Things To Do Kids | ||
Rensselaer CountyParks | Local and State |
|
All Grafton Listings
Grafton Parks | Local and State |
||
Grafton Lakes State Park | 518-279-1155 | |
Grafton Lakes State Park, 2,500-acres in size, is located at 100 Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Grafton, NY 12082, Rensselaer County in upper-Hudson Valley.
From NYSParks: "Grafton Lakes State Park, on the forested plateau between the Taconic and Hudson Valleys, includes six ponds and nearly 2500 acres. Long Pond has a large, sandy beach, which is a popular summer attraction. Anglers can go after rainbow and brown trout in Long, Second and Shaver Pond. Pickerel, perch, and bass are abundant in all ponds including Mill Pond and walleye are found at the Martin-Durham Reservoir. All ponds have launch facilities for canoes, sailboats and rowboats, electric boat are allowed. Visitors also picnic, walk the nature trails, and hike, bike or ride horses along the 25 miles of park trails." website and more . . . |
All Petersburg Listings
Petersburg Parks | Local and State |
||
Cherry Plain State Park | 518-733-5400 | |
Cherry Plain State Park, a 175-acre park, is located at 10 State Park Road, Petersburg, NY 12138 in Rensselaer County. The park features a sandy beach on Black River Pond, with bathhouse and comfort station nearby. Picnic grounds and a boat launch are adjacent to the beach.
"Cherry Plain State Park has 175 acres and features a sandy beach on Black River Pond, with bathhouse and comfort station nearby. Picnic grounds and a boat launch are adjacent to the beach. The park also has bridle paths and hiking, biking and nature trails that serve for cross-country skiing in winter. Anglers fish for bass, bullheads and pickerel and may also ice fish in winter. The park has 10 trailer sites, 10 lakeside tent sites as well as 10 "hike-in" tent sites available for overnight camping." website and more . . . |
All Rensselaer County Listings
Rensselaer County Parks | Local and State |
||
Hudson Highlands | 845-225-7207 | |
Click
to enlarge photo of the Hudson Highlands.
The sign reads: "For much of its 315-mile course, the Hudson River flows straight and broad. But at the Highlands, the Appalachian mountain chain intersects the river to create a fifteen mile stretch of rugged, mountainous landscape. This area contains the river's narrowest and deepest points, as well as its fastest currents. The Hudson River is an estuary, a mixture of salt and freshwater, and the saltwater line extends just north of Beacon. The River is tidal all the way up to the Troy Dam above Albany." website and more . . . |
All Schodack Listings
Schodack Parks | Local and State |
||
Papscanee Preserve | 270-2888 | |
The Papscanee Preserve, 156-acres in size, with over 2 miles of hiking at the Hudson River shoreline, is located at Route 9J Staats Island Road, East Greenbush and Schodack, NY 12033 in Rensselaer County.
"The Papscanee Island Nature Preserve is open to visitors under the management of the Rensselaer County Legislature. The preserve is a 156-acre natural area located in East Greenbush and Schodack and offers public access to over 2 miles of Hudson River shoreline. It is open dawn to dusk 365 days each year, and is free to the public." website and more . . . |
All Schodack Landing Listings
Schodack Landing Parks | Local and State |
||
Schodack Island State Park | 518-732-0187 | |
Schodack Island State Park, 1,052-acres in size, is located at 1 Schodack Island Way, Schodack Landing, NY 12156, 12.7 miles south of Albany, NY in Rensselaer County.
"Schodack Island State Park sits off the eastern shore of the Hudson River just south of Albany. Approximately seven miles of Hudson River and Schodack Creek shoreline bound the 1,052-acre site. A day-use facility, the park has been designated a State Estuary, and a portion of the park shelters a Bird Conservation Area (BCA) that is home to bald eagles, cerulean warblers and blue herons that nest in the cottonwood trees. website and more . . . |
All Troy (Rensselaer) Listings
Troy (Rensselaer) Parks | Local and State |
||
Frear Park & Municipal Golf Course | 518-270-4553 | |
Frear Park and Municipal Golf Course, a 247-acre park, offering an 18-hole public golf course, hockey arena, playground and more attractions, is located at 155 Oakwood Ave., Troy, NY 12180 in Rensselaer County.
In addition to the Frear public golf course, the park offers a hockey rink also used for public skating. The rink opened in 1974 and was the first enclosed ice rink in the area. In 1979, improvements were made by adding a lobby and extra locker rooms. website and more . . . | ||
Knickerbacker Park & Ice Arena | 518-235-7761 | |
The Knickerbacker Park and Ice Arena is located at 103rd Street & 8th Ave., Troy, NY 12180 in Rensselaer County. Knickerbacker Park has been around since the late 1920s. It is a popular recreation spot for area residents and has many recreational uses such as baseball, soccer, track, and more. The Ice Arena was built in 1990. Since its construction, the arena has been home to many junior and pro level hockey clubs. website and more . . . | ||
Prospect Park | 518-235-7761 | |
Prospect Park, 80-acres in size, offering many activities for kids and adults including a playground and 14 tennis court facility, is located at 65 Prospect Park Road, Troy NY 12180 in Rensselaer County.
From Parks & Recreation: "Prospect Park is a city owned park centrally located within the City of Troy. One of three major parks in the City. The park consists of approximately 80 acres of land conveyed by the Warren Family to the City of Troy by deed dated December 23, 1902. Prospect Park opens each season in early April and remains open through early November." website and more . . . |
More Hudson Valley Parks | Local and State |
||
Albany County [59 listings over 14 locations]
Columbia County [5 listings over 5 locations]
Dutchess County [21 listings over 12 locations]
Greene County [6 listings over 4 locations]
Orange County [32 listings over 14 locations]
Putnam County [8 listings over 4 locations]
Rockland County [46 listings over 17 locations]
Saratoga County [5 listings over 4 locations]
Schenectady County [3 listings over 2 locations]
Ulster County [11 listings over 6 locations]
Westchester County [136 listings over 34 locations]
|
Find comprehensive list of parks in the Hudson Valley offering many things to do for the whole family. The Hudson Valley offers a remarkable selection of parks that offer many things to do with kids or adults. Go to a park to relax and read under the shade of a tree, or visit the park to exercise by walking or hiking in a healthy environment surrounded by nature. Whether you visit a small local park or a large state park; parks offer an opportunity to escape from your daily routines and experience nature.
Parks in Columbia Parks in Dutchess Parks in Greene Parks in Orange Parks in Putnam Parks in Rensselaer Parks in Rockland Parks in Ulster Parks in Westchester Parks in the Hudson River Valley include
Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties, is the second-largest park in the parks system, with 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, two public camping areas, a network of group camps, miles of streams and scenic roads, and scores of wildlife species, vistas and vantage points. Bear Mountain State Park Bear Mountain State Park is located on the west side of the Hudson River in both Orange and Rockland counties in New York State. The 5,067-acre (20.51 km2) Bear Mountain State Park, flagship of the Palisades Interstate Park System is renowned for its natural beauty and rugged mountains. Beaver Pond Campgrounds at Harriman State Park Beaver Pond Campgrounds adjoin the Lake Welch Recreation Area within Harriman State Park. The campgrounds include tent and trailer sites as well as accommodations for larger vehicles. Comfort stations, showers, laundry facilities, and a dumping station are part of the campgrounds. Blauvelt State Park Blauvelt State Park is 590-acres of forested green space in Rockland County. Hiking trails provide the only access and afford spectacular views of the Hudson Valley. This park is undeveloped. There are no toilets and there is limited parking. Fahnestock State Park (Clarence Fahnestock) Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is one of the best parks for outdoor enthusiasts. This 14,086-acre park, covering land in Putnam and Dutchess counties, boasts hiking trails, picnic areas, scenic campground, and abundant opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and birding. On the hot days of summer, go swimming at the park's sandy beach. Fahnestock Winter Park Fahnestock Winter Park is located at 75 Mountain Laurel Lane, Cold Spring NY 10516, Putnam County in the Hudson Valley. Situated in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the park is nestled in the 16,000 acre Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park. Fahnestock Winter Park offers 15 km of machine groomed, tracked and mapped trails for beginning and experienced skiers and snowshoers. Families find the park particularly enjoyable because it offers easy terrain to ski on near a warming lodge. Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park The Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is located at 2957 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, NY. A scenic haven approximately 40 miles from New York City, Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park offers day trippers a day of fun and relaxation. The park's spacious picnic areas, which can accommodate individual families as well as large groups, may be reserved in advance. The park's mammoth pool can hold 3,500 bathers at one time. In addition the park offers a host of other activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Goosepond Mountain State Park Goosepond Mountain State Park is located in Bear Mountain, NY 10911 in Orange County. Goosepond is managed as 1,558-acres of open space. Almost completely wooded, the park is open to hikers and horseback riders. This park is undeveloped. There are no toilets and there is limited parking. High Tor State Park High Tor State Park is located at 415 South Mountain Road, New City NY 10956 in Rockland County. High Tor State Park, a day-use facility, offers picnicking, swimming and hiking and affords spectacular views of the Hudson River. The Long Path passes through the park just before the trail heads inland to the Catskills. Highland Lakes State Park Highland Lakes State Park, a 3,000-acre park, located in Middletown, NY 10941 in Orange County offers undeveloped woods and lakes. Visitors use the park for fishing, hiking, horseback riding and flying model planes. The park is undeveloped. There are no toilets and there is limited parking Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve Hudson Highlands State Park, 6,000-acres in size, is located on Route 9D, Beacon NY 10512 in Dutchess County. This mostly undeveloped preserve consists of a series of separate parcels of land stretching from Annsville Creek in Peekskill, north to Dennings Point in Beacon. The spacious park is perfect for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and birding. The park's extensive hiking trail network includes terrain that varies from easy to challenging. Trail maps can be obtained at the Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park office. James Baird State Park James Baird State Park, a 590-acre park, is located at 14 Maintenance Lane, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 in Dutchess County. The park is situated on farmland once owned by James Baird, a contractor and engineer whose firm constructed the Lincoln Memorial. In 1939 James Baird donated the 590 acres of land to New York State under the stipulation that it be known as James Baird State Park. James Baird State Park. Lake Sebago Beach Lake Sebago Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Rockland County, New York. Lawns, fields and picnic areas surround Lake Sebago Beach. In addition to swimming on the sandy beach, anglers can fish for bass, perch, sunfish and more. Lake Taghkanic State Park Lake Taghkanic State Park, named one of the Top 100 Campgrounds in the nation in 2005, is located at 1528 Route 82Ancram, NY 12502 in Columbia County. Lake Taghkanic State Park, nestled next to Lake Taghkanic in the rolling hills and lush forests of Columbia County, offers a wonderful variety of recreational activities. The park has tent, trailer campsites, cabin, and cottage camping facilities. In the hot days of summer you can go swimming at one of the two beaches, have picnics at the picnic grounds, and launch your boat at the boat launch. In addition, the park offers hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails. Ice skating and ice fishing are permitted when conditions are appropriate. Lake Tiorati Beach Lake Tiorati Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Southfields, NY in the region of Bear Mountain. Lake Tiorati was formed by clearing swampland in Harriman State Park and constructing a concrete dam to make two ponds into one large lake. Surrounded by meadows and rolling, wooded hills, the park offers excellent swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking. In winter, if conditions allow, the lake may be used for ice fishing. Bona fide groups may use the pioneer campsites near the lake. Lake Welch Beach Lake Welch Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Rockland County, New York. The beach at Lake Welch is man-made with its half-mile-long sandy beach in the wooded hills of the Ramapo Mountains. Lake Welch is the largest beach in Harriman State Park. Originally a small body of water with farmland around the edges, Lake Welch became the large lake that it is today when a dam was completed in 1942. Mills Norrie State Park Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park is located at Staatsburg NY 12580 in Dutchess County. A serene wooded area with glimpses of the river provides an ideal location. The park's marina as well as its camping sites are extremely popular in addition to many hiking trails. Minnewaska State Park Preserve Minnewaska State Park Preserve is located at 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson NY 12446 in Ulster County. Minnewaska State Park is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge that rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level. The terrain is rugged and rocky, blanketed by dense hardwood forest encircling two lakes. Clear streams cut into valleys, incising sheer cliffs and ledges and emerging in waterfalls. Nyack Beach State Park Nyack Beach State Park is located at 698 North Broadway, Upper Nyack NY 10960, Rockland County in the Hudson Valley. Nyack Beach Park boasts 61-acres of riverfront along the Hudson in Rockland County. The most popular activities are picnicking, hiking, bicycling and fishing. Trails are open for cross-country skiing in winter. Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park In 1968, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation purchased 26.2 miles of the original 41 mile aqueduct from New York City. Presently, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park is a linear park which runs from Van Cortlandt Park at the Bronx County/City of Yonkers border to the Croton Dam in Cortlandt. In 1987 a section was reopened to supply the Town of Ossining and in 1992 the Old Croton Aqueduct was awarded National Historic Landmark Status. Rockefeller State Park Preserve Rockefeller State Park Preserve is located in Pocantico Hills in Westchester County. The preserve is 1,233-acres and growing due to additional bequests. The Preserve is an idyllic spot for strolling, jogging, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. With 180 recorded species of birds and its IBA (Important Bird Area) designation by the National Audubon Society, the Preserve is a must visit area for birders. Rockland Lake State Park Rockland Lake State Park is located at 299 Rockland Lake Road, Valley Cottage NY 10989 in Rockland County.The park offers a huge 24,140 square foot swimming pool with diving boards - the pool is more than 10,000 square feet larger than an Olympic size pool. A kiddie pool is also available for young children. The park also offers picnic tables; grills, a car top boat launch dock, hiking trails with breath-taking views of the Hudson Valley, six tennis courts and the Rockland Lake State Park golf courses, featuring two 18 hole golf courses. Anglers can fish Rockland Lake for bass, perch and norlunge. Walkers, joggers, roller bladers, and bicyclists can enjoy the 3.2 mile non-motorized use paved trail around the lake. Schunnemunk State Park Schunnemunk State Park, a 2,700-acre park, is located at 116 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987 in Orange County. Schunnemunk offers acres of rolling meadow and spectacular mountain top. Hikers encounter elevations up to 1664 feet and exciting 360 degree views of adjacent valleys, portions of the distant Hudson River and surrounding forest and farm lands. Eight marked trails include the Long Path, Jessup, Western Ridge, Trestle, Sweet Clover, Otterkill, Dark Hollow and Barton Swamp Trails totaling over 20 miles traverse the mountain and glades. Sebago Cabin Camp The Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park is on Lake Sebago. The camp offers rustic cabins and full service cottages in addition to row boat rentals, beach, biking and hiking, organized sports, Saturday bonfire, rainy day movies and activities, play area, recreation hall, and tennis courts. Silver Mine Silver Mine is located at scenic Harriman State Park. The Silver Mine area of Harriman State Park offers biking, picnic grounds, fishing, hiking, and a boat launch site. Sterling Forest State Park Sterling Forest State Park, a 21,935-acre park, is located at 116 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987 in Orange County. Sterling Forest State Park offers a nearly pristine natural refuge amidst one of the nation's most densely populated areas, a remarkable piece of woodland, a watershed for millions, and a tremendous outdoor recreation area. This unbroken deep-forest habitat is important for the survival of many resident and migratory species, including black bear, a variety of hawks and songbirds and many rare invertebrates and plants. Hunting, fishing and hiking opportunities are available. Storm King State Park Storm King State Park offers unsurpassed views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. The park is undeveloped and there are no toilets and limited parking. Storm King State Park is located near The Storm King Art Center, an outdoor museum that celebrates the relationship between sculpture and nature. Storm King comprises 500 pristine acres of carefully maintained fields, hills, and woodlands, on which more than 100 works by major international artists are thoughtfully sited. Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Area is located on Route 344, Copake Falls, NY 12517 in Columbia County and Dutchess County. The park is located along 16 miles of the Taconic Mountain Range, sharing a border with Massachusetts and Connecticut. Two developed areas, Copake Falls and Rudd Pond, offer an extensive trail system with terrain that varies from easy to challenging, offering spectacular views. Taconic State Park - Rudd Pond Area Taconic State Park - Rudd Pond Area is located at 59 Rudd Pond Road, Millerton, NY 12546 in Dutchess County in the Northern Hudson Valley. The park is located along 16 miles of the Taconic Mountain Range. Two developed areas, Copake Falls and Rudd Pond, offer an extensive trail system with terrain that varies from easy to challenging, offering spectacular views. Tallman Mountain State Park Tallman Mountain State Park offers wooded country terrain on the easterly slope of the Palisades uplands overlooking the Hudson and Piermont Marsh, which lies between the river and the slope. The marsh is part of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve. The park operates as a day-use area, offering a swimming pool, running track, tennis courts, playfield, cross-country skiing, a walking trail, hiking and picnic areas. Walkway Over the Huson State Historic Park Walkway Over the Hudson provides access to the Hudson River's breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The bridge deck stands 212 feet above the river's surface and is 6,678 feet (1.28 miles) long, making it the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. Walkway Over The Hudson State Historic Park. Entrances to Walkway Over the Hudson Park are located in Poughkeepsie NY 12601 in Dutchess County, and in Highland NY, Ulster County. Wonder Lake State Park Wonder Lake State Park is located at 1498 Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512 in Putnam County. Converted from a 1920's summer home in the town of Patterson, Wonder Lake is a hiker's delight of 8.6 miles of marked trails. Walk on what were historically bridle trails around scenic Wonder Lake in this 1133 acre area. Get in touch with nature around the 3-acre Laurel Pond. |