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 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 and I have a solution.

Check out my list of Hudson Valley school break ideas…

Free Activities in the Hudson Valley

No matter your 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 ideas to be used during vacations and/or any other time of the year when you’re looking for something fun to do.

Number 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)

Number 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)

Number 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.

Number 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.

Number 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).

Number 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!

Number 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).

Number 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.

Number 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, 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 Favorite iPhone photography apps in order to help you catch those special moments.