James Smith
James Stephen Smith is a seasoned journalist who transitioned from reporting at Newsday to a more relaxed life as a father and director of media relations at St. John's University. He manages the university’s messaging while also contributing to Mommy Poppins, a site he discovered after his third daughter was born in 2011. Fun fact: James nearly made it on Jeopardy but missed a Final Jeopardy question on art history—only to watch a colleague nail it and become a two-time champion.
Latest posts by James
Bookstores and libraries abound on the North and South Forks, and some of our country’s most popular writers have called the region home. But while our children may not yet be able to appreciate Truman Capote or Nelson DeMille, kids' storytime sessions offer them an introduction to age-appropriate literature—and a fun one at that. Almost every East End library hosts some manner of children’s storytime, but a handful offer their own unique approaches. We've rounded up our favorites. And for more activities in the area this summer, check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.
Nature is in full bloom on the East End of Long Island. Families on the North or South Fork have an abundance of outdoor activity options this weekend, including nature hikes, bird-watching, aquarium fun and more. Reservations are recommended for most of these East End events, all of which are sure to open your child’s eyes and mind to the wonders of our natural world.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, renting a place for the summer or live on the East End, you’ll want to check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide. And for fun on the rest of the island, take a look at our Event Calendar.
Fun or fundamentals... why choose when your kid can have both? Parents of athletically inclined children on the East End of Long Island have a number of options for summertime sports. Novices can be introduced to a sport in an inexpensive town clinic, while more experienced athletes can refine their skills under the guidance of a seasoned instructor.
Either way, the East End offers kids' sports programs that range from baseball and basketball, to kayaking and lacrosse. And for more classes and activities, be sure to check out our Hamptons & North Fork Guide.
Eastern Long Island boasts some of the Northeast’s most captivating beaches, perfect for summer fun. However, parents of young children may want to invest in swimming lessons from qualified instructors in order to put themselves at ease amid all the oceanside activity. Happily, there are some affordable kids' swim programs on both forks. Classes do fill up quickly, though, so you'll want to enroll your children ASAP.
Note: Most town-sponsored, outdoor programs begin in July. YMCA and Southampton Youth Services programs continue year-round.
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