9+ Things you can do for free in the Hudson Valley

With another Hudson Valley school break just around the corner, I’m sure you’re trying to think of things to do and, more importantly, things that you can do for free in the Hudson Valley or, at least, inexpensive. 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 and I have a solution. Check out my list of Hudson Valley school break ideas…

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How to easily plan all of your outings and appointments and life…

School breaks often come around quickly and sneak up on us. Believe me when I tell you that the only way to take charge and become a Rock Star doing so is by planning ahead.

• Erin at “My Frugal Home” offers a great weekly calendar on her site. It’s a Printable Family Calendar. It not only shows you one full week at a glance, it also has a space for each family member… Genius! Let’s say you’re taking the kids out, but remembered that hubby has a dentist appointment on the same day. Well… he has his own space on the calendar so he’s not sifting through everyone else’s plans in order to know what he has to do.

Erin offers a flower design and a gray ombre design too. Both are pretty great and would be a great addition to any Family Planning. Make sure you check it out at www.myfrugalhome.com/printable-family-calendars/

• Jamie at “My Fashionable Designs” also offers a more simplified version of the weekly calendar. This Simplified Printable Family Calendar offers 3 columns vs 6 columns offered on Erin’s site. This is a great option if you are planning the same events, over a week, for all your children. It also comes with a nice gray design and has plenty of space for you to write all the special things happening for everyone in the family. Make sure you check it out at www.myfashionabledesigns.com/2014/01/family-calendar-free-printable.html

Free Activities in the Hudson Valley

No matter the age, there continues to be a sense of curiosity in everyone. From farms to art centers and everything in between, the Hudson Valley offers an exceptional selection of activities within all the counties. You don’t need to travel far in order to find some free and low-cost fun for everyone to enjoy. Here are 9 Hudson Valley school break ideas to be used during vacations and any other time of the year.

1. 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) 
2. Library – look at your local library’s website and find out about any events that are taking place while schools are on break (storytime, craft time, meet the authors, animals encounters, etc)
3. 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. 
4. 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.
5. 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). 
6. Take a Hike – Weather permitting, the Hudson Valley offers an abundance of hiking trails in every county. A few of my favorites include the Westchester RiverWalk and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in Ulster County, NY. And don’t forget the Walkway Over the Hudson! 
7. 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). 
8. Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture – located in Tarrytown, NY (Westchester County). 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.
9. 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).

What to do Next…

Now that you have some ideas and a starting point, go ahead, download a weekly calendar and start planning away.

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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.
• Check out my Favorite iPhone photography apps in order to help you catch those special moments.

Until the Next Adventure…