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Hudson Valley Summer Activities: 20+ Things to do & What to Pack

Hudson Valley Summer Activities:
20+ Things to do & What to Pack

Let me start this post by saying that I was TERRIBLE at packing a carry-on and WORSE at packing a weekend bag. That is why I made this Hudson Valley summer activities travel packing list – in order to make the task much easier.

Traveling in the summer and packing light can be easy for some people. But I make it less easy by packing many ‘extras’.

When I began taking Weekend trips to different areas of the Hudson Valley, I never really thought about how much more stuff I would need. And then my bag would fill up with JUST the essentials.

After reading this post, I’m confident you’ll be more prepared to pack for your trip without forgetting any essentials, so you can enjoy every minute of the Hudson Valley without stress.

This article contains an affiliate link or two. I make a small commission for purchases made through links at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more info.

The Hudson Valley Summer 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 (rain in Disney, unusually cold in New Orleans, etc).

I know the Hudson Valley is not a huge location, but the weather can differ from one county to another, especially during Hudson Valley Summer Season. 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 Summer Activities you will be doing

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

These include:

  • Fourth of July Celebrations
  • The Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival
  • And various food festivals
  • Boating
  • Hiking
  • Swimming

#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 less things. You can always run into a coffee shop to cool off and stock up on water at a local mart. If you’re visiting the country, you will be out in the elements for longer periods of time without an indoor break.

Click Below to see some items you should have during your
Hudson Valley Outings that will guarantee a successful outing

– Because ‘you never know’ when an accident happens, you need a small, portable First Aid Kit, like this product in your life.
This is a great buy for under $15
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– 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.
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– My favorite walking shoes, by far, are these because they are soft and the memory foam feels great on my feet.
See the color and size choices here.
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– Looking great during your Hudson Valley outings is essential and this Hudson Valley Merchandise is perfect for any outing!

But if you’re in the planning stages of your trip, make sure to check out some Summer in the Hudson Valley posts that will help you choose what to do during your adventure:

Ok, let’s dive in!

The Newburgh Waterfront is one of the best things to do in Newburgh NY.
Newburgh Waterfront and the River Rose during Summer in the Hudson Valley

Things to Know before Packing for your Hudson Valley Summer Activities

  • 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 rain predicted for the day.
  • Evenings can be much colder 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. Hudson Valley Summer events, fairs, festivals in a particular town or area may interfere with your initial plans.

Weather during Hudson Valley Summer

Hudson Valley Summer weather (June – September) can consistently range from 80 – 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Most of the Mid-Hudson Valley Region and the Catskills are warm and humid throughout the summer and evenings can be muggy.

Many parts of the Lower Hudson Valley often experience warmer summers with spikes in temperatures that may go above 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

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

If you run hot, plan to visit the Hudson Valley in late spring or early summer when the temperature is more moderate. Autumn in the Hudson Valley is typically a favorite for many visitors because of the abundance of fall foliage.

Hudson Valley Summer Guide to Activities

There is no shortage of Hudson Valley Summer activities. As someone who lives here full-time, I can assure you that I STILL have not done everything I want to do during the summers here.

– 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 summertime was going to the local parks in order to:

  • Picnic
  • Play Ball & Frisbee
  • Roller skate
  • Bike Ride
  • Enjoy the Playgrounds
  • Swim

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

Person Hiking in the Hudson Valley

Other popular activities include:

Picking fruit at local farms –

The heart of the Hudson Valley are the farms and farmers who work the land.

Click here for a FULL LIST of Hudson Valley Farms that offer fruit picking and so much more…

You pick strawberries at Hudson Valley Farms

Boating –

READ MORE
Cruising the Hudson Valley: Experience New York’s Scenic River

Sailing –

Hudson Valley Kayaking on the Hudson River

Kayaking –

READ MORE
Hudson Valley Kayaking: A Beginner’s Guide to Inspire your Next Adventure

Walking/Hiking/Running/Mountain Biking –

If it’s hiking you’re looking for, then summer in the Hudson Valley is perfect for you. Now that I come to think of it, almost every season in the Hudson Valley offers great hiking.

READ MORE
Hiking in the Hudson Valley: 33+ Unforgettable Experiences You Must Have

Pools & Water Parks –

Dutchess County Fair

Amusement/Adventure Parks –

Zoos & Nature Parks/Centers –

The entrance of Forsyth Nature Center in Kingston, NY

Activities for Children –

A Hudson Valley sticker featuring a beautiful sunset over mountains
Hudson Valley sticker with a mountain and hiker

From the Walkway Over the Hudson to Rhinebeck, my Hudson Valley merchandise captures the spirit of
this beautiful area.

Check out my Etsy Shop and find products that will inspire your next adventure!

SHOP NOW!

Mini-Golf/Go-Karting –

Hudson Valley Mini Golf

Car Cruises –

Day Trips to famous estates & historic homes –

A bench overlooking the Hudson River in Dutchess County NY. Vanderbilt Homes

Fairs & Festivals –

  • Mac & Cheese Fest
  • Taco Fest
  • Craft Beverage Festival
  • Seafood Festival
  • Sangria Festivals
  • Craft Fairs
  • Flea Markets
  • RibFest
  • Food & Wine Festivals
  • Food Truck Festivals
  • Cider Festivals
  • Rockland County Festival (Mid-June)
  • Ulster County Fair (Beginning of August)
  • Dutchess County Fair (End of August)
  • Newburgh Illuminated Festival
  • NY Renaissance Faire
Father taking picture of son on the Walkway on the Hudson

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.
  • 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) 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. 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 began in May. (Open select days/times)
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
alpaca farm

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.
  • Hemlock Hills Farm & Market, Cortland – They offer farm tours seasonally from May – October. Stop by the farm on Saturday starting in May. Tours start at 10am and 12pm. They are a 45 minute walking tour. The farm tours share the family history, their techniques and practices and explain how the farm works as a whole.
  • Germantown Farms – They open the farm two times a week (from May through September), for children to make new friends and meet their Sunshine Mini Horses.
    • They welcome parents and children to stop by on Tuesdays from 11am – 2pm and Fridays from 4pm – 5pm and learn about and groom the Sunshine Mini horses for about 30 minutes and then play with other children the remainder of the time.
    • This is a great chance for children to experience something unique but also a wonderful time to make new friends. Children must be accompanied by an adult and there is no charge for the program. Donations are happily accepted.
Entrance sign at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in Red Hook

Sports & Specialty Museums –

  • 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.
Hudson Valley Drive In

Drive-In Movies –

  • 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!
  • 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.

READ MORE
Hudson Valley Drive In Movies: The Ultimate List

Essential Packing List for Hudson Valley Summer Stays

The Must-Haves

  • Undergarments
  • Pajamas
  • 2+ Swimsuits
  • Beach cover-up
  • Waterproof flip flops
  • 3+ tank tops/t-shirts
  • A light cardigan for cooler nights
  • Sunglasses and/or hat & Sunblock
  • Sandals
  • Crossbody bag
  • Sneakers
  • Socks for sneakers
  • Long pants for cooler nights
  • Insulated water bottle (collapsible preferred)
  • Bug Spray (if hiking and/or spending the majority of the day outdoors)
  • Poncho for rainy days
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THESE ITEMS FROM MY AMAZON STORE
Hudson Valley Summer Activities
DIA Beacon Admission Ticket

Extra Necessities for some Hudson Valley Summer Activities

These items are not essential for Summer 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.

If you’re hiking through rockier terrain

  • Hiking Boots

If you plan to do water activities

  • Plastic bags for wet bathing suits
  • A Quick dry towel

10 Reasons to love Hudson Valley Summer Season

#1: All the Ice Cream you can ever want

#2: Late night movies at local Drive-Ins, local parks and Historic Sites

#3: Wineries on the Shawangunk Wine Trail in Ulster and Orange Counties and Beyond.

#4: Buying fresh produce at the local farmers markets

#5: Strolling, shopping & eating through Hudson Valley River Towns

#6: Exploring the Hudson River on a Boat/Cruise/Sailboat

#7: Hiking and discovering wildlife along the way

#8: Eating at the many restaurants along the Hudson River Banks

#9: Enjoying Outdoor Fairs & Festival throughout the Hudson Valley

#10: Enjoying Outdoor Music at local parks and Historic Sites

Tips for an Amazing Time During Hudson Valley Summer Outings

  • 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.

Until the Next Adventure,

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Jackie from Hudson Valley Explored sitting with Magazines
Jackie is the HV blogger behind Hudson Valley Explored, featuring the best things to do, places to see and weekend getaways. Get information from a local who is seeing it all! She lives in the Mid-Hudson Valley Region with her hubby and kids.
Jackie

Jackie is the HV blogger behind Hudson Valley Explored, featuring the best things to do, places to see and weekend getaways. Get information from a local who is seeing it all! She lives in the Mid-Hudson Valley Region with her hubby and kids.

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