as communities squeeze out that last ounce of vacation before the kids return to school.

And for more exciting events, check out our LI Calendar, as well as our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide.

Last-Minute Childcare Options for Families in the Hamptons & North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Mon, 08/17/2015 - 6:00am

Your babysitter has bailed and your night out is in jeopardy. Fortunately on the East End of Long Island there are a number of emergency child care options that just might preserve that essential date night. Some are local companies whose sitters are known to other parents in the community, while others are parts of larger national companies with well-earned reputations for reliability and security.

Most require registration on the firm’s website. Be aware that most sitters are independent contractors and not employees of their firms. so company liability varies.

Still, with less than a day’s notice, these services offer experienced sitters with recommendations that can be accessed online or by email. Prices are as of summer 2015 and vary depending on time, distance and services provided. Cancellation policies also vary.

For other information on activities and events in the area, be sure to check out our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Weekend Fun for LI Families in the Hamptons & North Fork, August 13-16

Submitted by James Smith on Tue, 08/11/2015 - 6:00pm

Eat, play, explore. Those would seem to be themes for the third weekend of August on the East End of Long Island. With just three weeks remaining before the unofficial end of the summer season, there’s still plenty of kid-friendly activity on both forks, especially for community-minded families with an appreciation of the natural world.

This weekend, kids can explore the maritime ecosystem, go on a butterfly hunt and pitch in on essential community projects. Afterward, gather at one of the three community barbecues in the area to share fun, games and, of course, chicken.

What a great weekend to explore East End culture. And as you do, be sure to check out our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide for other inspiring things to do on the East East.

Outdoor Dining for LI Families in the Hamptons & North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Mon, 08/10/2015 - 6:00am

There's nothing quite like dining outside near the sand and surf. And while it’s a must-do for couples, these days outdoor dining isn’t just a dating ritual. More and more, restaurants are opening their (out)doors to families eager to share a meal under the summer sun.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorites from both forks whose menu, location and attractions make them ideal choices for parents with hungry kids. Late summer is the perfect time for outdoor dining and more, so check out our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide for the best in what's happening in the area.

Weekend Fun for LI Kids in the Hamptons & North Fork, August 6-9

Submitted by James Smith on Tue, 08/04/2015 - 6:00pm

While August has arrived, there’s still plenty of enjoyment to be found before the kids return to school next month. And no amount of hot and humid weather will undermine the final month of summer vacation.

This weekend, there’s art and culture on the North Fork, and science and discovery on the South. Mix in a fair amount of carnival activity and you have the makings of a spirited weekend no matter what the temperature might read. And remember to check out our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide for the best in the East End entertainment.

6 Brunch Places in the Hamptons and North Fork for LI Families

Submitted by James Smith on Mon, 08/03/2015 - 6:00am

At the end of a fun-filled summer weekend in the Hamptons, what could be better than a family brunch? In fact, for many families returning to the city after a few days of sun and surf, it’s the final ritual before boarding the Long Island Rail Road or challenging the Long Island Expressway.

Scores of restaurants on the East End offer a brunch menu, particularly on Sundays and holidays, but not all are suitable for children. So we've rounded up six of our favorites that offer a combination of location, ambiance and selection that make them ideal choices for parents eager to share a final weekend meal with the family.

For more on what's going on in the area, take a look at our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide.

Weekend Fun for LI Kids in the Hamptons & North Fork, July 30-August 2

Submitted by James Smith on Tue, 07/28/2015 - 6:00pm

It’s the first weekend of August, and time to celebrate the East End’s creative heritage. Concerts, puppet shows, live theater, even cooking classes liven up the family fun on the twin forks with enough variety to satisfy any interest.

On the North Fork, kids (and their baby boomer parents) can enjoy a night of “The King’s” music or a chorale concert from one of the region’s top music schools. On the South Fork, how about a Sag Harbor puppet show, an origami boat regatta or a library family day.

Yes, it’s a weekend to indulge your children’s creative side. But if you’re looking for alternatives to the East End arts scene, there’s also Southampton’s annual celebration of Polish culture, nature walks, boat building and more.

For all those happenings and more, check out our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide. And for the best in seasonal family entertainment across Long Island, don’t forget our Summer Fun Guide.

Baby Gear Rental Places for LI Families in the Hamptons & North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Mon, 07/27/2015 - 6:00am

Your toddler is crying in the back seat. Your pre-teen is wondering “how long till we’re there?” Amid the traffic jams and other traveling nightmares that can turn a Hamptons summer into a two-month migraine, there’s one bit of good news: Packing, especially packing for baby, might be a thing of the past.

At least five companies in and around eastern Long Island offer full-service baby gear rentals, minimizing (for a price) the anxiety parents feel as house rental month draws near. There’s also peace of mind in knowing that a full-size crib is available for baby and not the pack-and-plays or portable cribs popular in area hotels and B and Bs.

From strollers to high chairs, car seats and beach equipment, these companies meet almost every imaginable infant necessity. In a pinch, some will even set up the equipment for you. Most ask only that the merchandise — usually certified safe — be returned clean and in delivery condition.

And for more seasonal essentials, be sure to check out our Hamptons and North Fork Family Guide.