While the Hudson Valley has a seemingly endless supply of year-round opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors, summertime surely is the most special. Maybe it is the longer days to enjoy our beautiful landscape, or maybe it is the way we in the Hudson Valley find unique ways to celebrate summer. Whatever the reason, here are some of our suggestions for fun family activities that make the most of this magical time of year.
The Dutchess County Fair
What says summer more than a county fair? Bring the family to the Dutchess County Fair this August to experience the fun. According to their site, “For six days each August, the bucolic fairgrounds on Route 9 in Rhinebeck plays host to nearly half a million patrons. The second largest county fair in New York State is the showplace for agriculture in Dutchess County. Over 147 acres of finely manicured gardens and grass create the beautiful setting for thousands of farm animals, agricultural exhibits and horticultural displays.”
Hudson Valley Renegades
If summer means baseball to you, then don’t miss a chance to see the Hudson Valley Renegades, a minor league baseball team in the New York-Penn League (Class A Short Season) that are affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays. They play at Duchess Stadium (The Dutch) in Wappingers Falls. To see their schedule, click here.
Concerts on the Green
The Hudson Valley is deeply connected to its musical heritage, and the Woodstock Concerts on the Green celebrate that rich history. They are a free outdoor summer concert series held in the center of Woodstock on the Village Green. Eight concerts are spread throughout the summer and feature music suitable for all ages. Click here for more information.
Bard Music Festival
This year’s Bard Music Festival, which takes place in August at The Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, explores Chopin’s complex and enigmatic sides. “The festival ventures beyond Chopin’s chronological career, and through concerts, panels, and lectures, addresses how attitudes to the composer have changed since his death in 1849, how we hear Chopin today, and, most importantly, why he still matters.” Click here for dates and more information.
Eco-Camps and Programs for Children at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Looking for a unique camp program for your child this summer? Then consider the wonderful learning experiences offered at the Cary Institute in Millbrook. According to the Cary Institute’s website, “Campers at the Cary Institute spend a week as ecologists and experience the joys of exploration, immersion in nature, and discovery. Our Ecology Camps are rare and special opportunities for children to work with cutting edge scientists and educators in our unique setting.”
Education Omi at Omi International Arts Center
If you have a child or young adult that loves art, then consider sending them to one of the many programs offered at the Omi International Arts Center in Ghent. As the website explains, “Education Omi encourages people of all ages to interact with contemporary art and ideas in a community-oriented environment. Through a variety of programs, we aim to build bridges between the local community and professional artists and their artwork.” They offer winter, spring and summer camps. Click here for more information.
