Here’s a sampling of Hudson Valley day trips that will provide some inexpensive fun for kids. No need to go far away for a little getaway. keep it local and keep it fun. (We threw in a special destination for parents — get a sitter!)
Orange
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. 12 Church St., Highland. 845-691-2066.
Glenmere Mansion
For a more lavish--and adults only--getaway, this place is luxurious and romantic. An all-inclusive hideaway replicated as an early twentieth century Tuscan villa, the mansion boasts acclaimed restaurants, a spa, bocce and tennis courts, croquet, and a library, all running on geothermal energy. 634 Pine Hill Rd., Chester. 845-469-1900.
Castle Fun Center
Enjoy everything from themed mini golf to go-cart races, batting cages, and a whole lot more! If it's rainy, check out the extensive arcade, complete with a ballocity, roller skating, and bowling. Grab a bite to eat at Jesters Restaurant & Pub before hitting the rock wall, roller rink, or laser tag arena. 109 Brookside Ave., Chester. 845-469-2116.
Heritage Trail
Converted rail bed of the Erie Railroad. Walk, jog and bike on this scenic route. Trail entrances located in Goshen, Chester and Monroe. 845-294-8886.
Chadwick Lake
Fishing, boat rentals, children's playground, 4-mile walking/running trail around the lake, and pavilion rentals. Rte. 300, Newburgh. 845-564-7815.
Bear Mountain Zoo
There is and a zoo along the trail at Bear Mountain that is homes to many birds, mammals and reptiles. 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! 55 Hessian Dr., Highland Falls. 845-786-2701.
Motorcyclepedia Museum
Over 500 motorcycles from 1897 to Present. Rare vintage bikes and more! 250 Lake St., 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. 1010 State Rte. 17M, Monroe. 845-782-8248.
The Neversink Valley Museum of History & Innovation
300-acre park and museum with children’s activity center, trails, narrated boat rides. 26 Hoag Rd., Cuddebackville. 845-754-8870.
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. 211 Rte. 416, Montgomery. 845-615-3828.
Dutchess
Walkway over the Hudson
Take a stroll on the new Walkway over the Hudson — 212 feet over the river! It’s 1.3 miles of magnificence, offering Hudson Valley views second to none. Picnic benches and restrooms can be found at either end and children can be easily watched. 87 Haviland Rd., Highland and 61 Parker Ave., Poughkeepsie. 845-454-9649.
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt
This mansion and library are wonderful and historical places to learn about a piece of our country's history. Admire the park around the house and a cliff with a picnic area where you and your family can view the beautiful scenery of the Hudson Valley. 4097 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park. 845-229-9115 Ex. 2010.
Culinary Institute of America, CIA
Enjoy a 5-star meal at one of four restaurants located on CIA’s campus for great prices. Taste exotic foods, home style foods, sweet foods, or just for food, prepared by aspiring chefs. 1946 Campus Dr. (Rte. 9), Hyde Park.
Bounce! Trampoline Sports
Bounce is 10,000 sq. ft. of interconnected trampolines to play slam dunk basketball, trampoline dodgeball, or jump into foam pits. Separate Bounce Jr. Zone for kids 6 and under. 2 Neptune Rd., Poughkeepsie. 845-206-4555.
Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck
Enjoy Broadway caliber performances in Rhinebeck! Plus, the Saturday Morning Family Series is back! 661 Rte. 308, Rhinebeck. 845-876-3080.
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.
Poet’s Walk
A beautifully romantic spot in Rhinebeck the whole family can play and explore. You can bring your dog, hike or picnic on the grounds. 776 River Rd., Red Hook. 845-473-4440.
Ulster
Accord Speedway
Get racing action every Friday night along with Mid-Week Madness throughout the summer. 299 Whitefield Rd., Accord. 845-626-3478.
Emerson Place - America’s Largest Kaleidoscope
Visit America’s largest kaleidoscope complete with 3 different themed moving images set to a beautiful musical score. 5348 NY- 28, Mt. Tremper. 845-688-5800.
Catskill Mountain Railroad
Our seasonal excursions through the historic City of Kingston allow you to experience a time when train travel was the only way to access the scenic beauty of the Catskills. Friendly Catskill Mountain Railroad volunteers are ready to welcome you aboard! CMRR Kingston Station Kingston Plz., Kingston. 845-688-7400.
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.
Cantine Memorial Field
The Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex is a 127-acre sports and recreation complex featuring 11 baseball / softball fields, 4 soccer fields, a fully enclosed refrigerated ice arena, 3 playgrounds, 4 pavilions, trails, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, indoor and outdoor shuffleboard courts with many other year-round recreational services. Pavilion St., Saugerties. 845-246-5890 ext. 16.
Big Indian Park
Swings, jungle gym, merry-go-round, baseball, and a small pavilion that can be reserved for parties. Rte. 28 Big Indian. 845-688-7165 or 845-688-2041.
Forsyth Nature Center
The Center is a handicapped accessible outdoor learning center. It offers more than two-dozen animal exhibits and beautiful gardens that foster a connection to the natural world for visitors of all ages. The center is open year-round and is free to the public. Lucas Ave., Kingston. 845-331-1682.
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.
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. Coykendall Science Building at SUNY New Paltz, 1 Hawk Dr., New Paltz. 845-257-7869.
Sullivan
Breezeway Farm
Come pet and feed our clean and friendly farm animals in a peaceful environment. Pony rides available. 161 Anawana Lake Rd., Monticello. 845-794-4543.
Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History
Come see what life was like in colonial times. A tour of the facilities includes demonstrations of early settlers' lifestyles and craft-making. A gift shop, vending area and picnicking facilities are located on the grounds. 6615 Rte. 97., Narrowsburg. 845-807-0261 (September-April), 845-252-6660 (May-August).
Lake Superior State Park
Swimming, boat rentals, boating, fishing, picnic facilities, food concession. Dr. Duggan Rd., Bethel. 845-583-7908.
Updated March 11, 2025
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