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.

Playgrounds

EDDIE ECKER COUNTY PARK at the end of Navy Road 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.  No fee.

Henry “Hank” Zebrowski Memorial athletic fields with playground at S. Edgemere and S. Erie Ave with restroom facilities.  No fee.

Hither Hills State Park, playground located in the parking area with restroom facilities.  The park has a beach open from Memorial Day to Labor Day; bridle paths; hiking trails; a scenic ten-acre, handicapped-accessible picnic area with fireplaces; playing fields; courts for horseshoes, basketball, volleyball, and tetherball; and accessible campsites, with showers and dumping stations. Additional facilities include a park office, camp store, and centrally located phones. The park is patrolled by New York State Park Police and maintains a large recycling program and requires a $10 parking fee.

Montauk Community Church (at S. Etna Ave. and S. Etna Pl.) No fee.

Montauk Lighthouse located in the lower parking area, also many charcoal grill stations with restroom facilities. Requires an $8 parking fee.

Montauk Playhouse located at 240 Edgemere St, Montauk. Open to the public Mon-Fri from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM to dusk.  Also open Sat-Sun 9:00 AM to dusk.  No fee.

The Montauk School (enter at 2nd House Rd and S. Eaton) No Fee.  Limited restroom facility. No fee.

Food & Shopping

BEN & JERRY’S
West Lake Drive Extension at the Harbor, Montauk
631-668-9425 • benjerry.com/Montauk
An institution in Montauk serving Vermont’s Finest, GMO free and fair trade ice cream, frozen yogurt, fresh fruit sorbets, soft serve and non-dairy dessert. Visit the adjoining Espresso bar featuring locally roasted Fair Trade Organic coffee and an assortment of teas, treats, gift items, and the East End’s largest variety of B&J’s “pints to go!”

CANDIED ANCHOR
http://www.candiedanchor.com
721 Montauk Hwy, Montauk
(631) 668-8038
Located in the heart of Montauk, at 721 Main Street, 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.

CAPTAIN KID TOYS
http://www.mymontauk.com
Gosman’s Dock, 484 W. Lake Dr, Montauk
(631) 668-4482
Located at Gosman’s Dock, Captain Kid is the oldest and best toy store in Montauk. with an awesome collection of wooden trains and automobiles, hard to find toys, Legos and craft kits, cute t-shirts, puzzles and more, for children of all ages with a variety of interests – you have to visit!

FUDGE N’ STUFF
41 S Edgemere Street
631-668-4724
On the Circle, just off Main Street, Fudge N’ Stuff is jam-packed with goodies, including 30 different kinds of fudge, and, yes, they’ll slice you a taste so you can sample until you find your favorite. An eye-popping assortment of old-fashioned penny candy, lollipops, gourmet jellybeans, cotton candy, hot popcorn, nuts, and chocolate-covered pretzels by the pound fill the shelves. Wonderful soft serve ice cream as well. Order an ice-cream cone, sundae, malt, or banana split, or a hot chocolate or cappuccino. They also sell piñatas for your parties. Cravings satisfied from 10am-11pm, 7 days in season.

JOHN’S DRIVE-IN  (50th Anniversary Year 2017!)
677 Montauk Hwy, Montauk
631-668-5515
GO HERE NOW! Continue reading this guide over ice cream and a fishwich! A Montauk institution serving genuinely awesome burgers, fries, and all the best diner items you can think of (like the fishwich), plus the BEST HOMEMADE ICE CREAM ON LONG ISLAND, with 20+ flavors. The lines don’t lie… and yes, it’s worth the wait. Hit Harvest for dinner in their bucolic garden on the pond then walk over to John’s for a nightcap of succulent Cherry Vanilla ice cream…you’ll call the real estate broker on the way home. 11:30am–10pm.

WHITE’S DRUG AND DEPARTMENT STORE
95 Carl Fisher Plaza, Montauk
631-668-2994
Montauk’s only full-service pharmacy also stocks everything from cosmetics to high-quality giftware, vitamins, newspapers, special occasion cards, books and magazines, appliances, jewelry and an extensive swimwear and clothing collection for adults and kids. Everything for a stay at the shore including toys, games, towels, bedding, postcards, and sunscreens.

Beaches

DITCH PLAINS BEACH
(surfer spot, families, can get crowded, permit parking)
Popular with surfers, this beach is two miles east of the village on the ocean with parking by permit only at two parking areas. The super long break makes surfing ideal for newbies or veteran long-boarders. This iconic beach has beautiful cliffs rising at its western end at Shadmoor Park, restrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards during the summer season, and concession trailers that serve more than just snacks.

GIN BEACH
(sound side, calm, families, boat watching, walk to Shagwong point, permit parking)
At the end of East Lake Drive on Block Island Sound; and named for the cattle gins, or pens, that resided here for hundreds of years, Gin Beach is great for families with children, with gentle water and sandy beaches. You can watch the boats come in and out of Montauk Harbor, or take a walk on the jetty. Parking by permit only. Restrooms, outdoor showers, a concession trailer, lifeguards during the summer season, and a nearby restaurant provide all the family needs for a day at the beach.

HITHER HILLS STATE PARK
(public parking, many facilities, sandy, families)
Four miles west of town on Old Montauk Highway. Lifeguards daily from mid June–Labor Day. Non-campers pay a $10 parking fee. Nice playground, picnic tables, outdoor showers, restrooms, a changing area, and a general store.

KIRK PARK BEACH
(main town beach with free parking area; wide, sandy, open, families)
West of the Village by the IGA supermarket, this sandy beach stretches over 500 feet. Park for free at Kirk Park parking lot. Public restrooms located next to the parking lot. Lifeguards, restaurants and stores are within walking distance, along with a park and picnic area across the street. The dunes on this beach were recently stabilized and stairways were put in place.

NAVY ROAD BEACH
(sound side, calm, pebbly, kayak launch, families, no facilities, permit parking)
On beautiful Fort Pond Bay at the end of 2nd House Rd. Great for launching kayaks, paddleboards, and small boats. A favorite spot for locals and families. The beach is pebbly, so take swim shoes. Parking by permit only. Dine waterside at Navy Beach, just down the beach. Boats and small yachts frequently moor in the Bay.

Recreation

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE EAST END
376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton
(631) 537-8250
A great place where kids can be kids! CMEE one of the most visited museums in Eastern Long Island. CMEE upholds its mission “to spark imagination and foster learning for children of all backgrounds and abilities and to build strong connections within the East End community by providing playful experiences” by presenting educational exhibits and programs and by partnering with other arts and social service organizations to address issues that concern families in the community.

GOTHAM TENNIS ACADEMY – MONTAUK
info@gothamtennis.com
www.Gothamtennis.com
91 S. Fulton Drive
Montauk, NY 11954
631-267-8525
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.

MONTAUK DOWNS TENNIS
themontaukdownstennis.com
50 S. Fairview Ave., Montauk
631-561-1678
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.

MONTAUK PARASAIL
https://montaukparasail.com
At Star Island Yacht Club, 59 Star Island Road, Montauk
631-377-1831
Private Parasail Charters. Make our Montauk Parasail experience a day to remember with family and friends. For all ages, 500ft and 1,000ft parasail rides.   Enjoy happy hour on a sunset cruise along the beautiful coastline of Montauk Point. You may see abundant sea life, including dolphins, turtles, and whales.  Enjoy Banana Boat rides – weather and environmental conditions permitting.  Open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM 7 days a week.

NEW! PECONIC WATER SPORTS MONTAUK
peconicwatersports.com/montauk
Star Island Yacht club at 59 Star Island Rd, Montauk
631-680-0111
Peconic Water Sports is now offering Water Sports lessons, rentals and charters in Montauk! Come join us on our brand new Malibu Wakeboard boats to wakeboard, waterski, wakesurf  and tube! We are located at Star Island Yacht club at 59 Star Island Rd, Montauk.

PUFF N’ PUTT
http://www.puffnputt.com
659 Montauk Hwy, Montauk
(631) 668-4473
Puff n Putt Family Fun Center is located in the heart of Montauk Village on the waterfront of Fort Pond. Puff n Putt has been owned and operated by the Cucci Family since 1977.  On any given day you will be “greeted and treated” like one of their own by any of the 19 family members that are actively on site. The mini golf course has 18 holes that range from simple to challenging making the course fun for the entire family.  If you score a Hole-in-one on the 18th hole you win a free game for next time!  Come give it a try. The boat rentals are sure to please the beginner or experienced.  Fort Pond makes learning to sail, kayak or paddle board a safe and comfortable place to learn.  For the more adventurous, head out across the mile and half long waters and enjoy the perfect winds for sailing and pedal boating.

RITA’S STABLES – TRAIL RIDES
3 W Lake Dr, Montauk
631-668-5453
Come out to Rita’s Stables for so many things!  Pony rides for ½ hour for a family and children (5 years old and up) at your home or at the stable, petting farm and sunset private rides.  They also offer lessons, birthday parties and summer pony camp.  Call 631-668-5453 for reservations.

SAIL MONTAUK
http://www.sailmontauk.com
Located at Montauk Yacht Club, 32 Star Island Road, slip 412, Montauk
631-522-5183
Join us for a sail!  Our captains are ISCG licensedand experienced instructors.  Trips are “hands on.” Or do as much or as little as you like.  Take the tiller or sit back and relax.  Lean to sail with Montauk’s ASA certified school.  Junior Sailing Camp is 2 weeks from Mon-Fri 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

SOUTH FORK NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER
http://sofo.org
377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton
(631) 537-9735
SoFo is a family-friendly natural history museum of exploration and discovery for children and adults of all ages. SoFo is highly regarded for its outstanding nature exhibits, its beautiful setting adjacent to the Vineyard Field Preserve and the six-mile trail system of the Long Pond Greenbelt, and its over 250 annual on and off-site educational programs led by the museum’s knowledgeable nature educators offer direct observation and hands-on experiences relating to the rich natural heritage of the area.

We strive to raise environmental awareness by providing the inspiration and tools for all of us to become caring and responsible stewards of our planet.

Sports

DEEP HOLLOW RANCH
http://www.deephollowranch.com
1929 Montauk Hwy, Montauk
631-668-2744
Deep Hollow Ranch has pony camps for kids 7–12. Camp sessions run from June to August. Private lessons also available. Campers can sign up for 5 sessions per week or 3 sessions per week.

GOTHAM TENNIS ACADEMY – MONTAUK
info@gothamtennis.com
www.Gothamtennis.com
91 S. Fulton Drive
Montauk, NY 11954
631-267-8525
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.

KATE TEMPESTA’S URBAN GOLF ACADEMY
http://www.ktuga.com
At Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course, 50 South Fairview Ave, Montauk
917-270-7257
Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy at the Montauk Downs. Offering all day Golf/Free Swim/Tennis or Golf/Free Swim/Golf programs from 9:15am–2:15pm for children ages 4 and above as well as morning only golf for children ages 3&4 from 9:15 am to 11:30 am. For more advanced junior golf, check out their two-day Evening Eagles program on Mondays & Tuesdays from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm for ages eight and up. Programs runs June 24, 2019 to August 16, 2019

KID’S SURF ACADEMY by Corey’s Wave
http://www.coreyswave.com
516-639-4879
Semi-private group lesson designed to get kids stoked on surfing as they learn different surfing techniques and styles (i.e., stand-up paddle surfing) alongside other kids with professional instructors. Previous instruction preferred, but not required. Ocean safety, surf etiquette, and environmental awareness are also taught.

MONTAUK DOWNS TENNIS
themontaukdownstennis.com
50 S. Fairview Ave., Montauk
631-561-1678
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.

RITA’S STABLES – TRAIL RIDES
3 W Lake Dr, Montauk
631-668-5453
Come out to Rita’s Stables for so many things!  Pony rides for ½ hour for a family and children (5 years old and up) at your home or at the stable, petting farm and sunset private rides.  They also offer lessons, birthday parties and summer pony camp.  Call 631-668-5453 for reservations.

SAIL MONTAUK
http://www.sailmontauk.com
Located at Montauk Yacht Club, 32 Star Island Road, slip 412, Montauk
631-522-5183
Sail Montauk offers a Junior Sailing Program. Each boat is limited to 4–5 students with a certified instructor. Students learn sailing basics with hands on participation. Two week long sessions, Monday-Friday from 9:30am–12:30pm.

SWIM HAMPTONS
https://www.swimhamptons.com
631-235-8293
Our goal is to help everyone in the water be safe and comfortable, learn to swim or become a more adept swimmer, and last but certainly not least, enjoy the water and have fun in the Hamptons! Swim lessons are offered to all ages, all Hampton locations and at all levels.

Arts

NEO POLITICAL COWGIRLS THEATER GAMES CAMP
Kate Mueth’s renowned dance, theatre and storytelling company, the Neo-Political Cowgirls, offers one day theatre games camps for boys/girls ages 8-13. Dates and locations TBD at time of printing so check the website for details; npcowgirls.org; 631-748-8307; an OM partner.

AIR AND SPEED SURF SHOP
https://airandspeedclothing.com
795 Montauk Hwy, Montauk
631-668-0356
Air and Speed Surf Shop offers surfing instructions for ages 7–14.  Camps are offered during July and August. Every camper, regardless of experience, gets one-on-one attention and will be trained how to read the surf, paddle out, and catch a wave.

CAMP SOULGROW
http://www.campsoulgrow.org
Third House, Montauk County Park, Montauk
(631) 668-8800
A 501c3 non-profit camp located at Third House off ers free creative workshops, adventures, and community activities year-round to all kids seven and over. campsoulgrow.org

DEEP HOLLOW RANCH
http://www.deephollowranch.com
1929 Montauk Hwy, Montauk
631-668-2744
Deep Hollow Ranch has pony camps for kids 7–12. Camp sessions run from June to August. Private lessons also available. Campers can sign up for 5 sessions per week or 3 sessions per week.

GOTHAM TENNIS ACADEMY – MONTAUK
info@gothamtennis.com
www.Gothamtennis.com
91 S. Fulton Drive
Montauk, NY 11954
631-267-8525
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.

KATE TEMPESTA’S JUNIOR GOLF or TENNIS CAMP
ktuga.com
At Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course, 50 South Fairview Ave, Montauk
917-270-7257
Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy at the Montauk Downs. Offering all day Golf/Free Swim/Tennis or Golf/Free Swim/Golf programs from 9:15am–2:15pm for children ages 4 and above as well as morning only golf for children ages 3&4 from 9:15 am to 11:30 am. For more advanced junior golf, check out their two-day Evening Eagles program on Mondays & Tuesdays from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm for ages eight and up. Programs runs June 24, 2019 to August 16, 2019

MONTAUK DOWNS TENNIS
themontaukdownstennis.com
50 S. Fairview Ave., Montauk
631-561-1678
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.

NEW! PECONIC WATER SPORTS MONTAUK
peconicwatersports.com/montauk
Star Island Yacht club at 59 Star Island Rd, Montauk
631-680-0111
Peconic Water Sports is now offering Water Sports lessons, rentals and charters in Montauk! Come join us on our brand new Malibu Wakeboard boats to wakeboard, waterski, wakesurf  and tube! We are located at Star Island Yacht club at 59 Star Island Rd, Montauk.

NEO POLITICAL COWGIRLS THEATER GAMES CAMP
Kate Mueth’s renowned dance, theatre and storytelling company, the Neo-Political Cowgirls, offers one day theatre games camps for boys/girls ages 8-13. Dates and locations TBD at time of printing so check the website for details; npcowgirls.org; 631-748-8307; an OM partner.

PATHFINDER COUNTRY DAY CAMP
https://www.pathfinderdaycamp.com
2nd House Rd, Montauk
631-668-2080
The pièce de résistance of Montauk camps since 1964 provides a traditional summer day camp experience in a safe and nurturing environment for children 4–12. Located on 5 acres bordering Fort Pond. Flexible scheduling. It’s THE camp.