Six Tips for Kids in the Hamptons: Summer 2017

Nibble+squeak is headed to the beach!! We've just announced not one, but TWO amazing experiences out in the Hamptons this summer: July 29th at Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House, and August 19th at EMP Summer House!  

Main Beach, East Hampton

Main Beach, East Hampton

In honor of the first two Hamptons events, our local Host and expert, Mia Ljundberg Nevado, is excited to share her tips for families heading to the East End this summer:

There is no place quite like the Hamptons in the summertime. I cannot imagine a better playground for kids (and adults!) to build memories that will last a lifetime. There are pristine beaches, authentic farmers’ markets, gorgeous sunsets plus so many wonderful activities for children of all ages.
JohnJohn and BoBo at Madoo Garden

JohnJohn and BoBo at Madoo Garden

Sunset Sag Harbor

Sunset Sag Harbor

1. Storytelling at Madoo Garden:  

The Madoo Conservancy is a magical oasis in the heart of Sagaponack, a garden full of hidden paths and many cozy smaller gardens with sculptures, flowers and plants. It is also the former private home of Robert Dash, a noted painter and writer and one of the world´s most visited gardens for garden lovers. My sons love Monday mornings at Madoo. The local library offers storytelling at Madoo every Monday all summer at 10 am. Bring a picnic and blanket and disappear into the story while surrounded by the songs of the birds and smells of the flowers.  

Mondays 10 am. Free of charge. Contact Hampton Library to confirm dates and times if weather is questionable: 6315370015 www.madoo.org

2. LongHouse Reserve:

Another favorite place to experience with my boys in the summer is the LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton. It is a place of tranquility and peace and it is one of the most visited gardens in the world. A sixteen-acre sculpture and art installation garden featuring pieces from Yoko Ono to de Kooning. There are really no words to fully describe this place, it is a must-visit.

This summer LongHouse Reserve offers a very interesting Nature´s Music Program for children for children from age 16 months to four years. A six weeks program that celebrates music and nature where the kids will explore singing, dancing, imaginative storytelling surrounded by beautiful nature. Guided tours are offered all summer, check website for schedules and other fun activities.

LongHouse Reserve is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2-5pm in May, June and September.  In July and August open Wednesdays through Saturday. Admission is $10 per person (Children under 12 accompanied by an adult are free of charge) www.longhouse.org

LongHouse Reserve

LongHouse Reserve

FullSizeRender (2).jpg

3. Sunset Fridays and Saturdays at Wölffer Wine Stand

The whole family loves to spend Friday or Saturday afternoons at Wölffer Estate Vineyard´s wine stand in Sagaponack. This is where stylish families of the Hamptons get together. Kids can run safely around and play or dance to the live music while parents can enjoy a glass of wine and local cheese. Healthy snacks for children are also sold. Bring a blanket and just sit back and listen to the music while the sun sets over the vineyard.

Wölffer Wine Stand, 3312 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack. Every Friday and Saturday from May to end of September. 5pm until sunset. No cover charge.  www.wolffer.com

Farmers Market

Farmers Market

At Sunset Jazz at Wölffer Estate Wine Stand

At Sunset Jazz at Wölffer Estate Wine Stand

4. Outdoor Movie Nights for Kids at the Green School:

Imagine an outdoor movie theater surrounded by horses, sheep and guinea hens! There is nothing like a warm summer eve in the Hamptons and what better way to end a day at the beach than with an outdoor movie night at the idyllic Green School in Sagaponack. My sons LOVE this school. It is a small piece of heaven for small children.The kids gets to choose their very own box cars made of recycled paper boxes, that they then sit in during the movie.

Bring a blanket and a picnic and relax in the beautiful garden while the kids watch a great movie. The Green School also offers farm feeding of all its animals in the weekends. Check their website for the full summer schedule. The Green School. Thursdays 6-8pm in July and August. Suggested donation for the movie: $10 per child. Popcorn is served. To check Outdoor movie schedule visit www.the-green-school.org

Movie Night at The Green School - Box Cars

Movie Night at The Green School - Box Cars

Sunset Main Beach, East Hampton

Sunset Main Beach, East Hampton

5. Fun at The Children's Museum of the East End

Another favorite spot my sons love is the Children´s Museum of the East End in BridgeHampton, also known as CMEE. The sun is strong during the summer and it is nice to have an alternative to the beach on the few rainy days.

CMEE has a beautiful outdoor playground and a lovely outdoor mini-golf course too. CMEE is a big indoor and outdoor dream playground for children of all ages where they can use all their senses and skills and have fun. CMEE also offers a very impressive summer program with classes on LEGO, music, gardening to cooking and much more. Visit their website to see the full program. Don't miss their Family Fair Fundraiser Saturday, July 22 at CMEE from 10.30 am - 1.30pm. CMEE Family membership is $110. Admission $12 per child and adult. Open Sunday – Monday 9am-5pm. Closed Tuesdays www.cmee.org

6. Artsy Summer in the Hamptons

My sons love the Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner house in East Hampton and this summer famous children's book author Joyce Raimondo is offering Art Classes for kids at the iconic Pollock-Krasner house. A must for creative kids to explore this summer. Let the dripping begin! Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner House. Saturdays 10-11.30am. June 24, July1,8,15,22,29 and August 5,12,19,26 , September 2,9 and October 7. Register at www.imaginearted.com

Jackson Pollock and

Jackson Pollock and

Lee Krasner House

Lee Krasner House

Plus, three great shops for shopping with kids in the Hamptons:

SHAN: Beach wear for stylish moms and dads and sons – SHAN East Hampton, 3 N Main St, East Hampton

Relax: Beach wear for stylish moms and daughters – RELAX in Sag Harbor, 150 Main Street, Sag Harbor

Stella & Ruby: Cute toy and clothing store for babies and toddlers – Stella & Ruby in Sag Harbor, 144 Main Street, Sag Harbor

Best Toy Stores in the Hamptons:

The Wharf Shop: 69 Main Street, Sag Harbor

Steph´s Stuff: 62 The Circle, East Hampton

Stevenson´s Toys and Games: 69 Jobs Lane, South Hampton

This is just a glimpse of what is happening in the Hamptons in the summertime.

Mia and JohnJohn and BoBo

Mia and JohnJohn and BoBo

Mia and family

Mia and family

Mia Ljundberg Nevado is a true connoisseur when it comes to entertaining kids, especially in the Hamptons. Mia was born in Denmark, has lived in Sweden and Ecuador as well as jetted all over the world as a travel writer. Her work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveller, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, About.com and more. A few years ago, she settled down in the Hamptons with her husband Johnson and sons JohnJohn and BoBo. Mia loves to explore the area and knows the best inside tips for visiting the Hamptons. Follow her on Instagram @LittleValet where she will be posting all summer.

JohnJohn & BoBo at Georgica Beach, East Hampton

JohnJohn & BoBo at Georgica Beach, East Hampton