With Kids: Will travel for…
Photo credit: Frank Quevedo, Executive Director, South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center
If you know me, you know I’m a stickler for not leaving the North Fork during the summer and fall seasons. Our family enjoys this slice of heaven to the fullest — constantly seeking out the best kid-friendly things to see, do, eat, and explore — partially so that we can share with you, but also because we truly feel the North Fork is THE PLACE TO BE.
However, lately, a few spots on the South Fork have caught our attention, luring us away for a SoFo day. Here are five places we’ll be visiting with kids on the South Fork before summer’s end.
Get hands-on with nature at the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center in Bridgehampton
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this museum and nature center is the place to visit to discover, learn, explore, and engage with live and recreated natural habitat exhibits. Outside, wander the 40-acre preserve featuring native pollinator and wildflower gardens, and a six-mile trail system of interconnected ponds, woods, and wetlands. Don’t skip the marine touch tank, where visitors of all ages are invited to hold starfish, crabs, urchins, and whelks. The SoFo Natural History Museum and Nature Center also hosts many family-friendly workshops, such as the upcoming “Make a fish print t-shirt” scheduled for Saturday, August 2, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn more about this workshop and more here.
Gather the fam for a weekly outdoor movie night at Monday Movies on The Great Lawn in Westhampton
Family movie nights are always a big hit for our fam, but outdoor movie nights are truly next-level amazing. Westhampton is doing it right with free Monday night movies on The Great Lawn weekly throughout August, each beginning at dusk. Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnics, and enjoy a family-friendly flick. Coming up is School of Rock on July 28 at 8:12 p.m. and Zootopia on August 4 at 8:04 p.m. View the complete lineup here.
Climb, run, jump, and play on the new playground at the Children’s Museum East End in Bridgehampton
A brand new 9,000-square-foot playground? Sign us up! Be sure to add the newly opened outdoor playground at the Children’s Museum East End (CMEE) to your summer bucket list. Designed with young children in mind, the playground is sensory-friendly and inclusive, featuring play zones and shaded areas — perfect for summer fun. CMEE is currently open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Access to the playground is included in museum admission. More info here.
Order up some fun frozen treats at Goodiez at Goldberg’s Bagels, Deli, and Marketplace in Water Mill
Okay, okay, I know we have insanely good ice cream right here on the North Fork, but if you’re down for a drive or are visiting the South Fork for any of the other spots in this roundup, Goodiez is worth the stop, making frozen treats fun. Like a speakeasy for sweets, it’s located inside Goldberg’s Bagel shop in Water Mill. While Goozies serves up ice cream (both classic and vegan), Italian Ice, and frozen yogurt, we’re there for the cereal swirls. Check out their Instagram for inspiration on your upcoming Goodiez order.
Create at the new Color Pop Workshop in Southampton
Head to Southampton and drop into an open studio workshop at the Hampton’s newest creative hub: Color Pop Workshop! Adults and children alike are invited to explore varied art mediums, such as painting, clay, and mixed media. Color Pop also offers many cute workshops, including jewelry making, sewing, trinket box decorating, and more. View the complete schedule and list of upcoming offerings here.