President’s Day weekend is fast approaching. The Hudson Valley has plenty of winter fun to keep the whole family occupied, from snowman making contests to ice harvesting demonstrations. If you have a sweet tooth, enjoy doughnuts, s’mores, and novel flavors of hot chocolate. Go ice skating or hiking to burn off all that sugar. If you’re looking for something educational, watch blacksmiths at work or take a tour of a historic Shaker village. Whatever your idea of fun, these family-friendly events will keep you and the little ones busy all weekend.
Ashokan Center’s Hot Chocolate Fest | February 19-20
When you think hot chocolate, marshmallows and whipped cream come to mind. But at the Ashokan Center’s Hot Chocolate Fest, you can choose from flavors like peppermint, coconut, banana, and coffee. Admission comes with two flavors of hot chocolate, and a breakfast sandwich or chili, with gluten-free and vegan options available. There will be campfires and live music by Jay Ungar & Molly Mason. Watch ice sculpting by Thomas Brown, or head inside for a blacksmithing demo, and create your own project for an extra fee. If it snows, you’re invited to bring your own sled and brave Hoot Hill. There will also be self-guided nature walks through the center’s 385 acres of forests, meadows, and streams. Admission is $15 for adults. Kids five and under enter for free, while kids up to 12 are $7.50. No pets.
Ole Savannah’s Winter Fest | February 18-20
Down on the Kingston waterfront, Ole Savannah’s first annual Winter Fest kicks off on Friday evening with fire pits, a s’mores station, and ice skating at their pop-up outdoor rink, with DJ Eddie Parker providing music. Parents can stop at the ice bar, where special guest bartenders will be mixing drinks all weekend and donating their tips to nonprofit organizations. For the little ones, there will be a hot chocolate station. Saturday will feature a craft fair with local vendors, winter carnival games, and a pet adoption event hosted by Ulster SPCA. Watch a skate show and enjoy coffee and doughnuts provided by Half Moon Rondout Cafe. On Sunday, buy a ticket for the chili cookoff benefitting the Arc Mid-Hudson. You can also compete in a snowman building contest, weather permitting.
Hancock Shaker Village’s Big Chill | February 20
Hancock Shaker Village offers old-fashioned winter activities at the Big Chill event. Admission is $15, with children under 12 and members free. There will be demonstrations of old-time skills like ice harvesting, woodworking, and blacksmithing using historic tools and techniques. Attend educational talks on what winter was like in the 19th century, or a guided walking tour of the village. Watch the process of maple tree tapping, see how syrup is made from sap, and pick up maple goodies from Windsor Hill Sugar House. Take part in a scavenger hunt throughout the village, or pet the farm animals in the Round Stone Barn. Bimi’s Cafe will be open, serving locally sourced, freshly prepared foods and espresso, and those of age can enjoy mulled cider at the bar. To cap things off, warm up around a bonfire while you watch Wild Bill and the Flying Sparks perform live country music.
