Don’t let the rain or cold dampen your Hudson Valley exploration! Finding indoor activities in the Hudson Valley is not as hard as it may seem.

If you are in need of some fun, non-Cabin fever related activities to entertain yourself, look no further than this list compiled just for you of 10+ indoor activities in the Hudson Valley you can enjoy on a rainy or cold day and even extremely hot days.

Even better, you’ll get get to see and experience some wonderful indoor activities in the Hudson Valley that you might have otherwise missed.

Best of all, these indoor activities in the Hudson Valley are also fun things to do on regular sunny days . . . and even those other “s-word” weather days we try not to use . . . snow or worse yet, sleet.

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10+ Indoor Activities in the Hudson Valley that are perfect for a rainy or cold day

Rainy, cold or extremely hot days do not mean boredom. Escape from your daily routine and discover the indoor wonders that await you! There are a variety of entertainment options like bowling, arcades, trampoline parks, laser tag, but did you know that there s so much more to do?

Welcome to my list of the best places for family-friendly indoor activities in the Hudson Valley; perfect for a rainy day or an active winter:

#1: Go Bowling

A day spent bowling can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. No matter how competitive you are, bowling is able to bring out the best in people. It’s an excellent form of exercise that isn’t only fun but can help you unwind and relax. Bowling alleys can be found all over the Hudson Valley region, It’s not only for bowling leagues to enjoy because some even offer bowling classes. Knowing where to go bowling in the Hudson Valley would be your first stop if you’re looking for something fun to do with friends or family.

This is probably one of the better indorr activities in the Hudson Valley. Some bowling alleys are decorated in a certain theme, while others do glow-in-the-dark bowl, as well as, having a deejay some nights.

#2: Visit a Library

Take a walk through one of your local libraries and see what they offer. You may be surprised by what you learn. There’s something for everyone from general reading to math and science classes and workshops for all ages. Some days I spend hours just sitting in one room, enjoying the quiet of it all, reading or just thinking. Library visits are an opportunity to see New York in a new light, to learn about its history and how it continues to shape people’s lives today.

Some libraries offer amenities like board games and puzzles for their visitors to use and/or borrow. It beats spending time in a store figuring out what game or puzzle your kid(s) will like and spending money on something you’re not sure about.

Libraries, in general, are open to all the public. You need to have a library card for the library you’re visiting in order to use the computers and check out books and other media.

In addition to offering a wonderful and educational place to visit, many libraries offer programs for young children, such as story and art times. In addition, it’s often a meeting place for the local community and offer adult programs.

PRO TIP:
Like and Follow your favorite library or libraries on Facebook to see what programs they offer and when.
Many programs are free (Pre-registration may be required)

#3: Museums

I love going to the local museums with my family. Art museums are intriguing and history museums are fascinating. Because of the eclectic nature of museums, it’s hard to find other indoor activities in the Hudson Valley that I’d rather do than go to a museum. To me, the best museums are ones that focus on art history. I enjoy learning about different artistic styles through visiting the abundance of art museums in the Hudson Valley.

I love the Hudson Valley and all of its diverse history. It’s fun to learn about the architecture and history of this region.

Whether you go to Rockland County, Orange County, Dutchess County or Ulster County to visit a museum, it sometimes beats taking a trip to New York City and visiting a museum there. In my opinion, this is one of the best indoor activities in the Hudson Valley.

– Hudson River Museum, Yonkers

In addition to the galleries boasting amazing art, the Hudson River Museum is home to the Andrus Planetarium and Glenview historic home. Weekend family programs, tours, and activities make this a wonderful museum for youngsters. They offer free evening admission during the summer (Fridays & Saturdays, 5–7pm from mid-July through late August).

Read More:
Click here to read my article all about the Hudson River Museum

– Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah

Small in size but big in influence, the Katonah Museum of Art is the perfect place to visit on a cold and/or rainy day. They offer many workshops geared towards children and varying interests. Katonah NY is full of great things to do, so check out this article for a full list of great places to visit.

– Westchester Children’s Museum, Rye

The Westchester Children’s Museum is one of two interactive museums located in the Hudson Valley and it full of amazing hands-on interactive exhibits for your children, no matter the age. Located right on the boardwalk of the historic Playland Amusement Park, this museum is fun for the entire family and is conveniently located off the highway in Westchester County.

The entire museum is filled with play areas and it’s worth every penny. That makes it one of the most fun indoor activities in the Hudson Valley.

Read More:
Click here to read my article all about the Westchester Children’s Museum

– Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase

Located on the campus of SUNY Purchase, the Neuberger Museum of Art offers FREE admission to all. It is the nation’s tenth-largest university museum and offers exhibits of modern, contemporary and African art.

The best part of this outing is when you’re done, you can stroll around the SUNY Purchase campus or visit nearby Westchester Mall or the Galleria Mall in White Plains. So that means that you can go from one great indoor activity to more wonderful indoor activities in the Hudson Valley.

– Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, New Paltz

Located on the campus of SUNY New Paltz, the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art showcases works by well-known artists from the Hudson Valley and around the world.

Just like Neuberger Museum of Art, this great little museum is located on a college campus. This means you can make a whole day of it by walking around the campus and also exploring, shopping and eating in the quaint town of New Paltz.

– West Point Museum, West Point

Located just outside the campus of the US Military Academy at West Point, the West Point Museum houses an impressive collection of war artifacts. The collection includes: small weapons, large weapons and more…

This is one of the best history museums around and makes it a perfect indoor activity in the Hudson Valley.

Read More:
Click here to read my article all about the West Point Museum

– Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Poughkeepsie

Located on the campus of Vassar College, the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center is a teaching museum, major art repository, and exhibition space. With an eclectic collection of art displayed, this is one place you can visit over and over again.

Just like several other museums listed above, this one offers the opportunity to explore the campus of Vassar College and nearby cafes and shops in Poughkeepsie and makes it one of the most impressive indoor activities in the Hudson Valley.

– Magazzino Italian Art, Cold Spring

Magazzino Italian Art is a free museum dedicated to exhibiting postwar and contemporary Italian Art. Located in Cold Spring, it’s easy to make a day of it and enjoy all this fabulous little town has to offer.

Read More:
Click here to read my article all about Magazzino Italian Art

#4: Shopping and Visiting a Mall for Fun

I love going to shopping centers and local malls. I find it very energizing to go and see people walking around and it’s always a fun experience. The first time I went to the Palisades Center Mall in West Nyack, NY, I was mesmerized by the quantity of stores offered. Walking around that huge complex really gets your adrenaline pumping and you don’t want to leave.

Some malls have a nice selection of food vendors, as well, and can peek the curiosity of food lovers everywhere. Mall food is not limited to the food court anymore, with more and more restaurants finding homes in malls and shopping centers.

– Palisades Center Mall, West Nyack

Conveniently located off the New York State Thruway, the Palisades Center Mall is a popular place to shop, eat and to participate in top-notch entertainment and fun activities. The most popular activity at this mall are the rope courses. Some other popular activities include: ice skating, escape rooms and so much more.

Read More:
Click here to read my article all about entertainment at the Palisades Center Mall

– Ridge Hill, Yonkers

In addition to a movie theater, Ridge Hill is home to Westchester Legoland Discovery Center, a iFly (indoor skydiving) and so much more. With the addition of Hapik (indoor climbing), Muse Paintbar, Monster Mini-Golf and Rockin’ Jump (indoor trampoline park), a day at Ridge Hill can make a dreary day very bright.

This one little strip of stores and entertainment is one of the most entertaining places to do indoor activities in the Hudson Valley.

– Jefferson Valley Mall, Jefferson Valley

Conveniently located off the Taconic State Parkway, the Jefferson Valley Mall is a local favorite to shop, eat and play. In addition to the businesses housed at this mall, the mall also organizes special events throughout the year.

Some popular businesses include: All in Adventure Escape Room, Imagine VR Studios, Play Connection by Fun Time Amusement, and The Selfie Experience

– Poughkeepsie Galleria, Poughkeepsie

The Poughkeepsie Galleria is a small mall that offers lots of options when it comes to shopping, eating and entertainment. Some fun things to do include: Build-a-Bear Workshop, Oh My God Entertainment, Regal Cinemas, RPM Raceway and Wow Arcade.

– Galleria at Crystal Run, Middletown

The Galleria at Crystal Run has become a popular place for many reasons. Many people go for the shopping, others for the food and others actually go to have fun. These fun places include: AMC movie theater, Billy Beez, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Escape the Mystery Room, Ride & Thrill (Virtual Reality), Round 1 (Bowling and Amusement) and Urban Air Adventure Park.

#5: Indoor Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is one of the best indoor activities in the Hudson Valley that can be done anytime of the year. It’s also a great way to get in shape. Climbing can be taken very seriously as it involves considerable skill. Listen to music while practicing each move and take breaks to rest, grab food and water, etc.

Rock climbing should be approached as an activity that can be enjoyed by many but it is also dependant of physical fitness. Rock climbing is not necessarily for beginners, but it is always best to begin with activities that are easy.

#6: Catch a Movie

Anytime is a great time to catch a movie. Movie theaters in the Hudson Valley are located in a variety of locations from shopping malls to small towns. Choosing the right theater depends on your personal preference. As one of the most entertaining indoor activities in the Hudson Valley, some popular venues to watch a movie are the mall, small town independent theaters and drive-ins (during the summer months).

#7: Visit an Indoor Trampoline Place

Fitness enthusiasts and everyone in between are always looking for new places to go for fun and exercise. Even if you are indoors all day, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your heart pumping and energy flowing. There are various places in the Hudson Valley where you can go for indoor trampoline sessions; some are more popular than others.

Our favorite is Bounce, which offers all kinds of classes and family fun at inexpensive prices. This place has been providing fantastic experiences for us for a number of years!

#8: Take a tour of a Historic Home

The Hudson Valley is filled with picturesque attractions and small towns that offer up unique experiences. To stay warm, cool and/or dry while exploring historic sites in the Hudson Valley, it is a great idea to take a tour. A tour of a historic home in the Hudson Valley is a great indoor activity for couples and families alike.

The historic homes in the area were designed by some of the region’s top craftsmen and artists, so it are not uncommon to see artwork on the walls or remarkable antique furniture inside their rooms. The walking tours are led by experts who can answer questions about rooms and features based on visitor interest.

Hudson Valley tours are among the most popular events in the area and offer an opportunity to see some of the most historic homes in the region up close. Tourists come from far and wide to enjoy the sights of this historic area. Although the grounds of many historic sites are free and open year-round, tours of the homes are the best indoor activities so you can keep out of the elements.

READ MORE:
Click here to view my article all about Hudson Valley Historic Homes

#9: Visit a Coffee Shop

The best part about enjoying a local coffee shop is not what you might eat or drink, but the ambiance created by customers, staff, and owners. No matter where you go in the Hudson Valley there are amazing places to go and enjoy a cup of joe with friends or family or even by yourself.

Coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s an event. It’s been called the perfect pick-me-up, with some even saying the coffeehouse is the hang out place. It’s where friends meet, business relationships are built, and community connections made and one of the BEST indoor activities in the Hudson Valley.

The Hudson Valley is a treasure trove of independent coffee shops. It’s hard to run out of new cafes to visit, so don’t even bother trying.

#10: Do an Escape Room

With Escape Rooms being all the rage, you’ll get to experience a brand new way of entertaining and including your friends and family in a new adventure. You’ll have fun solving puzzles and brainteasers to finally escape from the room you’re in.

Some are family-oriented, some have thrill attractions, and some are strictly for adults! The interesting thing about escape rooms is that they cater to groups of all ages, even large groups. There are several reasons why more and more people are interested in participating in these escape activities. There is a sense of camaraderie, fun and exploration which isn’t found in other forms of entertainment, so go visit one and have fun!

#11: Play a round of indoor mini-golf

Rainy, Cold or very hot days are no longer a problem. Indoor mini golf brings the excitement of the game no matter what the weather is outside. Teeing off into an indoor mini golf course turns a rainy, cold or very hot day into one great family experience. That’s especially true when you consider that these indoor mini-golf places are ‘glow in the dark’. That just takes the mini golf experience to a whole other level!

Indoor mini golf is fun-filled, interactive entertainment, as well as, fairly inexpensive. It is even more fun when you get to play with friends or family. Plus, you don’t have to leave the Hudson Valley to experience it. See the list below to find a glow in the dark near you:

• Space Adventure Mini Golf, West Nyack
• Monster Mini Golf, Yonkers
• DC Sports, Wappingers Falls

#12: Show your skills at an arcade

Hudson Valley Arcades offer the ideal family-friendly setting for indoor fun all year long. These arcades are an exciting place to visit and the perfect spot for all ages to play and have fun with the games and entertainment. You won’t have to fight for a place to play on these rainy, cold or very hot days. Indoor arcades and game rooms are the perfect place to be when the weather gets rough outside.

You’ll find plenty of indoor arcades and game rooms where you can play like it’s the 1980s (again). We’re talking giant foosball, air hockey, live arcade-style games and so much more! These are the mopst fun indoor activities in the Hudson Valley!

#13: Visit an Entertainment Center

When the weather outside is dreadful, head to one of our area’s indoor malls full of entertainment, shops, restaurants and family fun activities. Some of these locations offer day passes that the whole family can use.

– The Castle, Chester

The Castle Fun Center’s activities include Ballocity, Roller Skating, Laser Maze, Rides, Zip Line, Rock Climbing, Laser Tag, Arcade, Go Karts, and Mini Golf with Jesters Restaurant and Pub located on the main level of The Castle.

– Spins Hudson at the Factoria at Charles Point, Peekskill

Spins Hudson is the largest entertainment venue on the Hudson River. This is 40,000-sq. ft. of intense adventure including aerial ropes course, arcade, axe throwing, two story laser tag arena and more!

– Palisades Center Mall, West Nyack

While I mentioned the Palisades Center Mall in the shopping section, let’s not forget that this is also a wonderful Entertainment Center ready to keep you busy for hours and hours. Read all about things you can do HERE.

– Sportime USA, Elmsford

Sportime USA is an Indoor Amusement Center in Westchester County.
With over 150 Arcade Games, Laser Tag, Super Fly, Free Fall, Rock Climbing Wall, Bumper Cars, Amusement Rides, Batting Cages, Billiard tables, 3 Level Indoor Playground and Restaurant.

– Urban Air Adventure Park, Middletown

Located in the Galleria at Crystal Run, Urban Air Adventure Park has Trampolines, a warrior course, go-karts, virtual reality, and more!

– Puttin Plus, Saugeties

This great family fun place has something for everyone. Puttin Plus activities include: Go-Karts, Batting Cages, Mini Golf, Water Tag, Laser Blast and an Arcade.

– Wood’n Wheel, Ulster Park

Wood’n Wheel is a great place to have some fun. Their indoor activities include: Roller Skating, Laser Tag, Arcade, and Bumper Cars. They have outdoor activities, too.

– Grand Prix NY Racing and Entertainment, Mt Kisco

Grand Prix is a great place with so many games to play. From racing to GPX Ninja Course, Bowling and an Arcade, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

#14: Go Wild at an Indoor Playground

What do you do when the kids are bored and the house is about to explode from all the energy inside? You go to an indoor playground! The following are popular spots for indoor fun inthe Hudson Valley:

#15: Show off your Skills in Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality is a unique experience. Imagine visiting another world or galaxy with just a headset.

• The Edge VR in Croton-on-Hudson is a one-of-a-kind VR Experience. This complete immersive experience is like no other out there. Make sure to book your time slot on their website because this is a popular spot for rainy days, date night/date days, birthdays, friends night out.

• Imagine VR in the Jefferson Valley Mall is a great place to not only do VR, but they also host Karaoke Nights and have an arcade. They offer Standard VR Experiences, Premium VR Experiences, Tower Tag Premium VR and Escape Room VR.

READ MORE
See the adventure you can have at The Edge VR

Want to Know the Best Resource for finding Indoor Activities in the Hudson Valley?

I’m sure you’ve heard of them before, but my Go-To resource for finding activities, both indoors and out, is Groupon.

Practical Tips for Using Groupon:

#1: Make sure to read the fine print. Some Groupons can only be redeemed for a short period of time.

#2: Keep an open mind. Sometimes something that you may think is not your idea of fun ends up being a lot of fun.

READ MORE:
Click here to learn all about Hudson Valley Deals and the easiest way to get them

Rainy, cold and very hot days don’t have to be boring and you don’t have to be stuck at home. With an abundance of indoor activities in the Hudson Valley area, you can spend your time doing something fun with the family, friends and/or significant other.

Until the Next Adventure…

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