The Hudson Valley might be well-known for its vast array of hiking, biking, and nature trails winding throughout the region. But when teens want action-packed activities, or toddlers want to splash around, fortunately there’s no shortage of kid-friendly day trips and staycation ideas—some that might even bring out your own inner child. From theme parks to beaches to educational experiences-made-fun, make lasting family memories by adding these must-visit attractions to your itinerary.
Legoland
Goshen
Just as you’d imagine, Legoland is as visually whimsical as it is chock-full of exciting rides, games, and attractions. The park in Goshen is comprised of seven themed “lands’’ with rides ranging from brick-aesthetic carousels and virtual reality thrillers to roller coasters and carnival-style amusements. This summer brings the addition of an on-site water park, officially opening Memorial Day weekend. Also suitable for all ages, the water park includes four slides, a 318-gallon cascading splash, a build-your-own-boat regatta, and more. Day passes are available or book a stay at their onsite hotel which features nightly children’s entertainment.
Belleayre Beach
Pine Hill
Families usually flock to the Catskills for mountain vistas, but did you know there’s a beloved hotspot for sun and sand? Belleayre Beach at Pine Hill Lake is the summer solution to overcrowded swimming holes for those who want to relax and splash among the pines. Located at the base of Belleayre Mountain, this white-sand beach offers lifeguard-supervised swimming, plus boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and more. Rentals and picnic areas are available, and you can purchase day tickets or season passes; prices vary and are typically charged by the carload.
Zoos
Hudson Valley
The coolest thing about zoos in the Hudson Valley—besides the fact that there are quite a few—is that most of these facilities are also rehabilitation centers for injured animals. Forsyth Nature Center in Kingston offers the opportunity to visit, learn about, and feed goats, alpacas, vibrant peacocks, and more. The outdoor walk-through is a winding path situated near a large playground and picnic area, ideal for making an afternoon of your visit. Trevor Zoo is a popular attraction located at Millbrook School, a private institution in Dutchess County, featuring more than 100 exotic and indigenous animals, from amphibians to feathered friends, pythons to pandas. Reservations are required and can be made online. Closer to the lower-Hudson region you’ll find the Trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park, locally loved for generations. Located along a portion of the Appalachian Trail, the zoo features a paved path that winds through exhibits of native wildlife including black bears, eastern coyotes, porcupines, and others. Along the trail you’ll find four small museums dedicated to animals, geology, and local history.
Rocking Horse Ranch
New Paltz
You’ll probably need more than a weekend to enjoy all that Rocking Horse Ranch offers. This dude-ranch-themed family resort in Highland features activities that are equally entertaining, educational, and unforgettable. As you’d expect, horseback trail rides are available for experienced and first-timers alike, but that’s just a small part of the experience. Enjoy mini golf, climbing walls, nature trails, or the chance to cool off on their five water slides in their large water park. Indoor fun abounds, as well, with laser tag, an arcade, and nightly entertainment. The resort features an onsite restaurant (and saloon, parents) with a team comprised of Culinary Institute of America graduates.
Splashdown Beach (Fishkill) and Kartrite Resort (Monticello)
Families are often divided into two groups: those who want to lounge by the water, and those who love the excitement of a winding waterslide. You can find both options at Splashdown Beach, a family-favorite for decades in Fishkill, with new attractions added nearly every year. Get your thrill-fill with multiple water slides, from a six-story tall adventure to two-person tubing in a giant bowl, or kick back and let the Lazy River float you across the park. This summer, they’re adding four new waterslides and a 500-gallon dumping bucket. Little ones will love the interactive splash pad with a large-scale pirate ship, fountains, geysers, and more. The Kartrite in Sullivan County is an indoor water park featuring waterslides, a lazy river, and much more—with the option to stay overnight at one of their spacious suites. The resort also features an indoor arcade, multiple dining options, self-guided hiking trails, and daily entertainment.
Bounce Trampoline Park
Poughkeepsie
When the inevitable rainy day hits, Bounce, an indoor trampoline park in Poughkeepsie, is a fun way to let the kids burn off some energy—and parents are free to join in the fun. The park includes multiple sectioned trampoline courts, with two dodgeball courts separated by age groups, a trampoline basketball court, and more, all supervised by Bounce safety monitors and referees. Open Bounce times are available for all ages, but there are also specific toddler times, so you don’t need to worry about your little one wandering into a dodgeball game. Black lights and glow lamps are turned on for Jump and Glow nights, available for all ages on Friday and Saturday evenings—don your best neon attire.
NY Zipline Adventures at Hunter Mountain
Hunter
If your thrill-seeking teens complain that they’ve seen and done it all, they’ll love NY Zipline Adventures at Hunter Mountain. Intricate treetop canopy systems allow guests to travel through forests and open spaces. The Mid-Mountain Tour features six ziplines, four suspension bridges, and nine tree platforms for an active family adventure. The Skyrider Tour is not for the faint of heart, starting with a scenic chairlift ride that brings you to a number of exciting challenges including a 500-foot-long Burma bridge and five ziplines, spanning 4.6 miles, that reach speeds of up to 50 mph. The Skyrider takes about three-plus hours but offers scenic views like no other.
Castle Family Fun Center
Chester
The Castle Family Fun Center in Chester is an activity-filled amusement park that’s been a favorite for generations, that’s only gotten bigger and better over time. Three go-kart tracks, a 700-foot zipline, and midway rides will satiate the thrill-seekers in your crew, but the center also offers classics like roller skating, laser tag, and an arcade. All ages can enjoy the Inflata-Park, which can be described as a bounce-house complex, with 12 interconnected activity areas across 10,000 square feet.
