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Getting To Southampton, NY

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.

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 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

This museum has engaging and informative events all year round, rotating exhibitions, paddle tours, and an 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 FREE summer concerts and movies under the stars to theater productions, 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 events, and more.

7. Southampton Youth Services Recreation Center

Supported by town government, this facility on Majors Path offers programming for tweens and teens in swimming, chess, game nights, arts and crafts, movies, and more. There is also an indoor gym for basketball and running. Swimming lessons are offered in the summer; in the winter, the mild hills provide one of Long Island's best seldding destinations.

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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 beach is a naturalist's dream. Park for FREE, pack a picnic lunch to eat at one of the on-site tables and enjoy the fountain and playground, which is ideal for toddlers to early elementary age. It's also close to shops and restaurants. Restrooms are on-site, too. FREE evening concerts are offered throughout the summer.

9. Coopers Beach

Among the East End's best beaches, this sandy South Shore spot is 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, so be extra cautious with inexperienced swimmers. Be ready to fork over a hefty summer parking fee of $50 daily if you are a nonresident.

10. Road D Beach

Arrive early to nab an elusive FREE parking spot at this hidden gem along Meadow Lane that boasts soft sand and clear water, but that's where the beach frills ends. There are bathrooms and showers, but 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. It's also home to on of our favorite Long Island camping sites. The north side of the park abuts Shinnecock Bay, home to shallow and serene waters that are ideal for novice swimmers. The park is also a popular destination for migrating seabirds, so bring your binoculars.

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Southampton, NY

12. The Golden Pear Cafe

Easy style and charm sets the Golden Pear Cafe apart on Main Street. It serves breakfast, lunch, homemade baked goods—and, of course, coffee. Enjoy a daily selection of soup, chili, entree, and 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.

16. Tate's Bake Shop

Don't miss the famous Tate's Bake Shop flagship store on Main Street. From cookies to cakes and gluten-free goodies, this 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. Its Little Fish menu includes fruit, a drink, and ice cream.

Where to Stay in Southampton, NY

18. Southampton Inn

Located in the heart of historic Southampton Village, just steps from Main Street, find the charming Southampton Inn. An ideal spot for families, this inn also has an outdoor pool. It boasts bed-and-breakfast charm with all of the amenities of a regular hotel. The on-site Claude's serves breakfast and weekend brunch with seating inside or out.

19. Vacation Rentals

House rentals abound in Southampton, NY. Consider this charming four-bedroom, three-bathroom home with on-site pool and hot tub just a block from the village or this sprawling property with a pool, expansive yard, and room to sleep seven.

More Family-FriendlyAttractions near Southampton, NY

20. Meschutt Beach

This stillwater beach on Peconic Bay also has a lifeguard on duty, restrooms, kayak rentals, a playground and concessions. Windsurfing and sailing are available for adventurous types. The on-site is Tiki Joe's is a buzzy waterfront restaurant with an island vibe offering 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.

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Play and learn at the mini-golf course at the Children's Museum of the East End. Photo by the author

22. Children's Museum of the East End

Even the littlest ones will enjoy this museum. Hands-on exhibits promote play-based 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, on-site playground, and a nine-hole mini-golf course. Daily passes and annual memberships are offered.

23. Good Ground Park

This passive recreational park has an amphitheater that hosts free concerts and movie nights, wooded walking trails, and a toddler playground. The park also features a labyrinth, where you can enjoy a meditative stroll.

24. South Fork Natural History Museum

This animal- and nature-filled natural history museum offers kids hands-on experiences and immerses them in nature. Take a guided nature walk on the grounds or check out one of the many family-friendly events and workshops peppering its calendar.

Originally published in 2019.

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