The weather has certainly been crazy lately. We aren’t sure
if we should be ‘thinking spring’ or stuck on winter. Last weekend we dug out
the snow pants and ventured to our favorite sledding spot but being stuck in the house for another month with little ones
just isn’t going to cut it. So we took a good look around town and came up with
some family- fun activities that don’t necessarily rely on the weather this
month.
1. A bakery hot spot
One of our most favorite kid- friendly
restaurants here in the Hudson Valley, Frida’s Bakery and café not only offers
a beautiful playroom for children to explore while parents chat but they also
offer a number of kid classes each month. On April 9th from
10:30am-1pm bring the family by for a tour of the bakery and kitchen and enjoy
some delicious treats while the children make their own personal pizza.
2. A jump into a children's book
Everyone’s favorite storybook character, Splat
the Cat is making a special guest appearance at the Boardman Branch Library in
Poughkeepsie in celebration of national Library Week. On April 13th,
stop in with your children in pre-k or older for a chance to meet Splat the
Cat!
3. A free family fair
On April 17th, Hudson Valley Parent
Magazine will bring together some of the best camps, doctors and more in the
Hudson Valley at the Cover Kid, Free Family Fair. Kids will enjoy a bounce
house, petting zoo, a ton of crafts and performances all entirely free. Talent
agents from the New York Talent Club will be on hand to chat with kids who want
to be on a cover of our magazine too! The event takes place at the Newburgh
Mall from 11am-4pm.
4. A spring fairy garden
Imagine walking through with a bright eyed
child, a beautiful spring garden full of blooming roses and fairies. Well you
don’t have to imagine any more because the Orange County Arboretum is offering
kids the chance to connect with nature as they visit the fairies and then have
a chance to make their own special fairy garden to take home. Pre- registration
is required and cost is $10 a child. April 23rd, call 845-615-3828.
Children’s classes are held at the Kosuga Education Building from 1-2:30.
5. A festival of sweet sugar
The celebration of the Maple Syrup season isn’t quite
over yet! Head up to Jeffersonville on April 23rd for a full day-
11am-5pm to be exact- of maple syrup festivities. Activities include pancake
breakfast, live music, craft and food vendors, face painting, sugar shack demo
and our favorite- Maple Cotton Candy! Festival is held at the Backyard Park off
Swiss Hill Rd. in Jeffersonville.
6. A celebration of farming and agriculture
Is your child a truck and tractor aficionado?
Then the Spring Plow Day at the Orange County Farmers Museum is an event for
you. Free and open to the public, the antique tractors will be plowing,
fertilizing and planting the corn fields for the next crop. Families are
invited to jump right in with hands- on planting activities, a visit with the
barn animals, wood shop and more. Open 11am-3pm on April 30th.
7. A vineyard festival
Traditionally held on either May 1st or halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice, the Palaia Vineyard is hosting this year's Beltane Festival. Come dressed in your Renaissance best and dance the Maypole, participate in a workshop, enjoy wonderful music and grown ups can enjoy a glass of fine wine, craft beer or Mead. Festival opens at 9am until 4pm in Highland Mills. Cost is $20/ person and children 12 and under are free.
Other articles by Pam Perry