Winter can be a challenging time to keep kids active and engaged. While it’s tempting to throw on the TV and call it a day — we’ve all been there — there are plenty of alternatives to entertain and educate, both at home and out on the East End.
“Keeping your children engaged plays vital roles in their cognitive functioning, their physical and mental well-being and can even lead to better sleep quality which is crucial for their growth and development,” says Karyn Cooper, co-owner of North Fork Discoveries, a local preschool and childcare center.
“With a little creativity, you can turn your home into a playground filled with laughter, learning, and memories,” she notes. Cooper suggests simple activities such as building a blanket fort, conducting easy science experiments (like creating a volcano with baking soda and vinegar), creating obstacle courses, taping a hopscotch grid, hosting a dance party or freeze dance, playing balloon volleyball, and setting up a scavenger hunt.
When looking to venture outside the house, the North and South Forks offer plenty of options, even in the cold winter months.
Get into nature
Rachel Goodale, local mom and owner of Stroller Strong Mamas, embraces the philosophy that “there’s no such thing as bad weather — you just need to dress appropriately.” Goodale goes for a hike with her family once a week, recommending these kid-friendly locations.
Quogue Wildlife Refuge (3 Old Country Road, Quogue)
The “stroller-friendly, perfect little loop” makes for a “quick, easy and nice adventure,” Goodale says. The nature library makes it fun for the kids to read along the way as well.
Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve (3675-2815 Lake Ave., Riverhead)
“This one is trickier with a stroller, but great for older kids”, Goodale says. The one-mile trail includes cranberry plants, wildlife, fun little bridges and streams.
Children’s classes
Webster’s Kickboxing (32645 Main Road Suite 2, Cutchogue)
Help your child build fitness and self-defense skills in a fun and engaging way. “We use real kickboxing techniques and combinations to increase focus, balance, coordination and confidence,” says Mike Webster, owner of Webster’s Kickboxing & Fitness. Kids classes run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. for ages 6-10 and 11-14.

Stroller Strong Mamas (13105 Main Road, Mattituck)
In addition to “parent and me” workout classes, Stroller Strong Mamas offers a large variety of kids classes including story time yoga, playgroups, sensory classes and holiday events — with an upcoming Valentine’s Day class — and more. A Toddler Fitness class will also be offered where the focus will be on bigger movements to work on balance, coordination and teamwork. Goodale plans to include obstacle courses and relay races, where kids “have so much fun they don’t even realize they are working out,” she says.”
Town Rec Center and libraries
Check out local recreation centers and libraries for a variety of weekly programs, including sensory story time, yoga, music and movement and Toys, Tots, and Tales.
A special Zumbini class will also be offered at the Southold Library (53705 Main Road, Southold) on Fridays (Jan. 31, Feb. 7 and Feb. 14) from 9:30-10:15 a.m. and at the Southold Rec Center (970 Peconic Lane, Peconic) on Saturdays from 11-11:45 a.m. through March 1. In this music and movement class, children will dance, sing, and play instruments, benefiting from “a research-based program that promotes cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development”, according to instructor Jo Anne Vitiello.
Open play
Safari Adventure (1074 Pulaski Street, Riverhead)
Designed for kids ages 1 to 10, Safari Adventure features a four-level indoor playground packed with inflatables, offering plenty of opportunities for active play. The space also includes a hands-on sensory area, perfect for sparking creativity and stimulating young imaginations.

In addition to more structured tumbling and cheer classes, North Fork Cheer also offers open play tumble for infants and toddlers. Toddler Time takes place from 9:15-10:00 a.m. on Saturdays. Mommy/Daddy and Me is offered on Fridays from 10–10:45 a.m.
Arts and Museums
Children’s Museum of the East End (376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton)
The Children’s Museum of the East End offers a dynamic, interactive space where children can explore, learn, and create through hands-on exhibits and activities. Educational classes, workshops and special exhibits are also offered.
Bay Street Theater (1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor)
Get your kids involved in a musical experience at Bay Street Theatre, which will be putting together a performance of Disney’s The Aristocats. Open to children ages 7-13, rehearsals will take place throughout February and March, with the performance scheduled for April 7 at 7:30 p.m.