Who says kids should have all the fun? At these spots, you can play with Legos, zip down a waterslide, or meet new furry friends. There are also teachable moments at science and history museums, where you can learn just as much as your kids. Get your steps in by climbing to the top of the Rondout Lighthouse or taking a guided hike. Competitive families can try their hands at mini golf or compete for prizes at the arcade. Just follow your inner child to one of these Hudson Valley locations.
Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum | Poughkeepsie
After a two-year closure, the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum has reopened, with new learning opportunities for kids ages 12 and under. The "Science Revealed!" exhibit includes 17 interactive displays. Open-ended exhibits allow visitors to experiment with how objects spin and hover in changing air flows. Other highlights include a waterfall of color-changing fiber optic strands, a cozy family reading space with a library of storybooks, and a garden where families can learn how to grow their own food.
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum | Cornwall
The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum helps kids of all ages connect to the outdoors. There’s Grasshopper Grove, a natural playground that the museum describes as a “bridge between a mowed lawn and the wild woods.” Take in the views on guided hikes and learn about native plants of the region along the way. Visit the hall of animals at the Wildlife Education Center and meet new friends like Edgar Alan Crow and Brier the rabbit. To learn about where those animals come from, check out an exhibit that explores different habitat types in the Hudson Valley.
Legoland | Goshen
Come build your own fun at Legoland Resort. Attractions include the Build and Test Station, where kids can make their own creations and see how they tick. Go for a spin on the Galleon pirate ship, a ride that rocks you like the high seas. Take in the views at Miniland, where city skylines are recreated with over 22 million Legos. Go behind the scenes at the New York exclusive Lego Factory Adventure Ride to see how Lego bricks are created. This summer, a new water park is opening to help you cool off. Choose from Lego-themed rooms at the hotel, located right next to the theme park.
Bounce | Poughkeepsie
If trampolines are a favorite in your family, Bounce is the place to be. This kid-friendly Poughkeepsie recreation destination offers trampoline dodgeball all day long, foam pits, slam dunk trampoline basketball, and open jump if you want to practice your flips or simply get air. For bigger kids, the Xtreme Challenge Course includes rope ladders, wall scaling, net climbing, slack lines and more, all positioned over foam pits and trampolines. For littler ones age 4 and under, the Bounce Jr. area offers climbing areas and dual foam pits with slack lines and fidget ladders. Rent out an area for a party or bounce by the hour.
Hudson River Maritime Museum | Kingston
The Hudson River Maritime Museum provides families with the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich history. Climb aboard the solar-powered Solaris to take a trip out to the Rondout Lighthouse. Built in 1915, this fully operational light is the last of three lighthouses on the Rondout Creek. Start your tour on the first floor and climb all the way up to the observation deck. Tours take place Thursday through Sunday. Take note that kids under six are not allowed at the lighthouse due to safety concerns. Inside the museum, see nautical artifacts like ship models and photographs.
Splashdown Beach | Fishkill
Splashdown Beach is a classic water park, with slides, wave pools, and plenty of opportunities to cool off. For adrenaline junkies there’s slides like the Megalodon, with a nearly vertical drop. Race side by side down the arctic plunge slides. The two-person raft rides range from tame to thrilling. After the more exciting attractions, head to the coconut pool or the lazy river for some quality pool time. Or sunbathe and build sandcastles at the rock beach. There are also kids-only play areas, with geysers and fountains.
Castle Fun Center | Chester
Castle Fun Center includes plenty of tried-and-true summer fun activities. The new InflataPark is a mega bounce-house with slides, a climbing wall, and an obstacle course. Challenge the family to a game of laser tag, or try to make it through the laser maze without touching any beams. The arcade includes both classic and new games, with plenty of prizes to take home. Take your child on their first roller coaster on the dragon coaster, a mild ride designed for kids and their parents. Get a bird’s eye view of the Hudson Valley on the 130-foot high zipline.
