With another Hudson Valley school break just around the corner, I’m sure you’re trying to think of things you can do for free in the Hudson Valley or, at least, do inexpensively.
The problem is, that most places that are both convenient and fun can also cost a lot of money, especially for a larger family.
I’ve been in your position many times and after much trail and error, I think I have a solution for you…
If you’ve ever wondered what you can do, for free, in the Hudson Valley, then I am here to help you.
Tip: For additional places to visit, you can check out my Free Download, Family Friendly Outings for $10 or less at the bottom of this post.
Free Activities in the Hudson Valley
No matter what age you are, there continues to be a sense of curiosity in everyone. It is in our nature to go out, explore and learn new things.
From farms to art centers and everything in between, the Hudson Valley offers an exceptional selection of activities within each and every one of its counties. You don’t need to travel far in order to find some free and low-cost fun for everyone to enjoy.
Below are 13 Hudson Valley activities you can enjoy during vacations and/or any other time of the year when you’re looking for something fun to do either for yourself or for the family.
No 1: Stony Kill Farm
Stony Kill Farm – Stony Kill Farm is a working farm located in Wappingers Falls, NY (Dutchess County). They have the Barn open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-1pm. Parking and entrance are free (a donation is always appreciated)
No 2: Trailside Museum and Zoo
Trailside Museum and Zoo – located in Tomkins Cove, NY (Rockland County), the zoo and museums are open year-round from 10am-4: 30 pm. Although the zoo & museums are free (a donation is always appreciated), there is a parking fee to enter and park at Bear Mountain State Park ($10 per car).
No 4: Untermyer Gardens
Untermyer Gardens – Located in Yonkers, NY, the uniqueness of Untermyer Gardens doesn’t lie in its beauty and grandeur. It also doesn’t lie in its views of the Hudson River. What make Untermyer SO unique is that it is Walled Garden.
Walking into Untermyer makes you feel as if have entered an enchanted, secret garden and you somewhat expect fairies to fly passed you.
No 5: West Point Museum
West Point Museum – Located in West Point, NY, whether you’re a history buff or your children are interested in history, the museum has an amazing collection of artifacts and models. In addition, they have a cannon collection in the basement that will leave you in awe. The museum is open daily from 10:30am-4: 15 pm and is always free (a donation is always appreciated).
No 6: Hiking
Take a Hike – Weather permitting, the Hudson Valley offers an abundance of hiking trails in every county.
Some of the local favorites include:
- Fishkill Ridge Trail in Beacon, NY
- Little Stony Point in Cold Spring, NY
- Mount Beacon in Beacon, NY
- Breakneck Ridge Trail in Cold Spring, NY
- Ferncliff Forest in Rhinebeck, NY
As some of you may know, I’m not a hiker or an outdoors person , but I do like to take walks.
A few of my favorite walking spaces include the Westchester RiverWalk and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in Ulster County, NY. And don’t forget the Walkway Over the Hudson!
No 7: Rockland Center for the Arts
Rockland Center for the Arts – located in West Nyack, NY (Rockland County).
My favorite part of RoCA is the Catherine Konner Sculpture Garden. It’s open year-round from Dawn to Dusk and is free to the public (a donation is always appreciated).
No 8: Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture
Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture – located in Tarrytown, NY. Open from Wednesday through Fridays 10am-5pm, the farm is open year-round. They offer tours (for a fee), and the farm itself is open to the public for free on Wed, Thurs, and Fri. There is a fee on the weekends.
No 9: National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
No 10: Historic Sites all around the Hudson Valley
No. 11: Nature Centers & Mature Museums
No 12: Museum/Art Centers Monthly Free Events on Select days
Museum/Art Centers Monthly Free Events on Select days – Keep in mind that many places in the Hudson Valley offer a free day once a month. These places include: Pelham Art Center, Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, Free First Saturdays at Neuberger Museum of Art, Blue Door Art Center and the offers free weekly art workshops for children (Registration required).
No 13: Visit a local or, not local, Hudson Valley Park
Local parks and playgrounds – Weather permitting, get in the car or take a train to explore a playground in another town or area of the Hudson Valley.
What can I say? I love a good park. With so many to choose from I’m sure you will find your own favorite.
- Long Dock Park in Beacon, NY
- Storm King State Park in Cornwall-on-Hudson
- Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls, NY
- Franny Reese State Park in Highland, NY
- Hudson Highlands in Cold Spring, NY
- James Baird State Park in Pleasant Valley, NY
- Black Creek Preserve, Esopus, NY
- Clarence Fahnestock State Park in Putnam Valley, NY
- FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights, NY
- Hastings-on-Hudson Community Gardens, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY
- MacEchron Park in Hastings-on-Hudson
- Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, NY
- Willson’s Wood Park in Mount Vernon, NY
- Tibbett’s Book Park in Yonkers
What are you going to do next?
Now that you have some ideas and a starting point, go ahead, and start planning away.
For more ideas on low-cost Things to do in the Hudson Valley,
Sign up and Download my list.
Remember…
- It’s not all about the location and what you’re doing in order to have a great time.
- Don’t forget to take lots of photos, no matter what you do. Sometimes the simplest things make the greatest memories.
READ MORE:
Check out Favorite iPhone photography apps in order to help you capture those special moments.
Until the Next Adventure…
Leave a Reply