Looking to enjoy autumn in the region without spending a ton of money? You’re in luck! We’ve rounded up some of the Hudson Valley’s free family-friendly activities that make the most of the season. From craft-making events to live music performances to harvest festivals, the Valley has it all for the best deal — and all you have to do is gas up the car!
Autumn in the Park
Taconic State Park, Copake Falls
October 12, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Taconic State Park’s first annual family-friendly event, Autumn in the Park celebrate the change of the season in style among the turning leaves. With pumpkin painting, cornhole, face painting, photo opportunities, guided hikes, games, crafts, and more, the whole day meshes the best of the region’s nature with fun seasonal activities.
Sugar Loaf Fall Festival
Chester
October 12-13, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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An annual affair in the hamlet of Sugar Loaf, this fall festival has been a fan-favorite for decades. The two-day event is fun for the whole family, with unique artisan shops, plenty of vendors, family-friendly activities like face painting, a petting zoo, a bouncy house, a kids’ zone, food trucks, a beer garden and wine bar, live music, a witches parade, and fall décor galore. This one is for the furry friends, too, as all dogs are welcome!
Stormville Flea Market
Stormville Airport, Stormville
October 12-13, November 2
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The seasonal Stormville Flea Market is gearing up for its fall markets, with events in October and November to close out the year. Taking place at the Stormville Airport, the event attracts shoppers from near and far to browse hundreds of vendors, discover something new, and enjoy good eats from local food trucks. With free parking and admission, it’s hard to find a reason not to check it out.
Spiral House Park Trail Opening
Spiral House Park, Saugerties
October 13-14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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For families looking to get active this fall, Spiral House Park is for you. The site of the Saugerties landmark The Spiral House, the property’s park offers family-friendly hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the park, including its old bluestone quarries, Tom Gottsleben’s crystal glass sculptures, gardens, and the exterior of the famous house. Although admission to the park is free, registration is still required.
Family Free Day
Albany Institute of History & Art, Albany
October 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Explore the Albany Institute of History & Art this October on Family Free Day for an informational lesson that you can’t put a price on. Dive into the culture, past, and art of the upper Hudson Valley at this Capital Region museum in downtown Albany. Along with your free admission, walk through galleries, tour the museum, and shop the store for merch.
The Beacon Sloop Club Pumpkin Festival
Pete & Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, Beacon
October 20, 12-5 p.m.
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Just in time for Halloween, the Beacon Sloop Club’s annual Pumpkin Festival returns to the riverfront this October. With two solar-powered music stages — one dedicated just to children — the event features live music, numerous food and craft vendors, environmental nonprofits, and a bunch of free, family-friendly activities for kids. Also, hop on the Woody Guthrie, the Beacon Sloop Club’s boat, for free sails from the Beacon Harbor.
Flannel Fest
Greenhouse Cidery, Chatham
October 26, 12–9 p.m.
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Head to Columbia County for Flannel Fest at Greenhouse Cidery at the Chatham Berry Farm. The free-to-attend harvest fest focuses on flannel, so make sure you come dressed for the family-friendly occasion to match other partygoers. Live music from the Joe Adee Band and pop-ups with Bonne from Baker Addiction and Supreme Soft Serve Ice Cream are fun activities for the whole family, so make sure to drink cider, wear flannel, and be merry.
Nyack Halloween Parade
Downtown Nyack
October 26, 5:30 p.m.
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Nyack’s annual Halloween Parade is haunting the streets of Downtown Nyack once again. Join in on the free fun the weekend before the spooky holiday, and make sure to register for the costume contest for your chance to win a cash prize. Along with fabulous floats and ghoulish getups, the event will feature live music and other entertainment, and, of course, plenty of candy.
Related: Halloween Events for Spooktacular Fun in the Hudson Valley
