This month we are heading across the Hudson River to lower Hudson Valley to explore Warwick, the southernmost town in Orange County. Warwick borders New Jersey and is, geographically, one of New York State’s largest towns. With a very walkable village boasting plenty of shops and restaurants (many of them family-friendly), Warwick is a great place to live or visit with kids. Warwick also boasts an agriculturally rich environment, with numerous orchards and wineries within its borders, perfect for pick-your-own outings with kids. It's also an official Appalachian Trail Community, making it a great place for hiking and other outdoor fun. Throughout May, we will be taking a close look at Warwick, spotlighting the best places to eat, play and learn with kids. We kick off our month-long coverage with our list of 25 family-friendly things to do in the area. Take in a double feature at one of the Warwick Drive-In Theater’s three movie screens. Stock up on nostalgia-themed candy, soda pop and novelty gifts at Fizzy Lifting. Browse the children’s reading nook and graphic novel section at Ye Old Warwick Book Shoppe. Take in stunning valley views while eating homemade ice cream at Bellvale Farms Creamery. Swing, climb, play and run at Stanley Deming Park. Don a smock, roll up your sleeves and make some art at Pcasso and 7 West St. Art Studio. Enjoy beautiful valley views while picking apples and eating cider doughnuts at Ochs Orchards. Read to the therapy dogs, visit drop-in Saturday story time, or check out the used-book store at the Albert Wisner Public Library. Bring home local, farm-fresh produce, eggs, meat and scrumptious baked goods (more cider doughnuts, anyone?) at the Farmer’s Market. Take a hay ride to pick pumpkins, and then make your way through the corn maze, at The Wright Family Farm. Enjoy a hearty weekend Breakfast on the Farm at Rogowski Farm (held year round) — and don’t forget to bring home some Dirt Bomb desserts! Learn to ski at Mount Peter, which offers free group lessons three times a day on the weekends. Claim a rubber duck at the Duck Derby and cheer for it to finish first down the Waywayanda Creek. Try the Thanksgiving eggrolls at Fetch and check out the dozens of original dog paintings and photographs blanketing the walls. Play lawn games and listen to live music at the Beer Garden at Pennings; or eat ice cream while climbing on the wooden train. Don’t forget quarters to feed the animals. Bring chairs or blankets and listen to music on the Railroad Green at the free Summer Concert Series. Swim out to the dock at Thomas P. Morahan Beach on Greenwood Lake. Enjoy locally made wine and listen to live music while the kids pick apples or pears at the Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery. Try apples in all of its forms (pie, cobbler, turnover, doughnut, butter), shop the craft vendors, or ride the carnival rides at Warwick Applefest, Orange County’s largest festival. Take in a show or concert at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center. Rent a paddle board or a kayak and take a turn out on Greenwood Lake. Browse the carefully curated racks at the Too Sweet Consignment Boutique. Keep your eye out for hawks while hiking the Appalachian Trail. Teach your teen how to play pool at Village Billiards. Sample dozens of area restaurants, tapas-style, at St. Stephen’s annual Taste of the Town, while your kids play games and do arts and crafts in the Kids Activity Tent.
