Things to Do in the Hudson Valley This Summer: Local Family Favorites (Part 1)

Looking for the Best Things to Do in the Hudson Valley This Summer?

If you’re searching for things to do in the Hudson Valley this summer, you’ve come to the right place. From scenic hikes and peaceful paddleboarding mornings to historic estates, family farms, and classic roadside ice cream stands, there are endless ways to make the most of the season. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, entertaining visiting family, or simply looking for new Hudson Valley adventures, these are some of our favorite places to explore.

As a Hudson Valley family photographer, I spend a lot of time exploring this beautiful region with my own family. Some weekends we’re hiking to a breathtaking overlook. Other weekends we’re saying “hi” to the goats at Muscoot Farm, enjoying an impromptu picnic by the river, or ending the evening with melting ice cream cones from a local favorite.

One of the things I love most about living here is that every season offers something different, but summer has always held a special kind of magic. The days are longer, the mountains are greener, and nearly every weekend offers another opportunity to discover someplace new.

Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the first time, I hope this guide inspires you to create new traditions, slow down a little, and enjoy everything the valley has to offer.

If you’re planning your own summer bucket list, be sure to explore the official Hudson Valley tourism website for even more local events and seasonal festivals.

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Things to Do in the Hudson Valley This Summer:

Our Top 10 Family Favorites

One of the best parts about summer is that adventures don’t have to involve expensive vacations or long road trips. Some of our favorite memories have been made just a few miles from home.

Whether you’re searching for summer activities in the Hudson Valley, planning a weekend itinerary, or looking for fun ideas for the Hudson Valley with kids, these local favorites are well worth adding to your family’s summer bucket list.

1. Go Paddle Boarding on the Hudson River or a Local Lake

Best for: Families with older kids, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts

Location: Croton Point Park, Peekskill, Cold Spring, Lake Mahopac, and other local waterways

There is something incredibly peaceful about gliding across calm water before the rest of the world wakes up. If you’ve never tried paddle boarding before, don’t let it intimidate you. Most local outfitters provide everything you need, including the board, paddle, life jacket, and a quick lesson before you head out. Within minutes, even beginners usually find their rhythm.

Early morning or early evening are my favorite times to go. The water is often perfectly still, the light is beautiful, and you’ll likely share the water with nothing more than a few kayakers, fishermen, or the occasional great blue heron. For families with older kids, paddle boarding often quickly becomes one of those traditions everyone looks forward to each summer.

Photographer’s Tip: Sunrise creates some of the most beautiful reflections you’ll ever see on the Hudson. Even if you’re only bringing your phone, it’s worth getting out early.

Good to Know:

• Wear quick-dry clothing.
• Bring sunscreen and plenty of water.
• Early mornings are typically calmer than afternoons.
• Reserve rentals ahead of time on weekends (if you don’t have your own gear).

2. Explore One of the Hudson Valley’s Incredible Hiking Trails

Best for: Nature lovers, families, and photographers

One thing you’ll quickly discover is that some of the very best places to visit in the Hudson Valley don’t require an admission ticket. They simply require a good pair of hiking shoes. Whether you’re introducing little ones to their very first trail or tackling a more challenging climb with teenagers, the Hudson Valley offers hiking opportunities for every ability level. Some of our favorite family-friendly trails include:

• Rockefeller State Park Preserve
• Turkey Mountain
• Minnewaska State Park

Each one offers something different, whether that’s waterfalls, scenic overlooks, forest trails, or beautiful lakes. If you’re hiking with younger children, remember that the destination isn’t always the goal. Stop to skip rocks, search for salamanders, identify wildflowers, or simply enjoy being outdoors together. Those moments often become the best memories.

Photographer’s Tip: The golden hour before sunset creates incredible light filtering through the trees, especially at Rockefeller Preserve.

Good to Know:

• Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
• Wear sturdy shoes.
• Check trail conditions before leaving.
• Bug spray is a must during the summer months.

3. Spend the Morning at Muscoot Farm

Best for: Toddlers, elementary-aged children, grandparents, and animal lovers

Location: Katonah, NY

Website: https://www.muscootfarm.org

Whenever friends ask me where to take young children for a relaxed summer morning, Muscoot Farm is almost always my first recommendation. This historic working farm has become one of our family’s favorite places because it manages to be peaceful and genuinely fun all at once. Kids can meet cows, pigs, goats, chickens, horses, sheep, and other farm animals while wandering along stroller-friendly walking paths through beautifully preserved farmland.

Unlike larger attractions, Muscoot encourages families to slow down. Kids have the freedom to linger, observe, ask questions, and simply enjoy being outside. Throughout the summer, the farm also hosts farmers markets, seasonal programs, demonstrations, and family-friendly events that make every visit feel a little different. It’s one of those rare outings where kids leave tired, parents leave relaxed, and everyone is already asking when they can come back.

Why Families Love It: For anyone exploring the Hudson Valley with kids, Muscoot Farm checks every box.

• Free admission
• Plenty of shade
• Easy walking
• Farm animals
• Seasonal events
• Beautiful picnic spots

It’s easily one of our favorite Hudson Valley summer activities.

Photographer’s Tip: The historic barns and split-rail fences make beautiful backgrounds for candid family photographs.

4. Cool Off at SplashDown Beach

Best for: Hot summer afternoons

Location: Fishkill, NY

Website: https://splashdownbeach.com

Let’s be honest, some Hudson Valley summer days are simply too hot for hiking. That’s when SplashDown Beach becomes the perfect escape. Often called America’s Biggest Little Water Park, SplashDown offers just the right balance between exciting rides and family-friendly fun.

You’ll find thrilling water slides, splash zones for younger children, a relaxing lazy river, a wave pool, and plenty of shaded seating throughout the park. One thing I especially appreciate is that it’s large enough to keep everyone entertained without feeling overwhelming. Older siblings can race down the slides while younger children splash nearby, making it much easier for families with children of different ages.

Good to Know

• Purchase tickets online ahead of time.
• Arrive at opening for shorter lines.
• Rent a locker if you’re planning to stay all day.
• Don’t forget water shoes for little feet.

5. Spend the Day at Historic Playland

Best for: Families, nostalgic parents, and thrill seekers

Location: Rye, NY

Website: https://playland.com

Few places capture the feeling of summer quite like Playland. Overlooking Long Island Sound, this historic amusement park has been welcoming visitors since 1928, making it one of New York’s most beloved summer traditions. There is something wonderfully nostalgic about riding the classic carousel, strolling the boardwalk with an ice cream cone, or hearing the familiar click of the Dragon Coaster climbing toward its first big drop. What I love most is that Playland offers much more than rides. Families can enjoy the beach, games, live entertainment, waterfront views, and plenty of places to simply sit and enjoy the atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting with toddlers experiencing their very first amusement park or teenagers chasing bigger thrills, it’s easy to spend an entire summer day here.

Photographer’s Tip: Stay into the early evening. The warm golden light along the waterfront makes for beautiful family photos, even if they’re just snapshots on your phone.

6. Pack a Picnic at One of Our Favorite Local Parks

Best for: Families, couples, grandparents, and anyone looking for a slower pace

Sometimes, the best summer activities in the Hudson Valley don’t require admission tickets, reservations, or elaborate planning. Sometimes, all you need is a favorite deli sandwich, a cozy blanket, and a beautiful park. While there are countless parks throughout the region, these three are among our family’s favorites:

• Pierson Park (Tarrytown): If you’ve never watched the sun shimmer across the Hudson River while eating lunch on the grass, Pierson Park is a wonderful place to start. Located right along the waterfront, the park offers spectacular river views, a large playground, splash pad, walking paths, and plenty of open space for kids to run. On warm evenings you’ll often find families tossing Frisbees, couples walking hand-in-hand, and kids racing around with bubbles while sailboats drift quietly by. It’s one of those places that reminds you to slow down.

• Gedney Park (Millwood): Gedney Park feels tucked away from the rest of the world. Surrounded by mature trees and winding trails, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter afternoon. Bring lunch, then spend time exploring the wooded paths afterward. During summer, the shade makes this one of my favorite parks for warm afternoons.

• Memorial Park (Nyack): Memorial Park combines beautiful Hudson River waterfront with plenty of open green space, making it ideal for families with energetic kids. Throughout the summer you’ll often find concerts, community events, and families enjoying long evenings outside. The playground, splash pad, skate park, basketball court, baseball field, and butterfly garden truly offer something for everyone.

Why Families Love It – Picnics may sound simple, but they’re often the outings children remember most. No lines. No schedules. Just time together. If you’re looking for inexpensive places to visit in the Hudson Valley, these parks deserve a spot on your summer list.

Photographer’s Tip: Bring bubbles. They’re inexpensive, keep kids entertained, and create beautiful candid photographs.

7. Step Back in Time at Historic Hudson Valley

Best for: History lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and curious families

Featured Sites: Kykuit, Lyndhurst Mansion, Philipsburg Manor, Sunnyside

Website: https://hudsonvalley.org

History sometimes gets a bad rap with kids. Fortunately, Historic Hudson Valley has figured out how to make it engaging. Instead of simply reading about the past, visitors can actually walk through it.

• Kykuit: If you’ve never visited the Rockefeller estate, prepare to be amazed. The mansion itself is spectacular, but it’s the gardens, sculpture collection, fountains, and sweeping Hudson River views that truly make Kykuit unforgettable. I naturally gravitate to the gardens every time I visit, and I always notice something new.

• Lyndhurst Mansion: Lyndhurst looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. Its dramatic Gothic Revival architecture, expansive grounds, and river views make it one of the most photographed estates in the region.

• Philipsburg Manor: Children especially enjoy Philipsburg Manor because history comes alive through demonstrations, working mills, farm animals, and interactive storytelling. Though not in the summer, their spring sheep sheering festival is one of our family’s favorites!

• Sunnyside: This one holds a special place for me because it is the very first “museum” my kids ever visited. As a brand new mother who just needed to get out of the house, I packed my 2-month old babies and wandered the grounds. Washington Irving’s charming riverside home feels intimate and welcoming. Even if you’ve never read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, it’s easy to appreciate the beautiful gardens and peaceful setting.

Together, these historic properties showcase why they’re among the most memorable Hudson Valley adventures for families interested in local history and architecture.

Good to Know

Kykuit tours frequently sell out during the summer. Reserve your tickets several weeks in advance whenever possible.

8. Treat Yourself to King Kone

Best for: Literally everyone.

Location: Katonah, NY

Some traditions don’t need updating. King Kone is one of them. Ask ten local families where they go for ice cream during the summer, and chances are King Kone will come up more than once. It’s a classic roadside stand that somehow manages to feel exactly the way summer should.

The menu is enormous: Soft serve. Hard ice cream. Sundaes. Milkshakes. Floats. Also…fried clams! The portions are generous, the atmosphere is relaxed, and nearly every warm evening you’ll find kids covered in rainbow sprinkles while parents catch up at nearby picnic tables. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about standing in line on a summer evening, listening to families debate flavors while trying not to change your own order for the third time.

Local Tip: Don’t worry if the line looks long. It almost always moves much faster than you’d expect.

Photographer’s Tip: Ice cream dates make wonderful mini family sessions. Sticky fingers and genuine smiles photograph beautifully. Ask me how I know 😉

9. Wander Through Storm King Art Center

Best for: Families, photographers, art lovers, and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors

Location: New Windsor, NY

Website: https://stormking.org

If someone asked me to recommend just one destination that feels uniquely Hudson Valley, Storm King Art Center would be near the top of my list. Calling it a museum doesn’t quite do it justice. Imagine more than 500 acres of rolling hills, meadows, woodlands, and monumental sculptures scattered throughout the landscape. Every turn reveals something unexpected. Children naturally interact with the artwork. Adults find themselves slowing down. Everyone ends up walking far more than they expected because there’s always one more sculpture waiting around the bend.

Unlike traditional museums, Storm King encourages exploration. You don’t have to follow a particular route. You simply wander. Some families spend hours biking the grounds while others pack a picnic and make a day of it. Either way, it’s one of the most inspiring Hudson Valley summer activities you’ll find.

Why It’s One of My Favorite Places

As a photographer, Storm King offers incredible inspiration. The changing light, dramatic landscapes, and oversized sculptures create beautiful compositions everywhere you look. It’s impossible not to leave feeling creatively recharged.

Good to Know

• Rent bicycles if you want to explore more of the property.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring water.
• Plan on spending at least three to four hours.

10. Spend the Day Exploring Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, adventurous families, photographers

Location: Kerhonkson, NY

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/minnewaska

If you’re creating your own list of places to visit in the Hudson Valley, Minnewaska belongs near the very top. In fact, if someone visiting from out of town asked me where they absolutely shouldn’t miss, this would probably be my answer. Towering cliffs. Crystal-clear lakes. Waterfalls. Dense forests. Scenic overlooks. It’s difficult to believe all of this exists just a couple of hours from New York City. Whether you’re hiking to Awosting Falls, swimming in Lake Minnewaska, biking the carriage roads, or simply enjoying the spectacular views, this park offers an unforgettable day outdoors.

Families with older children will find plenty of trails to explore, while photographers will appreciate the endless opportunities for breathtaking landscape images. Every season is beautiful here, but summer is particularly special. The lakes sparkle. Wildflowers bloom. The forests provide welcome shade on warmer days. It’s one of those places that reminds you why people fall in love with the Hudson Valley.

Photographer’s Tip: Early morning and late afternoon offer the softest light, fewer crowds, and some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll ever photograph.

Good to Know

• Arrive before 9:00 a.m. on weekends. Parking fills quickly.
• Bring plenty of water & wear sturdy hiking shoes.
• Cell service can be limited in some areas.
• Swimming is only permitted in designated locations – but SO worth it!

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Things to Do in the Hudson Valley This Summer: Start Planning Your Next Adventure

One of my favorite things about raising a family here is realizing that some of our happiest memories have happened just a short drive from home. Whether we’re exploring a new hiking trail, wandering through Storm King, sharing an ice cream cone at King Kone, or watching the kids laugh at Muscoot Farm, these moments always remind me that the best adventures often don’t require a plane ticket or a packed itinerary.

If you’re looking for things to to in the Hudson Valley this summer, I hope this guide inspires you to discover someplace new, revisit an old favorite, or simply spend more time together. There are so many incredible summer activities in the Hudson Valley, and the memories you make exploring them often become the stories your family will tell for years to come.

This is just the beginning! In Part 2, we’ll continue our tour with even more unforgettable Hudson Valley adventures, including Dia Beacon, LEGOLAND New York, Barton Orchards, Hudson Valley Shakespeare, Boundless Adventures, and five fantastic day trips that are all within easy driving distance.

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Continue Exploring the Hudson Valley

Looking for even more inspiration? Be sure to read Part 2: Hudson Valley Summer Activities: 10 More Family Adventures + 5 Easy Day Trips, where I’ll share more of our favorite local destinations, hidden gems, and family-friendly excursions.

And if your family is making memories this summer, I’d love to help you preserve them. As a Hudson Valley and Westchester family photographer, I specialize in relaxed, joyful sessions that capture the laughter, connection, and little in-between moments that make this season so special. Whether we’re exploring a favorite park, wandering a flower field, or chasing golden light along the Hudson River, we’ll create photographs that help you relive these adventures for years to come.