Family-Friendly Activities in the Catskills & Hudson Valley

The Catskills and Hudson Valley are one of the best family vacation destinations on the East Coast — and not just because of the proximity to New York City. The region offers a rare combination of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, educational experiences, and the kind of space and freedom that kids (and parents) rarely get in everyday life.

At Birchwood in Accord, NY, families find the perfect home base. The estate offers room to spread out, with outdoor spaces where kids can run and explore, a heated pool for endless summer fun, and the kind of privacy that means you never have to worry about disturbing other guests. Unlike a hotel, Birchwood gives your family the freedom to set your own schedule — early mornings, late bedtimes, loud games, and impromptu dance parties are all welcome.

The activities within easy reach are extraordinary. Easy hikes lead to waterfalls and mountaintop views. Working farms welcome visitors for animal encounters and pick-your-own produce. Swimming holes and lake beaches provide all-day entertainment. And when the weather does not cooperate, the region has museums, indoor activities, and cozy towns to explore.

This guide covers our favorite family-friendly activities, organized to help you plan days that keep everyone — from toddlers to teenagers — engaged and happy. For a broader look at everything the region offers, see our complete Hudson Valley guide.

Hiking with kids requires a different approach than adult-only excursions — shorter distances, more interesting features along the way, and a clear reward at the end (a waterfall, a lake, a great view). Fortunately, the Shawangunk Ridge and Catskills are full of trails that deliver exactly that.

Best family hikes near Birchwood:

• Awosting Falls (Minnewaska State Park) — just 0.5 miles from the parking area to a beautiful 60-foot waterfall. Flat, easy path suitable for strollers on dry days. The falls are impressive and photogenic. Difficulty: Very Easy.
• Lake Minnewaska Loop — a 2-mile loop around a stunning turquoise sky lake on a wide carriage road. The lake is mesmerizing for kids, and the path is gentle enough for even young walkers. Swimming in summer adds an extra incentive. Difficulty: Easy.
• Spring Farm Carriage Road (Mohonk Preserve) — a flat, wide gravel road through meadows and forest. Great for families with younger children or those who prefer an easy stroll. About 2 miles round trip. Difficulty: Easy.
• Verkeerderkill Falls & Ice Caves (Sam's Point) — older kids love the Ice Caves, which involve scrambling through narrow rock passages that retain ice into summer. The waterfall is spectacular. About 3-5 miles depending on your route. Difficulty: Moderate (best for ages 6+).
• Wallkill Valley Rail Trail — a flat, paved multi-use trail perfect for family bike rides or walks with strollers. Multiple access points and distances to suit any family.

For more detailed trail information, parking logistics, and seasonal tips, see our complete hiking guide. Bring plenty of snacks, water, and a sense of adventure — kids who hike with enthusiasm tend to have parents who pack good trail snacks.

Farm visits are one of the most rewarding family activities in the Hudson Valley. The region is home to hundreds of working farms, many of which welcome visitors for everything from pick-your-own produce to hands-on animal encounters. For city kids especially, a day at a farm can be a transformative experience.

Family farm favorites:

• Kelder's Farm (Kerhonkson) — just 15 minutes from Birchwood, Kelder's is a family institution with pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, a farmyard with animals, a corn maze in fall, and the "world's largest garden gnome." Kids love it here.
• Dressel Farms (New Paltz) — a pick-your-own orchard with apples in fall, berries in summer, and a warm, welcoming farm stand year-round
• Hurds Family Farm (Modena) — a full-service family farm with hayrides, animal encounters, a corn maze, pumpkin picking, and seasonal events
• Stone Ridge Orchard (Stone Ridge) — a beautiful orchard with pick-your-own options and a charming farm store
• Catskill Animal Sanctuary (Saugerties) — a rescued farm animal sanctuary where families can meet and learn about pigs, goats, horses, and chickens. A meaningful visit that teaches compassion and animal welfare.

Farm visits are seasonal by nature. Summer brings berries and vegetables, fall brings apples and pumpkins, and spring brings baby animals and the first greens. Check farm websites for current hours and offerings before visiting.

Many farms have small shops selling fresh produce, baked goods, jams, and local products. Stock up on supplies for cooking at Birchwood — farm-fresh ingredients make everything taste better.

On hot summer days, water activities become the centerpiece of family fun. The Hudson Valley and Catskills offer an abundance of swimming options, from Birchwood's own heated pool to wild swimming holes, lake beaches, and creek play spots that keep kids cool and happy all day long.

Swimming options for families:

• Birchwood's heated pool — the most convenient option by far. Your family has the pool entirely to yourselves, with no crowds, no lifeguard whistles, and no time limits. Pack a picnic lunch poolside and the kids will be entertained for hours.
• Lake Minnewaska — a stunning sky lake with a designated swimming area and lifeguards on duty in summer. The turquoise water surrounded by white rock cliffs creates a scene that kids (and Instagram) love.
• Esopus Creek tubing — families with older kids enjoy tubing down the Esopus Creek in Phoenicia. Several outfitters rent tubes and provide shuttle service. Best for ages 8+ and confident swimmers.
• Rondout Creek — gentle swimming and wading spots near High Falls, just minutes from Birchwood in Accord, NY
• Local swimming holes — the area around Accord has several creek swimming spots that locals cherish. Ask the Birchwood team for current recommendations.

Safety note: Natural swimming areas do not have lifeguards unless otherwise noted. Always supervise children around water, check conditions before swimming in creeks (water levels can change quickly after rain), and bring water shoes for rocky creek beds.

After a day of swimming, the Birchwood hot tub is a family favorite — kids love it even in summer, and parents love it even more. View our gallery to see the pool and outdoor spaces.

Rainy days are inevitable on any vacation, and the Hudson Valley has enough indoor activities to turn a wet day into an adventure. These options keep kids engaged and parents sane when the weather does not cooperate.

Indoor activities for families:

• Birchwood itself — do not underestimate the appeal of a lazy indoor day at the estate. Board games, card games, cooking together, building blanket forts, and movie marathons in a cozy space can be just as memorable as any excursion.
• Hudson River Maritime Museum (Kingston) — an engaging museum on the Rondout waterfront with hands-on exhibits about river history, boats, and the Hudson River ecosystem. Great for curious kids.
• Trolley Museum of New York (Kingston) — ride a historic trolley along the waterfront. Short, fun, and perfect for younger children.
• Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art (New Paltz) — free admission and rotating exhibitions at SUNY New Paltz. Older children and teenagers especially enjoy the contemporary art.
• Tinker Street Cinema (Woodstock) — a charming single-screen movie theater that shows independent and family-friendly films
• Pottery and art classes — several studios in Kingston and Woodstock offer drop-in pottery, painting, and craft classes for families
• Indoor climbing — The Inner Wall climbing gym in New Paltz has family climbing sessions and programs for children

A rainy day is also a great excuse to explore Kingston's shops, grab hot chocolate, and browse bookstores. See our Kingston guide for more ideas. Kids who might be restless outdoors often thrive in the intimate, interesting spaces of Kingston's Stockade District.

Dining out with kids does not have to mean sacrificing quality. The Hudson Valley restaurant scene includes many establishments that are genuinely welcoming to families while serving food that adults love. The key is choosing places with the right combination of atmosphere, menu flexibility, and kid-friendliness.

Family-friendly restaurant picks:

• Lola Pizza (Kingston) — incredible Neapolitan-style pizza in a casual atmosphere. Kids love pizza, adults love great pizza, everyone wins.
• The Mountain Brauhaus (Gardiner) — a classic German beer hall with hearty food, a fun atmosphere, and a menu that includes options every kid will eat. Near the Gunks trailheads.
• Main Street New Paltz — multiple casual, family-friendly options including excellent Thai food, tacos, and ice cream shops. See our New Paltz guide.
• Bread Alone Bakery (multiple locations) — excellent pastries, sandwiches, and kid-friendly options in warm, relaxed settings
• Farm stand picnics — grab supplies from a local farm stand and picnic at Minnewaska, along the Rail Trail, or back at Birchwood. Often the most relaxing and enjoyable option with young children.

Cooking at Birchwood: Many families find that cooking meals at the estate is not just easier with kids — it is actually one of the highlights of the trip. Birchwood's gourmet kitchen is a joy to cook in, and involving kids in meal prep using ingredients from local farms and markets turns dinner into an activity. No rushing, no stressing about restaurant behavior, and kids who help cook are more likely to eat adventurously.

A family vacation is only as good as the place you call home for the week. Hotels with their thin walls, limited space, and early checkout times are a poor fit for families who need room to spread out, flexibility to keep their own schedule, and the freedom to be themselves without worrying about other guests.

Birchwood in Accord, NY was designed with gatherings in mind, and families are among our most enthusiastic guests. The estate offers everything a family needs:

• Space to spread out — multiple bedrooms, living areas, and outdoor spaces mean kids and adults can each have their own zone
• Private heated pool — no sharing, no crowds, no restrictive pool hours. Swim at 7 AM or 9 PM, your choice.
• Hot tub — a family favorite, especially after a day of hiking or when the evenings turn cool
• Gourmet kitchen — cook family meals with ease, accommodate picky eaters, and save money on restaurant costs
• Fire pit — s'mores, stories, and stargazing. This is where family memories are made.
• Natural playground — the property itself is an adventure. Kids can explore the woods, watch for wildlife, and enjoy the kind of unstructured outdoor play that is increasingly rare.
• Central location — all of the activities in this guide are within 20-40 minutes, keeping car time short and adventure time long

Book your family vacation at Birchwood and give your kids the gift of a real outdoor adventure — with all the luxury and comfort the adults deserve too. View our gallery to see the spaces where your family memories will be made.