Over 60 hot spots in the Hudson Valley



School’s almost out and the weather’s warming up. It’s the perfect time to get away. Pack a lunch, grab the kids and explore the Hudson Valley.

Accord Speedway, Get racing action every Friday night along with Mid Week Madness throughout the summer. 299 Whitefield Rd., Accord. 845-626-3478. www.accordspeedway.com

Apple Pond Farm & Renewable Energy Education Center, Educational tours, horse-drawn sleigh & wagon rides, cheese & bread making and goat milking. 80 Hahn Rd., Callicoon Center. 845-482-4764. www.applepondfarm.com.

James Baird State Park, Hiking trails, XC skiing, nature center, 18-hole golf course, picnic pavilions. Freedom Rd., Pleasant Valley. 845-452-1489. www.nysparks.state.ny.us

Basha Kill Wildlife Area, Visit the natural wetlands and see almost 200 species of birds, 30 varieties of fish, and innumerable plants, reptiles, mammals, and insects. Haven Rd., Westbrookville. 845-888-5381. www.thebashakill.org

Bear Mountain State Park, Hiking trails, picnicking, swimming pool, zoo, wildlife center. Rte. 9W, Bear Mountain. 845-786-2701. www.nysparks.state.ny.us

Belleayre Mountain, The Belleayre Beach is the place for boating, swimming and summer fun! Rte. 28, Highmount. 845-254-5600. www.belleayre.com

Butterfly Botanicals, Native New York live butterflies for display and sale; plants- annuals, vegetables, perennials; butterfly hosts & nectaring. 363 Petticoat Lane, Bloomingburg. 845-733-7713. 9am-7pm, Mother’s Day to Halloween. www.abundantlifefarm.com

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. www.casanctuary.org

Catskill Mountain Railroad, A 6-mile round trip train ride along Esopus Creek through the Catskill Mountains. Rte. 38, Phoenicia. 845-688-7400. www.catskillmtrailroad.com

Delaware and Ulster Railroad, Scenic train ride with views of the Catskill Mountains. Special family events. 43510 State Highway 28, Arkville. 845-586-DURR (3877) or 800-225-4132. www.durr.org

D&H Canal Museum, National Historic Site. Walk along original canal locks #16-20 of the D&H Canal. Mohonk Rd., High Falls. 845-687-9311. www.canalmuseum.org

Eagle Institute, Eagle watching in their natural habitat. Slide presentation, field trips, workshops, school/scout programs. On-site interpretive programs on weekends during the winter months, when eagles migrate to this region. Rte. 97, Barryville. 845-557-6162. www.eagleinstitute.org

Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val-Kill, Visitors can tour Mrs. Roosevelt’s Val-Kill, stroll the grounds and view an introductory film called “Eleanor Roosevelt Close To Home” shown in the playhouse. 54 Valkill Park Rd., Hyde Park. 845-229-9115. www.nps.gov/elro

Esopus Meadows Environmental Center & Preserve, Trails, fishing, picnic area, view of Esopus Meadows Lighthouse. 257 River Rd., Ulster Park. 845-454-7673. www.scenichudson.org

Fair Oaks Drive-In, Apr.-Sept. Newly released films; two features per night. Rte. 17M, Middletown. 845-361-5774. www.driveinmovie.com

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. www.forsythnaturecenter.org

Francis A. Hanofee Park, Swimming pool, picnic areas, row boat/paddle boat rentals, hiking trails and more. Sunset Lake Rd., Liberty. 845-292-7690.

Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, 300-acre “Springwood” estate was home to former president FDR. Trails free & open to the public. 4097 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park. 845- 486-1966. www.nps.gov/hofr

Fun Central, Indoor and outdoor facility with mini-golf, bumper boats, arcade, food, virtual reality roller coaster, laser tag. Open year-round. 1630 Rte. 9, Wappingers Falls. 845-297-1010. www.fun-central.com

Harcourt Nature Sanctuary, between Wallkill River and Huguenot Street, New Paltz.

Harlem Valley Rail Trail, Two sections totaling 15 paved miles through stunning rural Dutchess County landscapes. 51 South Center St., Millerton. 518-789-9591. www.hvrt.org

Harriman State Park, 31 lakes and reservoirs, hiking trails, beaches, camping areas, scenic roads. Palisades Interstate Park Commission, Bear Mountain. 845-786-2701. www.nysparks.state.ny.us

Heritage Trail, Running, Biking, Skating, or just Walking. Monroe, Chester, Goshen access points. 845-457-4900. www.orangecountygov.com

Historic Huguenot Street, Tour three old stone houses; special events and activities scheduled throughout the summer.  DuBois Fort Visitors Center, New Paltz. 845-255-1660. www.huguenotstreet.org

Holiday Mountain Fun Park, Go carts, bumper boats, potato sack slide Choo-Choo Charlie, kiddie karts, bumper boats, batting cages, mini-golf, rock climbing, arcade and a mechanical bull. 99 Holiday Mtn. Rd., Monticello. 845-796-3161. www.holidaymtn.com

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. www.hitsshows.com

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Hiking trails, live animal exhibits, special events and workshops for kids. Two locations: Wildlife Education Center. 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson. Outdoor Discovery Center. 20 Kenridge Farm Dr., Rte. 9W, Cornwall. 845-534-5506 or 845-534-7781. www.museumhudsonhighlands.org

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. www.hrmm.org

Hudson Valley Rail Trail, A 4.2-mile nature trail for walking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing. Two-mile paved portion. 12 Church St., Highland.

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. www.hvrenegades.com

Hyde Park Drive-In Theater, Newly released films; two features per night.  4114 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park. 845-229-4738. www.hydeparkdrivein.com

Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point, Park on banks of Hudson River. Picnicking, hiking, fishing. Rte. 9W, New Windsor. 845-615-3830. www.orangecountygov.com

Krieger Park, Baseball field, basketball court, playground, picnic facilities, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, historic site. Greenfield Rd., Woodridge. 845-434-7447. www.scva.net

Lake Superior State Park, Swimming, boat rentals, boating, fishing, picnic facilities, food concession. Dr. Duggan Rd., Bethel. 845-583-7908. www.co.sullivan.ny.us

Last Encampment of the Continental Army, Reenactments and special events. Picnic area. Rte. 300, New Windsor. 845-561-5073.

Locust Grove, Home of Samuel F.B. Morse, artist and inventor of Morse code. 3 miles of trails open free to the public. 2683 South Rd., Poughkeepsie. 845-454-4500. www.lgny.org

Minnewaska State Park, Biking, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming. 5281 Rte. 44/55, New Paltz. 845-256-0579. www.nysparks.state.ny.us

Mohonk Preserve, Miles of trails and carriage roads for hikers, cyclists, horseback riders. Guided hikes and family nature programs. 3197 Rte. 44/55, New Paltz. 845-255-0919. www.mohonkpreserve.org

Museum Village, Educational programs, hands-on exhibits, special events. 1010 Rte. 17M, Monroe. 845-782-8247. www.museumvillage.org

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. www.neversinkmuseum.org

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. www.olana.org

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Weekend air shows June through October. Children under 6 free. Norton Rd., Rhinebeck. 845-752-3200. www.oldrhinebeck.org

Overlook Drive-In Theater, Apr.-Sept. Newly released films; two features per night. DeGarmo & Overlook Rds., Poughkeepsie. 845-452-3445. www.overlookdrivein.com

Rocking Horse Ranch Resort, Wild West, circus and magic shows, horseback riding, pony rides, hay rides, water sports, fun barn, private lake, tennis courts, volleyball, basketball, softball, archery, mini-golf and much, much more! 600 Rte. 44/55, Highland. 845-691-2927. www.rhranch.com

Rockland Lake State Park, Swimming pools, kiddie pools, picnicking, boat rentals, hiking trails. Rte. 9W, Congers. 845-268-3020. www.nysparks.state.ny.us

Rondout Lighthouse, Historic 1913 Lighthouse. Tour guides on site. Access only by tour boat at Hudson

River Maritime Museum, 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston. 845-338-0071. www.hrmm.org

Sam’s Point Preserve & Ice Caves, Walk through Ice Caves. Expansive views, hiking trails, waterfall. 400 Sam’s Point Rd., Cragsmoor. 845-647-7989.

Shaupeneak Ridge, 3.5 miles of hiking trails (some steep), waterfall, overlook of Hudson River. Off Rte. 9W, Esopus. 845-473-4440. www.scenichudson.org

SplashDown Beach, Wave pool, water slides, “lagoons,” bumper cars and boats, mini golf. 16 Old Rte. 9 West, Fishkill. 845-897-9600. www.splashdownbeach.com

Stony Kill Farm/Environmental Education Center, Working farm with hiking trails, ponds, guided nature programs, picnicking. Grounds open daily, dawn-dusk. 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls. 845-831-8780. www.dec.ny.gov

Storm King Art Center, Outdoor artworks, walking trails, picnic area. Special programs for families. Old Pleasant Hill Rd., Mountainville. 845-534-3115. www.stormking.org

Town Tinker Tube Rental, Whitewater inner tubing down the Esopus Creek for ages 12 and up. 10 Bridge Street, Phoenicia. 845-688-5553. www.towntinker.com

Trevor Zoo, AZA-accredited zoo with more than 160 exotic and indigenous animals. Millbrook School, 131 Millbrook School Rd., Millbrook. 845-677-3704. www.trevorzoo.org

Trolly Museum of New York, Ride along the majestic Hudson River. See antique trolleys and our Visitors Center. 89 East Strand, Kingston. 845-331-3399. www.tmny.org

Vanderbilt Mansion, 600-acre estate of the Vanderbilt family. Grounds and garden open free to the public. 119 Vanderbilt Park Rd., Hyde Park. 845-229-9115. www.nps.gov/vama

Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, 12.2-mile trail for biking, walking, horseback riding. Gardiner, New Paltz & Rosendale access. www.gorailtrail.org

Walnut Mountain Park, Hiking trails, mountain bike trails, picnic area, playing fields.  Walnut Mtn. Rd., Liberty. 845-292-7690. www.scva.net

Warwick Drive-In, Apr.-Sept. Newly released films; two features per night. Rte. 94, Warwick. 845-986-4440. www.driveinmovie.com

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, General George Washington’s headquarters at the end of the Revolutionary War. Liberty & Washington Sts., Newburgh. 845-562-1195. www.nysparks.state.ny.us

Wilcox Memorial Park, Camping, lake swimming, picnicking, fishing, hiking, athletic fields, miniature golf. Rte. 199, Stanfordville. 845-758-6100.

Winding Hills Park, Pedal boats, fishing, picnicking, nature/hiking trails. Off Old Rte 17K, Montgomery. 845-615-3830. www.orangecountygov.com

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. www.zoomflume.com