Are you tired of hearing your kids complain about how bored they are? Well, we’ve got you covered. It is National Anti-Boredom Month, so we’ve rounded up some fun things your family can do to halt the “Mom, I’m bored” merry-go-round.
1. Go on a forest adventure at Catamount Aerial Adventure Park
Zip line your way through treetop courses for all ability levels. This zip line and obstacle course, located in Hillsdale, is for ages 7 and up with paths ranging from easy to challenging. This fun workout for your upper body and legs will have you feeling accomplished at the end of the courses.
2. Take a boat cruise on the Pride of the Hudson
What better way to enjoy a beautiful day then going sight-seeing on a boat? See the history along the Hudson River during this 2-hour boat ride that your family will enjoy. Take many pictures of your family with these breath-taking views in the background! Located in Newburgh, this boat has an upper and lower deck where you can catch the views in every direction. There is also a snack bar for a light snack during the trip.
3. Learn about horse racing at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame
Fans of racing horses or horses in general will love this museum located in Goshen. This is the perfect place to learn interesting facts about this sport and how it came to be. Take a stroll to the historic track, view the displays and engage in the interactive exhibits. Make sure you try the fun virtual ride and say hello to the horses!
4. Be a firefighter for the day at the Volunteer Fireman’s Hall and Museum of Kingston
Your family will be able to see a great collection of fire trucks including ones that were horse-drawn! This hands-on museum will engage your family as they are able to experience and touch the numerous artifacts.
5. Enjoy the outdoors at Bear Mountain State Park
There are plenty of trails here for your family to go on a hike or stroll around in the park area. Your family will appreciate the beauty of the Hudson Valley area with views of the Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge from the peak. Your kids will love the zoo, museum, merry-go-round, playground, and a small pond to go paddle-boating in. Pack up lunch and enjoy a nice picnic at the picnic tables area after a day spent in the great outdoors!
6. Pet the farm animals at the Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
Located in Wappinger Falls is a small farm that seeks to enhance environmental awareness and appreciation of the world around us. Your family can see farm animals in the fields or visit them in the barn. This farm has sheep, goats, cows, pigs, and chickens. There are small walking trails for your family to have a stroll and beautiful gardens to see. This farm also offers summer classes and programs for kids.
7. Snack on delicious donuts at Glazed Over Donuts
Take your kids out for a treat at this specialty donut shop! Your family can choose from a variety of different donuts to satisfy any sugar craving. Known for their intricate and original flavors, there is sure to be something to spark your appetite. Some donuts of the day include Blueberry Blast, Cookie Monster, and Peanut Butter Choco Puff.
8. Kayak the day away at A Day Away Kayak Rentals
Kayaking can be a great family activity. You’ll experience the wonders of nature while getting a workout! Located in Kingston, you and your family can rent kayaks at a reasonable price and spend the day kayaking along the Rondout Creek. The water is calm and perfect for beginner paddlers.
9. Visit your local library
What better way to get your child to read more than taking a trip to your local library? You can help your child to develop a positive attitude towards reading by giving them the opportunity to pick out their own books in the children’s section of the library. Spend time reading to your child in the sitting areas or help your child check out a couple books to read at home. Make sure you are on the lookout for any events or programs that your library has to offer. Our Hudson Valley libraries host a wide array of children programs throughout the year.
READ MORE: Find more fun things to do this summer!
10. Cook with your family
Teach your kids how to cook by cooking dinner together! Children will not only learn cooking techniques and cleaning skills, they will also be able to practice their math and time skills. Children love to learn and play through hands–on activities. Cooking will prove to be a fun activity for your children to participate in and be able to eat!
11. See a movie at your local drive-in theater
Is there a movie out that your kids want to see? Take a look at your local drive-in theater and see if it's playing there. Instead of watching a moive at home or in a movie theater, make it more exciting by watching it in your own car! Your family can even set up lawn chairs and play a game of catch to pass the time before the next movie. Make sure you stop by the snack bar because you can't watch a movie without popcorn!
12. Take a stroll over the Walkway Over The Hudson
This beautiful flat bridge is perfect for a nice family stroll. The views are spectacular and will really make you appreciate the area. Walk or bike along this bridge and see the boats as they make their way under the bridge. Take a moment to read the displays about the history of the area and about local wildlife. After spending time on this bridge, grab a snack at the snack bar or sit down for a meal at one of the nearby restaurants.
13. Scream for ice cream at Beacon Creamery
Ice cream anyone? Stop by the Beacon Creamery for a delicious treat on a hot summer day. A variety of flavors and creations are offered at this creamery. The Killer Chocolate ice cream is a local favorite! Not in the mood to choose just one flavor? The Sampler which is 5 smaller scoops of any ice cream is also a local favorite. Parents will love their wine flavored ice cream – made with real wine!
14. Family bowling night at Quinnz Pinz
What better way to spend time together than bowling? Try to knock those pins down and compete with your family at Quinnz Pinz located in Middletown. Divide into teams to make it more fun!
15. Enjoy the beautiful scenery at Innisfree Gardens
Explore this beautiful Asian-inspired garden located in Millbrook. See the beautiful flowers and exotic plants while strolling along the trails and bridges. See the wildlife that inhabits this garden up close including the fish, geese, tadpoles, frogs, and turtles. This is the perfect place to experience the beauty of nature and have a family picnic.
16. Find treasures at Stormville Airport Antique Show and Flea Market
Browse with your family through this huge flea market with over 600 vendors! There are plenty of bargains to discover – apparel, jewelry, handbags, toys, etc. The food vendors have many options including philly cheesesteaks and delicious fried dough. Your children will love the Kids Area where they have bouncy houses, slides, and sand art!
17. Bounce at Bounce! Trampoline Sports
Let your children release their energy at Bounce! located in Poughkeepsie. Here, your children can dive into foam pits and bounce over obstacles while the parents relax. They also have trampoline dodge ball for the older kids. Get your family moving and having fun even on a rainy summer day.
READ MORE: Even more summer fun..without breaking the bank!
18. See the collection of motorcycles at the Motorcyclepedia Museum
Are your family motorcycle fans? Then they are going to love this museum which boasts a huge motorcycle collection. Located in Newburgh, your family will learn about the history of motorcycles and how they were used. Then head over to OCC Café for a bite to eat.
19. Get active at DC Sports
Your family can choose from mini golf, blacklight mini golf, indoor golf simulator, or arcade games. Have some fun in the sun with each other while playing these family fun games. Enjoy their pub food after working up an appetite from the fun games. This family-friendly complex will have people of all ages laughing!
20. Take a tour at Museum Village
Your kids will be having so much fun, they won't even realize they are learning about the history of 19th century American life! For a reasonable price, your entire family can get a hands-on feel of history. Tour the Living History Museum and be sure to make a stop in the Museum Shop before leaving.
21. Roller Skate at Wood’n Wheel
Located in Ulster Park, this family fun center has many indoor and outdoor attractions including roller skating, laser tag, arcades, bumper cars, rock climbing, trampolines, and much more! With lots to do, your kids will never get bored! Make sure you try the roller skating which is their biggest attraction. This is a place where you children will definitely have fun.
22. Explore the caves at Howe Caverns
Take your family on an adventure 156 feet below the Earth’s surface in this six million year old cave! The tour is great for all ages and provides interesting information about the discovery of the cave. Children can sift mining “rough” through water and cut through Geodes to discover mineral treasures. Your family will love the Four Tower Zip Line from 40 feet in the air where you can catch some incredible views!
23. Enjoy the rides at Quassy
This amusement park and waterpark has attractions for thrill-seekers of all levels. They have everything from paddleboats and bumper cars for younger children, to the exhilarating Wooden Warrior for the older kids. The whole family will enjoy riding the Grand Carousel together. This is the perfect day trip at a very reasonable price!
24. Catch a foul ball at a Hudson Valley Renegades game
Take your family out to the ballgame! Check the schedule for a minor league baseball game located in Wappinger Falls. The cost of tickets and food are at a reasonable price for your whole family to enjoy. There is entertainment for kids and adults throughout the game. If you’re lucky, you might get some of the player’s autographs!
25. Go swimming at Francis A. Hanofee Park
Swim with your family at the outdoor pool at Francis A. Hanofee Park located in Liberty. This family oriented park has many fun facilities including a picnic areas, disc golf course, softball field, soccer field, mountain biking trails, hiking trails and playground! Families of all ages can enjoy fishing in the lake, strolling on the walking trails, and bringing outdoor games from home.
Jacqueline Kavana is a graduate of Mount Saint Mary College