Our favorite, The Mid-Hudson Children's Museum is one of those indoor fun places perfect for children all year round. The MHCM mission is to enlighten the minds of children through fun and creative learning exhibits and hands-on experiences which spark curiosity, discovery and the joy of exploration. A great big list of Indoor Play Spots in the Hudson Valley can be found, here.
{READ MORE: 7 Hudson Valley Museums Your Kid will Love}
There are 4 main exhibit galleries that help families connect meaningful learning to play; My 5 year old’s favorite; Link, Lift and Launch is the newest STEM exhibit for children ages 3 and up that allows children to work on problem solving skills, sensory play, building and creating.
The WonderDome, is my favorite! It features 9 sensory stations that involve lights and color and helps develop hand- eye coordination and fine motor skills. The best part of this exhibit though is the colorful light waterfall constructed of floor length LED fiber optic strands.
Photo: Credit
Downstairs, Early Learning Junction is geared towards children ages 4 and under who are developing skills essential for school such as sharing, communicating and problem solving. The multi- level train station exhibit invites children to climb and crawl while they discover hide-a-ways and explore textures. This same area also houses the very popular enormous train table and a cozy reading nook the whole family will love.
And finally, RiverTown. Outfitted with a brand new multi-level firetruck and various shops and storefronts offers a world of imaginative play for children and adults. The often have craft activities here and baking cakes in the kitchen provides endless hours of fun for my boys.
Photo: Credit
The little non-walkers aren’t left out either with a special area filled with soft toys and oversized foam blocks just for them!
MHCM also offers a variety of events, classes and workshops throughout the year. Check our online calendar for a lot of the fun or visit their website. Coming up on June 24th is one of our favorite events; Celebrate Summer!
Celebrate Summer is the biggest and best summer kick-off party on the Hudson. Featuring live music and entertainment, petting zoo, storytime, crafts, gardening, imagination playground, food trucks and more!
The Mid Hudson Children’s Museum is located in Poughkeepsie. Admission is only $8 and the 3rd Saturday each month from 5-8pm, admission is free! For more inexpensive play spots try this list!
The Hudson Valley is home to many more great museums, historic sites and learning centers- these are a few to get you started:
- Mid- Hudson Children's Museum, 75 North Water St., Poughkeepsie
- Museum of Firefighing, 117 Harry Howard Ave., Hudson
- West Point Museum, 2110 New South Post Rd., West Point
Share your fun by posting and tagging us on social media! Use hashtag #HVPsummer and tag @hudsonvalleyparent on Facebook or {@HVParent} on Twitter or Instagram and we may share your photos with our followers too!
Pamela is the Community Liaison at Hudson Valley Parent. She resides in Dutchess County with her husband and two boys and enjoys crossing things off their bucket list each summer.