Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Hudson Valley: A Charming Fall Family Escape

The Hudson Valley is made up of the regions surrounding the Hudson River and includes the counties of Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Columbia, Greene, and Rensselaer. Depending on traffic, it takes anywhere from 2-3 hours to get to the Hudson Valley by car from Midtown Manhattan. While having a car makes it easier, it's certainly feasible to get around the area via public transportation. Both the Metro-North and Amtrak trains stop at several major towns in the Hudson Valley. From there, you can use taxis and Ubers.

Some of our favorite Hudson Valley towns to explore during the fall are Goshen, Beacon, Rhinebeck, Woodstock, and New Paltz, just to name a few.

Fall is prime harvest season, but Hudson Valley Farms, like Dr. Davies, offer fun beyond the orchards and fields. Photo by the author

Day 1: Farm Fun & Fall Flavors

With so many amazing farms and orchards, one of my favorite fall activities in the Hudson Valley is apple picking. The apples are at their peak in September. The leaves have started to turn orange, red, and yellow, and weather is cool and crisp—perfect for indulging in a cup of hot apple cider and apple cider doughnuts. On your way to pick apples, stop by some of these favorite spots to truly enjoy the stunning fall foliage.

For the past few years, we've really enjoyed apple picking at Fishkill Farms. There's such a variety of apples to pick, and the trees are well-spaced, so it never feels too crowded. If we're a little pressed for time, we'll go to Dr. Davies Farm because it's only an hour's drive from Manhattan. Other Mommy Poppins writers like to visit Barton Orchards and the entertainment-packed Kelder's Farm for apple picking.

Most orchards and farms also have pumpkin patches, corn mazes, petting zoos, and a host of other fall activities that are perfect for families.

Another family-friendly activity that is a must-do during the fall is to check out harvest festivals. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Harvest Festival is held every Sunday in the fall and features more than a hundred local farm, artisan, and craft vendors. And, you don't want to miss out on the Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze at Van Cortland Manor. This renowned walk-through Halloween experience features more than 7,000 hand-carved, illuminated jack-o'-lanterns forming assorted impressive displays, with lighting and music enhancements.

For more Halloween festivities, the village of Sleepy Hollow is the epicenter of spooky fun in the Hudson Valley. Known for the famous story of the Headless Horseman, the entire town celebrates Halloween with a host of family-friendly activities, including special events, after-dark attractions, and parades all month long.

Day 2: Scenic Views & Outdoor Adventures

Autumn is one of the best times to be in the outdoors in the Hudson Valley. Bask in the stunning natural scenery of the Hudson Valley by taking a long nature hike. Spend a day at Bear Mountain State Park, which has gorgeous trails, a completely FREE zoo, and a carousel featuring 42 hand-carved native animals.

We also enjoy hitting the trails at Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt, which provides great views of the waterfall created by the Croton Dam’s spillway. For an easy trail for little ones, stroll along the Hudson Valley Rail Trail to meet up with the Walkway Over the Hudson. Spanning more than a mile, this pedestrian bridge is known as the “world’s longest elevated park.”

The Hudson Valley is home to several historic mansions boasting beautiful grounds and amazing landscape views. The Olana State Historic Site, developed by 19th-century American artist Frederic Church, features a lake, historic house, expansive views of the four surrounding states, and an art gallery.

Another historic landmark that's great for families is the Saugerties Lighthouse. The lighthouse is a living museum situated on a nature preserve, and it has trails leading directly to the Hudson River. What's even more unique is that the Saugerties Lighthouse also operates as a bed and breakfast. Families can rent the two bedrooms, which share a bathroom, and enjoy a hearty breakfast.

Storm King Art Center is a beautiful backdrop for fall foliage and large-scale art. Photo by author

Our favorite outdoor family attraction in the Hudson Valley in the fall has to be Storm King Art Center. This sprawling outdoor museum features large-scale sculptures and site-specific pieces from world-renowned artists. My kids love running around the wide-open green spaces and exploring the trails. Afterward, we'll head to Main Street in the nearby town of Beacon for shopping and dinner.

Family-Friendly Hotels in the Hudson Valley

The Saugerties Lighthouse is just one of the many unique family-friendly hotels in the Hudson Valley. Here are a few more picks:

Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz

For a classic, traditional hotel this New Paltz property is one of the best in the Hudson Valley. This old-world resort is housed in a Victorian castle surrounded by beautiful grounds. Everything is included in your rate, including a full lineup of activities like archery, boating on the lake, hikes, tennis, and kids' activities and entertainment. The food is delicious and there's even afternoon tea. If can't swing the splurge of an overnight, consider purchasing a day pass to enjoy its amenities.

Kids go crazy for the indoor water park at Rocking Horse Ranch. Photo courtesy of Rocking Horse Ranch

Rocking Horse Ranch – Highland

For a more budget-friendly option, you can't go wrong with a stay at Rocking Horse Ranch. This is another all-inclusive family-friendly resort, and kids love its weatherproof indoor water park. There are tons of activities for kids, including horseback riding, outdoor adventures, games, and nightly entertainment.

Legoland New York Hotel – Goshen

For the ultimate kid-friendly hotel, you can't beat the Legoland New York Hotel in Goshen has it all. All of the hotel rooms are decorated in Lego themes like Pirates, Lego Friends, Kingdom, or Ninjago, and many have bunk beds in a separate sleeping area to accommodate large families. The best part of the hotel is it's located steps away from the Legoland New York amusement park. When the kids have got their fill of the brick wonderland, take in some nature at Harriman State Park, which is nearby.

READ NEXT: A Perfect Fall Weekend in the Poconos

Disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you click through our link and make a purchase. This revenue helps us maintain this site, so thank you for supporting us.