Looking for a great way to entertain the kids without boring the grownups silly? Here are some of our favorite things to do that will welcome and delight the youngsters and their elders alike. You can all hop on a pedal-powered car, picnic on top of a rock sculpture, meet dinosaurs, or see a wigwam—all right here in the Valley.
historic huguenot street
This is a 10-acre National Historic Landmark district where visitors experience over 300 years of history across seven historic stone-house museums, a reconstructed 1717 French church, the Huguenot community’s original burying ground, and a replica Esopus Munsee wigwam. Check out the Visitor’s Center, take a tour, and if the kids are enthralled, ask for more information about Camp Huguenot.
81 Huguenot Street, New Paltz
845-255-1660,
huguenotstreet.org
kelder’s farm
Your kids will love romping around on the Jumping Pillow, Tube and Combine slides, Spider Web, Hay Mountain, Gravity Hoops, and much more; these folks just keep coming up with new ways to have a farm-y blast. There are farm animals to pet, mini-golf, and a fishing pond; adults can enjoy a craft brew at the Loading Dock.
5755 Route 209, Kerhonkson
845-626-7137,
keldersfarm.com
lake george expedition park
Just two hours north of Kingston, this is a unique amusement park where you can journey through time in Dino Roar Valley, then ride the park train through the trees to the Magic Forest, an oasis of rides, shows, and tasty food that will feel nostalgic to the grownups and just plain mind-blowing to the youngsters. Starting June 27, they’re open seven days a week, 10am-5pm.
1912 U.S. 9, Lake George
518-668-ROAR,
lgepark.com
mohonk preserve
There are 70 miles of carriage roads here for family hiking and biking, ranging from short, stroller-friendly wanders to challenging expeditions. Walk the short, self-guided trails around the Visitor Center like the J & S Grafton Sensory Trail, the Weinstein Butterfly Garden, or the LaVerne Thompson Nature Trail.
Visitor Center: 3197 Route 44/55, Gardiner
845-255-0919,
mohonkpreserve.org
opus 40
It’s a sculptural tour de force, a showcase of natural beauty, an exploration of local history, and an outdoor performance venue. Come to a Community Friday or a Stockade Saturday to enjoy a performance with plenty of room for the youngsters to frolic; or come for a picnic any time they’re open. Kids will love the hands-on “Be a Sculptor” section.
356 George Sickle Road, Saugerties
845-246-3400,
opus40.org
rail explorers
Head to Phoenicia or to Cooperstown to hop on a pedal-powered car that will glide you through the wonders of nature for two and a half hours. You can bring snacks and drinks to stop and enjoy at the turnaround. The rail cars even have an electronic assist if your legs get tired.
Phoenicia, Cooperstown
railexplorers.net
the art effect & trolley barn gallery
Based in Poughkeepsie, Art Effect offers a vast selection of educational and enjoyable programming for all ages in a variety of visual and media arts, all the way from beginner intros to the basics through developing a college-level portfolio and summer camps. Also visit their youth-curated gallery at The Trolley Barn.
45 Pershing Avenue, Poughkeepsie
845-471-7477,
feelthearteffect.org
tivoli sailing company
Try the “Adventure Sailing School” for kids, and lessons for adults, using a unique holistic approach that’s designed to get you comfortable on the Hudson. If that sounds like a lot of work, they offer charter boats as well. Check out their website to find motorboat tours and more.
Kingston, Rhinecliff
845-901-2697,
tivolisailing.com
woodstock artists association & museum
Bring your artsy or art-curious youngsters to the YES (Youth Expedition Space), where they’ll be inspired by the works of their peers; there’s a How-To At Home video series that’s a great source for rainy day (or any day) family fun. Older kids and teens will also love the exhibitions of the Kleinert/James Center for the Arts at the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild.
28 Tinker Street, Woodstock
845-679-2940,
woodstockart.org
