Spring Break is here, and we’ve rounded up 105 awesome day trips you can take with the family—right from Dutchess County! Whether you’re into outdoor hikes, zoos, museums, or hands-on adventures, there’s something for every age and interest.
β¨ Use this A–Z guide to plan your week of family fun.
π Most locations are within 2 hours or less of Dutchess County!
β οΈ Check with each destination before heading out—weather and hours can change quickly this time of year!
Click Here or on the Image Below to Download a Printable Version of the List Below!
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Staying close to home? Check out these 20 Things to Do During Spring Break in Dutchess County!
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- Animal Adventure Park (opens 4/19): Giraffes, kangaroos, sloths & more exotic animals!
- Alley Pond Park: Adventure course, hiking trails, and playgrounds in Queens.
- Art Omi (Ghent, NY): Explore a 120-acre sculpture and architecture park featuring contemporary works.
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- Bailiwick Ranch & Animal Park: Get up close with farm animals and enjoy pony rides, perfect for younger kids!
- Barton Orchards: Farm fun, animals, treats, and open space to play.
- Bear Mountain Zoo & State Park: Hike, picnic, and meet native animals in a scenic spot.
- Beardsley Zoo: Connecticut’s only zoo—small, educational, and family-friendly.
- Beatrix Farrand Garden: Gorgeous garden gem in Hyde Park, perfect for peaceful exploring.
- Belleayre Mountain: Spring skiing or snow tubing while it lasts!
- Bellvale Farms Creamery: Ice cream with a mountaintop view = yes, please.
- The Brooklyn Bridge & Carousel: Walk the bridge, ride the carousel, grab pizza nearby!
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- The Castle Fun Center: Arcade, mini golf, go-karts, laser tag & more thrills.
- Catskill Animal Sanctuary (Saugerties, NY): πΆ Learn about farm animal rescue and interact with the animals on educational tours.
- Catskill Mountain Railroad: Scenic rail rides through beautiful Catskill landscapes.
- Cooperstown: Hall of Fame, museums, and small-town charm.
- Crayola Experience: Create, color, and craft at this hands-on colorful adventure.
- Croton Arboretum (Croton-on-Hudson, NY): A hidden gem for plant lovers with lovely nature walks and scenic views.
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- Dave & Buster’s (West Nyack – Palisades Mall): Arcade and food = kid + grown-up fun.
- Dover Stone Church: Short hike to a cool natural cave and waterfall.
- Dr. Seuss Museum (Springfield, MA): The museum offers a fun, educational experience for all ages, highlighting Geisel's impact on children's literature.
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- Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site: Learn all about this legendary First Lady’s home life.
- Esopus Meadows Preserve (Ulster Park, NY): Enjoy riverside trails and views of the Esopus Lighthouse.
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- Frederick Farm Goat Sanctuary (Napanoch, NY): Experience a heartwarming visit to this sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and caring for goats. Engage in guided hikes alongside these affectionate animals and learn about their stories in a serene Catskills setting.
- Fenimore Farm and Country Village: Escape to the 19th century when you visit Fenimore Farm & Country Village in Cooperstown!
- Forsyth Nature Center: Interactive animal exhibits, gardens, and a peaceful park.
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- Great Wolf Lodge: Epic indoor waterpark (perfect for rainy days—book ahead!).
- Green Chimneys Farm (Brewster, NY): An educational farm experience that gives kids hands-on encounters with animals.
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- Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden: Tranquil trails and cultural beauty.
- Hershey Park: Chocolate Town USA! Rides, sweets, and attractions galore.
- Howe Caverns & Secret Caverns: Cool underground cave tours full of adventure.
- Hudson Highlands Nature Museum (Cornwall, NY): Engage with nature through hands-on exhibits, live native animals, and educational programs at this family-friendly museum. Explore trails, participate in weekend activities, and let children enjoy the Grasshopper Grove nature play area.
- Hudson River Maritime Museum (Kingston, NY): Discover the history of the Hudson River through engaging exhibits and waterfront views.
- Hunter Mountain: One more snowy thrill with late-season skiing or tubing.
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- Innisfree Garden: A magical garden walk blending nature with design.
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: Explore a real aircraft carrier and space shuttle in NYC.
- iFly Westchester: Indoor skydiving! Yes, you can actually fly.
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- Jacob Burns Film Center (Pleasantville, NY): Independent films, kids' movies, and filmmaking classes.
- Jay Heritage Center (Rye, NY): A scenic and educational historic site perfect for families who enjoy history and nature.
- John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary (West Park, NY): Explore trails and the historic cabin of the famed naturalist.
- John Jay Homestead (Katonah, NY): A National Historic Landmark with beautiful grounds and gardens.
- Jones Beach State Park (Wantagh, NY): A bit of a drive, but worth it for beach lovers!
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- Kaatskill Kaleidoscope (Mount Tremper): The world’s largest kaleidoscope—super trippy and fun!
- The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark: Massive water slides, games, and family fun under one roof!
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- Legoland New York: Roller coasters, Lego builds, shows & more.
- Lilymoore Alpaca & Llama Farm: Adorable alpaca meet-and-greets in Wingdale.
- Lasdon Park & Arboretum: Beautiful walking paths and gardens perfect for spring days.
- Locust Grove Estate: Trails, gardens, and a mansion filled with local history.
- Lyndhurst Mansion (Tarrytown, NY): Tour this Gothic Revival mansion with expansive grounds overlooking the Hudson.
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- Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory: Walk among hundreds of butterflies!
- MassMOCA (North Adams, MA): A contemporary art museum offering immersive exhibits and a unique arts experience.
- Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament: Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is an American dinner theater featuring staged medieval-style games, sword-fighting, and jousting.
- Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum: Indoor fun and learning, especially for little ones.
- Minnewaska State Park Preserve (Kerhonkson, NY): Enjoy hiking, biking, and swimming in this scenic park.
- Mohonk Mountain House: Hike, explore, and maybe even enjoy a spa treat for the grown-ups.
- Mountain Top Arboretum (Tannersville, NY): οΏ½Enjoy peaceful hikes through beautiful botanical gardens nestled in the Catskill Mountains.
- Museum Village: Step back in time at this living history village in Orange County.
- Mystic Aquarium: Beluga whales, penguins & touch tanks!
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- New York Hall of Science (Queens, NY) – Interactive STEM exhibits and science playground.
- New York State Museum (Albany, NY): ποΈ Interactive exhibits showcasing New York’s history, from art to natural science and more.
- Norwalk Aquarium: Educational and interactive marine exhibits for all ages.
- NY Botanical Gardens: Gorgeous gardens, flower shows, and seasonal displays.
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- Olana State Historic Site: Art meets nature in this beautifully preserved estate.
- Opus 40: A fascinating stone sculpture park built by hand.
- Orange County Arboretum: Walkable and relaxing gardens, great for a spring picnic.
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- Pez Visitor Center: See how your favorite candies are made—plus collectables galore!
- Poets' Walk Park (Red Hook, NY): Stroll through this landscaped park with views that inspired 19th-century poets.
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- Quassy Amusement & Waterpark (Middlebury, CT): A retro-style amusement park perfect for a full day of family fun.
- Queens County Farm Museum (Floral Park, NY): One of the oldest working farms in New York with animals, gardens, and seasonal events.
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- Rail Explorers Catskills: Pedal-powered rail cars through scenic backdrops—so fun!
- Roller skating rinks (many local options depending on weather!)
- Rondout Lighthouse Tour (Kingston, NY) – Boat rides and a walk-through historic lighthouse.
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- Samuel’s Sweet Shop: Rhinebeck's celeb-owned candy shop is full of charm and treats.
- Saugerties Lighthouse (Saugerties, NY) – A beautiful short hike with a scenic destination.
- Saratoga Springs, NY: Experience horse racing, mineral springs, and vibrant downtown shopping.
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden: An 83-acre campus featuring historic buildings, diverse gardens—including the authentic Chinese Scholar's Garden—and cultural institutions like art galleries and performance spaces
- Staatsburgh State Historic Site: A Gilded Age mansion with Hudson River views.
- Staten Island Children's Museum: Hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences designed for children aged 1 and up, fostering learning and creativity through play.
- Storm King Art Center: Massive outdoor sculptures and wide open space to explore.
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- Teatown Lake Reservation: Hikes, nature center, and plenty of fresh air.
- Thomas Bull Memorial Park (Montgomery, NY): A relaxing park offering playgrounds, hiking trails, and a large sports field for family fun.
- Thomas Cole National Historic Site (Catskill, NY): Explore the home and studio of the founder of the Hudson River School of Art.
- Tilly Foster Farm (Brewster, NY) – Farm animals, walking trails, and educational programs.
- Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area (Tivoli, NY): Explore wetlands and trails ideal for birdwatching and kayaking.
- TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park (Vernon, NJ): Ropes, zips & tree-climbing thrills!
- Trevor Zoo: The only zoo located at a high school—small but awesome!
- Turtle Back Zoo: Ride the train, visit the carousel, and meet tons of animals!
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- Underground Railroad Education Center (Albany, NY) – Powerful, hands-on history lessons.
- Untermyer Gardens: An elegant, hidden gem of formal gardens in Yonkers.
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- Val-Kill Cottage (Hyde Park, NY): Tour Eleanor Roosevelt's retreat and learn about her legacy.
- Vanderbilt Mansion: Gilded Age glam with gorgeous grounds in Hyde Park.
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- Warwick Drive-In Theater: A nostalgic gem offering three screens and double features nightly. Enjoy first-run movies under the stars, complete with classic snacks and a family-friendly atmosphere. It's the perfect spot for a cozy, retro movie night.
- Wee Play Tots Park: A charming playground for younger kids with lots of opportunities for imaginative play.
- West Kill Brewing: Local craft beers in a picturesque Catskill Mountain setting—great for adults and families.
- West Point Military Academy (museum & visitor center!): A journey through American military history, from the Revolutionary War to modern times, with exhibits featuring weapons, uniforms, and artifacts.
- Wethersfield Garden: Formal gardens, forest trails, and peaceful views.
- Wilcox Memorial State Park: Local hidden gem with hiking, fields, and quiet beauty.
- Wilderstein Historic Site (Rhinebeck, NY) – Explore gardens, woods, and a stunning mansion.
- Window Jane Mine: Off-the-beaten-path hiking and mine exploration!
- Wolf Conservation Center (South Salem): Learn about and meet endangered wolves!
- Woodstock, NY: Visit this iconic arts colony with galleries, shops, and music venues.
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- Xtreme Play Adventures (Danbury, CT): Indoor playground and party fun.
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- Yankee Candle Village (South Deerfield, MA) – Candle-making, sweets, and quirky fun.
- Yonkers Science Barge: A floating, sustainable urban farm on the Hudson—great for learning and river views!
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- Zoom Flume Water Park (East Durham, NY): Big slides and splashy fun in the Catskills—open in summer.
β¨Ready to Plan Your Spring Break?
With over 100 amazing destinations to choose from, your spring break adventures are only a short (or medium) drive away! πΊ
Staying close to home? Check out these 20 Things to Do During Spring Break in Dutchess County!
β‘οΈ Be sure to check operating hours and ticket policies before visiting.
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