James Smith

Latest posts by James

Father's Day Weekend Fun for Kids in the Hamptons & North Fork, June 19-21

Submitted by James Smith on Tue, 06/16/2015 - 4:22pm

It’s Father’s Day weekend, and on the East End of Long Island that means it’s time for... strawberries! This weekend, all eyes turn to the big daddy of outdoor fests: the Mattituck Lions Club’s annual Strawberry Festival. Carnival rides, live music and, of course, shortcake herald the return of the strawberry in a way that has delighted families for 61 years. This is the North Fork’s largest fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting Lions Club charities.

On the South Fork this weekend, Southampton celebrates its 375th anniversary, and a Father’s Day craft fair offers kids a chance to pick up a present for dad. With Sunday dedicated to daddy bonding, most of our picks take place on Friday and Saturday.

For more fun options, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Kid-Friendly Nature Walks in the Hamptons and North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Mon, 06/15/2015 - 10:00am

Introduce your kids to nature with a walk through an East End preserve.

From North Fork trails that wind through wine country, to mountain walks in Montauk, the East End lets families explore nature’s diversity. Flowers bloom, rare birds soar and seals bond with curious onlookers, all in a mile-long stretch by the shore.

Parents hoping to foster a love of Mother Nature in their kids should check out some of these family-friendly hikes around the East End. Here you’ll find walks suitable for all ages, from young children through teens. Just remember: stay hydrated and be wary of ticks!

And for the best in family fun out East this summer, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Weekend Fun for Kids in the Hamptons & North Fork, June 12-14

Submitted by James Smith on Tue, 06/09/2015 - 10:00pm

From history celebrations to marine ecology classes to creative arts and crafts, educational programs abound on the East End this weekend. Whether you're on the North Fork or South, you’re sure to find an activity that inspires your child’s intellectual curiosity—and maybe even yours, too.

Do you know from where the first Southampton settlers came? Or why ancient cultures celebrated the summer solstice? Or how horseshoe crabs survived the dinosaur extinction? If not, check out some of these weekend picks with your kids. And for more fun on the East End, peruse our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

Weekend Fun for LI Kids in the Hamptons & North Fork June 5-7

Submitted by James Smith on Tue, 06/02/2015 - 5:02pm

Things tend to be quiet on the East End in early June. With another few weeks until schools close for summer break, parents have to search just a bit harder this weekend for kid-friendly activities on the North and South Forks.

But fear not: There's still plenty to do in this culturally diverse region. This weekend, you'll find theater shows, agriculture programs and historical offerings sure to educate and entertain little and not-so-little ones.

Whether you’re here for the weekend, the whole summer or call the East End home, you’ll want to check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide. And for fun on the rest of the island this month, take a look at our Event Calendar and June GoList.

Best Kids' Storytimes in the Hamptons & North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Mon, 06/01/2015 - 10:00am

Bookstores and libraries abound on the North and South Forks, and some of our country’s most popular writers have called the region home. But while our children may not yet be able to appreciate Truman Capote or Nelson DeMille, kids' storytime sessions offer them an introduction to age-appropriate literature—and a fun one at that. Almost every East End library hosts some manner of children’s storytime, but a handful offer their own unique approaches. We've rounded up our favorites. And for more activities in the area this summer, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.

Weekend Fun for LI Kids in the Hamptons and North Fork May 30-31

Submitted by James Smith on Tue, 05/26/2015 - 5:00pm

Nature is in full bloom on the East End of Long Island. Families on the North or South Fork have an abundance of outdoor activity options this weekend, including nature hikes, bird-watching, aquarium fun and more. Reservations are recommended for most of these East End events, all of which are sure to open your child’s eyes and mind to the wonders of our natural world.

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, renting a place for the summer or live on the East End, you’ll want to check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide. And for fun on the rest of the island, take a look at our Event Calendar.

Sports Camps and Clinics for Kids in the Hamptons & North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Mon, 05/25/2015 - 10:00am

Fun or fundamentals... why choose when your kid can have both? Parents of athletically inclined children on the East End of Long Island have a number of options for summertime sports. Novices can be introduced to a sport in an inexpensive town clinic, while more experienced athletes can refine their skills under the guidance of a seasoned instructor.

Either way, the East End offers kids' sports programs that range from baseball and basketball, to kayaking and lacrosse. And for more classes and activities, be sure to check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.

Affordable Swim Lessons for Kids in the Hamptons and North Fork

Submitted by James Smith on Mon, 05/18/2015 - 10:00am

Eastern Long Island boasts some of the Northeast’s most captivating beaches, perfect for summer fun. However, parents of young children may want to invest in swimming lessons from qualified instructors in order to put themselves at ease amid all the oceanside activity. Happily, there are some affordable kids' swim programs on both forks. Classes do fill up quickly, though, so you'll want to enroll your children ASAP.

Note: Most town-sponsored, outdoor programs begin in July. YMCA and Southampton Youth Services programs continue year-round.