PLAYGROUNDS
Montauk has five great public playgrounds for traditional kid fun:
1) The Montauk School (enter at 2nd House Rd and S. Eaton);
2) Next to the baseball field, just off the circle (at S. Edgemere & S. Erie);
3) Hither Hills State Park (west of town on Old Montauk Highway);
4) Montauk Community Church (at S. Etna Ave. and S. Etna Pl.);
5) Montauk Lighthouse (lower parking area, also many grill stations).
EDDIE ECKER COUNTY PARK (AKA THE DOG PARK)
This park at the end of Navy Road (cross the railroad tracks, then turn left) is not a formal playground but a great open park space on Fort Pond Bay for frisbee, lawn games, running wild, walking the dog, etc. There’s also a fishing pier jutting deep into the bay.
MONTAUK LIBRARY (see Rainy Day Activities)
MONTAUK PLAYHOUSE (see Rainy Day Activities)
MONTAUK SKATE PARK
If you’ve never been there, Montauk Skate Park has a lot of personality. It is a “free” place open for interpretation by all who roll over its surface. The terrain is bumpy, weathered, and rough so riders should dial in their boards to find their own personal groove. There’s even a major-league backyard styled pool for the “Gnardogs.” Ride safe and know your abilities…and limits. North of downtown on Essex St. Open daily In spring/summer.
TENNIS
Montauk Downs Tennis
Molly Nolan and her crew run various clinics, lessons, and day camps for kids and adults throughout the tennis season on the Downs’ six Har–Tru courts, which are also rentable by the hour and for private lessons. 631-238-7160; themontaukdownstennis.com; 50 S. Fairview Ave.
Gotham Tennis Academy – Montauk
Tennis Camps, Lessons, Clinics, Private Tennis Parties, Leagues, Court Rentals and more on six pristine clay courts on the grounds of a beautiful nature preserve. Gotham Tennis Academy is known for innovation in teaching tennis to players of all ages and levels. Gotham junior programs and camps emphasize fundamentals, while stressing sportsmanship, hard work and fun. Gotham adult clinics balance competitive play with fun drills, strategy and instruction. info@gothamtennis.com; 631-267-8525
Public Courts in Town
East Hampton Town operates two first-come, first-serve courts at the very end of S. Erie St. (past the soccer field). All year. No lights. 631-324-2417
WHEN SWEET TREATS ARE IN ORDER…
Fudge N’Stuff
Candy, fudge, ice cream, homemade treats…seen Willy Wonka? Oh, piñatas too. 10am-10pm / 7 days in season. 41 S Edgemere Street; 631-668-4724
John’s Drive-In
A Montauk institution for amazing home-made ice cream and great old-school drive-in food. Their old-fashioned ice cream truck can be booked for parties! 677 Montauk Hwy in town; 631-668-5515
Ben & Jerry’s
Ice Cream, Desserts, Coffee, the name speaks for itself. West Lake Drive in the Harbor; 631-668-9425; benjerry.com/Montauk
Fro-Yo & Gelato
Frozen yogurt In multiple tasty flavors with a robust and elegant toppings bar will thrill the kids, and you. Also a candy shop if the yogurt is too healthy; sit outdoors or inside. 43S Euclid Ave; 631-668-8393
KID STUFF SHOPPING
Captain Kid
This toy-packed store at Gosman’s Dock in the harbor is a great kid shop for all ages. 631-668-4319; 484 West Lake Dr.
HAHA
Haha carries higher-level games and toys for kids plus a fun-fill section for grown-ups. 6 S. Etna in town; 631-668-3174; Haha.gift
See onmontauk.com/events/category/kids/ for daily kid events in and around Montauk.