Top 10 places for Hudson Valley families to visit in the winter time
1. One of the best ways to tackle the long winter months is to get outside and embrace it. There are a number of fabulous Ski and sledding places right in our backyards that make for some great family fun this winter. Some of my top picks are the Mohonk Mountain House, where you can spend some time on the slopes and enjoy a good meal. If skiing isn’t your thing grab a spa treatment while the kids play outside too. Thunder Ridge is another favorite. With a cozy lodge to grab a cup of hot cocoa or bowl of soup between runs down the mountain and even babysitting services on site, the whole family can enjoy the day there!
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2. If you are looking for a short drive getaway this winter you might want to check out the Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos. This gigantic indoor water park has fun and play for all ages from thrill- seeking water slides to a little ones play area and more. Outside the water park the little ones can get a mani- pedi at the kids spa or battle a dragon at the arcade.
3. Rocking Horse Ranch is a great mini- vacation spot and so 
close to home. An indoor water park, skiing, tubing, ice skating, horse drawn carriage rides, children’s programs and so much more all found right here in the Hudson Valley.
4. The many beautiful state parks are sometimes one of the most overlooked gems of our area. Throughout the winter months, families can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including sledding, snow shoeing and cross country skiing at many locations. Fahnestock has a wonderful winter park, as does Minnewaska State Park.
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5. Visit one of the many festivals and events throughout the Hudson Valley this winter. Saturday January 10th is the Rail Trail’s Winterfest. A chili cook- off, food and drink, kids activities, wagon rides, bonfire and more. Another Winterfest in Wurstboro on January 31st, Festival of Frost in Beacon on January 24th and the New Paltz Winter Carnival on February 7th are some of my top festival picks for this winter.
6. Spend an afternoon at Legoland Discovery Center. This place truly looks amazing! Okay, I guess it helps if your kiddo is into Legos but still great for most kids and ages! A great big climb on play area, a 4D movie, race cars, themed building areas, laser training and so much more.
7. Ask most Hudson Valley Parents and they will tell you one of their favorite day trips any time of year is to the Stepping Stones Museum &/or the Norwalk Aquarium in CT. Both places can fill most of your day separately, but they are close enough to each other you could always squeeze both adventures into a family- fun winter day!
8. Experience nature through one of the many programs Hudson Highlands Nature Museum has to offer this winter. Using the museums collection of live animals, the beautiful trails and natural habitats throughout the grounds, families are treated to a true hands- on educational experience. Check the calendar for special programs and events.
9. Strap on a pair of skates and enjoy ice skating among the beauty of the mountains and nature at Bear Mountain. You can take a stroll along the lake, kids will love the indoor carousel and small zoo. Then warm up with a cup of cocoa or a bite to eat inside the lodge before heading home.
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10. There are no better places throughout the Hudson Valley to get out of the cold winter than stepping into one of the many local libraries! Take your child to the library day on February 7th is a great opportunity to get the kids involved in some of the great library programs, family activities or simply looking through a book together. Check the events calender on HVparent’s website for special library events near you.
Have a wonderful winter!
Top 10 Tuesday 