ML Interest Tag: baseball-field

Beyond the Mall: What to See, Do & Explore in Tukwila

by Jenifer Castillo

This may come as a shock, but there’s more to Tukwila than just Westfield Southcenter. Admittedly, the mall is one of our area’s largest attractions (yes… a large shopping center does qualify as an attraction), but with 29 parks sprinkled throughout the city, a variety of family restaurants and many kid-friendly attractions, the city of Tukwila is a destination worthy of repeat visits. Read on for our list of the best places to visit while you’re in town.

Tukwila Sign

photo: Jenifer Castillo

Places to Play

Tukwila Community Center
Tukwila takes pride in having over 29 parks (including a pool) interspersed throughout the city. You will likely run into several without even trying. One of the most popular parks is located at the Tukwila Community Center. This gathering place has most everything you’re looking for to keep the tots busy at play. With a baseball field (great for running), skate park and playground equipped with a large pirate ship, you will find yourself walking the plank at the persistence of your pint-sized buccaneers. Psst! For a complete list of parks (with a map), check the City of Tukwila’s recreation page.

Good to Know: During the summer months, this locale includes a splash pad surrounded by a large grassy seating area. The Community Center also hosts a variety of events including a weekly summer concert series with popular kindie musicians such as Caspar Babypants and Recess Monkey.

12424 42nd Ave S.
Tukwila, Wa 98168
Online: tukwilawa.gov/recreation/rectcc.html

photo: King County website 

Fort Dent Park & Starfire Sports
Home of Starfire Sports (and the Sounders Football Club), is where you will find this hidden retreat inside the city. Sprawling over 54 acres, Fort Dent Park is well-known for its sporting affiliation, but also offers two play areas, a duck pond (bring some bread!) and indoor facilities including Mad Pizza. Take note that due to the popularity of soccer tournaments, there is a $5 charge to park on the weekends; however, weekdays are generally free of charge.

Good to Know: Starfire Sports offers soccer-themed birthday parties on their indoor fields—perfect for those winter or early (cold) spring birthday months.

Fort Dent Park
6800 Fort Dent Way
Tukwila, Wa 98188
Online: tukwilawa.gov/recreation/pkftdent.html

Starfire Sports
14800 Starfire Way
Tukwila, Wa 98188
Online: starfiresports.com

photo: Jenifer Castillo

Family Fun Center
If you have ever been on I-405 near Westfield Southcenter, your back-seat drivers have likely spotted the giant Bullwinkle Moose on the side of the Family Fun Center. And what lies inside is nothing short of exciting. The Family Fun Center has a large indoor playground called Kidopolis (where kids climb up and slide down an extravagant play structure) as well as small indoor rides, rows of games, and an entire floor dedicated to Laser Tag. Outside is equally as entertaining with two miniature golf courses, batting cages, kiddie rides, bumper boats, bumper cars and go-karts to keep everyone in your brood amused.

Good to Know: The Family Fun Center hosts birthday parties for partygoers of all ages including teens and adults. With five unique birthday party packages to choose from, there’s something fun for everyone!

300 Fun Center Way
Tukwila, Wa 98188
425-28-7300
Online: fun-center.com/public/tukwila/index.cfm

photo: Maddie K. via Yelp

iFly Indoor Skydiving
For the family who seeks adventure, iFly Indoor Skydiving could be just the ticket. The bright red building sticks out like a sore thumb, but there is nothing sore about this experience. Your small crusaders can enjoy the delight of flying like a superhero without having to plunge out of an aircraft (phew!). The vertical tunnel generates wind at speeds that will allow for a safe and thrilling journey.

Good to Know: iFly serves fliers ages of 3-103. Be sure to check out Little Ninja Night: The Newest Thrill for Adventure Seekers, specifically tailored for adventurer seekers ages 6-12.

349 Tukwila Parkway
Tukwila, Wa 98188
206-244-4359
Online: seattle.iflyworld.com

005_RedTri-iFLY

photo: Natalia Dotto Photography 

ACME Bowl
Located in the adjacent parking lot to the iFly Indoor Skydiving facility is ACME Bowl; a 30-lane bowling alley, billiards and arcade establishment. ACME Bowl offers high-tech score keeping systems (with fun animations), automatic bumpers that can be set and removed for each bowler, and weekend cosmic bowling that will bring on the black lights and neon pins.

Good to Know: ACME Bowl offers a separate set of 10 lanes that can be reserved as a private bowling lounge—perfect for a birthday bash or large family gathering. The private lanes have cozy seating, service from the on-site restaurant and ample space for vivacious birthday guests.

100 Andover Park W.
Tukwila, Wa 98188
206-340-2263
Online: acmebowl.com/default.aspx

photo: ACME Bowl Facebook page

Places to Eat

Southcenter Mall
Although there is more to Tukwila than Westfield Southcenter, it should be noted that the mall is still worthy of a visit. With a multitude of kid-friendly restaurants such as Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory, Duke’s Chowder House and B.J.’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Westfield Southcenter is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or spend a cold weather afternoon. For the mammas with little ones in tow, the mall provides a lavish lounge with private breastfeeding facilities, a large diaper changing area, and small play area with a TV and microwave. Additionally, there is an indoor playground (conveniently located near a Starbucks so you can recharge while your little monkeys play), a Disney store (complete with mini theater and coloring area), and Rainforest Café (where kids eat for just $2.99 on Wednesdays).

2800 Southcenter Mall
Seattle, Wa 98188
206-246-0423
Online: westfield.com/southcenter

photo: Westfield Southcenter Facebook page

Seattle Chocolates Factory Store
One word: Chocolate. The Seattle Chocolates Factory Store (locally known as Tukwila’s best kept secret) is located in the warehouse district and is definitely worth a visit (or two or three!). This chocolate paradise is the perfect place to pick up a gift or a few bars to stash in the cupboard for when the kids go to bed. A word of warning: Samples are plentiful at this location and they are known for selling $5 bags of “seconds,” which are bags of scrumptious chocolate that contain slight imperfections (for the record, “imperfect” chocolate tastes every bit as delightful as the bars that made the high standard cut).

photo: Jenifer Castillo

Good to Know: There are far too many variations to list them all, but one is a standout among the rest. Try the Extreme Dark Bar, which was once featured in Oprah’s O Magazine. Not only does the dark chocolate truffle bar hit the spot, 100% of the profits from the sale of these bars are donated to help fight breast cancer. It doesn’t get any better than satisfying a sweet tooth while donating to charity.

Insider Tip: See a bar that you would like to try? The store employees are more than happy to serve up samples. All you have to do is ask, and you shall receive. Bonus: Get a punch card when you buy the bags of seconds; buy 12 bags, get one free. Now, that’s a sweet deal!

1180 Andover Park W.
Seattle, Wa 98188
877-427-7915
Online: seattlechocolates.com

Places to Explore

The Museum of Flight
Located just a few minutes from the heart of Tukwila (near the southern end of Boeing Field), The Museum of Flight is the perfect place for your flight crew to earn their wings. Get up close and personal with aircraft from a F-14A Tomcat Fighter Jet to a retired Air Force One. Kids will enjoy climbing in and out of cockpits, exploring space through the New Frontier Exhibit and the interactive Kid’s Flight Zone. Psst! The Museum hosts Free First Thursdays which means you and your crew can explore the Museum on the first Thursday of the month for free between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

photo: Museum of Flight Facebook page

Good to Know: As a bonus, the runway for Boeing Field runs parallel to the parking lot for the Museum. Pack a picnic lunch and park along the fence to give your wide-eyed tot a front row seat as planes take off and land. Psst! This parking lot also serves as the perfect place to catch a glimpse of the active Air Force One (that typically lands at Boeing Field) when the President travels to Seattle.

9404 E. Marginal Way S.
Seattle, Wa 98108
Online: museumofflight.org

What is your favorite thing to do in Tukwila? Let us know in a comment below. 
 
—Jenifer Castillo
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Scale to New Playtime Heights in Presidio Heights

by Erin Lem

When the urge hits to leave the city without actually leaving the city, hop on over to Presidio Heights for a peaceful and quiet escape. While the tony neighborhood spans just seven blocks east to west, the picturesque area packs in the fun. With three playgrounds, a cafe with a play space and a shop called Stroller Spa (yep, it’s a spa for your wheels), Presidio Heights is the home away from home you’ve been looking for.

Parks & Playgrounds

photo: Amber Guetebier

Julius Kahn Playground
This playground and park some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay, and Marin Headlands, assuming you visit on a fog-free day. Beyond the sweet views, the playground includes a large fenced-in area with separate play structures for the little and big kids, free parking and bathrooms (score!). Julius Kahn (or JK as it’s referred to by the neighbors) also has a large adjacent grassy expanse, basketball court, tennis courts and baseball field.

Find It: West Pacific Ave. & Spruce St., San Francisco, Ca

photo: Mindy W via Yelp

Presidio Heights Playground
A hidden gem, this quaint park feels like you’re in someone’s (amazing) back yard. Features include a toddler play area with big sand pit, slides, swings, and a climbing structure. There’s also a full length basketball court that serves as a roadway for the many riding toys donated by local parents. Bonus: a clubhouse with restrooms that you can rent out for birthday parties.

Find It: Clay & Walnut St., San Francisco, Ca

photo: Venus S via flickr

Laurel Hill Playground
Off of Euclid Avenue behind Laurel Shopping Center this playground is not visible from the street, which means it’s often less crowded. This hidden neighborhood gem includes a baseball field, tennis court, basketball court and playground. While the playground hasn’t been renovated in awhile, it’s charming, sunny and a great spot for less crowded outdoor play.

Good to know: since the playground and park is set back from the street you need to walk in and it’s an incline to reach the play area.

Find It: 301 Euclid Avenue, San Francisco, Ca

Fun Pit Stops: Shops, Resources & More

photo: Erin Lem

Stroller Spa
Give your wheels a much needed cleaning and repair at Stroller Spa, a store in San Francisco’s Presidio Heights neighborhood, that’s dedicated to making your stroller shine and run like new (even after baby #3). And for you, there’s a mani-pedi salon just down the block. It’s a win-win for everyone.

3566 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, Ca
855-STROLL-SPA
Online: strollerspa.com

photo: Day One Baby

Day One Baby
Once you see those two pink lines, the planning, shopping, and decorating frenzy begins. Let DayOne Baby–a retail and community center in Presidio Heights–help you navigate your way through pregnancy and beyond. Their sparkling space features educational seminars, fitness opportunities, a lending library, retail store, and more for expectant and new parents.

3548 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, Ca 94118
415-813-1931
Online: dayonebaby.com

photo: Erin Lem

Serena & Lily Design Shop
Whether you want to revamp your play room or need ideas for baby’s first nursery, Serena & Lily’s chic new outpost will give you what your Pinterest board can’t—helpful guidance by friendly staff, inspiration, and a ton of paint swatches and textile samples to look at, feel, and take home.

3457 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-580-7078
Online: serenaandlily.com/designshop

photo: Victor G via Yelp

San Francisco Public Library, Presidio Branch
This neighborhood library underwent a renovation a couple of years back and the facelift made the interior brighter and more welcoming. Each week features an array of children’s programs like toddler tales and playtime and baby rhyme time. After hanging out in the designated children’s area, head outside and picnic on the grass or the sunny steps.

3150 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, Ca 94115
Online: sfpl.org/index.php?pg=0100002801

photo: gracewong via flickr

Jewish Community Center
Whether you’re on the hunt for an after school enrichment program, looking to try out a new class like ballet and hip hop or hope to learn more about the Jewish faith, the JCC offers programs and services for every age and interest. As the oldest Jewish center on the West Coast, this hulking building houses tons of great resources and is open to all.

3200 California St
San Francisco, Ca
415-292-1200
Online: jccsf.org

photo: Yelp

Dottie Doolittle
This small boutique on Sacramento Street has been dressing Presidio Heights kids in classy American and European styles for close to 40 years. The store carries chic and timeless duds (think outfits for weddings and special occasions) for children infants through 16 years old. You can even create a baby registry here.

3680 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-563-3244
Online: dottiedoolittle.com/aboutus.asp

photo: jessicafm via flickr

Right Start
For products for infants through toddlers pay a visit to Right Start. Whether you’re a seasoned pro on baby number three or a newbie on your first, this storefront carries everything you’ll need including strollers, car seats, bath products, nursery furniture and more.

3435 Sacramento St
San Francisco, Ca
415-202-1901
Online: rightstart.com

Eat
The main hub where you’ll find eat–both sit-down and take out–is at Laurel Village. Located on California Street between Spruce and Laurel Streets, this shopping center is a hub for locals visiting the pharmacy, selecting cuts of meat at the butcher and visiting the bank. For a full list of shops and restaurants click here. Some of our favorite kid-friendly eateries at Laurel Village and beyond are listed below.

photo: William R. via Yelp

Rigolo Cafe
If you’re craving a real meal out with entertainment for the kids, dining at Rigolo Cafe is a must. The modern French bistro serves up delicious fare from morning until night (they’re open 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday) and includes a kids play area with toys and a chalkboard, clean restrooms, a kids menu, balloons and more. Park in the back of Laurel Village for non-metered spots.

3465 California Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-876-7777
Online: rigolocafe.com

photo: Antonio C. via Yelp

Ella’s
Come here for brunch, but get there early as neighbors know that this corner restaurant gets crowded fast. The restaurant serves up American comfort food. Must-trys? The fresh squeezed orange juice, buttermilk pancakes and chicken hash.

500 Presidio Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-441-5669
Online: ellassanfrancisco.com

photo: Liz S. via Yelp

Picnix Bistro
This small cafe is off the beaten path but certainly worth the few block walk away from the main shops on Sacramento Street. A favorite of neighbors and hospital workers, the cafe features an array of soups, salads and sandwiches. There are a few tables and chairs set up outside, which are nice on a sunny day. Closed Sunday.

3872 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-751-2255
Online: picnixsf.com

Date Night Picks: If you book a sitter, beeline it back to Presidio Heights for a proper date night. Favorite spots are: Spruce (3640 Sacramento Street), Sociale (3665 Sacramento Street) and Nico (3665 Sacramento Street).

Coffee Shops

photo: Zoey S. via yelp

Swank at the Laurel Inn
By night Swank is a cocktail lounge, but by day it’s a coffee bar. Head here to get your Blue Bottle fix and pick up locally-made pastries to get your day started right.

444 Presidio Avenue
San Francisco, Ca
Online: jdvhotels.com/restaurants/the-laurel-inn/swank-cocktail-coffee-club

Coffee & a Bagel
Even in a small enclave like Presidio Heights you can’t escape the Peet’s Coffee, Noah’s Bagel, Starbucks trifecta. Find each at Laurel Village where you can grab a cuppa, nosh on a bagel and then peruse the stores.

photo: lwy via flickr

Noah’s Bagel
3519 California
San Francisco, Ca
415-387-3874

Peet’s Coffee & Tea
3419 California Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-221-8506

What’s your ideal day in Presidio Heights? Tell us in the Comments below!

— Erin Lem

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A Family Guide to Greenbrae

by Erin Lem

With San Rafael to the north, Larkspur to its south and Kentfield/Ross to the east, it’s easy to overlook the small town of Greenbrae. But this enclave, home to Bon Air Shopping Center and Hal Brown Park, is the most underrated one stop shop in Marin for shopping, food and play. Read on for our guide to Greenbrae where we divulge what makes this spot one of our favorite family destinations.

PLAY & BIKE

Niven Park
Directly behind Bon Air and situated right on Larkspur Creek is Niven Park, a small playground that offers a play structure (no swings) and a flat path ideal for your kids to ride around on their bikes or tricycles. On a warm day, pick up a cone from Ben & Jerry’s and spend a couple hours at this play spot getting out the wiggles. Map it.

Hal Brown Park
Even if you don’t live in Greenbrae this park is definitely worth the drive. It was redone in 2011 and features a large play structure with swings (older kid & toddler options), a slide and teeter totter. With public bathrooms, a water play area and a tricycle track replete with traffic signs, this park is a winner. Map it.

Good to know: Parking at Marin General Hospital across the street is not allowed.

photo: Mandy Hale

Bike from Hal Brown Park to Ross
If you have a beginner cyclist at home, bring her to the bike path that runs from Hal Brown Park to Ross (approximate distance is one mile each way). The path is flat and uncrowded and includes only one intersection with a crossing light. As you work up an appetite, half way along the route stop at Woodlands Market for ice cream. And, if you’re looking for a pit stop, visit Bachich Elementary School where your kids can race along the small track, play ball on the baseball field and hang at the playground.

photo: slobikelane via Flickr Creative Commons

EAT
For family-friendly eats (sit-down and to-go) your best bet is a visit to Bon Air Center. Read on for the many options at your fingertips this Greenbrae hub.

Fifi’s Diner
For a classic diner meal head to Fifi’s diner for all the hearty foods like hamburgers and fries, BLT and paninis. Warning: you are almost guaranteed to leave with a food coma. 

284 Bon Air Center
Greenbrae, Ca
415-461-3247
Online: fifisdiner.com

photo: Marti L. via Yelp

Road Runner Burrito
For grab-and-go Mexican food that’s no fuss head to Road Runner Burrito. They use hormone-free beef and nitrate-free chicken.

158 Bon Air Center
Greenbrae, Ca
415-461-6939
Online: roadrunnerburrito.com

 

photo: Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X. via Yelp

Peet’s Coffee & Tea and Noah’s Bagels
For your early morning pick-me-up grab bagels at Noah’s and then get your caffeine fix at Peet’s. If you or your kids are early risers, Peet’s opens at 5:30 a.m. Monday-Friday.

Noah’s Bagels
170 Bon Air Center
Greenbrae, Ca
415-925-9971
Online: noahs.com

Peet’s Coffee & Tea
276 Bon Air Center
Greenbrae, Ca
415-461-2695
Online: peets.com

photo: Chris C. and John B. via Yelp

SusieCakes
Satisfy your sweet tooth at SusieCakes. From cupcakes to sheet cakes this bakery carries sweet goods for your next birthday party, school bash or an after school treat.

310 Bon Air Center
Greenbrae, CA 94904
415-461-2253
Online: susiecakes.com

 

photo: Rachel Hathaway via Flickr Creative Commons

 

Ben & Jerry’s
If ice cream is more your jam, hop on over to Ben & Jerry’s for a cool treat. Grab a cone and then head to Niven Park situated directly behind the shopping center.

290 Bon Air Center
Greenbrae, Ca
415-925-2522
Online: benjerry.com/bonaircenter

photo: Qfamily via flickr 

SHOP

Secret Garden
To find that special outfit for a christening, first communion or other notable occasion head to Secret Garden for frilly dresses, twirly skirts and fancy dress shirts and blazers.

180 Bon Air Center
Greenbrae, Ca
415-464-9294
Online: secretgardenchild.com

Fingers & Toes
Get pampered with your kids in-tow at Fingers & Toes. This salon, which you may recognize because they have locations in San Rafael and Mill Valley, is a fun spot for mom/daughter mani pedis. The environment is welcoming and spending a morning or afternoon here is a great mother/daughter bonding experience.

324 Bon Air Center
Greenbrae, Ca
415-464-9999

photo: Pascal Marin via Flickr Creative Commons

Toy World
One gem beyond the Bon Air Center is Toy World. They relocated to this location a few years back and their space boasts everything from LEGOs to crafts. Toy World is all about old-fashioned imaginative play so if you’re looking to make learning fun without all the electronics and gizmos head here.

2094 Redwood Hwy
Greenbrae, Ca
415-461-4642
Online: toyworldmarin.com

photo: ToyWorld 

HOLIDAYS & SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS
The Bon Air Center is host to a handful of fun events year round from a Halloween bash replete with trick or treating and a pumpkin patch in October to a mini Maker Faire in September to a Santa photo op day in December. Click here for the full schedule and to mark your calendars.

What’s your favorite family activity in Greenbrae?

— Erin Lem

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Montauk Must-Do’s for Families

by Rachel Sokol

Keep heading east, past the Hamptons, and you’ll arrive at the beautiful beach town of Montauk, affectionately called “The End” since it’s at the tail end of Long Island’s South Shore. This charming spot, roughly 3 hours from the city, is known for its casual vibe and locals who love fishing, surfing and sailing. From candy stores to pony riding, Montauk has something enjoyable for every kid in your life. Escape from the city and check out the family-friendly places below.

 Photo courtesy of Matt via Flickr

1.  Water babies. Montauk is fabulous for fishing enthusiasts, and Uihlein’s Marina and hotel (444 W. Lake Dr.) has plenty of rental boats for all-day fishing. Located in Montauk Harbor, Uihlein’s boats are also fabulous for older kids who enjoy water skiing, tubing and wake boarding. Boats rent by the hour; half-day or full day. (Rental poles and equipment available on location.) On staff captains and instructors can answer all of your questions and guide you safely through Lake Montauk.

 2. For family theatre fans. Montauk Playhouse (240 Edgemere St.) is hosting FamilyFest this summer, which includes a live performance of Peter and the Wolf on August 7,  starring students of the Hamptons Ballet Theatre School; and a Circus Camp performance on August 21. Tickets are available for purchase on the Playhouse’s web site.

3. For playground fun. Looking to burn off energy somewhere other than the beach? You can find an outdoor playground, Alexi’s Place, at the Montauk Playhouse (240 Edgemere St.) which has a small jungle-gym area (no swings), as well as a small playground at the Montauk School (50 S Dorset Dr.). You’ll also find a swingset (with a bucket-shaped baby swing, too), a softball/baseball field, tennis courts, skateboard area, and more at Henry “Hank” Zebrowski Memorial Park (S Erie Ave and Edgemere Sts.) in downtown Montauk.

4. I scream, you scream. John’s Drive-In (695 Montauk Hwy) is the hotspot for delicious ice cream with a plethora of toppings, and comfort food munchies such as fries and burgers. This super kid-friendly restaurant, tends to get a bit crowded on weekends, but who can resist post-dinner soft ice cream in the summertime? Be sure to bring cash, credit cards are not accepted.

5. Swing and sail. Right at the entrance into town is an outdoor mini golf arena called Puff ‘N’ Putt Family Fun Center (659 Montauk Hwy). With 18 holes, this is a wonderful venue for your family to improve their golf swings. Canoes and kayaks are also available for rent. (Life jackets and instruction provided.) Again, this is a cash only spot.

6.Giddy-up. Rita’s Stable (3 W. Lake Dr.) is more than just a scenic farm to ride horses, it’s also home to many animals such as goats, rabbits and chickens. Farm friends call an on-site barn their home, and Rita’s also offers group and private trail rides that overlook the Long Island Sound as well as birthday party options (with crafts!) and a picnic area. Live in town? Rita can bring some animals to you for a party.

7. For the horse lover. Believe it or not, the oldest cattle ranch in the U.S. isn’t in Wyoming. It’s in Montauk! At the family-fun Deep Hollow Ranch (10 Old Montauk Hwy), kids can ride horses along the beautiful shores of the Long Island Sound. Tour groups are small, cater to both  new riders and experienced riders, and are led by a professional cowboy or cowgirl. On location wagon rides that educate riders about Native American artifacts are also available.

8. Past life. Also called “Merry Christmas! Montauk” Whoa! Nellie (770 Montauk Hwy) is a retro toy store that’s extremely kid-friendly and also makes Grandma and Grandpa feel uber-nostalgic. Items from the 1940s to 60s found in this kitschy, throwback store include lead-molded soldiers and lunch boxes, baseball cards, vintage toys, and wall displays. (Open daily until Labor Day; weekends only in the fall.)

9. Planes, trains, and automobiles. Captain Kid Toys (484 W. Lake Dr.) is a charming boutique with an awesome collection of wooden trains and automobiles, plus toys (of course) and craft kits, cute t-shirts, puzzles and more, for children of all ages with a variety of interests. The pretend steering wheel (helm) outside the shop is a great photo opp stop.

10. Somethin’ for everyone. A Little Bit of Everything (33 The Plaza)  is a two-level store that really does sell what it promises. From boogie boards and frisbees to personalized doodads such as plastic license plates, this local souvenir shop – which has tons of “The End” items such as bumper stickers – is a must-visit before spending a sunny afternoon at the beach.

11. Goin’ to the candy shop. The Candied Anchor (721 Main St.) is a whimsical place to satisfy sweet teeth – and to make you smile even wider after a relaxing day at the beach. Mid-afternoon snacks available include gluten and dairy-free ice pops, locally-made sherbert, and make-your-own ice cream floats. Other goodies include dark chocolate espresso beans, seasalt caramels, and more. Throwing a Hamptons baby shower for a mom-to-be or a festive birthday party? Check out the boutique’s selection of personalized, homemade piñatas.

12. For young history buffs. The Montauk Point Lighthouse (2000 New York 27)  is the oldest Lighthouse in New York State and the eastern most point of the state. Older kids will better appreciate its rich history, but the park around the lighthouse offers fun for all ages. August is a special month for this beautiful monument because Lighthouse Weekend’s (August 16th and 17th) celebratory activities include displays of colonial toys, face painting, pottery making, live shows, and more. Children who want to climb the tower must meet the 41″ height requirement. There’s also a playground with swings near the parking lot of the state park.

Have you visited Montauk with your family? What’s your favorite place to take your kids?

–Rachel Sokol

 
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