July 4th Weekend Fun for Kids in the Hamptons & North Fork

6/30/15 - By James Smith

It’s the Fourth of July on the East End of Long Island--the biggest weekend of the summer. What better time to unleash your child’s independent spirit? From the North Fork to the South, activities galore celebrate our nation’s heritage. Where else can you take in a parade in the morning, tall ships in the afternoon and--assuming your kids have enough staying power--a carnival and fireworks under the stars?  

Just in case you want to break away from Fourth of July fervor, there are plenty of other activities, as well indoor events just in case it rains on our holiday parades.

Be sure to check out our complete roundup of Long Island’s fireworks shows. And when you’re finished, browse our Hamptons & North Fork Family Guide.

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Thursday, July 2
Full Moon Jam – Cutchogue.
Families can hike the trails of Downs Farm Preserve as the sun sets and celebrate Native American heritage with a moonlight concert.

Thursday, July 2-Saturday, July 4
Peconic Bay Medical Center Family Festival - Wading River.
The hospital fundraiser promises rides, games, fireworks and more.

Friday July 3-Sunday, July 5
Fire Department Carnival – Greenport.
Rides, games and fireworks light up the evening in one of the fire department’s leading fundraisers.

Saturday, July 4 -Tuesday, July 7
Tall Ships Celebration – Greenport.
Greenport’s annual July 4th tradition this year includes six 18th- and 19th-century vessels.

Friday, July 3
Little Red Riding Hood – Sag Harbor.
This hand-puppet presentation is an alternative version of the fairytale classic.


Superhero Cape Creation – Quogue. Kids can transform an oversized T-shirt into a personalized cape and superhero mask at Quogue Library.


Moonlight Cruise Along the Peconic River – Riverhead. Parents can join members of the Long Island Aquarium staff for an evening cruise down the Peconic River.

Saturday, July 4
ARF Holiday Barbecue and Open House – Wainscott
. Families can “liberate” a dog or cat at the rescue fund’s annual get-together. The adoption open house also features $10 vaccines for those who already have a pet.



Art Education Class at Pollock Krasner House – East Hampton. Children’s author Joyce Raimondo helps families explore the home and studio of famous artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. Visitors can create their own art outdoors.



Shark Anatomy and Dissection at SoFo – Bridgehampton. With help from SoFo nature educators, children can dissect a small shark species and learn of its characteristic body parts and behaviors.

Sunday, July 5
Heritage Day – Orient
. A reading of the Declaration of Independence highlights an afternoon that also includes a parade, food and children’s activities.


Bug Lighthouse Tour – Greenport. Long Beach Bar, or Bug Lighthouse, is one of only a handful of offshore lighthouses in the world open to visitors.


Make a Fish T-shirt – Bridgehampton. Also at SoFo, this arts and crafts program teaches children about the variety of fish species in local waters.