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Montauk Point Lighthouse & Museum Description

Kids probably won't notice the sweeping blue and green vistas at this 1796 lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. All they'll ask is: How many steps to the top? (Answer: 137.) Peering up the spiral staircase, kids can't wait to start climbing, especially when they reach the last set of extra-slim and steep "baby" steps. At the museum, drawings depicting "fearful" storms, and photos of 40-ton whales will lure kids in, as will a cool display of lighthouses around Long Island where you can push a button to illuminate each location plus see information about its height, flash pattern, and range.

Kid Tips

Babies: Wear Junior in the frontpack to easily navigate museum displays and walk down trails leading to the ocean (path becomes too narrow for a stroller) or sound (beach is very rocky).

Toddlers & Pre-K: There's a sloped grassy hill just before the ticket booth that is fun to roll down.

Pre-Teens & Teens: When they're not reading about shipwrecks, they can take a break to watch the 25-minute documentary "The Montauk Lighthouse, Sentinel of Long Island."

Planning Notes

Stand tall. Kids must be 41" to climb the tower steps. Also, no babies in frontpacks or backpacks allowed up the tower steps -- a child must be able to climb independently.

Be patient. Only 15 people can be in the tower at any given time, so the wait can be lengthy. Luckily, there's a super-sized lighthouse lens right by the entrance and a friendly docent to distract you with historical facts and trivia.

Meal time. Eat at the café near the parking lot or bring a picnic lunch. There's no picnicking allowed on the private lighthouse property (which you enter once you buy a ticket). The café has a large patio overlooking the water, or there are picnic tables and a small playground near the parking lot.

Top-Notch Shopping. Don't buy souvenirs at the café shop unless you're in a rush. The Montauk Point Gift Shop, just a short walk away, offers a far better selection.

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