If you’re trying to find out where to stay in Hudson Valley with kids, it’s best to ask an expert – and a mom! Our Kid & Coe host, Diana, is a mom of 2, with homes in Phoenicia and Livingstone Manor, so she knows all about the best places to go and where to stay...
The Hudson Valley has it all for families – beautiful mountains for hiking, clean, cool rivers, lakes and ponds for swimming and tubing and so many wonderful restaurants and kid friendly activities – from alpaca farms, to horseback riding, a chocolate factory, skiing and skating in the winter and so much more. Plus it is just 2 hours from NYC so it’s a great place for an upstate NY getaway.
1. Woodstock
Woodstock is an adorable town brimming with arts and culture! Known as a music and arts hub since the early 1900s, it’s always been a center for creativity and eccentricity. We love Tinker Taco, where there’s loads of space for kids to run around. Don’t miss a concert at Colony, a historic music venue dating back to 1929.
2. Livingstone Manor
Condé Nast named Livingston Manor the “Catskills’ Newest Hotspot” in 2019, and it definitely has a fun, Brooklyn vibe. Jitterbug is a favorite of ours, offering something for everyone with their selection of records, toys, games, and art supplies. For breakfast or lunch, we adore The Walk-In, famous for its square-shaped, flaky biscuits. Their lunch menu has amazing salads, sandwiches, and soups.
3. Phoenicia
Nestled in the heart of the Catskills, Phoenicia has it all! Check out Railway Explorers, where you can ride pedal-powered rail bikes on old train tracks. There are kid-friendly hiking trails and swimming holes, plus tons of eateries with outdoor, kid-friendly spaces. We recommend The Pines for a great meal.
4. Kingston
Kingston is the coolest small city, with an ever-expanding list of independent shops, restaurants, and art spaces. Our kids love Rough Draft Books, a bookstore-café with a bar, and the whole family enjoys eating at Lola Pizza.
5. Hudson
Hudson is a long-time favorite for New Yorkers seeking a weekend getaway, thanks to its Amtrak train station and amazing vintage and antique furniture stores, art galleries, and restaurants. We love Clove & Creek for gifts and home decor, and Talbot & Arding is the best spot for provisions, cheese, and to-go meals.
Booking Your Hudson Valley Family Vacation
To find out where to stay in Hudson Valley with kids, explore all our Hudson Valley vacation rentals and discover more about the area’s beautiful family-friendly neighborhoods. For more inspiration, read our guide to weekend getaways from NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visitors can swim, kayak and paddle board, and there are lots of hiking trails for long walks in the country air. While it’s peaceful and tranquil, there’s also plenty of weekend hangouts for families, including contemporary eateries, farms and breweries.
5-7 days
The smaller towns are the safest, but the Hudson Valley is generally a very safe place.
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