The Hudson Valley, stretching from the New York City metropolitan area to Albany, is brimming with scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a staycation, here are 99 amazing destinations that promise fun and adventure for families.
Scenic Outdoor Adventures
1. Walkway Over the Hudson (Poughkeepsie) – A pedestrian bridge offering stunning views of the Hudson River.
2. Minnewaska State Park Preserve (Kerhonkson) – Explore waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails.
3. Storm King Art Center (New Windsor) – An open-air museum with large-scale sculptures and beautiful landscapes.
4. Mohonk Preserve (New Paltz) – Enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and nature programs.
5. Bear Mountain State Park (Bear Mountain) – Features hiking trails, a zoo, and a carousel.
Historical Sites and Museums
6. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum (Hyde Park) – Learn about FDR’s life and legacy.
7. West Point Military Academy (West Point) – Take a guided tour of the prestigious military academy.
8. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site (Hyde Park) – Tour the grand mansion and gardens.
9. Olana State Historic Site (Hudson) – Visit the Persian-style home of artist Frederic Edwin Church.
10. New York State Museum (Albany) – Discover the state's cultural and natural history.
Farm Fun and Petting Zoos
11. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture (Pocantico Hills) – A working farm with educational programs.
12. Kelder’s Farm (Kerhonkson) – Enjoy a petting zoo, mini-golf, and pick-your-own produce.
13. Catskill Animal Sanctuary (Saugerties) – Meet rescued farm animals and learn about their stories.
14. Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction) – Pick apples, visit the farm store, and enjoy seasonal events.
15. Hurds Family Farm (Modena) – Offers a corn maze, hayrides, and a variety of farm activities.
Thrilling Adventures and Amusement Parks
16. Legoland New York Resort (Goshen) – A theme park with rides, shows, and interactive attractions.
17. Zoom Flume Water Park (East Durham) – A water park with slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
18. SplashDown Beach (Fishkill) – Known as America’s biggest little water park.
19. Hunter Mountain (Hunter) – Offers zip-lining, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides.
20. Rocking Horse Ranch Resort (Highland) – An all-inclusive resort with horseback riding, water slides, and more.
Educational and Science Centers
21. Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum (Poughkeepsie) – Interactive exhibits designed for young children.
22. Hudson Highlands Nature Museum (Cornwall) – Features nature trails, exhibits, and educational programs.
23. Challenger Learning Center (Suffern) – Offers simulated space missions and STEM activities.
24. SUNY New Paltz Planetarium (New Paltz) – Attend public astronomy shows and stargazing events.
25. MiSci Museum of Innovation and Science (Schenectady) – Engage with hands-on science exhibits.
Unique Small Towns and Villages
26. Cold Spring – Stroll through antique shops and cafes and enjoy river views.
27. Rhinebeck – Visit historic sites, boutique shops, and the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.
28. Beacon – Explore contemporary art at Dia: Beacon and hike Mount Beacon.
29. Hudson – Known for its vibrant arts scene and eclectic shops.
30. New Paltz – Home to Huguenot Street and a lively downtown area.
Nature and Wildlife Preserves
31. Trevor Zoo (Millbrook) – The only zoo in the U.S. located at a high school featuring a variety of animals.
32. Greenburgh Nature Center (Scarsdale) – Offers live animal exhibits, trails, and gardens.
33. Bashakill Wildlife Management Area (Wurtsboro) – A haven for bird watchers and nature lovers.
34. Constitution Marsh Audubon Center (Garrison) – Explore tidal marshlands via walking trails and kayak tours.
35. Wolf Conservation Center (South Salem) – Learn about wolves and their conservation.
Fun on the Water
36. Hudson River Cruises (Kingston) – Enjoy sightseeing cruises on the river.
37. Sloop Clearwater (Beacon) – Sail on a historic sloop and learn about environmental stewardship.
38. Kayak Hudson (Cold Spring) – Rent kayaks and explore the Hudson River.
39. Hudson-Athens Lighthouse (Athens) – Tour this historic lighthouse situated in the middle of the river.
40. River Pool at Beacon (Beacon) – A unique public wading pool in the Hudson River.
Seasonal Festivals and Fairs
41. Dutchess County Fair (Rhinebeck) – Enjoy rides, games, and agricultural exhibits.
42. Ulster County Fair (New Paltz) – Features carnival rides, livestock shows, and live entertainment.
43. Apple Festival (Warwick) – Celebrate the apple harvest with food, crafts, and activities.
44. Garlic Festival (Saugerties) – Savor garlic-inspired dishes and shop for local products.
45. Fall Foliage Festival (Cold Spring) – Admire the autumn colors and participate in family-friendly activities.
Craft Breweries and Wineries
46. Brotherhood Winery (Washingtonville) – The oldest operating winery in America.
47. Newburgh Brewing Company (Newburgh) – Offers craft beers and a family-friendly atmosphere.
48. Angry Orchard Cider House (Walden) – Tour the orchard and enjoy tastings.
49. Hudson Valley Brewery (Beacon) – Known for its innovative craft beers.
50. Millbrook Vineyards & Winery (Millbrook) – Take a tour and enjoy wine tastings.
Cultural Experiences
51. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (Bethel) – Visit the site of the 1969 Woodstock festival.
52. Bardavon 1869 Opera House (Poughkeepsie) – Attend live performances in a historic theater.
53. Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (Garrison) – Enjoy outdoor performances with stunning river views.
54. Tarrytown Music Hall (Tarrytown) – Offers concerts, theater productions, and family shows.
55. Art Omi (Ghent) – A contemporary arts center with outdoor sculptures and installations.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes
56. Billy Joe's Ribworks (Newburgh) – A popular spot for delicious BBQ and river views.
57. Johnny’s Pizzeria (Mount Vernon) – A family favorite for classic New York-style pizza.
58. Moomoo’s Creamery (Cold Spring) – Delight in a variety of homemade ice cream flavors.
59. The Barn at Egremont Village Inn (Egremont) – A cozy spot for breakfast and brunch.
60. Sweet Pea’s Cafe (Mount Kisco) – Offers a menu with locally sourced ingredients.
Exciting Seasonal Activities
61. Tubing on the Esopus Creek (Phoenicia) – A fun summer activity for the whole family.
62. Ice Skating at Bear Mountain (Bear Mountain) – Enjoy winter skating on a picturesque outdoor rink.
63. Apple Picking at Lawrence Farms (Newburgh) – A fall tradition with apple picking, corn maze, and more.
64. Holiday Lights in Bloom (Orange County Arboretum) – A magical winter light display.
65. Strawberry Picking at Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction) – A delightful springtime activity.
Hidden Gems and Offbeat Attractions
66. Opus 40 (Saugerties) – A large-scale environmental sculpture park.
67. Innisfree Garden (Millbrook) – A serene garden inspired by Chinese and Japanese design.
68. Wing’s Castle (Millbrook) – A quirky, hand-built castle with guided tours.
69. Mystery Spot Antiques (Phoenicia) – A unique shop filled with vintage finds and oddities.
70. The Enchanted Forest (Old Forge) – A whimsical amusement park for young children.
Places to Stay for a Weekend Getaway
71. Mohonk Mountain House (New Paltz) – A historic resort with plenty of family activities.
72. Glenmere Mansion (Chester) – A luxurious estate with beautiful grounds.
73. Buttermilk Falls Inn (Milton) – Offers cozy accommodations and a farm-to-table restaurant.
74. Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn (Rhinebeck) – The oldest continuously operating inn in America.
75. The Roxbury (Roxbury) – A boutique motel with creatively themed rooms.
Hands-On Workshops and Classes
76. Hudson River Maritime Museum (Kingston) – Participate in boat-building workshops.
77. Clove Creek Dinner Theater (Fishkill) – Enjoy a meal while watching a live performance.
78. Hands-on Pottery (Saugerties) – Try your hand at creating pottery.
79. Hudson Valley Seed Company (Accord) – Take gardening and seed-saving workshops.
80. Hudson Valley Glassworks (Beacon) – Learn glassblowing techniques in a class.
Local Markets and Shops
81. Beacon Farmers Market (Beacon)
Shop for fresh produce and local goods.
82. Woodstock Farm Festival (Woodstock) – A vibrant market with live music and community activities.
83. Stormville Flea Market (Stormville) – A large market with antiques, crafts, and more.
84. Kingston Farmers Market (Kingston) – Offers a wide variety of local foods and crafts.
85. Nyack Famous Street Fair (Nyack) – A bustling market with vendors, food, and entertainment.
Winter Wonderland
86. Thunder Ridge Ski Area (Patterson) – A family-friendly ski resort.
87. Holiday on the Lake (Carmel) – A festive winter event with lights, music, and parades.
88. Winterfest at Jones Farm (Cornwall) – Enjoy holiday crafts, treats, and activities.
89. Snow Tubing at Orange County Snow Tubing (Montgomery) – A thrilling winter activity for all ages.
90. Bells Christmas Tree Farm (Accord) – Cut your own Christmas tree and enjoy seasonal activities.
Relaxing Nature Walks and Gardens
91. Locust Grove Estate (Poughkeepsie) – Stroll through gardens and wooded trails.
92. Untermyer Gardens (Yonkers) – Explore beautifully designed gardens and structures.
93. Walkway Loop Trail (Poughkeepsie) – A scenic walking loop that includes the Walkway Over the Hudson.
94. Boscobel House and Gardens (Garrison) – Offers river views and stunning gardens.
95. The Japanese Stroll Garden at Kykuit (Sleepy Hollow) – A peaceful, meditative garden.
Art and Craft Fairs
96. Crafts at Lyndhurst (Tarrytown) – A large craft fair with handmade goods.
97. Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair (New Paltz) – Features artisans and their creations.
98. Rhinebeck Crafts Festival (Rhinebeck) – An annual fair showcasing unique handmade items.
99. Hudson Valley Garlic Festival (Saugerties) – Celebrates garlic with crafts, food, and fun activities.
With so many diverse and exciting places to explore, the Hudson Valley offers endless opportunities for memorable family day trips and staycations. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, education, or simply a good time, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.
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Macaroni KID New City - Nyack is a free local event and activities calendar, weekly e-newsletter, and website focused on fun family events and information in the New City, Nyack, North Rockland, and surrounding rural areas. We gather all kinds of local family events and activities each week and add useful information about classes, family-focused local businesses, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides, and more.
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