Want to bring a smile to your kids’ faces? Just pick one (or two) of the attractions, activities, or events in Rockland County geared toward families. Keep them active with mini golf, bowling, biking, or swimming. Keep them engaged at a museum, historic site, theater, or farm. Then there’s always the simple, straightforward fun of fairs, festivals, and holiday celebrations!
Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. The park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, hiking, biking, a zoo, cross-country ski trails and an outdoor ice skating rink open from late October through mid-March. Handicapped Accessible: Yes. Rest Rooms: Yes.
Blauvelt State Park encompasses 590 acres of forested green space (mostly undeveloped) in the Town of Orangeburg in Rockland County. The park’s land occupies the site of the former Camp Bluefields, a rifle range used to train members of the New York National Guard prior to World War I. Ruins of Camp Bluefield’s long-abandoned rifle range, including tunnels that connected down-range targets to the firing line, are also visible within the park. Hiking trails provide the only access and afford spectacular views of the Hudson Valley. Handicapped Accessible: No. Rest Rooms: No.
The 350-acre park is adjacent to Harriman State Park’s southwestern border, and features a number of mountaintops and valleys, crossed by several small streams with numerous lowlands. Voted Top Hiking Spot in the U.S. according to Google’s 2024 Year in Search. Accessible through Kakiat Trails. Open dawn to dusk. Handicapped Accessible: No. Rest Rooms: No.
At 47,527 acres, Harriman State Park is the second largest park in New York State. Located in Rockland and Orange counties 30 miles north of New York City, it is a haven for hikers with over 200 miles of hiking trails. The park boasts 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, camping areas, and a network of scenic views and sites. Harriman State Park’s major facilities include Lakes Welch, Sebago, Tiorati and Silvermine, the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Sebago Cabins and Beaver Pond Campgrounds.
Nyack Beach State Park consists of 76 acres at the base of Hook Mountain in Upper Nyack. It is the southern terminus of the first section of the Hudson River Greenway and is one of the best hawk and raptor viewing areas in the U.S. The most popular activities are picnicking, hiking, bicycling and fishing, kayaking and windsurfing. The park also connects with the Nyack Haverstraw Trail – a 5-mile route that runs along the Hudson River and passes through three state parks: Nyack Beach State Park, Rockland Lake State Park and Haverstraw Beach State Park, all of which contain additional amenities. The US Department of the Interior has listed Nyack Beach State Park as a Registered National Natural Historical Landmark. Trails are open for cross-country skiing in winter.
Threefold Community Farm (formerly known as the Pfeiffer Center) practices, teaches, and promotes biodynamics. Open year-round, our self-serve Farm Store offers raw and pasteurized milk, yogurt, cheeses, teas, herbs, salves, honey and other seasonal products. Produce stand is open every Friday from mid-June to October. Call for hours.
The visitors at this museum can learn about the local geology and ecology of Rockland.
