In August, when the ocean beaches fill up it is a perfect time to head down East Lake Drive to Gin Beach. Gin Beach offers all of the amenities one could want without the crowds! Lifeguards are on duty from 10am -5 pm, there are bathrooms and showers and a good size parking lot. The beach is wide and long with water from the Block Island Sound which is calmer than the ocean with some movement more from the boats.
Stop at Gin Beach Market for some natural delights and forgotten beach toys. Gin Beach offers something for everyone — Montauk Harbor Inlet is to the left so there is much to see! Your little fisherman could fish off the jetties while your boat enthusiast will see a variety of beauties passing by. The explorer could walk for miles towards the Lighthouse, about 4 to be exact, passing camping trailers and their denizens along the way. Rocks and shells are in abundance with an occasional piece of driftwood to play on. If you’d like to go out to lunch or have an early dinner, stop at Rick’s Crabby Cowboy Cafe for some live music and tasty food! Other restaurants nearby include Fish Bar and The Inlet Seafood Restaurant. Parking Stickers are required.
Archive for the ‘Outdoors’ Category
Beach of the Week: Gin Beach
Friday, August 7th, 20095 Great Playgrounds in Montauk
Thursday, July 16th, 2009
Hither Hills State Park
1. In Town- (Hank Zaborski Memorial Field) on Edgemere Road. You cannot miss this playground if you’ve driven around Montauk town as it is centrally located right across from the movie theater and next to the Softball field. It is best for 3 yrs and up but you can certainly entertain your toddler with a lot of supervision. The big kids enjoy it too. There are public bathrooms right there as well. If you get hungry or thirsty, Primavera Pizza and St. Peter’s Catch are right across the street.
2. Hither Hills State Park- What a great playground! There are two separate play areas built for the younger and older kids, a climbing wall, a tether ball and other sand toys. This playground is part sand and part rubber mat. There are bathrooms and best of all you are right on an expansive beach. Take Old Montauk Highway about 1 mile passed Gurney’s heading west on the ocean side. Parking during the season is $8.00 but look for the first parking lot where parking is free. It will be a little walk from there.
KidMontauk Launch Party a Great Success!
Monday, July 6th, 2009
Cupcakes, ponies, buried treasures in the sand, Miss Melody and most of all all of the wonderful kids made the KidMontauk Launch party at Second House Tavern on Friday, July 3rd a huge success! The kids freeze danced and played under sunny skies!
We have received some great pictures for the photo contest. Someone will be chosen and posted on Thursday’s newsletter.
KidMontauk would like to again thank Second House Tavern for their support as well as the other event sponsors- Rita’s Stables, Miss Melody, Puff & Putt, Fudge & Stuff and Karma Kids Yoga!
Stay tuned for more KidMontauk Events!
~ Heather
What’s Going On For the Whole Family?
Thursday, June 11th, 2009
Friday, June 12th
Come down to Gin Beach late in the afternoon on Friday for a Drum Circle.
Saturday, June 13th
Harbor Festival
Bring your kids down to the docks 11-5 pm for inflatable rides, games, entertainment and more!
Visit the KidMontauk table to get your FREE lollypop.
How about a Picnic?
Thursday, June 11th, 2009
By: Stefanie Bryn Sacks, M.S.
Resident Culinary Nutritionist
Especially in the warmer months, I often pack a picnic and go hiking or to the beach with my kids. We typically do this in the late morning so we hit the lunchtime hour while out and about. Though there have been those few early mornings that I pack a picnic breakfast and we go to the beach with the whole family, even our dog Blossom. Breakfast favorites are scrambled eggs wrapped in tortillas. I wrap them tightly in foil so the kids can get a bite while keeping the tortilla together. Fresh cut seasonal fruit is also a favorite. And to drink, water in our stainless steel bottles ( www.kidskonserve.com or www.kleenkanteen.com).
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Visit The Recycling Center. Yes, Really!
Tuesday, April 21st, 2009While here, teach your kids the value of recycling. It starts by separating out the trash into paper (glossy and matte are separate), bottles, (glass and plastic), organics and metal. You can find the Recycling Center on the way into town on the North side 27 marked by the green and white sign with the recycling symbol.
Also, some of the best things about the recycling center have nothing to do with trash. Here are some best kept secrets!
While visiting the recycling center:
- You’ll have some of the best North Easterly water views on the East End. The center reaches a height of 203 ft. above sea level- the highest elevation in town.
- You may get to gaggle with the roaming wild turkeys.
- You can access a Hither Woods Trail called the Old Montauk Road/ Split Rock Road or the Parkway trail on the left side of the entrance.
- Try your hand at the oldest adage, “One kids garbage, is another kids treasure!” at the swap table. Best of all, the dump has a “No Questions Asked” return policy!
Fee: $7 if you want to deposit some of your trash or $75 year round. NO COST for the rest!
Make Some Art with Found Objects
Monday, April 20th, 2009
In celebration of Earth Day, have your children (and yourself!) create a piece of art that has a pledge of how they will be good to the Earth this year. Use magazine cut outs to make a collage. It’s fun and a good way of recognizing some things we could do for the earth and gain ownership of it.
You can also collect things found in nature (but be aware that taking rocks and sand from the beaches here is illegal) and make a collage or sculpture!
Kids and adults alike enjoyed this activity at the Montauk Playhouse Community Center this past Saturday during their Earth Day celebration. All pledges will be compiled into a paper quilt that you can go see hanging in the Montauk Playhouse.
Hike The Rocky Point Coastal Trail
Friday, April 17th, 2009
Today was a great day to go for a hike. We chose the “Rocky Point Coastal Trail” which is part of Hither Woods State Park. I would recommend this hike for ages 7+ or a 4-6 yr old who is used to it and likes to hike. If you bring younger children, be prepared with a hiking pack, an all terrain stroller (Phil and Teds Sport) or to carry them if they get tired. If you bring a stroller, stay on Old North Road and cut up to the water’s edge when you see the path and the picnic tables on the right. Take Old North back as well. Pack a lunch, water and snacks for the picnic area!
