Hudson Valley Spring Break

Things to do during Spring & during your Hudson Valley Spring Break

The Hudson Valley comes alive in the spring and Hudson Valley Spring Break time is exciting around these parts. As Hudson Valley explorers shake off the chill of winter, the area is more than ready to offer fresh air, beautiful flowers and amazing special events to visitors and locals alike.

Many locations also come out of hibernation during the Hudson Valley spring and are excited and eager to welcome everyone – first timers and yearly guests.

If you’re ready to put on your light jacket this spring but aren’t sure on where to go or what to see, this list of things to do during the springtime in the Hudson Valley will inspire you.

The places on the list are open during the Hudson Valley Spring and are perfect for your Hudson Valley Spring Break, but opening dates may vary. With the excitement of Hudson Valley Spring Activities beginning, let’s first look at the weather during Hudson Valley Springtime.

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Weather during Spring & during Hudson Valley Spring Break


Hudson Valley Spring weather (March – June) can consistently range dramatically.
As it can typically be cold still in April (depending on where in the Hudson Valley you are), by mid-April, the temperatures will typically level off.

FYI: It’s hard to believe, but in 2020, we had snow in the Hudson Valley during the beginning of May.

Hudson Valley Spring Break

Most of the Mid-Hudson Valley Region and the Catskills are cold and wet during the majority of the Springtime and evenings can still be cold.

Farms throughout the Hudson Valley find the beginning of Hudson Valley Spring stressful, as evening frost can damage the trees in the orchards or plants.

Many parts of the Lower Hudson Valley often experience milder temperatures that may be between 5 – 10 degrees warmer than the Mid-Hudson and Upper Hudson Valley regions.

Because the Hudson Valley Region runs approximately 150 miles, from Yonkers to Albany, the weather can be significantly different in Westchester County than in Albany. And because much of the Hudson Valley is mountainous, that also adds to the changes in climate/weather due to the high elevation.


When does it start getting warm during Spring in the Hudson Valley


Typically, the warmer parts of the season begins late-May. In addition to the warm weather finally reaching the Hudson Valley, so does the wet weather.

But don’t let that stop you from making your Hudson Valley Spring break plans. If you plan ahead and dress appropriately, then your outing and day will be great.

Path to Great Buddha Hall at Chuang Yen Monastery
Bodhi Path at Chuang Yen Monastery

Hudson Valley Spring Rain & Wind


Hudson Valley rainfall can vary greatly from year to year. Some years there will be more Hudson Valley rain than during other years.

As crazy as that sounds, the weather in the Hudson Valley is becoming more unpredictable than in years past.
Typically, the months with the greatest chance of precipitation:

  • May
  • June

[RELATED]: Indoor Activities perfect to do on rainy days


The Best Hudson Valley Spring Break & Spring Activities


Welcome to Hudson Valley Springtime! The clocks have been ‘sprung forward’ and it now gets darker later and that means more daylight hours to have fun!

I have taken some time to compile a list of Hudson Valley Spring Break & General Spring Activities for you to use as a guide when looking for something to do this spring.

Some activities on this list may be obvious (outdoor activities) but there are some places that are seasonal and open again in the Hudson Valley during spring.

Let me show you in the Insider’s Secrets to fun in the Hudson Valley during spring!

A bench overlooking the Hudson River in Dutchess County NY

Looking for a Great Deal on Food + Activities?


I love using LocalFlavor.com to find deals on restaurants and fun things to do.

When researching for this article, I found amazing deals for restaurants in Yonkers, Dobbs Ferry, New Rochelle, and so many more places.
I also found discounts on other local attractions to fill the day


Outdoor Activities Perfect for Hudson Valley Spring Break & Spring, in General


Parks in the Hudson Valley

One of the most popular places to visit in the Hudson Valley during warmer weather months are local and not-so-local parks.

As a kid, the highlight of our springtime was going to the local parks in order to:

  • Picnic
  • Play Ball & Frisbee
  • Roller skate
  • Bike Ride
  • Enjoy the Playgrounds
Hudson Valley Spring Break is the perfect time for a bike ride

But these are just a fraction of the activities that you can do at Hudson Valley parks during spring.

Other popular activities include:

Stony Kill Farm

* Great Places to Hike in the Hudson Valley

Reference this article all about the Best Places to Hike during Spring in the Hudson Valley. As the weather gets warmer, many Hudson Valley spring events start popping up all around the Hudson Valley.


Other Hudson Valley Spring Break & Spring Activities


There is no shortage of Hudson Valley Spring Break & Spring activities. And you don’t have to be an outdoor activity lover to still have fun during the warm weather months.

It’s a good idea to plan an outing in order to:

  • Take a break from life
  • Change the scenery of your life
  • Get some fresh air
  • See something new
  • Make some great springtime memories

Tip:

The locations on this list start opening in the Spring, but some open during the beginning of the season while others open towards the end of the season.

Always confirm day/hours of operation before making plans. Each location’s title is a direct link to the location’s website.


Picture Perfect Hudson Valley Spring Break Activities that are Finally Open during this time:


Gardens & Open Spaces –

  • Innisfree Garden, Millbrook – Known as one of the world’s ten best gardens, Innisfree garden is the perfect place to visit during the Hudson Valley Spring. (Springtime re-opening date is May 10th)
millbrook garden
  • Untermyer Gardens, Yonkers – Untermyer Park and Gardens is a historic 43-acre city public park, located in Yonkers, New York in Westchester County, just north of New York City. The park is a remnant of Samuel J. Untermyer’s 150-acre estate “Greystone”. (Open daily: 9am – 4pm) Admission: Free
  • Chuang Yen Monastery, Carmel – Home to the largest indoor statue of Buddha in the Western Hemisphere, a visit to the monastery & the grounds is the perfect place to unwind and explore. (Springtime re-opening is TBD) Admission: Free
  • Bannerman Castle, Beacon – If there is one thing you should do this spring, this should be the one. Ferry rides to the island and tours from Beacon and Newburgh begin in April 29th, 2023. (Open select days/times)
Bannerman Castle as seen from the Hudson River in the Hudson Valley
  • Locust Grove Estate, Poughkeepise – Located in Poughkeepsie, this is not only the historic home of Samuel Morse, but with an abundance of grounds, gardens, hiking trails and special events, this is the perfect place to visit in Dutchess County. This is the perfect Hudson Valley Spring Break activity for anyone. (Spring re-opening date: April 1st)
  • Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Cornwall-on-Hudson – Although the hiking trails are open year-round, the Visitors Center & Grasshopper Grove (the play area for younger children) are open Saturdays and Sundays with prior registration. This is a great idea for littles during their Hudson Valley Spring Break. Admission: $5
  • Museum Village, Monroe – This open-air historical museum showcases how life was in the 19th century. Visit the School House, Print shop, Broom Shop, Candle Shop, Blacksmith, Log Cabin, Weave Shop, Farm Tools, Firehouse, Livery, Drug Store, and Natural History Buildings, which has one of three complete mastodon skeletons in the world! (Open in April)
  • Storm King Art Center, New Windsor – This is the premier center for outdoor sculpture and art. This popular outdoor sculpture park is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in New Windsor and the Cornwall area.
  • Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Saugerties – This unique place houses more than 300 animals. They are lucky enough to call Catskill Animal Sanctuary home. Tour options include: Regular Tour and a Family Focused Tour. Tour fees apply.
  • Opus 40, Saugerties – One of the best places to visit in Ulster County, Opus 40 is the representation of one man’s dedication to creating an outdoor sculpture like no other (Open starting April 8th)
Hudson Valley Sculpture Park
  • Widow Jane Mine, Rosendale – The mine and the Snyder Estate are open for self-guided tours. Self-guided tour brochures are available on the Entrance Kiosk and a small donation is appreciated. (Open) Suggested Donation: Adult $5 – Family $10 – Student $2

– Museums –

  • Hill-Hold Museum, Campbell Hall – A Farm for Two Centuries. This stone farmhouse was built in 1769. This museum reflects the life of the Bull-Jackson family spanning over 200 years. (Open June) Admission: $5
  • Lincoln Depot Museum, Peekskill – Located by Peekskill Bay on the east bank of the Hudson River, this is where President-elect Abraham Lincoln stopped to greet New Yorkers on February 19, 1861 during his inaugural train ride between Springfield, IL and Washington, DC. (Open May 6th)
  • Trolley Museum of New York, Kingston – Come and experience the rich history of rail transport while riding along one of Ulster County’s popular river waterfront attractions in Kingston, NY. (Open May 6th) Admission: $12
Hudson Valley Tote Bag with a Rainbow

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Historic Sites –

  • Manitoga, Garrison – Although the trails are open year-round Public Tours of the Russel Wright Design Center will begin again this spring. Visit MANITOGA, the House, Studio and Woodland Garden of pioneer industrial designer, Russel Wright (1904-1976). (Tours resume May)
  • Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, Stony Point – Visit the site of the Battle of Stony Point, one of the last Revolutionary War battles in the northeastern colonies. Grounds open year-round, but the Museum opens in the spring. This is a great way to combine the outdoors and history during a Hudson Valley Spring Break outing. (Open Mid-April) Admission: Free
  • Crawford House, Newburgh – Tour through the impressive 1830 home of Captain David Crawford! Crawford played a key role in the transition of Newburgh from a small riverside community to a thriving shipping and industrial city. (Open April) Admission: $5
  • Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery – Fort Montgomery was the scene of a fierce Revolutionary War battle for control of the Hudson River. Visitors today can tour the remains of the 14-acre fortification, perched on a cliff overlooking the magnificent Hudson. (Open Mid-April)
  • Clermont State Historic Site, Clermont – Seven successive generations of the family left their imprint on the site’s architecture, room interiors and landscape. Gardens & Grounds are open year-round and make the perfect road trip to a new destination during your Hudson Valley Spring Break. (House & Visitors Center: Open April) Parking $5 (collected weekends)
  • Schulyer Mansion State Historic Site, Albany – Schuyler Mansion was home to Philip J. Schuyler, the renowned Revolutionary War general, US Senator, and business entrepreneur. Together they raised eight children in this home. (Spring Open date: Mid-May) Admission: $5
  • USS Slater, Albany – Moored on the Hudson River in Albany, New York, the USS SLATER has undergone an extensive restoration that has returned the ship to her former glory. (Open April) Admission: $9

Farms –

  • Lilymoore Alpaca Farm, Pleasant Valley – Have fun walking one of their remarkable alpacas. Imagine yourself walking through the woods with one of these gentle creatures. You won’t want to miss this adventure. (Booking has begun for April)
  • All One One All Farm, Goshen – Founders Ariane and Alix Daguin are again ready to share the joy of fresh produce, delicious food, workshops, tours, and all things farm-related with the community starting April 1. The 14-acre non-profit silvopasture regenerative farm is a place for people to gather for a great meal, learn about the importance of responsible agriculture, and participate in educational workshops that connect them to their local productive landscape and support community building.
  • Clover Brook Farm, Hyde Park – Clover Brooke Farm currently offers an assortment of Experiences, Classes, Community Events and Farm Tours booked directly through our website.
    These include:
    • Llama/Alpaca Hike and Farm Experience
    • Farm Sampler Experience
    • Tea Time with Alpacas and Llamas
    • Warm and Fuzzy Small Animal Farm Experience
    • Walk-a-Donk (one Donkey for two people)
    • Goat Walk Adventure
    • Bunnypalooza
    • Farm Tour

Sports-Related –

  • Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Red Hook – Starting with six derelict WWI planes, Cole made the Aerodrome into America’s first flying museum of antique aircraft and replicas, achieving worldwide fame. (Open May 1st)

Entertainment –

Hudson Valley Drive In
  • Warwick Drive-In, Warwick – Since 1950, the Warwick Drive-In Theater has been giving movie-goers the ultimate theater experience. With 3 screens, we are able to play 6 first-run movies a night. Catch great movies and make wonderful Hudson Valley Spring Break memories at the same time! (Re-open date: March 31st)
  • Greenville Drive-In, Greenville – Established in 1959 by Peter Carelas, the Greenville Drive-In has been a social fixture and destination in the Northern Catskills for over six decades. (Re-open date: TBD) Admission: TBD

READ MORE
Reference this article all about Hudson Valley Drive-In Theaters.
As the weather gets warmer, many Hudson Valley drive-ins are getting ready for the upcoming season. As one of the most popular Hudson Valley traditions around, many places have opted to do pop-up Drive-Ins. Take a peek at the list and see where those are.

Miscellaneous –

  • Catskill Mountain Railroad, Kingston – This Hudson Valley family-favorite activity. The tracks you will be riding on are rich in history, having connected and shaped our communities for almost 150 years. Hudson Valley Spring events include: the Easter Bunny Express, the Catskill Flyer – Spring & Summer & Ice Cream Sundays. (Open April)

Seasonal Spring Markets –

  • Stormville Airport Flea Market – A favorite of many Hudson Valley Residents, shoppers come to the Flea Market and discover everything from antiques and collectibles; arts and crafts to new merchandise. Free parking & Free Admission. (Open April 29th & 30th; May 27th & 28th)
  • Beacon Flea Market – They are a seasonal, vintage, unique wares, open air market – in the heart of Beacon, NY. Open every Sunday (weather permitting) 8am – 3pm, starting April 2nd.

Click below to see some items you should have during your Hudson Valley Outings
and you will be guaranteed a successful outing:

  • If you’re going to be out all day exploring, you never REALLY know what the weather will be like. Even if you think you do know, it can start raining at any time, so this small life-saver is an essential item. This is another great buy on Amazon for under $15.

More Hudson Valley Spring Break & Spring Activities Worth Doing this Time of the Year:


Zoos & Nature Centers –

  • Trevor Zoo, Millbrook – This is the only zoo in this country that is located at a high school. With 180 exotic and indigenous animals and 80 different species, this is a great place open year-round. Add visiting this amazing zoo to this year’s Hudson Valley Spring Break Plans. (Open 10am – 5pm everyday)
  • Forsyth Nature Center, Kingston – A quaint visitor-friendly facility in a garden setting allowing for close contact to the animals. It is located inside Forsyth Park and very close to a fantastic playground, perfect for any spring day or to keep you little busy during their Hudson Valley Spring Break. (Open daily 9am – 5pm) Admission: Free
  • Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining – The reservation includes an 1,000-acre nature preserve and education center, visited annually by around 25,000 people. (Nature Center Hours – open daily 9am – 5pm) Admission: Free, Parking fees apply

Museums –

  • National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, New Windsor – The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor offers visitors an incredible journey through military history as well as reminders of human sacrifice and the cost of freedom. (open Tues – Sun) Admission: Free
  • Motorcyclepedia Museum, Newburgh – Consisting of 85,000 square feet and over 600 motorcycles, this is a great place to visit any time of the year. (open Fri, Sat, Sun: 10am – 5pm)
  • West Point Museum, West Point – The mission of the West Point Museum is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret historically significant artifacts pertaining to the United States Military Academy, United States Army and the Profession of Arms. Admission: Free
The front of the West Point Museum

Art Museums –

  • Hudson River Museum, Yonkers – Situated on the banks of the Hudson River, the Hudson River Museum is a combo art museum, planetarium and historic home. (Open Thu – Sun: 12pm – 5pm)
  • DIA: Beacon, Beacon – Dia Art Foundation opened Dia Beacon on the banks of the Hudson River in Beacon, New York, in a former Nabisco box printing factory. The museum presents Dia’s collection of art from the 1960s to the present as well as special exhibitions and public programs. (Open Fri – Mon: 10am – 4pm)
  • Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, New Paltz – Located at the State University of New York at New Paltz, The Dorsky Museum comprises more than 9,000 square feet of exhibition space distributed over six galleries. (Open Wed – Sun: 11am – 5pm)
  • Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah – The Katonah Museum of Art originates three to four exhibitions annually, covering a broad range of art and humanities topics. (open Tue – Sat 10am – 5pm | Sun 12pm – 5pm)
Visitors to Katonah Museum of Art

Arts and Culture –

  • Take a class at The Rye Arts Center, Rye – The Rye Arts Center is a community-based rganization whose mission is to inspire interest and maximum participation in the arts in Westchester and the surrounding region. (classes for both adults & children)

Farms –

  • Clover Brooke Farm, Hyde Park – Come to Clover Brooke Farm to meet some of the most personable and charismatic llamas and alpacas in The Hudson Valley. (Weekends only) Reservations needed
    • Offering Llama/Alpaca Hike & Farm Experience
    • Warm & Fuzzy Small Animal Farm Experience
    • Goat Walk Adventure
  • Stony Kill Farm Trails, Wappingers Falls – This 1,000 acre farm, former homesite of the Verplanck Family, is owned by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and operated by the Stony Kill Foundation. (Open daily: sunrise – sunset) Admission: Free
    • Open Barn (open Sat & Sun: 11am – 1pm) starting the beginning of February
      Admission: Free
  • Tilly Foster Farm, Brewster – This farm houses small farm animals – some are quite exotic, like our unique chiken breeds, Kunekune pigs, miniature horses and much more.  Visitors are invited to take part in self-guided tours of the farm seven days a week. (Open daily 10am – 4pm)

Top 5+ Reasons why you should do a Hudson Valley Spring Break Staycation Adventure


#1: It’s the perfect time of the year visit the best of the Hudson Valley Ice Cream Shops

#2: It’s the best place to explore the abundance of parks, preserves & reservations in the area

#3: It’s an amazing place to visit the grounds of beautiful Historic Sites throughout the Hudson Valley

#4: It’s our favorite place to buying fresh produce at the local Farmers Markets

#5: What’s better than strolling, shopping & eating in Popular Towns/Cities throughout the Hudson Valley?

#6: It’s the most romantic place to drink Hudson Valley Wine

Wine Tasting at Benmarl Winery in Marlboro

The Hudson Valley Spring Break & Spring Activities Travel Packing List


Before you begin packing

#1: Check the weather

First things first – check out the how the weather will be before you even consider packing.

I have made the mistake several times of packing without checking the weather and regretted not being prepared for unusually cold weather or rain.

I know the Hudson Valley is not a huge location, but the weather can differ from one county to another. Ten counties is a lot of space when you consider that it can be much hotter in Lower Hudson Valley and in the cities versus Upper Hudson Valley and in the country/mountains.

#2: Make a list of Hudson Valley Spring Break & Spring Activities you will be doing

Make sure you are prepared with any essential gear that you will need for some popular Hudson Valley Spring Break Activities & Events.

#3: Examine where you’ll be staying the majority of the time

Check and see if you’ll be spending the majority of your time in the city or in the county.

Why is this important? If you’re visiting the city, then you can get away with packing less things because you can pick up necessities at a local mart or CVS/Walgreens.

If you’re visiting the country, you will be out further away from any local stores. It’s always a good idea to have extra items packed away in the car in case you need them in an emergency.

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Things To Know Before Packing For Your Trip To or In The Hudson Valley

  • Temperature and weather are different depending on where in the Hudson Valley you will be staying or exploring. So plan accordingly.
  • Be prepared for rain, even if there is no bad weather predicted for the day.
  • Evenings can be much cooler than day time temperatures, so it’s always good to have an extra layer or two with you or in the car.
  • Although you may have a location in mind, always double check hours of operation. An unexpected and sudden change in weather may interfere with your initial plans.

How to Use This Post when Packing for Hudson Valley Spring Break & Spring Activities


I’ve broken down all of the basic Hudson Valley packing essentials so you can prep for your visit without being worried about missing a thing. However, I’d recommend downloading my printable Hudson Valley Packing List below so that you can check things off the list as you’re packing for your adventure.

In the downloadable checklist, I’ve also included an essentials section that applies to any trip.

Download image for summer in the Hudson Valley packing list

Essential Packing List for Spring in the Hudson Valley


The Must-Haves

  • Undergarments
  • Pajamas
  • 3+ t-shirts/long sleeved t-shirts
  • A light cardigan for cooler areas
  • A heavier sweater for colder places
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat/Baseball cap
  • Crossbody bag/Backpack
  • Sneakers
  • Socks for sneakers
  • Long pants
  • Shorts/Capris for warmer days
  • Insulated water bottle (collapsible preferred)
  • Rain coat for inclement weather
  • Hiking boots (if needed)

Extra Necessities for Hudson Valley Spring Activities

These items are not essential for Winter in the Hudson Valley, but depending on which activities you plan to partake in during your outings, you’ll want to consider adding some of these.


Tips For An Amazing Time Doing Hudson Valley Spring Activities:

  • Check individual destination websites for updated days/hours of operation
  • Have a Plan B in case the weather does not cooperate with your original plan.
  • Bring and extra set of clothes/shoes on your outings.
  • Be prepared for any kind of weather.
  • Take lots of photos! Want to learn how to take amazing photos with your phone? Check out a FREE class now!

Until the Next Adventure…

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