A Weekend Away in New York’s Hudson Valley with Kids

Just a 45-minute drive north from the chaos of New York City, the air gets clearer and your blood pressure drops. That’s the Hudson Valley Effect, and a weekend in this region can feel like you’re on the other side of the earth. Proximity has its perks, though — if you don’t drive, you can just as easily access the valley by train. As a designated National Heritage Area, there’s history and culture in abundance; with the Catskills at your doorstep, outdoor adventures are plentiful too. Plus, the design, shopping and food scenes are top-notch. Whether you’re headed for storybook Rhinebeck, beautiful New Paltz or points in between, here’s what to see and do on a Hudson Valley getaway.

Best Things to Do in the Hudson Valley with Kids

Explore the Art Scene

The Hudson Valley is where landscape masters like Frederic Church and Thomas Cole found their muse, and you can visit their respective former homes, Olana State Historic Site and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, for a window into the artistic traditions of the Hudson River School. It’s also where many of the most iconic contemporary sculpture artists in the world choose to display their masterworks. To see the latest, visit 500-acre Storm King Art Center, where you can walk the rolling terrain or rent a bike (note that you can’t bring your own) and get up close and personal with works by Alexander Calder, Maya Lin, Sol LeWitt and countless other boldface names in your art history textbook.

Step Into the Gilded Age

Back in the 19th century, this region was a popular countryside escape for New York City’s elite, and their mansions are a window into the extravagant lifestyle of the time. Must-sees include:

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site (Hyde Park): One of the best-preserved examples of Gilded Age opulence, this Beaux-Arts mansion sits on more than 200 acres overlooking the Hudson River, its interiors decked out with period furnishings, artwork and tapestries. Don’t miss a walk through the magnificent formal gardens, especially in summer and fall.

Staatsburgh State Historic Site (Staatsburg): The former estate of financier Ogden Mills perfectly showcases the lavish lifestyle of the American aristocracy, featuring rooms done in elaborate period style coupled with beautiful grounds.

Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate (Sleepy Hollow): Four generations of Rockefellers called this mansion home. It houses an impressive collection of 20th-century art, including works by Picasso and Chagall, plus Nelson Rockefeller’s collection of modern sculptures throughout the gardens. Views of the Hudson River and Palisades from here are especially lovely.

Lyndhurst Mansion (Tarrytown): This castle-like structure, with its pointed arches, towers and elaborate stonework, represents a fanciful architectural style that feels quite different from its counterparts; tours here focus on the architecture in addition to the mansion’s history.

Catch a Movie Under the Stars

Take in a double feature at the Four Brothers Drive-In, located in Amenia, where tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids and seniors. Movies change every Friday. In addition to the big screen, Four Brothers offers mini golf, a playground, an art walk and gardens where kids can burn off extra energy. Hungry? Carhop service will deliver popcorn, burgers, pizza, shakes and even lobster rolls to your window.

Take a Hike

Wander through Poet’s Walk Park in Red Hook, a green space once shared by the owners of two elegant 1850s estates. Each of the jaw-dropping vistas is designed as an outdoor “room” of sorts, divided by trees and stone walls and framing the incredible views of the Hudson, the rolling hills of Dutchess County and the sky.

Stroll the Streets

Charming small towns and villages are part of the Hudson Valley’s appeal. Here are a few worth exploring:

Kingston: As the original capital of New York, Kingston’s colonial Dutch and English heritage still shine through — the stone houses at the intersection of John and Crown streets, known as Four Corners, all date from before the American Revolution. For history of a different flavor, pop into the Hudson River Maritime Museum, which contains artifacts, model ships and other elements of the area’s maritime past.

New Paltz: Built centuries ago by French Huguenots and now home to SUNY New Paltz, this Catskills destination has a lively college-town vibe. It sits at the base of the Shawangunk Mountains (or the “Gunks,” as locals say), so it’s an ideal spot for outdoor-minded families who want to enjoy rock climbing, hiking and other pursuits.

Hudson: For many visitors, Hudson is synonymous with antiques. Warren Street is the epicenter of local shopping, lined with antiques dealers alongside galleries and boutiques, but there’s plenty more to enjoy in town, from the well-preserved 19th-century architecture to exceptional dining.

Rhinebeck: This upscale village is known for its well-populated historic district, including the famed Beekman Arms inn, which has hosted guests from Alexander Hamilton to FDR and Neil Armstrong. But there’s a fresher side to Rhinebeck too, with an influx of innovative dining and cultural programming at the nearby Bard College Fisher Center.

Beacon: Contemporary art lovers come here for the world-class Dia:Beacon art museum, whose collection of minimalist and conceptual works includes pieces by luminaries like Richard Serra and Gerhard Richter. Beacon’s Main Street is also a joy to stroll, stuffed with galleries, independent shops and farm-to-table restaurants.

Where to Eat

Make a reservation at the CIA — the one that specializes in entrées, not espionage. The Culinary Institute of America is where many of today’s Michelin-star chefs first put on their white toques, and the restaurants are an amazing peek behind the curtain of the process. American Bounty focuses on the incredible farm-to-table products of the Hudson Valley through a traditional American lens. Bocuse, the namesake restaurant of legendary French chef Paul Bocuse, is a modern take on French, and Caterina de’ Medici offers Italian feasts overlooking the rose garden and nearby Hudson River. These are student-run restaurants, so service can sometimes be uneven, but the setting and the menus are unmatched.

Where to Stay

The accommodation options are as varied as the landscape here, but we love Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. A fully all-inclusive resort, this property features a lake for swimming and boating, an indoor pool, a full spa, a kids’ camp, horse stables, ice skating in the winter and all the hiking and vista-viewing you can handle. It’s a perfect microcosm of the best parts of the Hudson Valley.

For a more grown-up take, unpack at the elegant 37-room Troutbeck in Amenia. Families are always welcome, but thanks to its long history as a hangout for Hudson Valley naturalists and poets, it has a slightly more refined and quiet vibe. Wellness at The Barns is at the heart of a stay here, featuring a gorgeously airy studio with daily yoga sessions, a full spa, an infrared sauna and incredible expert-led classes like forest bathing and astrology. The kitchen, open to the public, welcomes diners seven days a week and offers a can’t-miss Sunday brunch.

Relevant Links: 

Browse all accommodations and destinations in New York on Ciao Bambino

10 unforgettable ways to experience New York with kids

New York/Tri-State college tour & vacation itinerary

8 fabulous fall family getaways in the Northeast

The top luxury hotels in New York City with kids

Photos courtesy of Destination Dutchess except where noted.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.