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Dutchess County Family Guide
25
items We lived in the eastern Hudson Valley for years, and still visit regularly -and these are the spots we still talk about, miss deeply, and always recommend to friends visiting or moving to the area. From shaded playgrounds and kid-friendly hikes to diners we dream about and the best bagels you’ll ever eat, this list is our p...
Sections
6
Playgrounds & Easy Nature Walks
Family-Friendly Hikes & Hudson Views
Restaurants, Take-Out, and Favorites
Indoor Kids Favorites
Seasonal Faves
Local Love
Playgrounds & Easy Nature Walks
Whether you need to burn energy, bike a loop, or find some quiet time outdoors, these parks and playgrounds are great to check out!
Shady, sidewalk for walks and bikes, and just the right amount of space to run and play. The playground is great for smaller kids,a nd mine loves watching the pickeball courts.
Spratt Park
So peaceful, plus there are additional nature trails and a creek that is a favorite to splash in on hot days. Fondly called the “Train Park” by my kid.
Bower Park-Quarry Trails
Great mix of wide sidewalks, a solid playground, and gentle trails. We called it “Turtle Park!"
James Baird State Park
Fully fenced-in playground = instant winner.
Stringham Park
Family-Friendly Hikes & Hudson Views
These are the trails and walks that made us fall in love with the Hudson Valley all over again - perfect for out-of-town guests or monthly resets.
This is my #1 pick for showing off the region. The views are unreal. A must-do walk with family or visitors.
Walkway Over the Hudson State Park
Our family hike - we went once a month. Unique and magical natural rock cave with a waterfall running through it. Easy and beautiful.
Dover Stone Church Preserve
Wide open space and tons of walking trails with beautiful views and historic charm. Never got old. The gardens are my favorite and feel like walking into a time capsule.
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
Restaurants, Take-Out, and Favorites
We have our go-tos, and we went often. These are the diners, bagel shops, and sit-down spots we can't get enough of.
Fancy diner energy. Always felt like a treat. You have to get a slice of cake!
Double O Grill
Solid, classic diner. Easy with kids and great for late night.
Palace Diner
My favorite diner in the area, the fries are always crispy and the burgers are delicious.
Red Line Diner
Just good mexican food and amazing drinks. We love their guacamole and they have the best birria tacos in town!
El Guacamole PK | Poughkeepsie NY
Giant calzones and great pizza - Friday night staple
Emiliano's Pizza
The vodka sauce is great - we love to swap out traditional marinara on our chicken parm sandwich for it.
Pizzeria Bacio
Hands down best bagels in the area
Eastdale Avenue Bagels
My favorite local coffee chain - they're always friendly, have great coffee, and love their frozen coffee in the summer. Local chain with a loyal following.
Ready Coffee
Dreamy arancini, upscale date night vibes.
Cosimo's Trattoria & Bar
Specialty pizzas, cocktails, and apps - this is our favorite for date night with our friends.
Savona’s Trattoria & Bar - Poughkeepsie
GIANT sandwiches. Like, truly giant. And so, so good. Delicious italian food, my MIL always gets trays from here for the holiday.
Rossi's Deli
Indoor Kids Favorites
Perfect rainy day activity. We loved this when my little one was a toddler for their toddler time.
Bounce Sports & Entertainment Center
Indoor climbing, slides, jumping, running. MY kid always left happy (and tired!).
Fun Max Adventure Park
Our favorite! We became members and this was a spot my kid would spend 2-3 hours and great for winter days or hot summer days when it was too hot to be outside.
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum
Seasonal Faves
No matter the season, the Hudson Valley delivers
Our favorite for pumpkin + apple picking. The mini village of little sheds is adorable, and the big wooden pirate ship was a huge hit with the kids.
DuBois Farms
We always got a season pass! Big enough to keep things exciting, small enough to not get overwhelmed.
SplashDown Beach
Local produce, baked goods, and that Hudson Valley energy we loved. This Arlington area also hosts an amazing Winterfest
Arlington Farmers' Market
Local Love
These are the “you have to check it out” spots we always told friends about.
Truly one of my favorite places on earth. Grocery store meets garden center meets market of dreams. A must-visit.
Adams Fairacre Farms