Come May, most of our favorite spots for play are open, festivals and fairs are in full swing and the weather is staying (mostly) consistent- finally! On a tight budget and still want to have some fun this month? Relax, there is more than enough to keep your family busy this month without spending a dime!
Check our full online calendar for more family-friendly activities this month.
1. Watch the sky fill with color at SUNY Sullivan
On May 7th, professional and amateur kite flyers will come together to show off thier stuff and the 2016 Kite Festival. Free kites for the first 200 kids too! While the kites are soaring overhead, on the ground there will be live music, food, inflatable bouncy houses, craft vendors and much more. SUNY Sullivan. 112 College Rd., Loch Sheldrake.
2. Grab your free comic book super hero enthusiasts
Dress up as your favorite super hero and stop by the NorthEast-Millerton Library to get a free comic book during normal hours. While you are there, they will have a variety of activities for sleuthy super heroes to complete. 75 Main St., Millerton.
3. Find your inner strength
Fitness based fun such as Zumba, Yoga and more for families of all ages are invited to Francher Davidge Park for Family Fun Fitness in the Park series. Events are free as is the food supplied by local restaurants for participants. Every Saturday in May from 10am-12pm. 130 Lake Ave., Middletown.
4. Celebrate literacy and meet world- class authors
Helping to sustain and nurture a culture of literacy amoung children of all ages, the Hudson Children's Book Festival on May 7th and the Millbrook Literary Festival on May 21st both cater to families with a great line-up of speakers, programs and authors available for book signings.
5. Get outside for a good cause on I Love My Park Day
This statewide event on May 7th brings community members together to celebrate and enhance New York's parks and historic sites. There are 18 Hudson Valley parks participating including Bear Mountain, Harlem Valley Rail Trail, Minnewaska State Park, Taconic State Park, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park and more. Full the full list of participating parks, click here.
6. Jump on a great big truck
Free admission for families to enjoy a number of construction trucks, dump trucks, emergency vehicles and more at Big Truck Day! Additional fun will include a bounce house, crafts, and activities. Siren free zone from 11am-12pm for sensitive ears. West Hurley Firehouse. 24 Wall St., West Hurley.
7. Create an Angry Birds Bird House
Bring the kids to most Home Depot locations for a hands-on workshop to build a birdhouse and decorate with Angry Bird stickers to take home at this months free kids-workshop. Children also receive an apron and commemorative pin.
8. Explore art exhibits and DIA Beacon
Visitors of all ages are invited to participate in a full day of such special programs as collection tours, programs for families, and gallery talks, among other activities. Free for Hudson Valley residents. 3 Beekman St., Beacon.
9. Hit the streets of Red Hook for Apple Blossom Day
Live entertainment, baby animal petting zoo, face painting and balloons for children is just a taste of the fun to be had at this free festival on May 7th in the Village of Red Hook. Local vendors will provide many wonderful last minute gifts for mom too!
10. Plant a tree with mom on Mother's Day
The goal is to plant nearly 100 trees and shrubs this year at Falling Waters Preserve in Glasco. Bring long pants, lunch, a hat and mom and get your hands dirty while helping to save Mother Earth!
11. Listen to a story in the museum
Free, art- related story time for children ages 3-5 expose young children to art and art museums in a fun, story time setting they are familiar with. Storytime in the Museum's theme for May is "Astronomy and Art" ties into the Art Center's special exhibit, Touch the Sky. This drop-in session includes stories, poems, and a simple hands-on activity.
12. Catch a puppet show
The Millbrook Arts Group and the Millbrook Library are hosting a special children's puppet show- "Squirrel Stole my Underpants". A silly adventure story free and open to the public on May 14th.
13. Appreciate the young art of our community
The Festival of the Arts celebrates the artistic and musical talents of WCSD students in elementary through high school. Meiser Park will be filled to the brims on May 14th with hundreds of pieces of art work on display as well as choral, instrumental and general music ensembles and art- making activities.
14. Crack a Smile at Healthy Smiles Family Fun Day
This family fun day hosted by Valley Pediatric Dentistry, PC on May 15th will benefit the Ryan McElroy Children's Cancer Foundation. It is filled with a fantastic time sure to make everyone smile. Petting zoo, games, raffles, activities, food and refreshments plus K104 will be there giving away KFest tickets! Admission is free, some activities may cost a small fee. 1557 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.
15. Break out the Binoculars for a bird watching tour
View the nesting bald eagles and other birds native to the Basha Kill wetlands on a Nature Watch every Saturday and Sunday through June 19th. Children are welcome when supervised by an adult. Group meets at Basha Kill Area at the South Road boat launch. Across from 1131 South Rd., Wurtsboro.
16. Prepare for some paranormal activity
The Pine Bush UFO Fair and Parade on May 21st is an exciting adventure and informational fair for serious enthusiasts, hobbiest and families looking for family-fun. At the parade and fair find live music, games, craft vendors, street performers, an Alien and UFO themed parade and lectures and speakers for serious sky watchers.
17. Rock around the clock
The village of Fishkill comes alive every year for a giant block party filled with live entertainment, food, vendors and various kids' activities. This year, the Rock Around the Clock Party takes place on May 21st from 6-10pm. Main St., Fishkill.
18. Play, learn and explore as a family
The Mid-Hudson Children's Museum is open late and is entirely free from 5-8pm on May 21st for Family Free Night sponsored by M&T Bank.
19. Kick off summer at a Memorial Day Parade
Pay tribute to those in the armed services who have died serving our country at one of the many Memorial Day Parades across the Hudson Valley.
20. Share in the excitement of the grand opening ribbon cutting at the skate park
Grab your wheels or just come watch Team Skate as they cut the ribbon and break in the long awaited Liberty Skate Park on May 28th! Liberty Skate Park is located at the intersection of Grant St. and Darby Ln. in Liberty.
Other articles by Pam Perry