35 Things To Do in the Hudson Valley with Kids

Enjoy glorious views on the Walkway Over the Hudson. Photo by Fred Schaeffer/courtesy of the Walkway.

The Hudson Valley is a year-round destination for families all over the tri-state area, and it's no surprise as there are tons of things to do in the Hudson Valley with kids. It boasts natural beauty, delicious food, and wonderful museums, historic sites, theaters, and play spaces. With events timed for nearly every holiday, and enough attractions to suit any family's interest, the Hudson Valley beckons visitors searching for a family getaway or day trip.

We’ve found 35 things to do in the Hudson Valley with kids, ranging from the obvious (hello Legoland New York) to the under-the-radar. If you're looking to spend more than a day here, be sure to peruse our top picks for family-friendly hotels in the Hudson Valley, and find more family-friendly destinations nearby in our Adirondacks, Catskills, and Hudson Valley Guide.

Visiting the Whitney Museum in NYC with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

The Whitney Museum of American Art covers decades of contemporary work from American artists.

There's no shortage of art museums in New York City, but the Whitney Museum of American Art is the only one devoted to showcasing contemporary American art. While displaying the works of many well-established American artists, the Whitney Museum is unique in its dedication to presenting the works of living artists whose works often contains social messages.

The Whitney Museum in NYC is a must-see for families and kids to learn about important artists making their mark in the present day. Since modern art can be a bit intimidating even for grown-ups, we've gathered our top tips for a family-friendly outing to this unique museum and our favorite kids' activities to enjoy while you're there.

Read on for our top tips for visiting the Whitney Museum in NYC, and find all our top culture spots for kids in our New York City Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits Guide.

10 New Jersey Farms Where You Can Throw a Barnyard Birthday Party

Party with the piggies and more friendly farm animals during a birthday party at Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton, New Jersey.

If you want your animal-loving little one to cluck with joy, consider throwing a barnyard birthday bash at a New Jersey farm. Whether your little one wants to eat all the fruit, pick pumpkins, pet animals, or ride ponies, these 10 New Jersey farms have you covered.

Find even more ideas for birthday party fun in our New Jersey Birthday Party Guide, and be sure to check out our roundup of the best family-friendly farms in NJ.

How to Compost: A Guide for Kids and Families

Did you know that compost actually shouldn't be smelly? Photo by Eva Bronzini

Everything about how to compost sounds like a recipe for disaster: it takes up loads of space, it's super smelly, and everyone knows it attracts mice. Throw kids into the mix, and what parent wants to start that project? Unless ... none of that conventional wisdom is actually true. Composting is clean, stink-and-critter-free, reduces landfill, is great for the earth, and is a task that kids are eager to take on. Ok, mostly critter-free. If you have a backyard, you might want to get some worms—but for your kids, that will be part of the appeal!

Many cities, including New York and Los Angeles, offer composting programs where residents have a separate bin for organic waste. Other cities have private organizations with receptacles in designated locations for compost. But you can also compost in your own yard or kitchen, and with these easy steps to get started, your kids can be a part of the process.

For 26 Tips for Living More Sustainably Every Day and more ideas for creating more earth-friendly habits for your family, check out our Earth Kids Guide and sign up for our Earth Kids newsletter for more ideas and activities every month.

Fun Things To Do with Preschoolers in NYC: 5 Itineraries for Little Kid Fun

Get lost in the labyrinth at Pier 3 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo by Sara Marentette

New York can be a big, intimidating place for anyone, and that's especially true when you're looking for fun things to do in NYC with preschoolers. Thankfully, pint-sized visitors and residents alike can enjoy plenty of fun activities for preschoolers. While NYC has preschool-friendly zoos and gardens, and a top-notch collection of children's museums, we wanted to provide something a little out of the ordinary. So, we've crafted five itineraries perfect for preschoolers. Whether you're looking for activities for preschoolers as a visitor, or you're a local who wants to check out a new-to-you neighborhood, we've rounded up five mom-tested outings meant to give you and your kid a glimpse of the city without totally wearing everyone down.

Find more fun things to do in New York City in our Guide to NYC's Best Preschool Activities, and bookmark our Family Activity Calendar, where you can search for fun things to do by age or neighborhood.

Be a Graffiti Artist for the Day at Graff Lab Studio

Choose your favorite stencils to create a one of a kind product.

Graff Lab Studio is an immersive experience that offers graffiti-style art where kids, teens, and adults can create one-of-a-kind items. Graff Lab Studio offers drop-in workshops, summer camps, birthday parties, and private events in industrial spaces in Holtsville and New Hyde Park. The company can also come to the location of your choice for on-demand graffiti fun. What are you waiting for? Tag someone you want to visit with.

Want more options for your mini Monet? Visit our Museum and Art Guide and our Directory of Art Classes on Long Island.

National Harbor with Kids: 21 Best Things To Do in National Harbor, Maryland

National Harbor has plenty of things for kids to do, including an Americana-themed carousel. Photo courtesy of the Capital Wheel

If you're craving some waterfront family fun in the DC area, look no further than National Harbor. This 350-acre Maryland town on the banks of the Potomac River seemingly has it all: over 150 shops, 40 restaurants, a 180-foot Ferris wheel, world-class hotels, and gorgeous views and sunsets. Plus, there are so many things to do in National Harbor with kids, from free festivals, outdoor movies, and concerts to the famous Christmas activities at the Gaylord National Resort. Plus, it's only minutes away from the city, making it one of the best day trips from DC for families.

Here are 21 fun things to do in National Harbor, Maryland with kids, including fabulous National Harbor hotels and kid-friendly National Harbor restaurants.

15 Best Halloween Towns in the US: From Salem, MA to the Winchester House

Step into the legend of Ichabod Crane in the town of Sleepy Hollow. Photo courtesy of Visit Sleepy Hollow

If your family really wants to get into the Halloween spirit, skip your local pumpkin patch and make a pilgrimage to a truly terrific Halloween town. A Halloween town might be a city that goes all out on Halloween, like Los Angeles; it might be a town with a storied history, like Salem, MA or Sleepy Hollow in NY; or it might even be an actual ghost town.

Here are 15 of the best Halloween towns, haunted locals, and spooky cities in the country to visit with kids. Here you'll find haunted attractions, ghost tours, creepy parades, and more—these towns just ooze Halloween. For more Halloween happenings in your own city, check out your local Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Kids—if you dare!

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