Everyone has a better boating day when the kids are engaged, so we suggest these fun eastern Long Island kid-friendly destinations and anchorages to keep boredom at bay.
Greenport
This charming town is lined with shops, boats, yachts, museums, and an antique carousel. When you’re hungry, try Lucharito’s for casual Mexican fare, Crazy Beans for breakfast, sandwiches, and flavored lattes, and Andy’s for relaxing local inspired dishes. Before or after, have fun at the indoor roller rink at the American Legion.
Shinnecock Canal
Place your order at the counter of Meschutt Beach Hut, then await your lunch or dinner at a table on the expansive outside patio along with other boaters and beach lovers. Relax on the beach, swim in the bay, and maybe catch some live music. Also check out the playground across the street.
Riverhead
Your kids will look at you with astonishment when you suggest boating to McDonalds for a bite to eat. Cruise up the Peconic River to the very end and tie up to the Golden Arches. You could sit on the terrace under the trees, but geese like to do that, too. So we say — picnic on the boat! Once the last fry is gone, move your vessel across the river and visit the nearby Long Island Aquarium or take a walk to the Railroad Museum and Long Island Science Center.
Sag Harbor
Immense yachts, often from far away, provide plenty to marvel at. After all the ooh’ing and ahh’ing, it’s a short walk to the village’s gift shops, eateries, and galleries. Be sure to visit Kites of the Harbor for unique kites and creative playthings.
Stay Aboard
If you’d rather everyone float than stroll, alleviate boredom by dropping anchor in the bays between the twin forks. North of Robins Island is a picturesque cove in which to swim or paddle — the island is privately owned, so don’t venture onto the mainland. A stretch of sandbar cuts the Great Peconic Bay here so you can find a treasure trove of shells.
Cruising to Sunset Beach on Shelter Island, the bluffs in Hampton Bays, or the shore of Elizabeth A. Morton Wildlife Refuge in Noyack will make the youngest to oldest aboard delight in the scenery and the fun of family boating.
