Summer Family Fun in the Valley

No matter what age your children or inner child, the Hudson Valley offers so many fun and varied family experiences both inside + out to inspire, educate, challenge, explore and entertain! From kissing goats to spelunking, roller skating, water excursions, creative endeavors and oh so much more, there is no shortage of excitement to deepen connections, develop character, reduce stress and make fabulous lasting memories. Some of these top picks are summer and outdoor-bound, others can be enjoyed throughout the year, rain or shine. We hope you’ll try some or all of these great local excursions and don’t forget to share your feedback and photos with us by tagging @insideoutupstateny

“Have you ever noticed how parents can go from the most wonderful people in the world to totally embarrassing in three seconds?”—Rick Riordan, The Red Pyramid

Well, let’s get those wonderful and embarrassing moments rolling, shall we?

Dia Beacon | Beacon NY

Located on the Hudson River in a former Nabisco box printing factory, the impressive building is spacious and light-filled. The museum presents art from the 1960s to the present, as well as special exhibitions, site-specific work and public programs. Their collection of modern, bold works are great for the whole family and Beacon has lots to offer in the way of food, fun shops and more. Dia also offers a free admission day to Hudson Valley residents on the last Sunday of each month!

Frederick Farm Goat Rescue | Napanoch NY

Truly a family-run and joyous menagerie of friendly goats, chickens, dogs, cats and more are sure to lift your spirits. “Although goats at Frederick Farm are not the most widely used animals in therapy, there is an undoubted healing quality in spending time with these sentient creatures and goats in animal-assisted therapy programs are gaining popularity. We encourage you to come visit and see how your heart feels after spending some time getting to know our amazing goats.” Goat Stories: Storytime & Snuggles with baby goats, volunteering, parties, get ready for some fun.

Howe Caverns | Howes Cave, NY

For educational wacky fun, Howe Caverns give “rock out” a whole new meaning. Purchased in 1843 for $100 by an intrepid Lester Howe who saw its potential as an attraction, the cave has since been visited by millions of folx of every age who have ventured over 150 feet down into the earth to enjoy cave tours, mining, overnight Family Flashlight tours, Sweetheart Tours, an Escape Room, private tours, underground boat rides, birthday parties and spelunking. Oh, and there’s a “Naked in the Cave” adventure where visitors can explore the cave’s chambers in just their birthday suits, in spite of the cool air and perspiring rocks. Along the way, try stopping at the Iroquois Museum, too!

Hudson Valley Renegades | Wappingers Falls NY

Offering minor league baseball in the Hudson Valley, the Renegades also create life-long magical memories for the entire community. Through community appearances, fundraising, donations, non-profit community partnerships and other unique programs, the Renegades strive to play a role in the growth of every town, village, and hamlet that their fans call home. At Dutchess Stadium to cheer the team on at games, enjoy Group Outings with a pre-game picnic or an intimate catered gathering at Rufus’s Bird’s Eye BBQ, chill in the relaxed atmosphere of rail seating and high-top tables on the Sloop Beer Balcony, get up close to the action in the Right Field Riviera, or entertain clients or the family in a climate-controlled Luxury Suite, featuring a bird’s eye view of the game, a premium catered meal and a personal suite attendant.

I Paddle New York | Saugerties NY

Kayak rentals, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding), sunset tours, Fun Paddle tours, and more, all on the gorgeous Hudson River or Esopus Creek. Bring a picnic for this exhilarating, nature-connecting good time.

Kingston Ceramic Studio |  Kingston NY

A wise Miss Frizzle so famously once declared, “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!” Do all that and have a blast while making pottery and get connected to your creative visions. It’s time to manifest some art that can be both practical and unique, or simply opt for one-of-a-kind expression and beauty, just because. Kingston Ceramic Studio offers children and adult classes in ceramics and pottery, as well as private parties.

Maverick Concerts | Woodstock NY

Maverick Concerts is the oldest, continuous summer chamber music festival in America, celebrating over a century of world-class music in the woods. From June to September, Sunday chamber music concerts are performed by renowned soloists and ensembles. Jazz and Contemporary Music presentations have been given more prominence in recent seasons. Their popular Maverick Family Saturdays are geared for kids in grades K-6 and Sat, July 1, 2023. From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM they will feature CHIEF BABA NEIL CLARKE of AFRICAN RHYTHMS. The festival is a winner of the Award for Adventurous Programming, accorded jointly by Chamber Music America and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP.)

Mid-Hudson Discover Museum | Poughkeepsie NY

Family fun with exhibits that get kids moving, exploring, building, pretending, collaborating, creating and discovering. Their exhibits are geared for children up to age 12 and incorporate science, literacy, math, art, music and community and allow children the opportunity to develop foundational learning skills. Five exhibit galleries and our outdoor children’s garden help families connect in meaningful ways through purposeful hands-on play.

Opus 40 | Saugerties NY

Created over a 37 years span by pioneering artist and professor Harvey Fite, Opus 40 is a nonprofit sculpture park, museum and artistic environment with 63 acres of meadows, historic quarrying trails and bluestone quarries — centered on 6.5 acres of earthwork sculpture. Explore the stone structures and beautiful trails, have a picnic, listen to music and check out their ever-changing lineup of fun events. Fite hand-sculpted Opus 40 entirely from bluestone harvested on site, fusing local quarrying and beautiful sculpture with ancient Mayan and Aztec stonework learned through his travels, and breathtaking views and landscape. Enjoy day visits, guided tours, classes and workshops, or a vibrant season of live performance.

Rail Trail Cafe | Stone Mountain Farm, Rosendale NY

Bike ride the Empire State Rail Trail and stop to recharge for a quick snack or drink, or drive there and stay through dinner to enjoy the music and rich lineup of great performers. Cinematic and surprising, the Rail Trail Cafe serves up a truly delicious ever-changing menu of entertainment and food. Organic ingredients are as local and fresh as they come and include salads, burritos and their wood-fired pizzas also cook up divine goodness with unique and mouth-watering combos and flavors. Pay what you can or pay it forward for a robust lineup of world folk, jazz and kirtan music, puppet theater, magic, book readings and oh so much more so check their calendar for programming. Open May through October 9th, 2023. Closed September 7-10th. Bike rentals are available adjacent to the cafe. Contact Craig: 917-443-3600 at Happy Trails Bike Rental.

Ravensbeard | Saugerties NY

Through customized educational programs, and in-person (or Zoom) presentations, meet the raptors. Learn about their natural history, habitat, unique hunting styles and the story of how they arrived at Ravensbeard. “These birds are not pets and are wild in their hearts. Every bird of prey has been vetted to see if they will tolerate education. Some do not. We treat them with the utmost respect and value the chance to be able to admire them and learn about their natural wonder.”

Red Wing Blackbird Theater | Rosendale NY

Kids of all ages, go support these visionaries and be entertained. Magical, thought-provoking, Redwing Blackbird Theater is a community-driven puppet theater, workshop, puppet museum and inspiration hub. Creating puppets and masks, art, music, performance, parades, canastorias, movies and social change for nearly 30 years. Through creativity and community, they work towards justice and sustainability within the US and beyond. Workshops for every age or whole communities, schools and more for a few hours, days or weeks. Workshops usually end in performance.

SKATE TIME 209 | Accord NY

Newly reopened SKATE TIME 209 is a beloved Hudson Valley institution for the whole family. Neon-adorned shrine to 80’s and 90’s nostalgia, it’s home to a ten-thousand square foot roller rink, a token-operated arcade filled with vintage favorites, a full offering of ticket redemption prizes, as well as a café serving beer, wine and creative spins on classic fare. Disco nights, private parties, events, camps and whole-rink rentals, it’s always a good time at SKATE TIME!

Tivoli Sailing Co | Saugerties NY

Charters, sailing school and clubs, and sunset cruises. Sail the Hudson River with Tivoli Sailing Company and explore the joys of sailing on the mid-Hudson River valley between Kingston, Rhinecliff and Saugerties. Young and old, beginner and experienced sailors have all enjoyed sailing the Hudson Valley with us. Learn how to sail, tie knots and gain a wider appreciation of sailing the Hudson Valley of its ecology, cultures (literary, visual, audio) and its residents – human, marine or animal. Or just lounge about on the deck and watch the sun reflect its gorgeous colors on the water and dream.

Wild Hudson Valley | Cairo NY

Learn historic native land use practices, modern foraging, mushroom and forest farming skills. Wild Hudson Valley offers classes, guided nature walks, birdwatching, medicinal and wild plant foraging, indigenous history and ancient star lore. A nature camp for all ages, where you and your family can learn, connect, and even stay in their simply lovely accommodations.

​Woodstock Farm Sanctuary | High Falls NY

A truly loving home to 380+ rescued farm residents all with different stories and personalities, Woodstock Farm Sanctuary celebrates animals and cares for them within a sanctuary that advances veganism, advocates for animal rights, and educates about being better animal and earth allies. By giving commercially farmed animals the chance to live their lives with dignity and by sharing their stories, they aim to reduce suffering for all. In addition to day visits, you can volunteer or donate, have a wedding on the farm, or join Pasture Partners, their corporate sponsorship program.

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