Steal My North Fork Itinerary for April
A million tulips at Waterdrinker North Fork’s Tulip Festival, 2024. (Photo credit: Petite North Fork)
We have a small antique chalkboard on display in our kitchen. At the start of each month, we sit with our kids and write a North Fork bucket list for our family that we aim to complete before the month’s up. It often includes events, happenings, nature outings, and moments of connection, and nothing feels better than seeing how we measured up at the end of each month before we clean the (literal) slate and move on to the next.
In that same spirit of creating memories with our petite crew, I’ve developed “Steal My North Fork Itinerary,” a new sponsored content series that will highlight 10 things I’m most looking forward to doing with my family each month. I hope to see you out there!
Steal My Itinerary is made possible by Lea Mommy Chef. Her custom-made treats, which are equal parts stunning and delicious, are made right here on the North Fork.
Tulip Festival at Waterdrinker North Fork, Riverhead
This lovely, family-friendly farm comes to life in the spring, starting with its Tulip Festival. From April 14 through May 4, visit this Riverhead farm and agritainment destination to meander through over a million (not an exaggeration!) tulips during the farm’s Tulip Festival. When you’re done soaking in the beauty and snapping a ton of photos, enjoy the plentiful play areas and structures, barnyard animals, mini golf and jump pads, and so much more. Tickets to visit the farm cost $20/person, ages 3+, and can be purchased here.
Discover the Night at Custer Institute, Southold
To celebrate International Dark Sky Week and Earth Day, the Custer Institute and Observatory has a family-friendly event planned for Saturday, April 26, beginning at 6 p.m. The evening, with the goal of teaching friends and neighbors what they can do to protect the night sky and planet Earth, will kick off with a guided tour through the Town of Southold’s ReWild native garden located at Custer Preserve. At 7 p.m., guided tours of Custer Observatory will begin, followed by an astronomy talk at 8 p.m. on the south lawn. Then, from 8 until midnight (or as late as your kid crew can hang), stargaze and view the night sky through powerful telescopes, including Custer’s historic observation dome. A suggested donation for “Discover the Night” is $5/adult and $3/child under 16 — plus fees. More info and tickets here.
Baby Goat Cuddling at Catapano Dairy Farm, Peconic
Even for the most touched-out parent, baby goat snuggles are hard to resist. In 30-minute sessions at Catapano Diary Farm, attendees ages 3+ are invited to snuggle baby goats and learn about goat care. Goat cuddling sessions will occur on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. from April 12 through July 5 and will cost $15/participant. Learn more and reserve your snuggle spot here.
Art Lab on the Lawn, Greenport
Okay, yes, I’m plugging my own event here, BUT it’s one you won’t want to miss. On Sunday, April 27, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., stroll to the lawn at Hotel Moraine for an open art exploration session with Artfully Long Island. In an open studio setting, using recycled and upcycled materials to imagine and create, children of all ages will foster their imagination, self-expression, and problem-solving, giving every child the freedom to create their very own masterpiece. The cost is $15/artist. Secure your spot here for the April session of this monthly in-season series.
Wander the grounds at Peconic River Herb Farm, Calverton
Every early spring, my family and I visit Peconic River Herb Farm to wander the grounds and search for unique blooms to take home and plant in our own gardens. This off-the-beaten-path plant nursery and garden shop has a magical feel with lush pathways, interesting structures, and the backdrop of the Peconic River. The grounds are family-friendly, and bring-your-own picnics are encouraged during normal business hours, daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Slow Food East End’s Earth Day Celebration, Jamesport
Gather for Earth Day with the Slow Food East End’s family-friendly 4th Annual Earth Day Celebration on April 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Golden Acres Organic Farm. Join as our community comes together to celebrate sustainability and Mother Earth with a day of food, farmers, makers, bakers, crafts, and more with tons for kids to enjoy. Keep your eye on Slow Food East End’s Instagram page for more info to come.
Beach Walk and Clean-up, Riverhead
Each Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon, the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) and Hallock State Park Preserve partner to host a community beach walk and clean-up. Neighbors and friends of all ages are welcome to join this weekly do-good event. All clean-up materials are provided, but feel free to bring gloves or clothespins for tiny hands to get in on the action. This event is free, however, an RSVP is required.
Fink’s Country Farm Touch-A-Tractor, Wading River
With three chances to see and learn about tractors and the equipment that grows your food, there’s no excuse to miss out! On Saturday, April 19, Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fink’s Country Farm in Wading River invites families to its Touch-A-Tractor event! Tickets cost $11+tax/person ages 3+ and include Touch-A-Tractor, admission to the barnyard, jump pillow, chicken show, play areas, and more. More info and tickets here.
New York Marine Rescue Center Springtime Sea Turtle Story Hour, Riverhead
Gather your littles and head to the New York Marine Rescue Center located within the Long Island Aquarium for a morning of sea turtle crafts and storytime on Wednesday, April 16, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. There, children will create their own sea turtle model to bring home. This event is best suited for children ages pre-K through Grade 2. Tickets to this event cost $11/child. Admission to the aquarium is not included. Register here.
Spring Migration Bird Walk with Group for the East End, Cutchogue
If your family has become utterly obsessed with identifying bird calls, you’re not alone. From books, to apps, to bird walks, our family can’t get enough of listening to our winged friends and their song. On Saturday, April 26, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., join Group for the East End for their Spring Migration Bird Walk, where attendees will walk the trail of Downs Farm Preserve to welcome to sounds of early-spring birds such as pine warblers, house wrens, tree swallows, and chipping sparrows. Attendees are recommended to bring binoculars to catch glances of these birds and more. This event is free with registration. Space is limited.