With Kids: Will travel for…
If you know me, you know I’m a stickler for not leaving the North Fork, especially during the summer and fall seasons. I’m sure some have their reasons as to why they do, but for our family, we enjoy the Fork to the fullest — constantly seeking out the best kid-friendly things to see, do, eat, and explore — partially so that we can share with you, but also because we truly feel the North Fork is THE PLACE TO BE.
That said, there are a handful (yep, only a handful, JK, well, kind of) of current happenings worth venturing off the North Fork. Take a look at these five upcoming events and outings. Because many have limited offers, we suggest you jump right in and purchase tickets ASAP where needed.
SOUTH FORK
Whale Watching Cruise
If your fam is feeling a bit of FOMO hearing stories of others seeing whales and ocean wildlife off the shores this summer, we have your perfect opportunity to seize the day, pun intended. Presented by CRESLI and Viking Fleet, discounted whale-watching cruise tickets for Viking Fleet are available for the following select dates: Wednesdays, Sept. 11 and 18 using promotional codes Whaletalesep11 and Whaletalesep18. Normally $50 for adults and $35 for children ages 5-12 with a special promotional code tickets costs $35/adult and $25/child. Viking Fleet whale-watching tours are always free for kids under the age of 5. We know this is super limited, and a 2 p.m. tour on a Wednesday isn’t exactly ideal, but I’m sure it will be worth the adventure if you can swing it. Make your cruise reservations here.
Montauk’s 43rd Annual Fall Festival and Chowder Contest
If you’ve never been to Montauk during the fall you’re doing it wrong. And what better time to visit than the Annual Fall Festival (Sat, Oct. 12 and Sun., Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) where hundreds gather to enjoy a farmer’s market, local, live music from 2 to 5 p.m., food, drinks and treats, fall-themed fun, a kids’ play area, and more. Don’t miss the highlight of the festival, the annual clam chowder competition which happens on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. This very family-friendly festival is free to attend with food, drink, and experiences available for purchase.
NYC
NYC Ballet Family Saturdays
This beloved experience is back! On select Saturdays, New York City Ballet offers a one-hour presentation for children ages 5 and their families featuring excerpts from the NYC Ballet’s diverse repertoire. On October 5, The Comedy of Coppélia tells the fun-filled story of a delightful toy-maker, the life-like doll he creates, and a young couple in love. Tickets cost $42/person for orchestra and first-ring and $29/person for second through fourth ring, but note that tickets are going fast so snag them before they sell out. (NYC Ballet Family Saturdays also occur on March 1 and May 31, 2025.)
NYC Broadway Week
Broadway’s best offer is happening right now through Sunday, Sept. 15 with 2-for-1 tickets on select plays during NYC Broadway Week. Catch shows like Aladdin, & Juliet, Once Upon a Mattress, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and more.
NORTH OF NYC
Twilight Village at Sleepy Hollow
Celebrate Halloween in the spookiest town of all: Sleepy Hollow. Twilight Village promises evenings of folklore, fortune, festivities, and perhaps a visit from the Headless Horseman himself. This family-friendly event series runs Fridays through Sundays from Sept. 27 through Nov. 3 with first admission at 6:30 p.m. through Oct. 20 and first admission at 6 p.m. Oct. 25 through Nov. 3. Tickets cost $30/adult, $29/seniors and young adults, and $25/child. Purchase tickets here.