Family events in Hudson Valley, NY

This summer program blends daily arts training with robust academics, creating a well-rounded experience for participants. Each day includes classes in music, visual arts, theater, and dance. Literacy enrichment led by a certified literacy specialist and a school administrator builds skills through Orton Gillingham based work, penmanship, short stories, comprehension strategies, and writing. Math enrichment with a certified mathematics instructor and administrator uses multisensory methods and covers fact review, word problems, money math, and topics through pre-algebra and geometry. Social-emotional learning is integrated throughout, and students also enjoy STEM, culinary activities, and time outdoors. Weekly themes add extra excitement, including Disney, K Pop, Beach, Kidz Bop, and Broadway, with a performance each week to celebrate what students have learned. The program runs Monday through Friday with a 5 to 1 student to counselor ratio. Special guests appear weekly, featuring community leaders and guest readers. Optional offerings include an artistic excursion, a lunch program, and aftercare. Tuition is $330 per week or $1500 for five weeks for non-CBA students, and $280 per week or $1250 for five weeks for CBA students.

At the Ulster County Fair, the Horse Ring features a dedicated draft horse and driving show along with traditional pulls in mini, lightweight, and heavyweight classes. These are open-class events rather than 4-H and generally do not require advance registration unless noted. Scheduling can vary during the week, so consult the fair’s schedule for the latest details.

Bring your little one for a hands-on sensory play session focused on building fine motor skills. Designed for children ages 18 months to 5 years, the activities are all about exploring textures and having fun. Come dressed for the mess, and no registration is required.

This annual festival in Kingston, New York honors Black heritage, highlights creativity, and strengthens community connections. It is presented by Harambee Kingston NY.

Speed, patterns, and family-friendly excitement arrive at the county fair in New Paltz, NY with a full day of gymkhana action. Peewee riders take the arena first, followed by youth and adult divisions, with events ranging from barrels and dash to poles and keyhole. Divisions include Peewee, Junior, and Senior, and the schedule features Peewee Socks in a Box, Straight Barrels, Dash, and Cloverleaf Barrels, plus Junior Cans, Keyhole, Straight Barrels, Dash, Cloverleaf Barrels, and Poles, and Senior Cans, Keyhole, Straight Barrels, Dash, Cloverleaf Barrels, and Poles. Open Jackpot 3D Barrels and Open Jackpot 2D Pole Bending are also on the card, each with $300 added and the possibility of more to come. Age guidelines place Peewee at 12 and under, Junior at 13 to 17, and Senior at 18 and up. Leadline entries receive a 5 second addition to their time, with another 5 seconds if the leader crosses the timer before the horse. A Western dress code applies. Riders must wear a collared shirt, suitable pants, heeled footwear, and either a hat or a helmet. Riders under 14 must wear an ASTM SEI 1163 approved riding helmet in accordance with state law. For these horse shows, competitors 18 and under are required to wear an approved, properly fitting helmet to participate, and everyone must enter the ring with either a helmet or a hat. Riders 15 to 18 are expected to compete in an approved helmet. Helmets are strongly encouraged for adults, and those who choose not to wear one must wear a hat. To enter classes, sign up on the order of go sheets in addition to registering with show staff. If a rider forgets, notifying staff before or during the class allows placement in the next available slot. If the class has ended and a rider was not on the order of go, the entry fee is forfeited. Anyone entering Jackpot classes must also ride in at least two other classes in any division. All horses brought onto the grounds or shown at the fair must have Coggins and rabies documentation. Horses coming from outside the state must also have a current certificate of veterinary inspection. Details on pre registration will be announced.

Explore the Hyde Park Historical Museum and uncover lesser known treasures from Hyde Park's past. This is a welcoming outing for friends and children, inviting curiosity and a sense of adventure. Enjoy a visit that makes local history engaging and fun.

Collector Takeover returns to Kingston for a full day focused on buying, selling, and trading at Best Western Kingston. Expect a lively gathering of collectors and families alongside vendors and special guests, with offerings spanning Pokémon, sports cards, TCGs, toys, anime, sealed products, rare finds, and other pop culture collectibles. Explore the vendor floor, make trades, and discover new pieces for any collection. Family-friendly activities include a kids area, character photo opportunities, giveaways, and surprises. Special celebrity guests Tyler Bunch and John Gremillion are featured. Admission options include $10 for general entry and $20 for VIP, and kids 12 and under are free.

After months of planning, this hands-on summer baking camp is ready to begin. Participants will create everything from scratch while building practical techniques with each recipe. The setting encourages new friendships, and everyone can head home with plenty of sweet treats they made themselves.

Ulster Arts Camp offers ages 5 to 11 a supportive, art-filled experience at SUNY New Paltz in the Smiley Arts Building. Campers grow skills and friendships while exploring painting, sculpture, collage, animation, and performance projects with guidance from caring counselors and teaching artists. Week 3 centers on Doodles & Dinosaurs, inviting young creators to build dinosaur skeletons, animate playful prehistoric stories, paint larger-than-life dinos, and stage a T-Rex inspired dance. Daily rhythms include opening and closing gatherings, focused art instruction, snack and lunch breaks, and time outdoors. Throughout the week, every project is shaped to reflect each child’s interests and personality, and a culminating showcase highlights their artwork and performances for friends and family.

Join the stagecraft-focused “Little Kids on Stage” camp where kids learn theater basics through a fun, light-hearted performance theme. Campers attend each day during the week and then put on a performance for family and friends on Friday afternoon. Ages 5 to 7. Attendance on all days is required.

Kids can learn basic hair and makeup techniques geared for the stage. The camp covers how to use and put on wigs, plus best practices for keeping tools maintained and protecting skin and hair. Students will also take home a basic makeup kit. Each day runs in the afternoon at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck.

A playful Learning Lab where toddlers and their caregivers share stories, music, movement, and interactive STEAM projects. Geared to early walkers and children ages 1 to 5 attending with a parent or caregiver, it supports early learning through play and shared exploration of simple science concepts. Participation is included with regular museum admission.

Join the Town of Poughkeepsie Police for a K9 demonstration at Poughkeepsie Galleria. Watch the police dogs showcase their skills, learn about the role of K9 units in keeping the community safe, and enjoy the action in the Center Court area. Registration is required, and free tickets are meant only for participating children.

Explore Springwood in a ranger-led experience that goes beyond the usual house tour, with access to areas not normally open to visitors and a deeper look at topics the regular tour does not cover. Attendance is capped at eight people to keep the group small. The program runs about 45 minutes. Advance registration is required through Recreation.gov, and tickets are $15 per person. Check in at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor Center near the parking lot 15 minutes before the reserved start, as late arrivals may not be accommodated. For more information, contact NER_ROVA_VisitorServices@nps.gov.

A matchup with the Wilmington Blue Rocks takes place at Heritage Financial Park. The night features a community salute to first responders. Fans can follow along with Baseball Bingo presented by Partner Rentals for a chance to win prizes. Service industry workers receive free parking at Heritage Financial Park as part of this promotion. WMCHealth Club Lounge tickets elevate the experience with indoor and outdoor seating, an all-you-can-eat premium buffet, and soft beverages. The Silver Gades Club is an all-new 55-and-over option with additional perks.

Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend Hu Hu Zhu from China lead a kid-friendly journey through the night sky in this planetarium presentation. Young audiences learn how to spot the Big Dipper and the North Star, and discover more about the Sun and the Moon with help from familiar Sesame Street characters. This program is for ages 3 and up. Children must be at least 3 and accompanied by an adult. Admission is free for MHDM members. Non-members pay $5 with museum admission, payable at the door. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis, so plan to arrive at least one hour before the show you wish to attend to secure seats.

A five dollar fee is required to participate.

A matchup against the Wilmington Blue Rocks brings a full slate of themed highlights. The night centers on Strike Out Cancer, focusing support on the effort to make cancer a thing of the past. As part of We Care Wednesday, presented by Westchester Medical Center Health Network, a local nonprofit organization is recognized. Wine Wednesday, presented by Benmarl Winery, features $5 Benmarl wine drafts at the Benmarl Wine Bar. Heroes Park Free Wednesday offers complimentary parking for active-duty military, veterans, and first responders with valid ID. After the game, Kids Run the Bases presented by CDPHP gives young fans the chance to circle the diamond like the Renegades. For an elevated experience, WMCHealth Club Lounge tickets include indoor and outdoor seating, an all-you-can-eat premium buffet, and soft beverages.

Family of New Paltz marks half a century of service with a free friend-raising celebration at the Reformed Church of New Paltz. Enjoy games, music, face painting, entertainers, food, and a 50/50 raffle. Along with the fun, the gathering highlights the organization’s mission to support people in need and the no-cost services offered across the community. Since 1976, Family of New Paltz has been helping neighbors with a wide range of challenges, and this milestone event shines a light on that continuing work.

A matchup with the Wilmington Blue Rocks sets the stage for a night packed with ballpark fun. The evening spotlights the mid-Hudson Valley’s agricultural community during Agriculture Night. As part of Apples from New York Weekend, the team suits up as the Hudson Valley Big Apples in a three day salute to New York. Thirsty Thursday specials feature $2 Busch Light 12 oz cans, plus half off Bud Light 12 oz cans and Michelob Ultra 16 oz drafts at the Michelob Ultra Party Patio Container Bar, and half off Sloop Juice Bomb and Sloop Renegades Lager 16 oz drafts at the Sloop Brewing Co. Beer Balcony. Kids can run the bases presented by CDPHP. The first 1,000 guests to enter will receive a Big Apples jersey courtesy of Heritage Financial Credit Union. WMCHealth Club Lounge tickets are available and include indoor and outdoor seating, an all you can eat premium buffet, and soft beverages.