Ulster County

Fall Festival Fun in Lower Hudson Valley: Apples, Crafts, Petting Zoos

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 09/15/2017 - 4:00pm

Leaf peeping, apple picking and cider doughnuts! Yep, autumn is a beautiful, festive time of year in the Hudson Valley, offering plenty of fun seasonal things for kids to do, including hitting up some of the area's best fall events. We recently rounded up our favorite fall festivals in Westchester County, and now we're heading beyond the county lines to highlight even more wonderful kid-friendly fests.

Expect traditional activities like hayrides, pumpkin painting and live entertainment, as well as more elaborate celebrations, such as the 16th-century-themed New York Renaissance Faire. All these festivals make for a fantastic day trip. Looking for more ideas? Sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

Best Corn Mazes for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Mon, 09/11/2017 - 4:00pm

In our quest to find the best fall fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, we’ve located the best apple picking, the best autumn festivals and even the best cider doughnuts. So what’s left? Corn mazes!

All of the mazes on this list also offer other fall activities, enabling you to get a one-stop deal with plenty of all-day fun.

For even more ideas, be sure to check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook.

Special Campgrounds With Kid-Friendly Extras Near Westchester

Submitted by Janine Annett on Thu, 08/10/2017 - 10:00am

"Getting away from it all" and spending time camping in the woods sounds idyllic, but let's face it: Sometimes—especially when kids are involved—you just need something a little extra.

Whether it's a place to do laundry or a game to keep the kids happy, these campsites are all within a reasonable distance and have plenty of amenities and activities. You'll still feel like you're getting away from civilization, but with any luck you won't hear the never-ending cries of "I'm bored!"

For more summertime fun, like us on follow us on Facebook and sign up for our sign up for our newsletters.

10 Best Holiday Things To Do with Kids in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Tue, 12/06/2016 - 10:25am

There are only so many weekends left in December left to celebrate the holiday season, which can put some pressure on parents. Just which family fun is worth the trip and your time? Fret not, for Mommy Poppins has come up with a list of our 10 favorite things to do with kids in the Lower Hudson Valley during the holiday season.

We’ve already told you our favorite things to do with kids in Westchester during the holidays, and now we’re going to turn our attention to the rest of the area. All of these family-friendly attractions are worth the drive and are a great way to explore the counties around Westchester. Check out our Holiday Guide for more Christmas and Hanukkah fun, or our Event Calendar for the latest doings. Be sure to follow us on Facebook to share what you’ve done!

All Aboard the Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express in Kingston

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Tue, 11/22/2016 - 4:00pm

Family traditions can be the best part of the holidays, and bringing the kids on a “real” Polar Express is one of the more exciting options in our area. These interactive experiences—there are several of them in the tri-state area—let families relive the magic of the story, while holiday photo opportunities abound.

We recently took a trip on the Catskill Mountain Railroad’s Polar Express in Kingston, which featured an amazing crew committed to delivering an unforgettable experience. We have what you need to know about riding this holiday train, including what to expect on your journey.

Looking for more holiday fun? Sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook!

Splurge List: Where Westchester Families Can Be VIPs

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Thu, 08/04/2016 - 10:00am

We spend a lot of time helping you find the most affordable fun in Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley, but we also know you and your kids deserve a splurge every now and then. If you’re looking to feel like a VIP, check out some of these local family-friendly splurges that are worth the extra price. Big bonus: Many of these high-end excursions are still cheaper than your run-of-the-mill equivalents in the city.

Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date with the latest and greatest children’s activities in our area!

FREE Fishing Derbies for Westchester and Lower Hudson Valley Kids

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sat, 05/21/2016 - 10:00am

“I betcha’ goin’ fishin’ all the time, baby goin’ fishing’ too …”

With much respect to Taj Mahal, taking kids fishing can be an, ahem, interesting experience if they lack the needed patience. Fishing derbies, however, can be an ideal initiation to the sport.
At a kids' fishing derby, lakes or ponds are typically stocked with easily caught fish, increasing the chances your son or daughter will have success. We’ve gathered details about some upcoming fishing derbies in Westchester and the surrounding Lower Hudson Valley — all of which are FREE!

Looking for more tips for fishing with kids in Westchester? We’ve got you covered. If you’ve slacked on getting a license, you can also take advantage of one of New York State’s Free Fishing Days.

12 Drop-In Kid Spots in the Lower Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Wed, 01/20/2016 - 10:00am

Whether you’re in need of a date night, or your kids just want some evening fun, there are many places in the Lower Hudson Valley that host Kid or Teen Nights. Great for some solo adult time, these places offer either drop-in (no parents or pre-registration required) or drop-off play (parents not required but pre-registration may be). Some of these facilities have irregular program dates, so contact the location for the most recent schedule.

Looking for places that offer drop-in and drop-off play in Westchester? We have you covered. Be sure to sign up for our FREE newsletters to keep up to date with all of the best places to play in the area.

Thanksgiving Fun Runs: Kid-Friendly Turkey Trots in the Lower Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sat, 11/07/2015 - 10:00am

A turkey trot can be a fun way to get the kids out of the house Thanksgiving morning—and get out some energy! Many of these fun runs are held in support of a charity, so there’s the added bonus of doing a good deed while you “earn” that extra slice of pumpkin pie.

We've already highlighted some of the best kid-friendly turkey trots in Westchester, and now we’re turning our attention to the rest of the Lower Hudson Valley. Be sure to check out our Holiday Guide for even more Thanksgiving ideas for families, and keep up to speed with our November GoList.

Lower Hudson Valley Destination Playground: Hasbrouck Park in New Paltz

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Tue, 10/20/2015 - 10:00am

The leaves may be turning and the weather getting chillier, but this doesn’t mean kids have any less any energy. During our travels around the Lower Hudson Valley in search of fall fun, we checked out the Hasbrouck Park playground in New Paltz to see if it’s worth the trip and destination playground status.

We’ve already told you about the many cool things to do in New Paltz, and we’re pleased to add this playground as yet another reason for families to head up to Ulster County.