The Hudson Valley is a great place to raise kids—or just bring them for the weekend. From hands-on museums and animal encounters to sculpture parks, farms, and waterparks, the region offers a wide range of low-stress outings for families looking to mix fun with fresh air and learning. For the younger set, there’s the new Peppa Pig Playground at Legoland and the STEM-focused exhibits at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. Adventurous families can cool off at SplashDown Beach or Zoom Flume, hop aboard a vintage train in Kingston, or wander through the fields and giant sculptures of Storm King. Animal lovers will enjoy meeting the residents of Shalimar Alpacas or the endangered species at the Trevor Zoo. And for something different, Kelder’s Farm offers u-pick produce, a mini-golf course, and a giant gnome. No matter your kids’ ages—or energy levels—you’ll find plenty of ways to keep them engaged (and off their screens).
Catskill Mountain Railroad | Kingston
Board a vintage train car in Kingston and take a scenic ride through the woods and fields of the Catskills. The Catskill Mountain Railroad operates weekend excursions all spring and summer long, with themed rides that appeal to a range of ages. Young kids love the open-air cars and the novelty of riding the rails, while parents can relax and take in views along the historic Ulster & Delaware line. The ride is just the right length for younger attention spans, and trains depart from the conveniently located Westbrook Lane station at Kingston Plaza. Kingston
SplashDownBeach | Fishkill
SplashDown Beach delivers big waterpark fun on a manageable scale. Toddlers can wade and play in the Pirate’s Cove and the Shipwreck Lagoon, while older kids race down high-speed slides like the Arctic Mammoth or brave the giant wave pool. Parents will appreciate the shady cabanas, food options (including pizza and barbecue), and the park’s compact layout, which makes it easier to keep track of the kids. The lazy river is a popular cooldown for all ages. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, it’s a reliable summer staple for families looking to beat the heat.
Shalimar Alpacas | Warwick
A visit to Shalimar Alpacas offers a gentle, low-key alternative to the usual family outing. Nestled in the Warwick countryside, the farm is home to a friendly herd of alpacas that kids can meet up close. Families can stroll the property, learn about these curious, soft-footed animals, and browse the on-site shop stocked with alpaca fiber goods. The pace is slow, the setting pastoral, and the experience memorable—especially for animal-loving kids. Visits are self-guided and by appointment, so it’s best to plan ahead. Perfect for a quiet detour paired with a picnic or a visit to nearby farm stands.
Storm King Art Center | New Windsor
Spanning 500 acres of rolling hills and woodlands, Storm King Art Center offers families an opportunity to experience large-scale sculptures in an open-air setting. Children can explore expansive fields dotted with towering artworks, while parents appreciate the blend of art and nature. The center provides family-friendly programs, including hands-on workshops led by artists and environmental educators, fostering creativity and learning for all ages. Walking paths and tram services make the grounds accessible, and bike rentals are available for a different perspective. Picnic areas invite leisurely breaks, making it a well-rounded day trip for families.
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum | Poughkeepsie
Designed for kids age 12 and under, the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum offers hands-on exhibits that invite curiosity and experimentation. Children can explore water play tables, construct towers in the building zone, pretend to shop in a kid-sized market, and more. The museum emphasizes STEM-based learning through play, making it both educational and entertaining. For parents, it’s a contained, air-conditioned space where young kids can safely burn off energy. Located right on the Poughkeepsie waterfront, it’s an easy add-on to a walk across the nearby Walkway Over the Hudson or a picnic in Waryas Park.
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The Reinvisioned Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum
Peppa Pig Playground at Legoland | Goshen
Peppa fans, rejoice! Legoland New York’s 2025 season brings the debut of the Peppa Pig Playground—a colorful, 13,000-square-foot wonderland where little ones can explore Peppa’s house, ride in Daddy Pig’s red car, and set sail on Grandpa Pig’s boat. Designed for hands-on play and imagination, it’s a dream come true for preschoolers. Families can make a full day of it with Legoland’s 40-plus rides and shows, including a water playground, the Dragon Coaster, and Miniland. Want to stay overnight? The Lego-themed hotel is just steps away, perfect for dance parties, scavenger hunts, and bedtime brick-building.
Kelder’s Farm | Kerhonkson
Kelder’s Farm packs a lot into its 100 acres: seasonal u-pick produce, barnyard animals, mini-golf, and a giant jumping pillow that’s a hit with kids. One quirky highlight is Gnome Chomsky, the world’s third-largest garden gnome, who greets visitors near the entrance—a photo op that’s become something of a rite of passage. Families can spend the afternoon exploring the play areas, riding the tractor-pulled wagon, or just soaking in the Catskills views. With a farm stand stocked with snacks and plenty of room to roam, it’s an easy, engaging outing for kids and a relaxed one for parents.
Zoom Flume Water Park | East Durham
Tucked into the northern Catskills, Zoom Flume is a family-oriented water park with a retro vibe and a wide range of rides. Younger kids can splash safely in the shallow “Spray Ground,” while older ones take on tube slides, a wave pool, and the adrenaline-pumping Typhoon Twister. The park is spread out enough to avoid crowds but compact enough for families to stick together. On-site food stands, shaded picnic areas, and a scenic setting make it easy to spend a full day here. It’s a classic summer destination that combines waterpark fun with a laid-back, upstate feel.
Trevor Zoo at the Millbrook School | Millbrook
The Trevor Zoo is the only zoo in the US located at a high school—and it’s a hidden gem for families. Home to over 80 animals, including endangered red pandas, lemurs, and bald eagles, the zoo offers a compact, walkable layout that’s ideal for younger kids. Educational signs and peaceful wooded paths add to the experience, and kids can get surprisingly close to many of the animals. Open year-round, the Trevor Zoo is low-key, affordable, and just the right size for a short visit that still feels like an adventure.
Hudson River Maritime Museum | Kingston
Located on the Rondout Creek, the Hudson River Maritime Museum offers hands-on exhibits that introduce kids to the region’s boating and industrial history—from tugboats and ice harvesting to lighthouse life. Families can climb aboard a wooden rowboat, explore a working model of the Rondout waterfront, and watch boatbuilding in action at the on-site Wooden Boat School. In warmer months, solar-powered boat tours and family programs add to the experience. It’s a manageable, interactive museum with enough variety to hold younger kids’ attention while giving parents a sense of the working Hudson’s past and present.
This article appears in Spring/Summer 2025.
