Part 2: 20 Fun Things To Do in the Hudson Valley Cont’d
More Local Favorites + Easy Day Trips
If you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out first! We covered everything from paddle boarding and hiking to Muscoot Farm, SplashDown Beach, Storm King Art Center, and Minnewaska State Park. The best part about living in the Hudson Valley is that it feels like summer is never long enough to fit everything in. Every weekend brings another festival, another trail to explore, another small town worth wandering, or another adventure you’ve been meaning to try. Here are ten more of our favorite Hudson Valley summer activities…because there’s still plenty of summer left!
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11. Explore Dia Beacon
Location: Beacon, NY
Website: https://www.diaart.org
If someone tells you they aren’t really “museum people,” I always recommend Dia Beacon. This isn’t your typical museum with crowded walls full of paintings and tiny labels. Instead, the artwork is enormous, immersive, and thoughtfully displayed throughout a beautifully restored former factory. Many of the installations invite visitors to really experience the space around them. Even kids often find themselves surprisingly engaged because the artwork feels so different from traditional museums.
Afterward, spend some time walking Main Street in Beacon. You’ll find excellent coffee shops, bookstores, antique stores, boutiques, and plenty of great places for lunch or dinner. My son and his best friend love the toy store! Dia, and Beacon itself, make for one of my favorite easy day outings.
Good to know: Reserve several hours. Between the museum and downtown Beacon, it’s easy to turn this into a full-day adventure.
12. Catch a Movie at Four Brothers Drive-In
Location: Amenia, NY
Website: https://playeatdrink.com
There is something wonderfully nostalgic about watching a movie from your car. No list of Hudson Valley summer activities would be complete without mention of Four Brothers Drive-In. It has become one of our favorite summer traditions because it’s so much more than a drive-in theater. Arrive early and you’ll find miniature golf, a playground, lawn games, food trucks, and plenty of space for kids to burn off energy before the movie begins. The pizza is also FANTASTIC!
As the sun sets and everyone settles into lawn chairs or the back of the car with blankets and popcorn, it feels like stepping back into another era. The drive home with sleepy kids in the back seat somehow becomes part of the experience too.
Good to know: Bring folding chairs, blankets, bug spray, and sweatshirts. Even hot summer days can turn into surprisingly cool evenings.
13. Walk to the Saugerties Lighthouse
Part nature walk, part Hudson River history lesson: follow the trail and boardwalk through the marsh to Saugerties Lighthouse for one of the Hudson Valley’s prettiest little summer adventures.
Location: Saugerties, NY
Website: https://www.saugertieslighthouse.com
Few places in the Hudson Valley feel as peaceful as the walk to Saugerties Lighthouse. The lighthouse sits at the end of a scenic half-mile trail that winds through protected wetlands before opening to incredible Hudson River views. The walk itself is part of the adventure. Depending on the tide, you’ll spot birds, turtles, and plenty of wildlife along the way.
Once you reach the lighthouse, it’s easy to understand why so many photographers love this location. It’s quiet, timeless, and incredibly photogenic. If you’re looking for a slower-paced summer afternoon, this is hard to beat.
Good to know: Check the tide schedule before visiting. Portions of the trail can become wet during especially high tides.
14. Pick Your Own Flowers (or Fruit!)
Wander through sunflower fields, pick your own fruit, and soak up a summer day at Barton Orchards, a quintessential Hudson Valley farm adventure.
Featured: Barton Orchards
Location: Poughquag, NY
Website: https://bartonorchards.com
One of my favorite photography props isn’t actually a prop at all. It’s a bucket full of fresh-cut flowers picked straight from a field.
Before we moved, my family and I had a CSA at Cropsey Community Farm and some of my favorite photos of my daughter came from our CSA flower picking on slow summer evenings! There is just something so joyful about photographing kids/families surrounded by flowers or (in the case of Barton) apple trees and sunflowers.
While sunflower season gets most of the attention, Barton Orchards offers so much more throughout the summer. Depending on when you visit, you’ll find strawberries, blueberries, peaches, vegetables, flowers, live music, farm animals, festivals, cider donuts, and one of the best family atmospheres around. Kids love filling baskets with whatever is in season, and somehow fruit always tastes a little sweeter when you picked it yourself.
Good to know: Check the orchard’s website before you go. Picking seasons change throughout the summer depending on weather and crop conditions. Definitely visit for the sunflower festival at the end of August!
15. Visit Lasdon Park & Arboretum
Location: Katonah, NY
Website: https://www.lasdonpark.org
Lasdon Park is one of those places that quietly surprises people, and we are lucky enough to be right down the street! Many visitors come for the beautiful gardens, walking paths, and seasonal blooms, but families with younger children shouldn’t miss the Dinosaur Trail. Hidden among the trees are life-sized dinosaur sculptures that make the walk feel like a miniature prehistoric adventure. It’s just enough excitement to keep little legs moving while parents enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
During the summer, the gardens are absolutely spectacular, making it one of my favorite places for a leisurely afternoon stroll. As a photographer, I’m always noticing the beautiful light filtering through the gardens in the early evening.
Good to know: Admission to the park is free, though special exhibits occasionally have separate admission fees.
16. Watch Fireworks Over the Water
Nothing says summer quite like fireworks after dark. From waterfront celebrations to local festivals, there are plenty of chances to catch a show around the Hudson Valley.
One of my favorite Hudson Valley summer activities isn’t tied to a single location.
Whether it’s Peekskill, Tarrytown, Ossining, Nyack, or another river town, there is something magical about watching fireworks reflected across the Hudson River.
Bring lawn chairs. Bring snacks. Stay out later than usual. The anticipation while everyone waits for darkness is almost as fun as the fireworks themselves. It’s one of those quintessential summer evenings that kids remember for years. My son is happy to explain why he thinks Nyack’s fireworks are superior 😉
Good to know: Parking can be challenging. Arrive early and expect traffic leaving afterward (unless you’re able to hop on the train in for fireworks in Tarrytown).
17. Enjoy Hudson Valley Shakespeare
Location: Garrison, NY
Website: https://hvshakespeare.org
Even if Shakespeare sounds intimidating, don’t skip this one. Hudson Valley Shakespeare consistently produces absolutely wonderful performances in one of the most beautiful outdoor theater settings anywhere. The open-air pavilion overlooks the Hudson River, and watching a performance as the sun sets behind the hills feels almost magical.
The productions are approachable, engaging, and often surprisingly funny. It’s a wonderful introduction for older children and teenagers who may discover Shakespeare is far more entertaining than they expected.
Good to know: Bring a light sweater. Once the sun goes down, evenings along the river can cool off quickly.
18. Climb Through the Trees at Boundless Adventures
Location: Purchase, NY
Website: https://boundlessadventures.net
If your family prefers active adventures, Boundless Adventures is a fantastic choice and one of our favorite things to do in the Hudson Valley in summer. Think zip lines, rope bridges, swinging logs, climbing elements, and aerial obstacle courses tucked among the trees.
There are different courses for different ages and comfort levels, making it accessible whether you’re introducing younger kids to climbing or challenging adventurous teenagers. It’s one of those rare activities where parents often end up having just as much fun as the kids. Fair warning: you may discover muscles you forgot you had…
Good to know: Wear comfortable athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes. Reservations are basically a necessity during summer weekends.
19. Spend the Day at LEGOLAND New York
Location: Goshen, NY
Website: https://www.legoland.com/new-york
If your house has ever contained a rogue LEGO brick hiding somewhere on the floor, chances are this one is already on your family’s list. LEGOLAND New York was designed specifically with families who have younger children in mind, making it much easier to navigate than some larger amusement parks.
From interactive rides and creative building stations to impressive LEGO cities and themed lands, there is something around nearly every corner that encourages imagination. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful layout, while kids will happily spend hours exploring.
Good to know: Buying tickets online ahead of time often saves money, and arriving early allows you to experience the most popular rides before the crowds arrive.
20. Discover Marshlands Conservancy
Trails, tidal marshes, rocky shoreline, and plenty of room to explore make Marshlands Conservancy in Rye one of our favorite outdoor family adventures in Westchester County.
Location: Rye, NY
Website: https://www.marshlandsconservancy.org
Marshlands Conservancy feels like one of Westchester’s best-kept secrets….and remains one of our family’s favorite Hudson Valley summer activities to this day. Located along Long Island Sound, this peaceful nature preserve offers miles of walking trails through forests, wetlands, meadows, and shoreline habitats. Birdwatchers absolutely love it here, but you don’t need to know the difference between a heron and an egret to enjoy the scenery.
Children enjoy searching for crabs, turtles, butterflies, and frogs while parents appreciate how peaceful it feels despite being so close to busy suburban neighborhoods. Sunset here is particularly beautiful. Bring your camera. You’ll probably use it.
Good to know: Mosquitoes can be active during summer evenings, so bug spray is definitely your friend. Also, always do a tick check before leaving! This tick key remains at the top of my “most-recommended” list.
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Five Bonus Summer Day Trips
Sometimes it’s fun to venture just a little farther from home. These destinations are all within an easy drive and make fantastic additions to your Hudson Valley summer bucket list.
1. Kaaterskill Falls
Chase waterfalls at Kaaterskill Falls, where a summer hike through the Catskills leads to one of the Hudson Valley’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Location: Catskills
One of New York’s most iconic waterfalls, Kaaterskill Falls is absolutely worth the trip. The hike is relatively short, but the scenery is spectacular. Just be sure to stay on designated trails and viewing platforms, as the area can become slippery.
Good to know: Arrive early to avoid crowds and parking challenges. It’s carry in/carry out…your trash goes with you.
2. The Maritime Aquarium
Come face-to-face with sea turtles and other marine life at The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, an easy summer day trip when you’re ready to trade hiking boots for a little air conditioning.
Location: Norwalk, Connecticut
Perfect for especially hot or rainy days, the Maritime Aquarium combines interactive exhibits with sharks, jellyfish, sea turtles, seals, and one of the best touch tanks around. It’s educational without ever feeling like school.
Good to know: Purchase tickets online in advance during summer vacation.
3. American Museum of Natural History
Dinosaurs, dazzling gems, enormous wildlife displays, and plenty of things to investigate make the American Museum of Natural History an easy family day trip from the Hudson Valley.
Location: New York City
Few museums can match the sheer sense of wonder you’ll find here. Even though our kids are 16, we still love it! Dinosaurs. Whales. Meteorites. Planetarium shows. No matter how many times we visit, there’s always something new to discover. They even have a new stegosaur on exhibit! It’s well worth making the trip into the city.
Good to know: Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll walk far more than you expect.
4. Rail Explorers
Pedal your way through the Catskills with Rail Explorers, a wonderfully different summer day trip that combines old railroad tracks, mountain scenery, and just enough exercise to justify ice cream afterward.
Location: Catskills
This may be one of the most unique adventures on the list. Pedal specially designed rail bikes along historic railroad tracks while enjoying incredible mountain scenery. It’s relaxing, surprisingly fun, and unlike anything else we’ve done. Older kids especially love it.
Good to know: Reserve well in advance. Summer weekends often sell out.
5. Brownstone Adventure Sports Park
Location: Portland, Connecticut
Imagine an old quarry transformed into the ultimate outdoor adventure park. Zip lines. Cliff jumps. Water trampolines. Kayaking. Wakeboarding. Inflatable obstacle courses. If your family loves action-packed days, this place delivers. Older kids and teens especially rave about it.
Good to know: Reservations are required, and many attractions have height and age requirements.
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Here’s to Summer Adventures
One of my favorite things about raising a family in the Hudson Valley is that adventure is never very far away. Some weekends call for hiking mountains. Others call for wandering museums, eating ice cream by the river, picking flowers, or simply spreading out a picnic blanket in the park. The truth is, children usually won’t remember every detail of where they went. They’ll remember how it felt. The laughter during the drive. The sticky hands from melting ice cream. The muddy hiking boots. The fireworks reflected in the water. The wildflowers they insisted on bringing home. Those ordinary little moments have a way of becoming the memories we treasure most.
I hope this series of Hudson Valley summer activities inspires you to explore somewhere new, revisit an old favorite, or simply spend a little more time together outdoors. There’s still plenty of time left to explore and enjoy! Happy adventuring!
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Looking for a Hudson Valley Family Photographer?
Many of my favorite family sessions happen in the very places we’ve talked about throughout this guide. Whether it’s chasing golden light through a wildflower field, exploring a favorite park, strolling along the Hudson River, or documenting an evening picnic, some of the best photographs happen when families are simply enjoying time together.
If you’re looking for a Westchester family photographer or Hudson Valley family photographer, I’d love to help you preserve this season of your family’s story. Together, we’ll create relaxed, authentic images that capture not just how your family looks today, but what this stage of life feels like.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family-friendly summer activities in the Hudson Valley?
Some of our favorites include Muscoot Farm, SplashDown Beach, Storm King Art Center, Minnewaska State Park, Barton Orchards, LEGOLAND New York, Boundless Adventures, and Hudson Valley Shakespeare. There’s truly something for every age, whether your family loves hiking, history, art, amusement parks, or simply spending time outdoors.
What are some free things to do in the Hudson Valley during summer?
Many of the best experiences are completely free. Visit Muscoot Farm, enjoy a picnic at Pierson Park or Gedney Park, hike local trails, explore Marshlands Conservancy, stroll through Lasdon Park, watch community fireworks, or spend an afternoon walking Main Street in Beacon.
When is the best time to visit the Hudson Valley in summer?
June through early September offers warm weather, long evenings, and the widest variety of outdoor activities. For hiking and sightseeing, mornings are generally cooler and less crowded. July and August are perfect for water activities, flower fields, and local festivals.
What should I pack for a Hudson Valley summer adventure?
Comfortable walking shoes, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, hats, snacks, and a lightweight blanket for picnics or outdoor performances will cover most outings. If you’re heading to the mountains or staying out after sunset, bring a light sweatshirt, too.
Are these activities good for young children?
Absolutely. Many destinations, including Muscoot Farm, LEGOLAND, Barton Orchards, SplashDown Beach, Lasdon Arboretum, and the Maritime Aquarium, are especially well-suited for younger children. Several hiking trails and parks also offer easy, family-friendly options for little explorers.
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