**Check operating hours and days before visiting. NOT all museums may be open due to the pandemic**
If you are looking for an enriching way to spend some time with your kids this winter, the Hudson Valley has so many places to check out! Kids aren't impressed by the history, or how famous an artist is. But they do love places they can interact with art, or find some hands on art projects.
Here are some of my family's favorite local artsy places to visit during the winter:
The Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art located on the New Paltz college campus offers family friendly art programs once a month. For a small donation, families get to tour the gallery and make a fun art project together. It's a great way to add color to our usually dark winter season. See more about this museum here.
Dia Beacon located in Beacon offers an amazing indoor gallery and unique collections of modern art. Public tours are held every Saturday and Sunday 12:30 and 2:00 p.m. and are free with admission. Find out more about exhibits and upcoming events here.
Art Omi in Ghent offers a variety of children's programs. There is a playful art group the first Wednesday of every month. It is free for kids ages 2-4 and their caregiver. There are paid options available for Saturday workshops and they also host winter art camp. You can get more information and details for cost here. (psst...they also have an amazing sculpture garden with over 40 giant pieces of art installed in their field outside!).
Thomas Cole House in Catskill offers a really unique look into the artist's studio and home. Thomas Cole was the founder of the Hudson River School of Painting, which is a huge piece of art history in our region. This may be well suited for kids who are interested in history and interactive multi-media exhibits. For schedules and to plan a hiking tour to step foot in the same locations where artists of the Hudson River School stood to paint, click here.
The Albany Institute of History & Art in Albany offers a great kids area to create! Free admission days allow families to take advantage of free art and history and the kids can stop in to make an art project. Family tours are available and lead by teen volunteers. Find more info about dates and admission here.
Get out and get inspired by the great art in our area. You can make a fun game with the kids and list things to look for in the paintings. Who can find an apple, a bird a boat? Let them take a selfie with their favorite display. They can even mimic a statuesque pose for a photo op. Have fun learning and creating together!
The Whatever Mom is a full-time wife and twin mama living on coffee and wine. She enjoys the pure rush of cleaning the BIG potty between loads of laundry. It is her dream that moms everywhere accept and embrace the Whatever Mom philosophy which can be found here. You can also find her musings and popular shares on Facebook and Twitter. Stay up to date with her creative ideas and outings on Pinterest.
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