Kids

Annual Puppet Festival 

From toddlers to elementary students, little ones love watching the spectacle of full-size puppet shows on stage. Featuring Arm of the Sea Theater, this event always sells out. (Mid-January; Nyack Center, 58 Depew Ave, Nyack; 855.ARTSROCK; www.artsrock.org)

 

Children’s Book Festivals  

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Nearly 100 popular and award-winning authors and illustrators attend the Hudson Children’s Book Festival and the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival each year. There are tons of books to browse, buy, and get autographed. (May 6, 2017; Hudson High School, 215 Harry Howard Ave, Hudson; www.hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com; Oct 14, 2017; Bell Middle School, parking at Chappaqua Train station, 108 Allen Place, Chappaqua; www.ccbfestival.org)

 

Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival 


PHOTO BY MIKE POLITO

This spectacular weekend features 100 breathtaking balloon launches. Take a balloon or tether ride, and make sure not to miss the Moon Glow display, when balloon burners are fired to light up the night. Activities include a petting zoo, hay mazes, hayrides, food trucks, a tap room, live music, and a fireworks display on Friday night. (July 7–9, 2017; Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Lne, Poughquag; 845.454.1700; www.dcrcoc.org/balloonfestival)

 

Hudson Valley Train & Hobby Show 

Little ones are fascinated by railroads in miniature at this annual event, sponsored by the Hudson Valley Railroad Society. Find thousands of square feet of hands-on model exhibits. (Nov 12, 2017; Mid Hudson Civic Center, Poughkeepsie; 845.454.5800; www.hydeparkstation.com/hpsshow)

 

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New York Renaissance Faire  


PHOTO BY MIRNAL FALKNE

Celebrating its 40th season in 2017, this eight-week event is a rollicking re-creation of Elizabethan times, complete with re-enactments of Robin Hood’s escapades, a human chessboard, and person-powered carousel. Winding paths and scenic ponds are interspersed in a country village setting with its own Maypole. Jousting knights conclude each day’s events.  (Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day, Aug 5–Oct 1, 2017, 600 Rte 17A, Tuxedo Park; www.renfair.com/ny)

 

Teatown Hudson River Eaglefest 

More than three thousand birdwatchers — observing the annual return of eagles to the lower Hudson Valley — can’t be wrong. Bird shows, talks, viewing sites, and children’s activities make for an exciting day. (Mid-February, Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson and other locations; 914.762.2912; www.teatown.org)

 

Warwick Applefest  

Orange County’s largest festival is a perfect way to spend a fall day: stroll through the quaint streets lined with vendors and musical stages, then visit the festival’s carnival, capped off by a trip to a local orchard for an afternoon of picking. (Oct 1, 2017; various locations in Warwick; 845.986.2720; www.warwickapplefest.com)

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