If you crave sweet rather than salty treats, belly up to the CMEE Soda Fountain, grab a stool, and let your child wait on you (at last!). Peyton was fascinated by the fact that she could “jerk” an ice cream soda—and I was happy to see her embrace the innocent, if more anachronistic meaning of that term.

Pretend play runs its course after a while, so we eventually made our way over to the arts-and-crafts studio. This summer, the museum will offer a program that enables young comic-book fans to dabble in cartoon drawing. Led by New York Times artist Peter Spacek and DC Comics colorist Noelle Giddings (Spider-Man), the class will take tween students from sketched ideas to final layout, then coach them in coloring their finished designs.

Suddenly, rainy days don’t look so bad after all.

Children’s Museum of the East End, 376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Tpke (631-537-8250, cmee.org). Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat 9am–5:30pm; Fri 9am–6:30pm; Sun 10am–5:30pm. $7, seniors and children ages 1–12 $5, under 1 free.

Sweet memories

These eateries, like CMEE’s yesteryear exhibits, let kids take a step back in time (parents, too: they’re both cash-only):

Candy Kitchen Homey decor and a simple menu recall the days of poodle skirts and saddle shoes, even if the prices are a bit modern (that tasty burger will set you back $7). Sundaes and malts served in retro ice-cream-parlor-style dishes complete the vintage scene. Main St, Bridgehampton (631-537-9885)

Sip N’ Soda Luncheonette This 1958 soda fountain feels so authentic, you’ll expect Marty McFly himself to sidle up next to you and order a milk shake and fries. Still hungry? Get a container of made-on-the-premises ice cream to go. 40 Hampton Rd, Southampton (631-283-9752)

You might also like:
• Sleepy Hollow's Philipsburg Manor
• Fancy hotels for kids around the county
• Five family-friendly vacation destinations