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.
PUFF ‘N’ PUTT GOLF AND BOAT RENTALS
Mini-golf and boat rentals on Fort Pond, across from IGA in town. Putt a few the rent a boat for some calm freshwater fun. No experience needed.
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
Now in its fifteenth year in the Hamptons and NYC, the Gotham MTK coaching staff excel at teaching juniors. Gotham’s Kids Camps are known for instilling a lifelong love of tennis in young players, while developing friendships, skills, good sportsmanship and confidence. For an added bonus, why not drop your child off at camp and indulge yourself with a private lesson or adult clinic? Full and half day options. Details at 631-267-8525; gothamtennismtk.com.com; 91 S. Fulton Drive (off West Lake Drive).
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
SWEET TREATS
Candied Anchor
Located in the heart of Montauk, The Candied Anchor is a 1950’s sweet shop with a modern sensibility. Equal parts classic Americana and organic Bohemia, The Anchor is sure to delight even the most stubborn sweet tooth. In it, you’ll find party supplies, baked confections, ice cream, quirky retro gifts, and, of course, all the candy you could possibly want. 7 days in season. 721 Montauk Hwy; 631-668-8038
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
Montauk Bake Shoppe
A Montauk institution is the Bake Shoppe. Fresh everything in the morning displayed for easy viewing in classic bakery style. Classic bakery items mingle with specialties like rugelach, quiche, and exotic cookie creations. Homemade doughnuts, cakes and…wow, those breakfast wraps are so big and juicy you could skip lunch. Coffee, juices, refreshments also. Takeout or grab a table outside and people watch! No. 29 The Plaza in town; 631-668-2439; montaukbakeshoppe.com
KID STUFF SHOPPING
Captain Kid
Montauk’s go-to kid shop. This toy-packed store at Gosman’s Dock in the harbor is a great place for Montauk clothes and souvenirs, gifts (gift cards), and kids’ games, plus some great gags. For all ages. 631-668-4319; 484 West Lake Dr.
KID FRIENDLY TRAILS
See Parks and Trails section.
Trails at Shadmoor Many easy, kid friendly trails wind throughout Montauk. Among the easiest spots for kids and less energetic adults to “hike” is at Shadmoor. Park in the free lot just east of town on the right and stroll your way down to the spectacular bluffs (about 15 mins) and check out an old pill box along the way.
See onmontauk.com/events/category/kids/ for daily kid events in and around Montauk.