Montauk is an outdoor place. Yes. But even in the rain It’s great to be here…consider the alternatives: sitting on the LIE, delayed on the tarmac, etc. If you’re not inclined to beach it in the rain and the kids are stir crazy after a few Netflix offerings, get out there and check out these East End places that’ll take the edge off those indoor days in paradise.
THE MONTAUK LIBRARY
871 Montauk Hwy.
631-668-3377
montauklibrary.org
The best local indoor place to take the kids for a few hours of fun. A great kid’s room with books and videos for all ages plus a few computer terminals for online games. They also show movies and have a packed schedule of events for kids and adults. Check the calendar at onmontauk.com and/or the library website. NOTE: The library is under renovation during 2020 and will operate out of a temporary building on site.
THE MONTAUK LIGHTHOUSE
631-668-2544
MontaukLighthouse.com
If you haven’t done the lighthouse yet, get on it. Make your way to the top for great views…still great even in the rain…and check out the fascinating museum that explains the seafaring history of the lighthouse, displays historic documents, and offers guided tours. Children under 41” visit free, but are not allowed to enter the tower. Parking fee $8 until 4:30 in season.
THE MONTAUK PLAYHOUSE
240 Edgemere St.
631-324-2417
The Playhouse is a historic building across from the train station that houses a large basketball gymnasium (and several other entities) that is open to the public. They have a daily and weekly schedule of activities that includes free time. Call and/or pop in to see their schedule and shoot a few hoops.
Other Nearby Rainy Day Options
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE EAST END (CMEE)
376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton
(about 40 mins from Montauk) 631-537-8250
CMEE.org
The CMEE is a great place for kids ages 1-8 any time but especially on rainy days. Kids can enjoy multiple themed play areas for hours and a giant rumpus room full of soft mats and climbing structures. There’s a separate soft hang-out area for pre-walkers. Multiple special programs throughout the summer, daily and weekly, plus an engaging staff make this a must-visit…even if you do wait for a rainy day. Entrance fees apply.
THE SOUTH FORK NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AND NATURE CENTER (SOFO)
377 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton
(about 40 mins from Montauk) 631-537-9735
SOFO.org
Across the street from the Children’s Museum in Bridgehampton, the SOFO is a family-friendly natural history museum of exploration
and discovery for kids and adults. It’s full of nature exhibits (with many live creatures) and sits adjacent to the six-mile trail system of the Long Pond Greenbelt. Great staff can help first-time visitors navigate the options and explain the many educational programs held throughout the year.
EAST HAMPTON CINEMA
30 Main St, East Hampton
(about 25 mins from Montauk)
fandango.com/regal-ua-east-hampton-cinema-aabkg/
theater-page
The closest movie theatre to Montauk is the United Artists East Hampton Cinema with 6 screens showing first run features. We know, you’re not in Montauk to watch movies…but the rainy-day thing, yeah.
THE LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM
431 East Main St. in Riverhead
(about 1.2 hours from Montauk)
631-208-9200
longislandaquarium.com
Yes, it’s a seriously good aquarium with a huge shark tank, sea lion show, and countless cool ocean creatures plus a magnificent butterfly room (they land on you!). Touch rays, starfish, crabs, etc. and watch 20 lb. stripers meander safely about. There’s also an arcade, spider monkey exhibit, and much more. A worthy day trip from Montauk, rain or shine. Hit the nearby Tanger Outlets if that’s your bag.
THE CLUBHOUSE IN E. HAMPTON (BOWLING, ARCADE, SPORTS)
174 Daniel’s Hole Rd.
(In East Hampton, about
20 minutes from Montauk)
631-537-2695, ehitclubhouse.com
Bowl a few frames, let the kids (and you) enjoy some high-end arcade games, and watch sports on massive screens while having lunch, dinner
or drinks. All this under one massive, thoughtfully partitioned roof next door to the East Hampton airport. A great way to keep kids and adults occupied for a few hours, if mother nature is out of sorts.
Montauk is about nature…the beaches, water sports, fishing, trail walking, biking, etc. Here are a few more suggestions for the kids…figuring you’ve got the aforementioned covered…