Lighthouse Adventures for Little Explorers
Summer fun, salty air, and a taste of history! What could be more magical for kids than touring real-life lighthouses along our North Fork? Each lighthouse has a story to tell. These adventures will encourages curiosity and a new appreciation for the NF's marine history. (Great for photos too)
Below is a guide and some links to the best kids-friendly lighthouses on the North Fork.
🚢 1. Long Beach Bar “Bug” Lighthouse
East End Seaport Museum, 100 3rd Street, Greenport, NY,
631-477-2100
This quirky “Bug Light” perches offshore on spindly stilts, and from the water it looks like a giant bug—hence the name! Built in 1870 and lovingly rebuilt in 1990, it’s one of the few offshore lighthouses offering tours aboard the East End Seaport Museum’s boat cruises. Kids will love stepping aboard, walking the wrap‑around deck, and hearing tales from the sea!
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https://www.eastendseaport.org/cruises
2. Horton Point Lighthouse
3575 Lighthouse Rd, Southold, NY 11971
Horton Point Lighthouse was constructed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1857. It is one of eight historic lighthouses located in Southold Township. The tower and adjoining keeper's residence are built on the "Cliff Lot" of Barnabas Horton's original 1640 land grant. George Washington once commissioned it! Now kids (and adults) can climb its tower, explore the nautical museum in the keeper’s house, and picnic on the spacious lawn overlooking Long Island Sound.
Admission to the Lighthouse is $5.00 per person or $10.00 per family. Includes the Nautical Museum and the Maple Lane Complex at 55200 Main Rd., Southold!
(CASH ONLY).
https://www.southoldhistorical.org/horton-point-lighthouse
3. Orient Point Lighthouse (“Coffee Pot”)
Given its proximity to the shore, good views are possible from land. To reach the tip of land near the lighthouse you can park near the ferry landing at Orient Point and walk along a rocky beach on the south side of the point or you can park at Orient Point County Park and take the hiking trail around the north side of the point. Views of the light are possible from the Cross Sound Ferry, which operates between Orient Point, NY and New London, CT. Also, East End Seaport and Cross Sound Ferry offer excursions that pass by the light. This sparkplug-style lighthouse sits out in the channel between Orient Point and Plum Island. While it’s not open inside, the views from Orient Beach State Park or the ferry are magical. Kids can enjoy spotting it across the water and imagining sea adventures!
*The lighthouse is privately owned. Tower closed.
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https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=744
4. Plum Island Light (Plum Gut)
Plum Island Ln, Orient, NY 11957
Also known as Plum Gut Light, this historic beacon dates back to 1826. Although it’s fenced off on a private island, kids will thrill at spotting it from ferries or the beach and learning its candlelit history.
The lighthouse is best seen by boat. Views of the light are possible from the Cross Sound Ferry, which operates between Orient Point, NY and New London, CT. Also, East End Seaport and Cross Sound Ferry offer excursions that pass by the light.
The lighthouse is owned by the Department of Homeland Security. Grounds/dwelling/tower closed.
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https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=743
5. North Dumpling Lighthouse
Fishers Island, NY 06390
This bright red brick lighthouse, built in 1849, comes with fun stories.....like its Prohibition-era smuggling ties and its present-day owner, the Segway inventor! Best viewed from a boat, it’s a treat for imagination-filled sea trips.
East End Seaport and Cross Sound Ferry offer excursions that pass by North Dumpling Lighthouse.
The lighthouse is privately owned. Grounds/dwelling/tower closed.
https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=740
6. Latimer Reef Lighthouse
Fishers Island Sound, Southold, NY
Rising like a spark plug from Fishers Island Sound since 1884, this is the oldest cast-iron light in the Northeast still in service. While you can’t climb inside, it’s an impressive sight for young faces peering from a boat or ferry cruise.
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https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=739
7. Race Rock Lighthouse
Southold, NY
A dramatic tower built amid strong currents, Race Rock is famed for its shipwreck stories—and even a touch of paranormal legend! Best admired from a distance during ferry rides. Race Rock Light is a lighthouse on Race Rock Reef, a dangerous set of rocks on Long Island Sound southwest of Fishers Island, New York and the site of many shipwrecks. It is currently owned and maintained by the New London Maritime Society as part of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act program.
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https://www.google.com/search?q=Race+Rock+Lighthouse&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
8. Little Gull Island Lighthouse
Located between Great Gull and Fishers Islands, this lighthouse dates back to 1868. Though it lies off-limits, kids love spotting it from boats and hearing tales of sea adventures and history.
https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=742
Why Kids Will Love It
- Adventures by Water: Boat trips to offshore sights feels like an adventurous mini sea voyages.
- Storytelling and history comes alive: Legends of smugglers, ghosts, and historic keepers spark imagination.
- Small Physical Goals: Climbing towers (like at Horton Point) is fun and manageable.
- Nature & Learning: Museums, beaches, and outdoor walks mix play with learning.
🗺️ Quick Reference List
- Long Beach Bar “Bug” Lighthouse – Greenport boat cruise tours
- Horton Point Lighthouse – Southold, climb the tower + museum
- Orient Point Lighthouse – View from beach or ferry
- Plum Island Light – Spot from ferry/beach
- North Dumpling Lighthouse – View from boat off Fishers Island
- Latimer Reef Lighthouse – Cast‑iron tower in Fishers Island Sound
- Race Rock Lighthouse – Visible from ferries, dramatic currents
- Little Gull Island Lighthouse – Scenic water‑view landmark
https://www.lighthousefriends.com/index.html
Check out: https://www.lighthouse.cruises/
