24 Things to Do in Southampton With Kids
Southampton Village sits along a stretch of shoreline on the South Fork of Long Island's East End. Nestled between Hampton Bays and Water Mill, sandy beaches and celebrity sightings are where it's at, especially in the summer. It's an ideal destination for a family day trip, and visiting on weekdays or getting an early-morning weekend start will save you hours in Hamptons traffic.
Not to be confused with vastly larger Southampton Town, only one main road, Montauk Highway, runs east-west through the village. Locals know of options unfamiliar to Waze, but if you're driving from out of town it's best to be patient on summer weekends. The Long Island Rail Road's Southampton station offers service on the Montauk branch from Penn Station and Jamaica. Plus, the Hampton Jitney offers bus service between the two forks and New York metro area.
Read on for our family-friendly guide to what to do and see, which beaches to visit, and where to eat and play. And for more kid-friendly activities on the East End, check out our roundup of 50 things to do with kids in the Hamptons and North Fork, or head over to our local day trips guide to explore another community.
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Top Family-Friendly Attractions in Southampton, NY
1. Elias Pelletreau Silversmith Shop
History buffs, this place is for you. Built in the late 1600s, it is one of the oldest buildings remaining on the East End. Resident jeweler and silversmith Eric Messin practices his art while educating visitors about old-world silversmithing. It's open daily, except for Tuesdays.
2. Southampton History Museum
The Museum has engaging and informative events all year round, such as a current exhibit on the history of the Long Island Rail Road, paddle tours and and East End Explorer Camp for kids.
3. Main Street
The heart of Southampton lives along Main Street. A vibrant mix of art shops, eateries, boutiques, and more make this downtown sizzle. If you stop here first and need to gear up for the beach, Flying Point Surf & Sport can outfit the whole family.
4. Rogers Memorial Library
Rogers Memorial Library, which dates to 1893, is an activity epicenter for children of all ages with a calendar of events that is updated daily. The interactive children’s section is filled with toys and toddler books while the teen center contains a research area ideal for summer or school-year projects.
5. Southampton Cultural Center
From music and movies under the stars to theater, and more, the Southampton Cultural Center supports local performing arts for all ages.
6. Southampton Arts Center
This art and cultural center in the Hamptons presents art, film, talks, wellness, kids, and more.
7. Southampton Recreation Center
Supported by town government, this facility on Majors Path offers tweens and teens swimming, chess, game nights, arts and crafts, movies, and more. There is also an indoor gym for basketball and running. Swimming classes are offered in the summer; in the winter, the mild hills and expansive terrain provide an ideal environment for sledding.
Stroll along Southampton's charming Main Street for eats and treats. Photo by Shinya Suzuki via Flickr
Best Beaches to Visit in Southampton, NY
8. Agawam Park
With 60 acres of fresh water to explore, plenty of green space and a boardwalk, this is a naturalist's dream. Park for FREE, pack a pincic lunch for one of the onsite tables and enjoy the fountain and playground - which is ideal for toddlers to early elementary age. It's also cose to shops and restaurants. Restrooms are on site too. FREE evening music is offered throughout the summer.
9. Coopers Beach
Among the East End's best beaches, this sandy South Shore spot is super clean, with bathrooms, a snack bar, picnic tables and lifeguards. Leave the beach buggy at home and rent chairs and umbrellas. Coopers Beach has decent waves too, so be extra cautious with inexperienced swimmers. Spend the day and stay for an evening of musical entertainment. However, be ready to fork over a hefty summer parking fee of $50 daily if you are a nonresident. (As with Cryder, Fowler, Gin Lane, Halsey Neck, Little Plains, Old Town and Wyandanch beaches). Be sure to drive around Meadow Lane and peep what life is like for the rich and famous. Ahhh, a mom can dream!
10. Road D Beach
Arrive early to nab an elusive FREE parking spot. It's a hidden gem along Meadow Lane that boasts soft sand and clear water, but that's where the beach frills ends. There bathroom and showers, but there are no lifeguards on duty or dogs allowed. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking at this beach.
11. Shinnecock East County Park
This relatively new and popular county park sits opposite Shinnecock Inlet from Hampton Bays. It's a haven for sport fishermen and campers. More than 100 outer-beach campsites are available to those with a county Green Key. The north side of the park abuts Shinnecock Bay, whose shallow and serene waters are ideal for novice swimmers. The park is also a popular destination for migrating seabirds, so bring your binoculars.
RELATED: Great Rainy-Day Activities in the Hamptons and North Fork
Best Restaurants for Kids in Southampton, NY
12. The Golden Pear Cafe
Easy style and charm sets the Golden Pear Cafe apart on Main Street. It serves up breakfast, lunch, homemade baked goods — and, of course, coffee. It offers a daily soup, chili, and entree as well as quiche specials that are worth a peek before ordering off the regular menu.
13. The Fudge Company
As if I'd even have to sell this ooey, gooey confectionary storefront to you. This family-owned, decades-old business makes rich chocolates, exotic fudge, salt water taffy and hard-to-find penny candies.
14. Hampton Coffee Company
Brewing local java, espresso, foamy latte drinks, and freshly made juices, Hampton Coffee Company also sells fresh baked muffins, scones, yogurt parfaits, oatmeal and grilled-to-order paninis and wraps. Call in your order ahead to save time or relax in cozy leather armchairs. Bonus: Enjoy free WiFi to keep your family connected — or the kiddies entertained while you sip the nectar of the gods in peace.
15. Sip 'N Soda
Step back in time for a nostalgic dining experience. Opened in the late 1950s, this family-owned luncheonette and diner offers old-fashioned soda fountains, milkshakes and American diner fare. Be sure to try its famous and refreshing Lime Rickey drink. Score a sweet deal for families on Monday nights, while Fridays are Sundae Nights and include unlimited toppings. Go nuts.
16. Tate's Bake Shop
Don't miss the famous Tate's Bake Shop flagship store on Main Street. From cookies to cakes and even gluten free goodies, this is is a treat for Hamptonites and visitors alike.
17. Cowfish
Technically this popular waterfront spot is located in Hampton Bays, just west of Southampton, but worth it for families! The outdoor area has play structures and sweeping views, while the menu caters to fussy foodies and refined palates alike. Their Little Fish menu includes fruit, a drink and ice cream.
RELATED: Great Things to Do in Montauk With Kids
Where to Stay in Southampton, NY
18. Southampton Inn
Located in the heart of historic Southampton Village, just steps from Main Street, is the charming Southampton Inn. An ideal spot for families, this Inn also has an outdoor pool. They boast a bed & breakfast style with all of the amenities of a regular hotel. Plus, on site, Claude's serves breakfast and weekend brunch and diners can sit inside or out.
19. Vacation Rentals
House rentals such as the Little Sailboat and The Portrait Painter cost upwards of $2,000/night but also sleep 10-14 guests, respectively.
Nearby Beaches and Attractions to Southampton, NY
Southampton can be a home base to explore much of the East End in the summer. For example, enjoy these two beaches in Southampton Town, outside of the village.
20. Meschutt Beach
This stillwater beach on Peconic Bay also has a lifeguard on duty, restrooms, kayak rentals, a playground and a food concession. Windsurfing and sailing are available for you adventurous types. On site is Tiki Joe's, a buzzy waterfront restaurant/bar with an island vibe. It's family friendly with live music daily.
21. Pikes Beach
Boasting 400 feet of shoreline, this beach has bathrooms and lifeguards on duty during the summer months. This is the furthest town beach at the western end of the town. Residents need a permit to park, but there are daily passes available.
RELATED: Fun Things to Do as a Family in Greenport
Play and learn at the mini-golf course at the Children's Museum of the East End. Photo by the author
Bridgehampton is full of family-friendly fun, beaches, and more. Check out our guide for options.
22. Children's Museum of the East End
Even the littlest ones will enjoy this museum. On select days for an additional fee, the museum holds a Tot Spot mommy-and-me class for ages 16 months to 3 years and a baby and me class for 2 months through 16 months. Hands-on exhibits promote imagination-based play, learning, reading, building, and more. An indoor area offers play structures and soft foam gymnastic equipment. The museum even has a special play area for crawlers. An art room is ready for your little one's creations. When the weather gets warm, head outside for some playground fun, a live performance in the half-round theater, or a round of nine-hole mini-golf. Daily passes and annual memberships are offered.
23. Good Ground Park
Opened in 2017, this passive recreational park has an amphitheater that offers music and movies under the stars. Wooded walking trails complete a one-mile circuit and a toddler playground is also on site, as are comfort stations. Need to unwind? The park also features a labyrinth walk, where you can clear your mind from parenting and professional stress.
24. South Fork Natural History Museum
This animal- and nature-fueled natural history museum offers kids hands-on experiences and immerses them into nature. Entering the building, you're surrounded by murals of the natural works, including forests and freshwater ponds. Downstairs, kids will thrill to sink their hands into the touch tank and perhaps feel a prickly sea urchin. Reptiles, frogs, and more live exhibits are available too, and so is an outdoor butterfly garden. Take a guided nature walk on the grounds or check out one of the many family-friendly events and workshops happening this summer.