With Kids: Family-friendly ways to connect to nature this month
Slow August. That’s what we’re proposing. While we packed every event, happening, party, gathering, camp, workshop, and more into May, June, and July, we’re going back to the basics for August and spending as much time as possible in nature. That means long and leisurely beach days with pruney fingers and toes from hours of swimming in the bay, messy, drippy tomato sandwiches as we picnic under a shady tree, and binoculars glued to our eyes as we bird-watch our local feathered friends.
If you’re also looking to slow it down this month, here are five, family-friendly ways to soak in August the best you can.
Clean up a local North Fork beach
Head to the beach for a do-good morning with the whole fam. Every Saturday at 10 a.m. families are invited to join the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society to clean up marine debris along the Long Island Sound at Hallock State Park Preserve. All clean-up materials are provided such as gloves, buckets, trash pickers, and data collection sheets. Check in at the Visitor’s Center before making your way down to the beach, no pre-registration required. Pro tip: for the youngest in tow, bring clothespins for small hands to take part in the cleanup.
Hallock State Park Preserve is located at 6062 Sound Ave., Riverhead
Practice upcycling
Every Saturday through August 31 from noon until 4 p.m., join UpSculpt’s Director of Education and Outreach, Bri Sander to practice the art of upcycling in a workshop focused on environmental action, upcycled arts, and sustainability. In these drop-in sessions, participants of all ages will transform plastic marine debris into creative treasures. Adults and mature children will create a vase and younger children will create an age-appropriate upcycled craft. Registration is suggested but walk-ins are welcome pending seat availability. The cost is donation-based with a suggested $25/person.
The UpSculpt Education Station & Studio is located at Port of Egypt Marine, 62300 NY-25, Southold
Stroll through a sunflower maze
It’s hard to be stressed while meandering through a flower field especially when that field is densely filled with sunny sunflowers. For a whimsical walk with your family, visit Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farm. There, you’ll be greeted by a sunflower maze complete with photo ops dotting the path. The field is currently open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. with a $6/person charge for admission while the flowers last so be sure to visit soon!
Rottkamp’s Fox Hollow Farm is located at 2287 Sound Ave., Baiting Hollow
(Let a pro) Teach your kid to fish
On August 14, 15, 16, 19, and 20, from 4 to 5 p.m., local fisherman Tom Mangiamele will be perched upon Steamboat Wharf at the New Suffolk Waterfront with one goal: to teach you and your kids how to fish. This experienced fisherman will share fishing tips like fishing with real bait, casting with artificial bait, care of equipment, fishing techniques, and fish ecology in Peconic Bay. People of all ages are welcome but an adult must accompany children under 10. These sessions made possible by the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund are free but reservations are suggested — email nswfevents@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
Steamboat Wharf at the New Suffolk Waterfront is located at 650 1st St., New Suffolk
Become a bird-watching family
If you and your fam have ever wanted to get into bird-watching now is the time! Mark your calendar for Wendnesday, August 7 for a morning of family-friendly, beginner bird watching from 8 to 10 a.m. The small-group session, presented by North Fork Audubon Society and led by Tom Damiani, will take place Cedar Beach County Park in Southold. During it, participants will focus on effectively using binoculars, finding birds using them, and finding the best habitats for birds. Registration is required for this free event.
Cedar Beach County Park is located at 425 Paradise Point Rd., Southold