The weather is looking gorgeous and we are starting our summer bucket list of ways to fill up our long summer days. If day trips are on your agenda for this summer we certainly have a range of places from parks to museums we are sure you will find a few places to add to your list!
Hudson
Valley
Accord Speedway- Get racing
action every Friday night throughout the summer.
299 Whitefield Rd., Accord. 845-626-3478
Apple Pond Farm & Renewable Energy Education Center- Private Farm Tours, Farming with Kids, and Adults, and Workshops. 80 Hahn Rd., Callicoon
Center. 845-482-4764
Bear Mountain Zoo- There are four museums and a zoo along the trail at
Bear Mountain. The zoo is home to many birds, mammals and reptiles. They also
offer tours and special events throughout the summer. In addition to the zoo at
Bear Mountain, take a walk around the lake or rent a paddle boat, take a ride
on a horse in the carousel house or enjoy a picnic near the lodge!
Bear Mountain. 845-786-2701
Belleayre Mountain- The Belleayre Beach is
the place for boating, swimming and summer fun! Rte. 28, Highmount.
845-254-5600
Billy Beez- A 26,000 square foot play arena with twisty slides, trampolines, obstacle courses and so much more. Also a giant slide and sports court for added fun. Middletown. (845) 673-3352
Bounce! Trampoline Sports- There is always a chance for a rainy spring break so
keep a list handy of some of the great indoor play spots in the area for little
ones to get their energy out while having a great time with the whole family.
Bounce is one of the many places that kids of all ages could have a great time
at! Poughkeepsie. 845-206-4555
Castle Fun Center- An indoor/ outdoor amusement park packed full of fun
for the whole family. Some of the many attractions include, roller skating,
laser tag, bowling, mini golf, go karts, arcade, batting cages and more. Also
hold events and parties! Chester, (845) 469-211
Catskill Animal Sanctuary- Meet the animals: cows, goats, horses, sheep and more that have
all been rescued by the sanctuary. 316 Old Stage Rd., Saugerties. 845-336-8447
Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck- Enjoy Broadway caliber
performances in Rhinebeck! Rhinebeck, 845-876-3080
Emerson Place-
America’s Largest Kaleidoscope- Visit
America’s largest kaleidoscope complete with 3 different themed moving images set
to a beautiful musical score. Mt. Tremper,
Fair Oaks Drive-In- Apr.-Sept.
newly released films; two features per night. Rte. 17M, Middletown.
845-361-5774. There are a number of
awesome drive- ins in our area. Check them out here.
Rocking Horse Ranch Resort - An all-inclusive, affordable, family vacation destination. The heart of the ranch is a unique approach to horses for both riders and non-riders! Highland. 800-647-2624
FDR Presidential Library and Museum-
Museum on lives and careers of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Hyde Park, 845-486-7770
Forestburgh Playhouse- The oldest, continuously operating, professional
summer theatre in New York State, bringing the best of Broadway to the
Catskills. Forestburgh, 845-794-1194
Forsyth Nature Center- Low cost programs for adults and kids: nature walks,
pond walks, beekeeping, paddle trips, turtle talk, hikes and more special
events and programs. Lucas Ave., Kingston. 845-331-1682
Click here to find the best swimming holes and beaches this summer!
Francis A. Hanofee Park, Swimming pool, picnic areas, row
boat/paddle boat rentals, hiking trails and more. Sunset Lake Rd., Liberty.
845-292-7690
Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS)- Equestrian hunter/jumper
shows May-Sept. Free shows Wednesday-Friday; fee on weekends. 454 Washington
Ave., Saugerties. 845-246-8833
Hudson Highland Nature Museum- Offering a spring break camp for ages 6-9. Weekend
programs for the entire family and mid- April, Grasshopper Grove, an all-
natural playground for the children will re-open for the season. Cornwall,
845-534-5506
Hudson River Maritime Museum-
Indoor and outdoor exhibits on Hudson River maritime history, a gift shop,
waterfront special events, and boat rides to the historic Rondout Lighthouse.
50 Rondout Landing, Kingston. 845-338-0071
The Hudson
Valley Rail Trail-One of
the Hudson Valley’s treasures is the many rail trails that wind through the
woods, over rivers and through the mountains. We have the Walkway over the
Hudson, The Dutchess Rail Trail, Harlem Valley Trail, The Catskill Scenic
Trail, The Mohonk Preserve, Orange Pathways, and the Wallkill Valley Rail
Trail.
Hudson Valley Renegades Baseball- New York-Penn Leagues affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil
Rays. June-Sept. 1500 Rte. 9D, Dutchess Stadium, Wappingers Falls.
845-838-0094
Hunter Mountain- In the summer Hunter Mountain is host to many
festivals and events but they also have zip line and canopy tours, sky ride,
4x4 adventure, fly fishing, hiking, golf, and disk golf can also be enjoyed all
summer long. Hunter, (800) 486-8376
Kelder's Farm-Jumping pillow and pad, combine slide, farm animals, mini-golf and lots more. Kerhonkson. (845) 626-7137
John R. Kirk Planetarium- Visit the planetarium and take your family to the
stars. With shows year- round you will get an up- close experience of the
galaxies, stars, planets and more. New Paltz.
Lake Superior State Park- Swimming, boat rentals, boating, fishing, picnic facilities, food
concession. Dr. Duggan Rd., Bethel. 845-583-7908
LEGOLAND New York Resort- Let your creativity and imagination run wild as the family plays, builds and learns at this cool, Lego themed amusement park. Great for all ages, there is an area for little builders, master builders and everyone in between. Goshen, NY (845) 410-0290
10 fun picnic spots to take the family this season
Locust Grove- The grounds and gardens are open to the public
from 8am until dusk. The views are spectacular and the grounds are beautiful
all year round. If warm enough, pack a picnic lunch and visit locust grove for
a wonderful afternoon. Poughkeepsie, 845-454-4500
Mid Hudson Children’s Museum- New and exciting exhibits kids will have a great day
exploring at the museum. If the weather cooperates you can combine your trip
with the walk over the Walkway over the Hudson and/ or a walk down the waterfront. Poughkeepsie,
845-471-0589
Motorcyclepedia Museum- Over 450 motorcycles from 1897 to
Present. Rare vintage bikes and more!
Newburgh, 845-569-9065
Museum Village- A unique open- air museum which gives visitors a
chance to learn and explore 19th century American life. A large
collection of artifacts and exhibits, hands- on learning experience and events
for the entire family. Monroe, (845) 782-8248
Neversink Valley Area Museum- 300-acre park and museum with children’s activity center,
trails, narrated boat rides. 26 Hoag Rd., Cuddebackville. 845-754-8870
Olana State Historic Site-
Hudson. Home of Hudson River School artist Frederic Church. Children’s summer
programs, hiking trails, and more. Grounds open year-round. 5720 State Rte. 9G,
Hudson. 518-828-0135.
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome- Weekend air shows June through October. Children under 6 free.
Norton Rd., Rhinebeck. 845-752-3200
Orange County Arboretum- Take a leisurely stroll
through the gardens or a closer look at the plants and wildlife here. The
arboretum serves as a fun place families can explore, learn or simply enjoy. Campbell Hall, 845-615-3824
Poet’s Walk- We could go on for days listing
all the great state parks and landmarks in and around the Hudson Valley (and
maybe we will in another article!) but to keep this list to only 50, we are
pulling out a beautifully romantic spot in Rhinebeck the whole family can play
and explore. You can bring your dog, hike or picnic on the grounds. Rhinebeck.
Urban Air Adventure Park- Go-karts, virtual reality, Sky Rider coaster, ropes course and tubes indoor playground, and more. There is even a spot for kids 7 and under. Middletown. (518) 723-5210
Rocking Horse
Ranch- An all inclusive
family resort right here in the Hudson Valley. The ranch offers many indoor and
outdoor activities including water park, boating, horseback riding and more!
Plus dining, kids programs and entertainment. Highland, (845) 691-292
Rock Ridge Alpaca Farm- Enjoy an educational free farm tour
every weekend, “Shop the Shed,” and more! Chester, 845-469-6196
Rondout Lighthouse- Historic 1913 Lighthouse. Tour guides
on site. Access only by tour boat at Hudson.
Saugerties Lighthouse- An 1869 Hudson River
landmark, the lighthouse is a beautiful day out for the whole family. Many easy
walking trails along the banks of the river, plenty of picnicking spots and an easy
walk right up to the lighthouse. Plus, if you are lucky enough to go kid free
for the night, the lighthouse is also a wonderful bed and
breakfast! Saugerties, (845) 247-0656
Read more: 11 things every child should try this summer
Shaupeneak Ridge- Another of the Hudson Valley’s many treasures is the
amazing family- friendly hiking spots throughout our region. From spots
overlooking the Hudson River like the Shaupeneak Ridge to spots in
the mountains or even just a quick trip around a lake like at Bear Mountain
State Park. Other great hiking
spots here.
SplashDown Beach- Wave
pool, water slides, “lagoons,” bumper cars and boats, mini golf. 16 Old Rte. 9
West, Fishkill. 845-897-9600
Storm King Art Center- One of the world’s leading sculpture park open to
visitors to explore. There are also special events and kids’ days throughout
the summer as well. New Windsor, (845) 534-3115
Trevor Zoo- A wonderful little zoo open year round. You can
spend a few hours visiting with the animals and exploring the zoo, pack a
picnic lunch and eat near the llamas and then take a short drive over to Millbrook
Tribute Gardens and playground.
Millbrook, (845) 677-3704
Trolley Museum of New York- Ride
along the majestic Hudson River. See antique trolleys and our Visitors Center.
89 East Strand, Kingston. 845-331-3399
Vanderbilt Mansion- Families can easily spend the day exploring the
mansion, cottages, gardens and grounds. Bring a picnic, hiking shoes or just
take a stroll along the river. There is so much to see and do, Vanderbilt
Mansion quickly becomes a local family favorite. Hyde Park, (845) 229-7770
Yogi Bear Jelly Stone Park- Not just a
campground, but a resort. Don’t miss the
new Interactive Splash Pad that features an exciting water playground with 100
foot waterslides, kiddie slides, water forts, water cannon and more! Gardiner, 845-255-5193
Greater New York
Air Rock Gym- A large indoor climbing gym has a course for all
skill levels. Floor to ceiling tracks, overhangs, caves, glass features and a
60ft. zip line. Albany, (518) 459-7625
Bronx Zoo- You can easily spend a day or two explore each
animal exhibit at one of the best zoo’s on the east coast. In addition to the
animals, families can enjoy a 4-D theater, carousel ride, penguin and sea lion
feedings, camel rides, monorail and zoo shuttle.Bronx, NY (718) 367-1010
Central Park Zoo- A wonderful zoo for families, especially with
small children. A 4-D theater, penguin and sea lion feedings, a children’s zoo,
rainforest, sea lion pool, bear over look, snow leopard, polar circle,
temperate territory and hundreds of animals! New York, (212) 439-6500
FASNY Museum of
Firefighting- Learn the
story of the American firefighter though exhibits that take a look back in
time. Complete a Jr. Firefighter course, experience a real call to the scene in
a virtual fire truck ride, learn all about fire safety, join in on the parade
and play on a life size firetruck! Hudson, NY (518) 822-1875
Great Escape
Lodge & Water Park- Of
course you can plan an overnight trip to Great Escape Lodge including the water
park but if you are up for a daytrip, grab a day pass to the water park and splash away all day long! Queensbury, (518) 824-6000
Greenburgh
Nature Center- A 33 acre nature
preserve filled with trails, a garden and pond and dozens of natural wildlife
calling this space home. The center offers a variety of programs and events as
well as an indoor animal museum. Scarsdale, NY (914) 723-3470
Howe Caverns- Take an exciting tour deep into a cave! There are
a variety of tours to choose from including lantern tour, photo tour,
adventure, traditional or more. Families can also enjoy one of the many
activities at the adventure park like zip lines, rock wall, air jumper, or
gemstone mining. Howes Cave, NY (518) 296-8900
Museum of Natural History- A museum that really has something for everyone.
For the history buffs in your family to the kids, the museum has a hands-on
discovery room for the kids and lots of programs for the whole family all year
long. New York, (212) 769-5100
The Strong National
Museum of Play- Hands- on
imaginative play exhibit featuring life- sized doll house, teddy bear
check-ups, action adventure and dress up. Visit the butterfly garden,
supermarket and even Sesame Street! There are super heroes, the Bernstein
Bears, discovery garden, aquarium, carousel, toy hall of fame and even more!
Rochester, NY (585) 263-2700
NYS Museum- For families with kids of all ages, there is
something for everyone including archeology excavations from NY state, an
interactive map of NY, fire engine hall, plenty of history and a large carousel
from 1912! Albany, NY (518) 474-5877
Palisades Center- The Palisades center is filled with great family
fun! From the IMAX theater to the world’s largest indoor ropes course, bowling
alley, comedy club, ice rink and Ferris wheel there is something to
do for everyone. West Nyack, (845) 358-4629
Zoom Flume Water Park- Large
water park in mountain setting. Snack bars, gift shop, free parking. 91 Shady
Glen Rd., East Durham. 800-888-3586
Connecticut
Danbury Railway
Museum- Take an inexpensive
ride through the yard on a vintage train. Inside you can control the large
model train exhibits, visit the gift shop and toy train area. Danbury, CT (203)
778-8337.
Dinosaur State Park- One of the largest
dinosaur track sites in North America. A large display of early Jurassic
dinosaur fossil tracks, and over two miles of nature trails along with an
arboretum housing more than 250 varieties of trees and plants. Kids can also
meet animals, and explore a variety of hands- on activities, cast a track or
mine for gems and minerals. Rocky Hill, CT 860-529-5816
Maritime
Aquarium- Meet a dragon,
touch a Jelly Fish, touch a shark, visit lots of fish and other sea life and
learn all about the Long Island Sound! A wonderful family aquarium within
driving distance of the Hudson Valley! Norwalk, CT (203) 852-0700
The Cave-Mini
golf, laser tag, arcade, high ropes course, and a lazer maze. Bethel, CT (203) 744-4653
Mystic Aquarium- Indoor/ outdoor aquarium in a fun Ct. town.
Explore fish, beluga whales, reptiles, jelly fish, penguins and lots more.
Experience the 4-D theater, wildlife shows, the Pacific North West and
feeding times. Mystic, CT (860) 572-5955
Stepping Stones Museum for Children-A
fully hands- on museum with a focus on learning through play. Over a dozen
interactive exhibits and a solar train complete your visit. Norwalk, CT (203)
899-0606.
New Jersey
Adventure
Aquarium- Create memories at the
aquarium this summer! The Adventure Aquarium houses thousands of species,
hands- on exhibits, play at the unique “uner the sea” playground perfect for
kids, and get up close and person with sharks in the 40ft. shark tunnel!
Camden, NJ (856) 365-3300
Diggerland USA- A theme park dream for construction truck and big
machine fans of all ages! This construction themed amusement park give families
the opportunity to ride, drive and operate heavy machinery. Families will also
have a blast at the many fast- paced attractions and rides! West Berlin, NJ
(856) 768-1110
Liberty Science Center- Over 300,000 square feet of learning and fun! There are
12 exhibit halls, a large live animal collection plus aquarium, 3D theater,
IMAX, and so much more at the Liberty Science Center. They truly make science
and learning fun for the whole family. Jersey City, NJ (201) 200-1000
Sahara Sam’s Indoor Water Park- The sister to Diggerland, Sahara Sam’s is NJ’s
first free standing indoor water park complete with 58,000 square feet of water
fun for everyone. West Berlin, NJ (856) 767-7580
The Crayola
Factory-Get your creativity on
with 4 floors of Crayola fun! The Factory features 25 attractions, café and
official Crayola store! Easton, PA (610) 515-8000
Great Wolf Lodge- From spray features for toddlers to thrilling tube
rides and beyond. There is plenty for everyone to enjoy. In addition to water
rides, you can also enjoy a kid’s spa, arcade and adventure game. Scotrun, PA
(570) 688-9899
Please Touch
Museum- The leader in
purposeful play, the Please Touch Museum is filled with fun, learning and
plenty of hands- on play. Philadelphia, PA (215) 581-3181
Sesame Place- A childhood favorite comes to life as soon as you
walk into Sesame Place. Meet and greet all your favorite furry characters, sign
and dance with live shows and parades, enjoy many rides and attractions and
cool down with water slides and pools. Langhorne, PA (215) 752-7070
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