Family Fun    

Top picnic spots to take the family



Bring your lunch and get going

family going on a picnic
It's finally time to get the kids outside to experience the wonders of nature and enjoy some family time outdoors! The following spots are well worth the drive, offer inexpensive ways to be outside and most offer picnicking areas so families can stop and breathe the fresh air. 

HUDSON VALLEY

1. Walkway over the Hudson Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County.

Thanks to public and private efforts, what was an abandoned railroad bridge is now the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world: 212 feet tall and 1.28 miles long. Bikes are allowed. The park offers interpretive signs and a Talkway Over the Walkway cell phone tour. Picnic tables and parking are at both approaches to the walkway.

2. Basha Kill Wildlife Management AreaWurtsboro, Sullivan County 

3,000 acre wildlife habitat and recreation area just south of Wurtsboro. This was one of four forts built west of the Shawangunk Ridge. Almost 200 species of birds, 30 varieties of fish, and innumerable plants, reptiles, mammals, and insects, live in the area. While no picnic areas are set up, visitors can always bring folding chairs and find a scenic spot to have lunch, or tailgate in the parking lot.

3. Innisfree Garden Millbrook, Dutchess County

150-acre public garden featuring streams, waterfalls, terraces, retaining walls, rocks, and plants.  Your family will not want to miss the fountain jet. There are also beautiful water sculptures and columnar ginkos. While enjoying a family picnic, you’ll be delighted to see the magnificent mist waterfalls, circular grotto and climbing hydrangea. There are plenty of picnic spots throughout the garden with wonderful views of the Hudson Valley.

Click here for 15 Picnic Essentials

4. Opus 40Saugerties, Ulster County

Constructed by one man, Opus 40 is made from millions of pieces of bluestone, laid by hand, creating a labyrinthine of finely fitted stone, swirling with ramps and terraces constructed around pools, trees and fountains, rising out of bedrock a half mile deep. Families can take a walk through, around, and over the stones, from the deepest recesses of its subterranean pathways (16 feet below ground) and up to the nine-ton monolith that is the center of the sculpture. Opus 40 is a masterpiece, blending artistry and landscape. There are subterranean passageways and easily accessible for kids. Hiking trails, art galleries and events throughout the summer offer a variety of activities. Picnicking on the grounds is welcome. Tables are available. 

5. Minnewaska State Park Kerhonkson, Ulster County

Situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain Ridge. The park features numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, dense hardwood forests, cliffs and ledges opening to beautiful views. Older kids and parents can enjoy world-class rock climbing and 35 miles of carriageways and 25 miles of footpaths for biking, walking and hiking. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, picnicking, scuba-diving and boating.

CAPITAL DISTRICT

1. Five Rivers Environmental Education CenterDelmar, Albany County

Voted “Best Park for Nature” by Metroland in 2008, this living museum encompasses 450 acres of fields, forests and wetlands. The park offers various guided and self-guided tour options on 10 miles of nature trails. With 225 different species of birds, the park is a great place to bird watch and observe nature. The park has ample picnic space, a visitor center with exhibit rooms and bird-watching windows.  

2. Albany Pine Bush Preserve Albany, Albany County

The open landscape of Albany Pine Bush Preserve is filled with open prairies, sand dunes, shrubs and scatterings of pitch pines. Albany Pine Bush Preserves is one of only 20 remaining inland pitch pine scrub oak barrens left in the world. At this nature preserve, families can learn about nature through hands-on activities in the Discovery Center (where admission is always free). Families can also experience nature first hand as they bird-watch, hike, ski or horseback ride.

No picnic is complete without watermelon!

3. George Landis ArboretumEsperance, Schoharie County

This garden of trees and shrubs was started by Fred Lape, a freelance writer. Lape aimed to grow every species of tree and shrub from temperate regions around the world in one area.  Forty acres of the 548-acre site are heavily wooded; the remainder of the property consists of natural areas, woodlands, wetlands and trails. The arboretum has interpretive signage for families to study as they move about the garden. Don’t miss the old farm house and quarry gardens, which are favorite spots for visitors.

4. Clermont State Historic SiteGermantown, Columbia County

This historical site is the former estate of the prominent Livingston family. The home itself can be toured, but the “must see” at the estate are the Four Gardens of Clermont: The Walled Garden, the South Spring Garden, the Upper Garden and the Wilderness Garden, which acts as a centerpiece with a reflecting pond. Families can stroll through the gardens then enjoy a great picnic nearby.

Keep your kids sunburn free during your picnic!

5. John Boyd Thacher State ParkVoorheesville, Albany County

Families can discover nature across the six miles of cliff-face, woodlands and open fields of the Park. If you’re feeling sporty, your family can enjoy the volleyball courts, baseball fields and playground areas for the younger children. The Park also offers guided tours of the famous Indian Ladder Trail, which takes hikers through wooded areas and near rocky cliffs with the best views of the Hudson Valley.



Other articles by HVP Top Lists


  • Holiday fun this weekend

    Get out and celebrate the season

    It's that time of year again. Families across the Hudson Valley are getting into the holiday spirit. From parades to tree lighting ceremonies, markets, and of course Santa, we have lots of festive events listed just for you. read more »
  • Christmas Tree Farms of the Hudson Valley

    A round-up of all the best places to cut your perfect Christmas tree

    Take some time this winter to visit a Christmas tree farm. You and your family can plan an outing to choose the perfect tree that will adorn your living room! read more »
  • Santa Sightings

    Great places to take the kids to see Santa in the Valley

    You better watch out, you better not cry! You better not pout I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town! We have the best places to get the kids out to see Santa with our list of events. read more »
  • Tree Lightings and Holiday Events

    Communities across the Hudson Valley are getting into the Christmas spirit

    The Hudson Valley's annual Christmas festivities from parades in Dutchess County to festivals in Orange County, NY and tree lighting ceremonies in Ulster and Sullivan Counties. read more »
  • Hudson Valley Sweet Shops

    Top places to grab a sweet treat, birthday cake and more

    Need a birthday cake? A sweet cookie reward for a great report card? Or just a break to indulge in a sweet treat? Find out where the favorite bakeries and candy shops are in the Hudson Valley. read more »
  • Hudson Valley Holiday Light Displays

    Enjoy magical Christmas Light shows

    Light displays are often at the top of the list of many holiday traditions this season. There is something about the twinkling lights and magical dancing lights that brighten up the dark winter nights and put kids of all ages into the Christmas Spirit. read more »
  • Best places to bowl in the Hudson Valley

    Take the family and have a ball

    Bowling is one of America's favorite, family-friendly past times. read more »
  • Hudson Valley Winter Farm Markets

    The very best in local, fresh produce and more

    If you're missing the summer farm markets, have no fear. You can still get fresh produce, eggs, and meat. Plus, you will find pastries, homemade products, jams, jellies, honey, cider, and lots more. read more »
  • Indoor spots for teens to play

    Older kids need to have some play time too

    Teens need places to go that aren't lame and won't bore them to tears. We have the best in the Valley listed just for you. read more »
  • Indoor Play Spots

    We've picked the best play spots in the Hudson Valley that your family is sure to love!

    Weather can be unexpected and ruin an outdoor play date. These indoor playgrounds are great spots to save the day and let your children's imaginations run wild! read more »