Dutchess County has something to offer all members of the family. Get back to natural and simpler times on the farm, visit exotic animals at a zoo, thrill to aerobatic demonstrations at a museum of antique airplanes or take in a minor league professional baseball game. Saddle up a horse at a riding stable, explore nature’s marvels at an environmental education center or attend a hot air balloon festival -- there are countless ways to spend a day or longer in Dutchess County.
In a hurried technological world, families yearn for the natural rhythms of farm life and the opportunity to feel connected with the earth, animals and old-fashioned values. More than 20 Dutchess County pick-your-own farms let visitors ditch their cell phones in favor of fresh air, exercise and plenty of delicious items to eat. Early summer’s bounty includes a great variety of berries, while fall brings apples and pumpkins and winter offers Christmas tree cutting.
Many farms, such as Barton Orchards (www.bartonorchards.com) in Beekman, have frequent festivals to celebrate the harvest. The farm’s fall line up of special events includes a harvest festival, an apple festival and living history weekend. An on-site country store features fresh produce and country crafts, while a petting zoo and hayrides are guaranteed to create more than a few smiles.
Another great place to see farm animals and agriculture-related shows and exhibits is the Dutchess County Fair (www.dutchessfair.com). Held the third week of August in Rhinebeck, the event is the second largest agricultural fair in New York State. The family fun includes top-name entertainers, carnival rides, crafts and antiques. Throughout the year, the beautifully landscaped and meticulously maintained fairgrounds hosts car shows, antiques and craft shows, an Iroquois Indian Festival, and other exhibitions.
The Trevor Zoo (www.millbrook.org/oncampus) in Millbrook, an American Zoo Association accredited facility, has more than 100 exotic and indigenous species in exhibits covering four acres. Open every day, it’s on the grounds of the Millbrook School, a picturesque boys’ prep school which served as the setting for feature films such as “The World According to Garp” and “Dead Poets Society.”
Eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and even vultures are in residence in Stanfordville at the Hudson Valley Raptor Center (www.HVRaptors.com). It is one of the largest centers in the nation dedicated solely to birds of prey and the only such facility in New York State. Visitors enjoy natural history programs and flying demonstrations on weekends featuring these beautiful and athletic birds.
Nature conservancies (www.nature.org) are also an option. These multiple use areas, including Nellie Hill Preserve in Dover, Pawling Preserve in Pawling and Thompson Pond Preserve in Pine Plains, offer an abundant variety of woods, fields, ponds and plant and wildlife species.
The experience of trail riding in the Old West doesn’t mean having your family traveling to Montana. The Roseland Ranch Resort (www.duderanch.com) in Stanfordville offers trail rides with breakfast or lunch served under open skies. The trails wind through fields, farmlands and wooded passes. Well-trained horses are available for all levels of experience and riding lessons are also offered. When it feels like time to get out of the saddle, the ranch has an indoor and outdoor pool, a lake, tennis courts, saunas and even a lounge with evening entertainment. There are special activities for kids and babysitting services. Other equestrian experiences are available at Western Riding Stables (www.westernridingstables.com) in Millerton and The Southlands Foundation (www.southlands.org) in Rhinebeck.
The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum (www.mhcm.org) on the banks of the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie gives children a chance to learn while they explore more than 50 interactive art & science exhibits, including a computer center, interactive videos, dinosaurs and much more. Two new interactive exhibits help kids experience diving in the river in a diving bell, and playing a role in the American Revolution. You can be the king, a militiaman or even Alexander Hamilton. There are many guest speakers, and seasonal crafts and activities vary daily
The excitement of daring men and their flying machines is captured at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome (www.oldrhinebeck.org) in Rhinebeck. This living history museum of World War I and pioneer Lindberg-era aircraft (1900-1937) showcases antique and replica planes in displays and theatrical airshows that include costumed performers and period cars (weekends June-October). Kids love the action, and barnstorming rides are available in open cockpit biplanes. It is an educational opportunity to see an exciting era of history brought to life amidst the roar of rotary engines and the smell of burnt castor oil.
Summer brings professional baseball to Dutchess County when the Hudson Valley Renegades (www.hvrenegades.com), a Class A minor league team, take the field at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill. In addition to seeing future big league players, Renegades fans can get reasonably priced seats close to the field at 38 home games. Promotions are the name of the game in the minors - t-shirt nights, nesting doll night, visiting mascots and fireworks displays on Fridays are only a few of the many special events. The Renegades are affiliated with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Recreation and family fun parks provide opportunities to get involved in the action. Fun Central (www.fun-central.com) in Wappingers Falls has indoor and outdoor activities including an 18-hole miniature golf course, bumper boats, batting cages and an arcade. Giant water slides are crowd-pleasers for all ages at Splash Down Beach (www.splashdownbeach.com) in Fishkill. Other activities include miniature golf, hoops & water wars. Overlook Golf & Recreation Center (845/471-8515) in Poughkeepsie has a golf driving range, 18-hole miniature golf course and lighted baseball/softball batting cages.
Whatever the season, Dutchess County has a wealth of festivals and special events that celebrate the spirit of family fun. Some examples include the Kids’ Expo (www.kids-expo.org) in Poughkeepsie, held in April, with more than 100 hands-on projects and exhibitions at six sites and September’s Celtic Day in the Park in Staatsburg, a cultural celebration featuring Scottish pipe bands, Irish dancing, caber tossing and sheep dog herding. All provide memorable family fun.
Nature and education centers also are recommended for Dutchess County-bound families looking to combine fun and learning. The 756-acre Stony Kill Environmental Education Center (www.Dec.state.ny.us) in Wappingers Falls provides programs focusing on natural history, ecology and farming. From wintertime activities like snowshoe hikes and maple sugaring to building birdhouse and guided nature walks, there are free Saturday programs year round.
