(In case this is not the weekend update you are looking for, click here to see our most recent Hudson Valley weekend update post.)

Weekend Guide to Westchester and Rockland County

Looking for some family fun this weekend? 

The Sleepy Hollow Family Fun Day is this Saturday, August 8 from 11am-5pm. There will be fun rides, food and drink, Westchester Knicks basketball games, dj, firetrucks, and more. The South Salem Fireman Carnival and Parade is also this week, running from August 5 - August 8, 2015. 

Over in Rockland County, Saturday, August 8th is Spring Valley Day. The festivities will be held at the Memorial Park. You will also find live music and fireworks at Rye Playland on Friday, and it is $15 nights for admissions after 5pm, Tuesday to Thursday until Labor Day weekend.

Also, there is the Hastings Flea Market this Sunday. Please check out our list of other flea markets in the Hudson Valley as well. 

Weekend Guide to Orange, Ulster, Putnam, and Dutchess County

On Saturday and Sunday, August 8-9, Beaver Creek Farm in Patterson in Putnam County will host the Putnam County Wine and Food Fest. It will feature a beer and VIP tent, cooking demonstrations, food, arts and crafts, and local and international artists.

The Pawling Fire Department will hold its annual carnival this week, from August 5-8, and ends with fireworks at night on the 8th. Further North, the Rhinecliff Volunteer Fire Company will hold its Centennial Celebration on Saturday, August 8. It will be a full day of events with a parade, games, pie-eating contest, skateboarding competition, music and square dancing.

It will be a busy weekend in Beacon as well. It will be Beacon Second Saturday. On Sunday the 9th, the Corn Festival will be held at the riverfront by the Beacon Sloop Club.

On Sunday, August 9, the Village of Florida in Orange County will hold its Family Fun Fest. It will start off with the annual 5k and 10k races, and also have vendors, rides, food, live music, and more.

The annual Ellenville Blueberry Festival will be held on Saturday, August 8th. It is an annual family fun event, with lots of yummy food and interesting vendors.

If you are interested in spending a day touring the Kinderhook Farm and enjoy a farm fresh dinner, they are hosting their "Down on the Farm" event this weekend, and also on August 29th.

LOOKING FOR A HOME IN THE HUDSON VALLEY? Explore our beautiful neighborhoods and: Search for homes by towns, or Search for homes by school districts

According to the Larchmont Historical Society, the Village of Larchmont was officially incorporated on September 22, 1891. This lovely village was once known as the Larchmont Manor Company, but no longer!

Starting in September of 2015, Larchmont will celebrate its 125th birthday. The fun will last all year long, through to September 2016. Events are still being planned, but already include:

• A Larchmont Mayor’s Proclamation and Birthday Cake in September 2015 to kick-off the event.
• A Larchmont Street Festival, Arts Festival, and circus performance on September 26, 2015
• A Time Capsule that will be opened in 2041, on Larchmont’s 150th anniversary.
• A wonderful, 1890’s Gala Ball, to be held in September 2016.

You can learn more about the start of the 125th festivities here at Larchmont125.org: http://larchmonthistory.org/2015/01/celebrate-larchmonts-125th-1891-2016/

A Few Facts About Larchmont

Larchmont has a long history. It was originally discovered by the Dutch in 1614. A merchant from England, John Richbell, traded with the Siwanoy for the land that is known as the Town of Mamaroneck in 1661.

In 1697, Samuel Palmer was elected as the Town’s first supervisor. By 1722 the Palmer family got full title to the land which included the Village of Larchmont.

The oldest Larchmont home is the “Manor House” located on Elm Avenue. It was built in 1797 by Peter Jay Munro. Wondering how Larchmont got its name? Peter Jay Munro lived in a home which faced the Boston Post Road (Route 1). During the summer, a lot of dust came up from the roads. His gardener imported larch trees, a Scottish species. They were known for being quick growing trees and were planted right in front of the property. This is how Larchmont came to have its name, after these fast growing trees!

The United States Census reports that Village of Larchmont is 1.1 square miles. According to the 2000 United States Census, 6,485 people lived in 2,418 households in the Village of Larchmont.

Larchmont is known for terrific shopping, delicious restaurants and luxury spa and salon services. There is a movie theatre in downtown Larchmont.

LOOKING FOR A HOME IN THE HUDSON VALLEY? Explore our beautiful neighborhoods and: Search for homes by towns, or Search for homes by school districts

In a little corner off of Route 302 and in the heart of Circleville in Orange County is Zoila’s. Upon entering, the vibe is that of a cafe. The easy smiles of the staff and friendly demeanor makes for a good beginning.

I quickly realized that though Zoila’s may serve as a trendy bistro by night, it has more of a modern hometown diner feeling by day. Choosing a place to sit, I was pleasantly surprised at the arrangement of fresh flowers.

I swiftly ordered, noting that the menu was a nice mix of lunch and breakfast. There was a mix of fascinating things, some more successful than others. For instance, they had a tablet based check-in rewards program where frequent diners could earn things like a free appetizer or entree. This has been popular at many chain stores and it was refreshing to see it in a small business.

However, they also had a small rack of ingredients used in the meals. This could be helpful in some environments but the majority of things featured could be easily found in your local supermarket. This made the rack feel that much more out of place.

First to arrive were the potato skins, especially flavorful with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. I was impressed at the touch of course salt rather than standard. I was disappointed to find that Zoila’s has a cafe policy on refills- there are none. This feels really out of place in a restaurant that seems like the local’s go-to.

I didn’t have much time to be disappointed in the drinking options before my veggie burger arrived. With sweet potato fries and topped by chipotle mayo, it was satisfying and delectable. The veggie burger is hands down one of the best I’ve ever had as it lacked the dryness which often plagues this meat alternative. The fries had a delightful amount of crisp and the mayo was the perfect match for the patty.

Overall, the food was good and the service friendly and I could quickly identify why it has become a favorite for locals for breakfast and lunch. Though Zoila’s does serve dinner, I wasn’t impressed with the selection for night.

The prices for the various mealtimes seem reasonable and there are some delightful breakfast options such as the custard and brioche french toast served with strawberry butter. I will definitely return for the scrumptious veggie burger and I can recommend it for a relaxed atmosphere with hints of upscale food. It makes the perfect spot for a Sunday brunch after a scenic drive on Route 302.

If you go:

Zoila’s Bistro
2092 NY 302 Circleville, NY10919
845.361.2222

This post is written by Natassia Velez. An Orange County native, Natassia is a freelance editor, literary reviewer, and classical performer. Politics and performing are passions of hers and it’s evident in her love of arts and culture. Natassia has a penchant for quirky humor, geekery, and finding new things to do in the Hudson Valley. You can read all her posts here, and connect with her on twitter and google+

(In case this is not the weekend update you are looking for, click here to see our most recent Hudson Valley weekend update post.)

Lower Hudson Valley Weekend Guide July 31- August 2, 2015

There are lots of events going on in Westchester and Rockland County this weekend. To truly enjoy summer and beach weather, visit Glen Island Park in New Rochelle on Saturday, August 1, where it will host its second annual sand castle competition. 

For cultural events, the annual Heritage of India Festival will be held on August 2, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. On the same day, the 5th Annual United Latin Festival of Haverstraw will be held from 11am-8pm.

On Saturday, August 1, it is Hillburn Day in the Village of Hillburn in Rockland County. The Nyack Jazz week continues and ends with its final performances in the evening of August 1. 

The Bear Mountain Pow Wow will be held this weekend, August 1-2 at Harriman State Park, featuring great dancing and music. If you are going to visit the Trailside Zoo at Bear Mountain, celebrate the birds of New York State, bald eagle, owls, hawks and vultures, at the Bird Festival at the zoo.  

Mid Hudson Valley Weekend Guide July 31- August 2, 2015

The Orange County Fair continues this week. And the Ulster County Fair runs from July 28 to Sunday, August 2 at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz. Check out our guide to all the county fairs this year. 

The annual New York Renaissance faire returns to Tuxedo Park on August 1st. It will run from August 1 to September 27, 2015. 

On the evening of Friday, July 31 at 8pm, join a ghost tour through the 19th century Museum Village. For some community fun, the Village of Monroe Summer Festival runs from Thursday, July 30 - Sunday, August 2 at Millpond Park. 

The 7th annual La Guelaguetza Festival will take place on Sunday August 2nd, at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie.On Thursday, July 30th, taste burgers and beers from different Hudson Valley restaurants at the Hudson Valley Burger and Beer Bash. For more food and wine, there are several festivals at our Hudson Valley wineries, including the BBQ and Blues event at the Applewood Winery, Cash and Country weekend at the Warwick Winery, the 2nd annual Vino and the Best Vineyard Race at the Millbrook Winery.

LOOKING FOR A HOME IN THE HUDSON VALLEY? Explore our beautiful neighborhoods and: Search for homes by towns, or Search for homes by school districts

We recently caught up with Elaine Ewing, owner of Rhinebeck Pilates studio, to learn more about her studio and the type of classes the studio offers.

Can you give us a little intro to pilates? 

Pilates is a method of exercise invented by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900's. Pilates can be done on specialized equipment as well as just simple mats.

Rhinebeck Pilates is a classical pilates studio, specializing in in private and small group classes on authentic pilates equipment. We are fully equipped with Gratz apparatus, which is widely known as the only pilates equipment made today according to Joseph Pilates' original standards and dimensions.

By fully equipped, we mean that we have every piece of pilates equipment needed in order to gain the most benefit from the pilates system. Joseph Pilates used to call his method "The thinking man's exercise" because all the exercises strengthen and require the mind-body connection in order to execute them properly.

Who should do pilates? Do I need to be fit in order to start?

At Rhinebeck Pilates, we have a wide variety of people who come to our studio: men, women, older, younger, the physically fit, the soon-to-be physically fit, new moms, soon-to-be-moms, people recovering from injuries, office workers, teachers, etc. Basically- everyone!

It is an amazing and challenging full-body workout that is also great for improving posture, recovering from injury, gaining overall strength and flexibility, and improving other sports such as golf, tennis, and running. We offer different type of classes, so you can choose the class most suitable for your body to start.

I see that you offer many type of classes. How should someone get started?

We offer both group and private classes. Some people who regularly exercise or who used to do pilates a long time ago feel comfortable starting with group classes right away. However, we usually recommend starting with a few private sessions to familiarize with the equipment, the language used in pilates, and the exercises. This also gives the teacher a chance to learn about any injuries or issues the student may have coming into pilates.

So, if you're new to pilates and have any type of back, knee, or hip issue, it's advised that you begin with a few private sessions before jumping into a class. We have a few Introductory Packages for Beginners, the most popular one being "The Best Way to Start Pilates Package", which is 5 private sessions.

Here is the link to the Intro Packages: http://www.rhinebeckpilates.com/introduction-class-packages/

As for classes, we offer a variety of classes on both the equipment and the mat. The names of the classes are based on the piece of equipment the classes focus on, such as the Tower, the Reformer, and the Mat. Some people prefer to work out one-on-one with a teacher (and book private sessions) while others prefer a group of people and book the group classes.

There are also more advanced workshops. The workshops we offer are generally for pilates teachers only, though we do have a few serious students who enjoy attending the workshops.

Can you tell us more about Rhinebeck Studio, and why did you pick Rhinebeck as a location?

Rhinebeck Pilates has been in Rhinebeck for 12 years. Over the past 12 years we have grown and grown so much that we continue needing a larger spaces and more equipment! We currently have 7 teachers and offer 20 group classes per week as well as privately scheduled sessions.

Rhinebeck was a natural location for me to run a pilates studio because I am originally from Rhinebeck! I was born and raised in the Hudson Valley and attended Rhinebeck High School. After school I moved to NYC to attend the School of Visual Arts with a major in Fine Arts Printmaking. While in school I decided to become a certified pilates teacher as a way to help pay the bills. It quickly became my full time job. In the early 2000's, I moved back to the Rhinebeck area and began building a life here with my husband, running the studio, and being a mom! 

To find out more about Rhinebeck Pilates and try a class, please visit:

Rhinebeck Pilates
6400 Montgomery St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
(845) 876-5686

"A body free from nervous tension and fatigue is the ideal shelter provided by nature for housing a well balanced mind, fully capable of successfully meeting all the complex problems of modern living." -Joseph Pilates

(In case this is not the weekend update you are looking for, click here to see our most recent Hudson Valley weekend update post.)

Westchester and Rockland County Weekend Guide July 24-26, 2015

From now until September 5, you can visit the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers for free on Friday and Saturday nights, 5pm-8pm. On Friday, July 24th, the Friday Night Music Series features the No BS! Brass Band. On Saturday, it is movie night, and will feature the Frozen Sing-Along.

If you are looking for more free entertainment, there are free concerts at the Shops at Nanuet, the Bronxville summer concert series,  Cross County Shopping Center Summer Fest, and more. For a complete list, visit the guide put together by ArtsWestchester.

The cultural celebrations continue at the Kensico Dam Plaza at Valhalla, New York. This Sunday, July 26th, the Italian Heritage Festival will take place from noon-7pm.

On July 26th, it is the start of Nyack Jazz Week. Nyack Jazz Week is an annual celebration of jazz & blues presented by the Rockland County Jazz and Blues Society in Nyack and neighboring towns in Rockland County, NY. The opening night show will feature the Rez Abbassi Acoustic Quartet, at the Turning Point Cafe at Piermont at 7:30pm.

Mid Hudson Valley Weekend Guide July 24-26, 2015

It is the middle of summer, and the Hudson Valley county fairs are here. This week you will find the Orange County and Putnam County fairs. Visit our Hudson Valley county fair post to find out more information and dates for all the fairs this year. 

If you want to spend the weekend at our beautiful wineries, the 20th annual Bounty of the Hudson wine and food festival will be held on July 25 and 26. The event will take place at Benmarl Winery in Marlboro. You can taste a variety of wines and local farm-to-table food at the 14 participating wineries on the Shawangunk Wine Trail.

The Warwick Summer Arts festival continues this week. And you can celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orange County at their family fun day on July 25th. 

If you are into car, the Orange County Antique Auto Club annual car show is on July 26th, Sunday, at the Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery New York. 

Along the River Front, it will be the inaugural Beacon Jazz Festival on Saturday, July 25. If you are looking for other community concerts, you can check out the East Fishkill summer concert series and Wappinger Falls summer concerts on Friday, and the Cold Spring summer concert series on Sunday. 

On Saturday, you can visit Fishkill Farms, which hosts its Mid-Summer Harvest Festival. There will be performances by the Sailing Stone Band, tractor wagon rides, crafts, and all kinds of U-Pick fruit and vegetables.

Also on Saturday, July 25th, is the Poughkeepsie dragon boat race and festival. Featuring Dragon Boat Races on the Hudson River, and a day-long Asian Festival on the waterfront, it will be a fun event for all participants and those who want to watch. The Asian Festival will include games for children, food and drink, souvenirs, music and dancing.

LOOKING FOR A HOME IN THE HUDSON VALLEY? Explore our beautiful neighborhoods and: Search for homes by towns, or Search for homes by school districts

It is middle of the summer, and is county fair time again in the Hudson Valley. Ready for more rides, games, music and food?

Orange County New York County Fair

http://www.orangecountyfair.com/

Takes place at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Middletown, New York.

July 22 - August 2, 2015

Fair hours are: Weekdays (Monday - Friday) 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM, and Weekends (Saturday & Sunday)1:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Admissions is $8 for adults, and $5 for children ages 7-12. The unlimited rides wristband is $25. There is also a family 4 pack for 2 adults and 2 children for $65-$85 (depending on the date), which includes entrance fees and unlimited rides wristbands for all four. 

Monday, July 27th is carload night. Everyone in the car can enter the fair and have unlimited rides for only $60 per vehicle.

The special shows of the Orange County Fair this year include a giant petting zoo, kangaroos, jungle safari show, motorcycle and car races, demolition derby, thrill shows, and nightly music performances from 7:30pm-11:00pm.

Putnam County New York County Fair

http://putnam.cce.cornell.edu/

The Putnam County Fair will be held at the Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, 201 Gipsy Trail Road, in Carmel, New York

July 24-26, 2015

There will be with games, crafts, pet shows, Civil War and Revolutionary War Encampments, Putnam History, horse demos, chicken barbecue, fishing contest and more!

Ulster County New York County Fair

http://ulstercountyfair.com/

Takes place at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz, New York

Tues. July 28 – Sun. Aug. 2, 2015

Admissions is $15, which includes all mid-way rides, exhibits and shows. Carload night is Tuesday, July 28th, at $40 per carload. Senior Day is Thursday, July 30th, where seniors age 62 and up enter for free from 10am-4pm. 

The special shows of the Ulster County Fair this year include horse shows, antique tractor pulls and truck pulls, circus shows, and fireworks.

Dutchess County New York County Fair

http://dutchessfair.com/

Held at the Dutchess Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, New York

August 25 - August 30, 2015

Admissions: $15 for adults, and free for children 12 and under. You can get advanced tickets for $12 before August 24.

The Dutchess County Fair is the largest among all the Hudson Valley County fairs, and is the 2nd largest in the State of New York. Every year 300,000 visitors attend the fair, which will be entering its 170th year. The special shows include racing pigs, mad science shows, circus and juggling acts, magic shows, petting zoos, and a talent search. There are also shows and performances at the Grandstand.

Columbia County New York Fair

http://www.columbiafair.com/

Held at the Columbia County Agricultural Society, 32 Church St, Chatham, NY

September 2 - 7, 2015

Admissions: $10 for adults, and free for children 12 and under. There are free youth and senior days, and free entrance for active military personnels. 

There is a large range of shows and performances at the Columbia County Fair, which includes rodeos, demolition derbies, motorcross, magic and illusion shows, hypnosis show, concert performaces by Rodney Atkins and more.

Celebrating the music, distilleries, artisan crafts and culture of the Hudson Valley, the inaugural Beacon Jazz Festival will take place on Saturday, July 25 from noon to 6 PM at The Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park in Beacon, NY.

Presented by Six String Productions, the festival will offer a wealth of musical talent, many with long associations with Beacon and the surrounding region. In addition to presenting great jazz, the first Beacon Jazz Festival will also double as a Hudson Valley distillery tasting event. Local craft breweries, cideries and wineries will be also be providing their own offerings, along with local artisan chefs providing food to complement the event.

Tickets for the Beacon Jazz Festival will be $45 per person, with $65 special VIP tickets allowing early admission, a free t-shirt, event glass and tote bag, along with related merchandise. Advance tickets will be available for $35 online until June 21st.

For this inaugural, intimate event, admission will be limited to 1,500 attendees. Tickets and further details will be available on beaconjazz.com.

The artists performing at the inaugural Beacon Jazz Festival include:

Sun of Goldfinger — Bracingly original modern jazz featuring three recognized, cutting-edge masters: alto saxophonist Tim Berne, guitarist (and HV resident) David Torn and drummer Ches Smith;

Karl Berger/Ingrid Sertso Quintet — Vibraphonist Berger and vocalist Sertso — co-founders with Ornette Coleman of the legendary Woodstock school and multi-cultural laboratory Creative Music Studio — lead this quintet featuring guitarist Kenny Wessel, bassist Ken Filiano and drummer Warren Smith;

George Coleman, Jr.’s Rivington Project — Virtuoso drummer George Coleman, Jr., son of the storied saxophonist (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, etc. including multiple dates as a leader), ups the game for the 21st century organ trio in this band of cookers featuring saxophonist Mike DiRubbo and organist Brian Charette;

International Brass & Membrane Corps — The 100-years-young music of King Oliver and other masters of early jazz get an invigorating update by IBMC leader and lifelong HV resident, trumpeter/cornetist Ted Daniel, joined by Charles Burnham on violin, Joseph Daley on tuba and Newman Taylor Baker on drums and percussion;

Mike Dopazo & The HV All-Stars — The superb local saxophonist Dopazo headlines this roster of powerhouse HV-based players, each a major bandleader in his own right, in a group joined by trombonist Joe Fiedler, saxophonist Eric Person, saxophonist Josh Rutner, bassist Robert Kopec and drummer Jon Doty.

The Beacon DJ Grady Salter will also be spinning classic jazz selections all day between acts.

In addition, several Hudson Valley distilleries, wineries, and cideries — including Dennings Point Distillery, Hudson Valley Distillery, Albany Distillery, Dutch Spirits, Taconic Distillery, Tuthilltown, Harvest Spirits, Brotherhood Winery, Naked Flock Cidery and Bad Seed Cidery — will be offering free tastings of their renowned spirits, cider and wine throughout the festival. Other local businesses providing food and drink at the Beacon Jazz Festival include More Good, Tito Santana, Beacon Bread, The Hop Express, and many more.

If you live in Westchester County, one of the fun things about the warmer weather months is eating outdoors in some of our favorite restaurants. After the harsh winters, we should make the most of the summer sun. And you can take your pick on whether to people watch while dining outdoors, or enjoy the beatiful Hudson River or Long Island Shore views.

Here are a few restaurants that offer outdoor dining in Southern Westchester County. Add your favorites in the comments below!

Chat 19

19 Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont

(914) 833-8871 

You'll find classic American cuisine here with a twist. Chat 19 has outdoor seating and you can enjoy beautiful Larchmont and do a bit of people watching while you eat a delicious meal. At night the restaurant offers a vibrant bar scene with bands and DJs performing.

Harvest-on-Hudson

1 River Street, Hastings

(914) 478-2800

Located in the river town of Hastings, this Italian restaurant is located right along the Hudson River. Known for their herb garden and fresh meals, this Westchester restaurant is a local favorite. In the warmer months the restaurant offers patio dining, and an an outside bar, where you can get a view of the sunset over the Palisades.

Cafe Mozart

308 Mamaroneck Avenue, Mamaroneck

(914) 698-4166

This is a cafe-style restaurant. Known for their dessert, you can order a pot of herbal tea or an espresso drink and a thick slice of tempting cake. Or you can try one of their hearty sandwiches.

Cafe Mozart has a patio on the Avenue where patrons sit and enjoy their meal. It is the perfect place for people watching. They also offer a Sunday brunch, and live music on weekends.

Nessa

325 N Main Street, Port Chester

(914) 939-0119

Eat delicious, classic Italian food and enjoy each other's company while being outdoors at Nessa's. Located in Port Chester, it is also a nice restaurant to combine with seeing a show at the Capitol Theater.

Seaside Johnnies

94 Dearborn Avenue, Rye

(914) 921-6104

Want some seafood and enjoy a view of the beach? Well, you're in luck! You can do both of those things at the same time, at Seaside Johnnies, since it is located right on the beach in Rye. Keep in mind even with most indoor seating you've got a great view of the ocean and the beach. Restaurant guests often walk on the beach before or after dinner.

For many, one of the great joys of summer is riding a rollercoaster or another thrill ride. We are fortunate, to have several amusement parks right in the Hudson Valley – and other theme parks close by as well. Here are some popular theme parks for your next family adventure.

Amusement Parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Splashdown Beach

16 Old Route 9 West, Fishkill, NY

(845)897-9600

Billed as America's Biggest Little Water Park, Splashdown Beach in Dutchess County is a staple for summer fun for kids in the area. Smaller in size may just mean you won't get exhausted walking to every corner of the park. There are thrilling water slides, wave pool, lazy river, a beach area and areas for small children.

If you are going to spend most of the summer in the area, a season pass is only $99. Get it before the season starts next time and you will get an additional discount.

Playland 

1 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY

(914) 813-7010

Playland has been a favorite theme park destination since 1927 in Westchester. Known as “America’s Premiere Playground,” there’s always something fun to do.

The well-known Dragon Coaster is a popular favorite. One of the classic rides and also a wooden rollercoaster, it is something you simply aren’t going to see at every park these days. They have Kiddy Rides, with fun rides just for your little ones to make them smile including the old fashioned Boat Ride and the Jump N’ Bean.

Family Rides include classic ones your parents may have enjoyed at the park, such as the House of Mirrors, and new ones like Zombie Castle. Thrill Rides add even more excitement to your visit, with fun such as the Derby Racer or the Double Shot ride.

Playland is also known for its fantastic entertainment such as weekly fireworks shows and concerts with top singers. 

Other Amusement Parks in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut

Coney Island (Luna Park) 

1000 Surf Avenue Brooklyn, NY

718-373-LUNA

Luna Park is beloved by New Yorkers and people have come from every state and beyond to visit this fun theme park. Couples have even gotten married on the Cyclone, their well-known rollercoaster!

This theme park first opened in 1903, and was known as the “Electric Eden.” Today’s Luna Park features rides, games, dining and even shops. You can spend the entire night having fun right here at Luna Park.

The Coney Island Cyclone is an exciting ride and quite likely one of the most well-known rollercoasters on the East Coast. But Luna Park has many other rides. If you like tons of thrills, try the Sling Shot or the Thunderbolt. There’s also the Steeplechase or The Tickler. If you want a more moderate type of a ride, try the B&B Carousel or the Coney Island Hang Glider. The gentlest of rides include the Mermaid Parade, Big Top Express and Happy Swing.

Six Flags Great Adventure 

Jackson, NJ

If your family enjoys theme parks, Great Adventure is a terrific choice. It’s about an hour away from the lower Hudson Valley, and you’ll find plenty of rides and fun entertainment. You can make a day of it at the park or choose to spend the weekend or make this an overnight trip.

Great Adventure is especially attractive to adults, older teens or college aged students, as they have larger rollercoasters and many thrill-type of rides. If your kids want to ride the rides that go upside down, then this is the theme park you pick!

Great Adventure features thrill rides, family rides, kids’ rides, entertainment, events, dining and shopping. On a hot day there is a whole water park section. There is a separate safari which charges additional admission.

Most rides have a height requirement. If your kids have their sights on a certain ride, you can check out the website ahead of time to see if they will meet the height requirement ahead of time.

Thrill rides include Batman: The Ride, Dare Devil Dive, Runaway Mine Train and Slingshot. Family rides include Big Wheel (ferris wheel), Enchanted Teacups, Jolly Roger and Safari Off Road Adventure. Kids’ Rides include Air Safari, Bugaboo, Bugs Bunny Ranger Pilots and Road Runner Railway. There is lots of fun entertainment at the park, such as meeting adorable otters and meeting the cute Looney Tunes cartoon pals. 

Six Flags Great Escape 

89 Six Flags Drive, Queensbury, NY 12804

For those living in the mid Hudson Valley, Six Flags Great Escape located at Lake George may be a closer option than Great Adventure. Just like Great Adventure, there are also rides at different levels, and a water park and lots of events. 

There are many events and promotions for Six Flags Great Escape. It includes a July 4th festival, and kids get in free on July 5, 12, 19, and 26.

Lake Compounce

822 Lake Avenue Briston, CT

860-583-3300

This amusement park is about 2 hours away from Eastern part of the Hudson Valley, and you’ll find lots of fun, family entertainment here. Lake Compounce not only have the classic rides, but also have water rides too.

They have roller coasters & thrill rides that include their Boulder Dash, a popular wooden coaster. Down Time and Sky Coaster. Water Rides include Croc-O-Nile, Bayou Bay and the Lights Out, a high speed slide in the dark! Classic & kiddie rides including an Antique Carousel, American Flyers and Bumper Cars.

Amusement Parks in Eastern Pennsylvania

If you are willing to travel a little further to Pennsylvania, you can also consider the following amusement parks in Eastern Pennsylvania:

Dorney Park and Wild Water Kingdom

3830 Dorney Park Rd, Allentown, PA 18104

(610) 395-3724

Great park with roller coasters on one side, and a water park on the other.

Camelbeach Mountain Water Park 

309 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372

(570) 629-1662

Water park at the Camelback Mountains in the Poconos

Sesame Place

100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047

(866) 464-3566

Great place to visit if you have a little one, and we mean little. It is a little small and pricey, but where else will you find Elmo, Big Bird and the gang. Located in the suburb of Philadelphia

Hershey Park

100 W Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033

(800) 437-7439

The lovely park with rides and a visit to the chocolate factory. Located in Hershey, close to Harrisburg in PA

Dutch Wonderland

2249 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602

(866) 386-2839

Theme park in the Amish country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Similar to Sesame place, rides are geared towards younger kids.