Summer is fun, but only if you do it right. Put down the Xbox controller, turn on “airplane mode,” and enjoy these family-friendly outdoor day trips that make summer memories the best they can be. Below are some of the most entertaining adventure centers in the Hudson Valley for summer fun, from water slides to off-roading to nature hikes and more.
The Castle Fun Center
Chester, 845.469.2116
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The Castle Fun Center is a one-stop shop for all kinds of indoor and outdoor fun. At CFC, visitors can find roller skating, laser tag, zip lines, mini golf, go-karting, and more. The location is ideal for the whole family and is a day trip that’s packed with activity. After a full day of excitement, stop into Jester’s Restaurant and Pub, located on the event grounds, for a tasty bite to eat.
Catamount Aerial Adventure Park
Hillsdale, 413.528.1262
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Catamount is a great place for adventurers to spend the day in the treetops. Head to the Aerial Adventure Park to try any one of the Hillsdale spot’s nine thrilling courses, which feature a host of different challenging elements, or whiz your way through the sky on a zip tour. The mountain is even home to the longest zipline span in the United States, clocking in at just over a mile long.
Forsyth Nature Center
Kingston, 845.339.3053
Forsyth Nature Center creates a hands-on environment for people of all ages to learn about animals and nature. A wide selection of programs allows visitors to approach animals face-to-face, hear from educators, and experience the outdoors. A turtle and reptile house, wild bird sanctuary, and mammal exhibit make for quite the afternoon trip.
High Xposure
New Paltz, 800.777.2546
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High Xposure is a rock climbing guide service with a focus on inclusivity. The highly trained instructors are excited and capable of teaching total beginners, longtime experts, and everybody in between. Indoor sessions, introductory courses, and specialty classes such as “Learning to Lead” and “Self-Rescue” are ideal for folks with any level of climbing expertise. Day camps are also available at the adventure center for kids looking to learn the ropes.
Hunter Mountain
Hunter, 518. 263.4223
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At Hunter Mountain, it’s easy to spend the day in the mountain air participating in a host of activities. These include a scenic skyride on the ski lift, 4×4 off-road adventures, fly fishing, hiking, and more. Hunter Mountain is just as fun in the summer as it is in the winter and provides the perfect opportunity for people to enjoy the mountain in ways they never thought possible.
Lander’s River Trips
Narrowsburg, 1.800.252.3925
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Family-owned and -operated since 1955 by the Lander family, Lander’s River Trips is an exhilarating way to spend your Saturday. Head to the Delaware River for all kinds of white water fun, from tubing to rafting to kayaking. Once you’ve chosen your desired water sport, Lander’s River Trips will bus you out to your launch point, where you can start your journey downstream. If you’re looking to stay the night, camp out at Skinner’s Falls campground in the Catskills.
Rocking Horse Ranch
Highland, 800.647.2624
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When searching for your next local family getaway, consider the short excursion to Rocking Horse Ranch. Parents and children both love taking horse tours around the ranch’s 500 acres of trails. Bring an appetite for lots of food, live music, and games. Don’t forget to bring bathing suits for water activities like kayaking, swimming, and the water park.
Splashdown Beach
Fishkill, 845.897.9600
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Splashdown Beach is a classic summer stop, with 15 main rides and attractions. Dubbed “America’s biggest little water park,” the adventure center is home to some of the most impressive rides on the East Coast, such as the Humunga Half-Pipe, the only zero-gravity half pipe in New York, and the Arctic Mammoth, one of the largest raft rides in the Northeast. Do you dare?
Wild Earth
High Falls, 845.256.9830
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Wild Earth is perfect for people of all ages who enjoy creating a bond with nature. Many of its programs focus on kids, though there are a handful of family friendly and adult options as well. Some of the kid-oriented camps, such as Raven, Kestrel, and Artemis, are designed for youths in different age groups to teach wilderness skills, outdoor appreciation, and team-building.
Related: 10 Hudson Valley Farms, Sanctuaries, and Zoos to Visit Animals