Memorial Day weekend is a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by the brave men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many families observe this federal holiday with visits to grave sites, parades, and backyard gatherings. The three-day weekend invites families in the Hamptons to look for creative ways to spend their leisure time together. For East Enders, Memorial Day weekend also kicks off beach season, so you may want to consider celebrating with surf and sun.

Here are some of the best options for a Memorial Day weekend in the Hamptons 2021:

Jones Beach State Park

(2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh)

The legendary sand and sea, ocean boardwalk, and concession stands offer plenty of entertainment; but this weekend, you can check out their annual Air Show featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds from 10 am to 3 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Capacity will be limited to 50%, so be sure to purchase your $10 advance parking pass if your family plans to attend. The WildPlay Adventure Park is also open from 10am – 8pm, featuring ziplines, wobbly bridges, and obstacle courses for ages 5+.

Hither Hills State Park  

(164 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk)

Families flock to Hither Hills State Park for a pleasant stretch of sandy ocean beach, along with hiking and biking trails, campgrounds, picnic tables, playing fields, fishing, and a playground. Don’t miss the unique Napeague Harbor “walking dunes” trail. Make it a trip and camp overnight in a tent, cabin, or camper; bathrooms and a changing area make it easier for those with littler ones.

Orient Beach State Park

(40000 Main Rd, Orient)

Rent kayaks or canoes from the Eagles Neck Paddling Company to paddle the calm, scenic Hallock’s Bay. Kids love the large playgrounds, but you can also walk the salt marsh to encounter herons, egrets, and osprey in their natural habitats. Visitors can swim, paddle-board, hike, bike, walk the nature trails, and picnic. Orient Beach is also a U.S. Light House Society Passport Stamp Location, which could be a fun scavenger hunt type activity for the kids.

Splish Splash

(2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton)

If the temperatures heat up, it’s worth the 40-minute drive to Splish Splash, which opens for the season Saturday, May 29^th. The park recently added two new extreme slides, Bombs Away and Riptide Race, for older daredevils. The yellow submarine splash pad, Lazy River, Pirates Cove, Soak City, Octopus Pool, and Monsoon Lagoon are fun attractions for all ages.

Garden of Eve Farm

(4558 Sound Ave, Riverhead)

It’s not too late to catch the tail-end of Tulip Fest at Garden of Eve, just a 30 minute drive from The Hamptons in nearby Riverhead. Open from 11am – 4pm, you’ll enjoy a free hayride to the East End’s only u-pick tulip field – the perfect family photo opp! Tulips cost $1 per stem or $10 for a dozen. Farm animals on-site include chickens, ducks, turkeys, sheep, goat, pigs, and horses. Other attractions include: the Huge Hay Tower to climb, Bouncy Town, a tube slide, sandbox, pedal kart track (ages 2+), and a Play Castle with swings.

Party – at Your House!

If you’re having a backyard barbecue, consider booking Shine educators to keep the kids entertained. We’re also accepting new applicants for our summer workshops and camps, which combine art, culture, music, nature, and physical activity in unique East End locations. Contact us for details.