by Ashley Pugh -

Interesting things to do in Hudson Valley in the winter for the whole family

Hudson Valley Skiing
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Hudson Valley is and always will be a great place to spend wintertime with your family. Whether you are looking for outdoor activities, indoor attractions, or both, there’s something for everyone in the Hudson Valley during the cold months.

Let's have a look at some of the things to do in the Hudson Valley in winter:

1. Visit an apple orchard

Many apple orchards around Hudson Valley offer fun activities for the whole family, such as pick-your-own apples, hayrides, and visits with Santa Claus.

2. Take a hike

With an abundance of hiking trails in the area, Hudson Valley is the perfect place to take a winter hike. Bundle up and explore the stunning landscape that this area has to offer. Some of our favorite spots include Bear Mountain State Park and Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

3. Go skiing or snowboarding

Hudson Valley has several ski resorts offering the perfect day of fun on the slopes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier/boarder, there’s something for everyone here. From skiing and snowboarding at Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl and Windham Mountain Resort to sledding and tubing at Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park, there are plenty of things to do outdoors in Hudson Valley. Other popular winter activities include snowshoeing through the Catskills, going on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or taking a hike in Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

4. Visit a museum

There are plenty of things to do indoors as well. Visit the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, explore the walkable streets of Uptown Kingston, or take a tour at one of the many wineries in Hudson Valley.

Hudson Valley has some great museums to explore on a cold winter day. From art and history to science and natural wonders, you can find it all here. For more adventurous families, there are also escape rooms and indoor go-karting, laser tag, and bowling.

5. Go ice skating

Ice skating is always a great activity for the family, and Hudson Valley is home to several ice rinks. One of our favorite spots is Ice Time Sports Complex. They offer open skating, hockey clinics, and more. So, lace up your skates and hit the rink!

a couple watch ice skaters in a rink

6. Enjoy a winter festival

Winter in Hudson Valley is filled with unique festivals, ranging from light shows to holiday markets. These are great ways to experience the season in a fun and festive way. Some of the most popular festivals include the Annual Winterfest in Woodstock, New Year's Eve in Kingston, and Victorian Holidays at Mohonk Mountain House.

a beautiful snow mountain scene

7. Enjoy a scenic drive

The beautiful landscape of Hudson Valley is even more stunning when covered in a blanket of snow. So, bundle up and take a leisurely drive to admire the winter beauty of this area. You may even spot some wildlife, such as deer and bald eagles. Some of the best routes are the Catskills Scenic Byway and the Shawangunk Mountain Scenic Byway.

8. Taste the local beer

Get your friends, family, and team members together to see what craft beers Hudson Valley has to offer! Some of the breweries to visit include Crossroads Brewing Company, Peekskill Brewery, and Rushing Duck Brewing. During a wine tour, you can sample award-winning wines from the area's top wineries and vineyards and learn about the region's wine-making processes.

9. Enjoy a Winter Camping Adventure  

If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to experience winter in Hudson Valley, why not book a winter camping trip? With the abundance of natural beauty, stunning views, and plenty of trails to explore, this is the perfect way to get out into nature and make some amazing memories. Some of the best spots for winter camping in the Valley areHarriman State Park,Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, andLake Taghkanic.

a man looks out of his tent into the view past his feet

10. Have a picnic

Winter doesn’t mean you have to stay inside! Pack up your favorite lunch and have an outdoor picnic with your family. There are plenty of scenic spots in Hudson Valley, from the majestic Catskill Mountains to the picturesque Shawangunk Ridge. So, grab a blanket and head out for an adventure!

11. Visit a local farm

Hudson Valley is home to many working farms, and winter is the perfect time to visit one. You can pick up some locally grown produce or explore the grounds of a historic farmstead. Some of our favorite spots include Downing Park Farm in Poughkeepsie and Blooming Hill Farm in Monroe.

12. Go bird-watching

Although the winter months can be quieter for birds, Hudson Valley still has a strong population of avian life. Take a trip to one of the area’s many bird-watching hotspots and see what you can find. Some of our favorites include Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson and Norrie Point in Staatsburg.

13. Attend a theater show

Hudson Valley has some amazing local theaters that offer everything from classic plays to live music. So, bundle up and head out for a night at the theater! Some of our favorite venues include Playhouse Stage Company in Ellenville and Woodstock Playhouse in Woodstock.

14. See a live performance

From concert venues to intimate music halls, there’s something for everyone in the Hudson Valley music scene. So, take a break from winter and treat yourself to a night of live tunes. Some popular venues include Bearsville Theater in Woodstock and The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie.

a phone in a mans hand records a live gig

15. Have a movie night

 If you’re looking for a cozy way to spend an evening indoors, why not have a movie night? With so many streaming services available, it’s easy to find something fun and entertaining to watch. And don’t forget the popcorn!

To make all this possible, remember to book plane tickets and accommodation in advance. Make sure to check all the local rules and regulations, too. And opt for the Majestic car and limo services for easy transportation from the airport to your hotel and attractions.

No matter what your family likes to do, there’s something for everyone in Hudson Valley during the cold winter months. From outdoor activities to indoor attractions, you can find something fun and excite for the whole family. So bundle up and get ready for some great things to do this winter in the Hudson Valley.

Ashley Pugh Written by
Ashley Pugh
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Ashley Pugh is one of the Co-Founders of Familydaysout.com and has been committed to writing family related content since 2008. There isn't much about family attractions that Ashley doesn't know, after visiting hundreds of them worldwide over the last 20 years.

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