One-on-one date ideas for quality time with your kids
The Art Bar at VEME Studios is always a good idea. (Photo courtesy of Allison LaBarbera)
With work, school, sports, extracurriculars, family, friends, and the non-stop going, it’s often difficult to focus on quality time with our kids, especially one-on-one. It’s something that I strive to work on this season and hope to schedule more of. With that plan in mind, and the thought that this struggle is likely widespread, I’ve made a list of eight “One-on-One Date Ideas” and am sharing it here for all to use.
Create at The Art Bar at VEME Studios, Greenport
Book your date at The Art Bar tucked inside VEME Studios in Greenport on Bootleggers Alley. With a handful of mediums to choose from, including pottery making, air-dry clay, pottery painting, collage making, canvas or tote bag painting, or beading, there’s an option for everyone. Make your reservation here.
Relax in the salt room at The Stretch Garden, Aquebogue
If you and your kiddo need a bit of a nervous system reset, I suggest heading to The Stretch Garden to spend quiet time in their peaceful salt room. This experience is best for mature children who are able to keep their voices low during their session. Parents can lounge alongside their child and mindfully reconnect while enjoying each other's company. Book your reservation in advance here.
Watch a movie, Mattituck or Greenport
With Mattituck Cinemas consistently offering kids’ movies, and Greenport’s North Fork Arts Center reopening any day, a movie date is a great way to share a one-on-one experience with your kiddo. Check Mattituck Cinemas Facebook page for the most up-to-date schedules or NFAC’s website for movie info.
Get pampered at Xia Nails Spa, Jamesport
A little pampering is good for all! Xia Nails Spa in Jamesport has the cutest kid-sized pedicure chair, ideal for mommy-and-me dates. The kids' section of the service menu features manicures, pedicures, and polish changes. View the complete list of services here, and be sure to call to book your appointment in advance to avoid the wait.
Work together at Escape Zone Long Island, Riverhead
Ideal for kids ages 5+, Escape Zone Long Island is a fun and different date idea where you’ll work together to solve puzzles with the goal of “escaping” a designed room. Escape Zone Long Island is located on Main Street in Downtown Riverhead. Make your reservation in advance here.
Bottle feed the kid goats at Goodale Farms, Riverhead
A short visit to Goodale Farms to see and feed the kid goats and check out the other farm animals is sure to fill your cup. Roam the Riverhead farm and bottle feed the goats for a real North Fork experience. Great for kids of all ages!
Paint ceramics at Long Island Crafty One, Wading River
Ceramic painting and more can be found at this recently opened art studio, and it’s perfect for people of all ages. Over February break, our family and some friends went to check it out, and we were shocked by how much time our whole crew spent completely engaged in painting each of our ceramic selections — even our youngest in tow (age 4), was deeply focused and thoroughly enjoyed. Learn more and book your visit here.
Play pickleball at BOX Pickleball, Riverhead
Challenge your kid to a few rounds of pickleball at BOX Pickleball in Riverhead. Regardless if you know all the rules or are just there to have fun, this date is ripe for bringing out your competitive or silly sides. Stay and grab a bite after at the in-house eatery, Ghost Kitchen and Bar.