Christopher Thomas

Christopher Thomas is a husband and proud papa to three wonderful boys. He lives in the Hudson Valley and enjoys watching plants grow, seasons change, and movies. When he isn't writing or doing dishes, he plays bass and reads.

Latest posts by Christopher

Your Guide to Kid-Friendly Hudson Valley Day Trips

Submitted by Christopher Thomas on Sun, 08/10/2025 - 6:56am

Visit the lush grounds of Opus 40 in Saugerties on a family day trip. Photo by Lisa Ven Vertloh

Come float upriver and see what makes the Hudson Valley such a special place to visit with the whole family in tow. We will start down in Westchester and head up almost all the way to Albany. You decide where "upstate New York" starts, but as an HV resident myself, I'll say it's farther north than you probably think.

Just be careful as you explore, lest you find yourself dreamily browsing the photos taped on the windows of the real estate offices. These are very charming towns.

For more adventures, check out our 3 Day Ultimate Hudson Valley Itinerary, written by another of our local correspondents, or our list of Best Hotels and Resorts for a Hudson Valley hotel or resort to stay.

Heat Wave Hot List: 24 Cool Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Christopher Thomas on Fri, 07/25/2025 - 11:31am

The whole family can cool off at Fishkill's Splashdown Beach. Photo courtesy of Splashdown Beach

In summer, Westchester and the Hudson Valley become a steam bath, and we understand where the "humid" in our humid continental climate designation comes from. As a parent who is decidedly more of a cold-weather person, the heat can feel like a personal affront when my kids get rambunctious.

While it's always tempting to grumble away the summer in a dark room like a grouchy vampire, here are some more constructive ideas for staying cool as the temperature climbs. Swim, splash, get ice cream, or just go where the AC is with these 25 heat wave activities for kids.

Below you'll find our list of beaches, lakes, splash pads, frozen treats, museums, and more. Scroll to the bottom for some essential tips to stay healthy during the most extreme heat, and check out our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Guide for more outdoor fun, indoor entertainment, and tips for beating the heat.

20 Things To Do in Saugerties with Kids

Submitted by Christopher Thomas on Fri, 07/11/2025 - 11:11am

The Saugerties Lighthouse is one of the most unique boutique hotels in the Hudson Valley.

Situated in Catskill Park, on the northeastern edge of Ulster County, Saugerties, New York, is a charming destination for families. It's a jumping-off point to explore mountains, woods, and gorgeous river views. It's got tons of small-town appeal, including family-friendly festivals, historic landmarks to explore, kid-friendly destinations, plus plenty of Hudson Valley hospitality at the small businesses that dot its main street. Plus, Saugerties is the only riverfront town with a lighthouse you can spend the night in!

Read on for 20 fun things to do, see, taste, and explore in Saugerties with kids, and be sure to check out our Guide to Day Trips in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for more lovely towns to explore in the region and beyond.

Discover Westchester & the Hudson Valley's Coolest New Experiences that Have Families Raving!

Submitted by Christopher Thomas on Fri, 07/04/2025 - 10:28am

Tig + Me is a play space where little ones can leap into adventure and stretch their imaginations. Photo courtesy of Tig + Me

Hudson Valley families have their standbys. Whether it's their favorite park, river town, or farmers market, there's always a fallback and fun activity to do.

When we say trendy, we mean shake it off and try something new. From alpacas to onigiri, there is so much in our area to explore that is new, unique, and off the beaten path. Check out our list of fun new options below.

Our Guide to News and Openings in the region will help you keep your finger on the pulse of noteworthy new activities, and be sure to look at our constantly updated Activity Calendar for great things to do every day.

Our Epic 2025 Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in the Hudson Valley with Kids

Submitted by Christopher Thomas on Thu, 05/29/2025 - 6:25am

Awosting Falls in Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a lovely hike to a beautiful waterfall. Photo by Lisa Warden

Every season in the Hudson Valley brings its own unique charms and a catalog of family-friendly fun. But summer in our region brings a bonanza of things to do that you are certain to enjoy just as much as your kids.

From stunning outdoor hikes and swimming spots to super-fun indoor activities, there's something for every mood and every family.

For even more ideas, check out our Summer Fun Guide, which includes our story on must-do summer activities in Westchester.

Our Epic 2025 Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in Westchester with Kids

Submitted by Christopher Thomas on Sun, 05/25/2025 - 11:37am

Katonah’s Caramoor offers a summer of music festivals and outdoor concerts in its gorgeous wooded oasis, Photo by Gabe Palacio

There’s a reason that people say Westchester is one of the best places to raise kids. Whether you and yours love to explore nature, enjoy unique outdoor attractions, or run for the air conditioning, Westchester offers summer fun for everyone.

Below, you'll find our 2025 summer bucket list for kids in Westchester, so be sure to bookmark this guide to planning scrapbook-worthy summer excursions. If this jam-packed resource isn't enough, there’s even more seasonal fun to choose from in our Summer Fun Guide and our Family Activity Calendar, which is constantly updated.

Stay tuned, too, because we'll be back next week with a bucket list of Hudson Valley fun this summer in case you're ready to stretch your seasonal adventure.

Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Christopher Thomas on Sun, 02/02/2025 - 6:08am

Poughkeepsie's Gravity Vault is an indoor rock-climbing gym with classes for kids as young as 5. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner

Hudson Valley indoor playgrounds come in clutch if you’re cooped up and your little chickens are starting to act more like rampaging bulls. These indoor play places from Nyack all the way up to Kingston allow for running, jumping, climbing, and imagining–so your kids can bounce off somebody else’s walls!

For more indoor fun, check out our Guide to Indoor Fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley and our Top Picks for Indoor Play Spaces in Westchester.

25 Best Things To Do in Peekskill, NY, with Kids

Submitted by Christopher Thomas on Fri, 10/18/2024 - 10:02am

Peekskill, NY, is a lovely riverfront community that acts an the unofficial gateway to the Hudson Valley.

Peekskill, New York, is most diverse city in Westchester and sits at its northeast corner, firmly grounded by the Hudson River. There are plenty of fun things to do in Peekskill. The friendly town is a magnet for artists, gourmands, and families all over the area.

Read on to learn why this unofficial gateway between to the Hudson Valley—with its river views and delicious restaurants—is sure to delight the whole family. Then, add a visit to Peekskill, New York, to your weekend trip bucket list, and find more local places to explore in our Day Trips Guide for Westchester and the Hudson Valley.