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Things to Do
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Spring Break is not far off, and that means the kids will be home from school and looking for fun things to do. Here in Dutchess County, we’ve got you covered!
There are plenty of family-friendly events and attractions this time of year in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley. The kids will love it here (and so will the grown-ups)!
Have a blast and take lots of pictures! Share your photos here and be sure to tag @DutchessTourism on social media.
Open every day, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. by reservation at the Millbrook School, Millbrook
The Trevor Zoo is home to 170 indigenous and exotic animals — including 11 endangered species. Established in 1936, it is one of only 237 zoos in the U.S. accredited by the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums and is the only zoo in the country located at a high school. Students at the Millbrook School have the unique educational opportunity to work with, care for and learn about the animals. The zoo is open seven days a week by appointment. Click here to book your reservations.
Friday, March 22, 6 – 7 p.m. at Emy Delights & Bites, Hyde Park
Founded by Culinary Institute of America graduate Emily Cruz, Emy Delights and Bites is a one-of-a-kind dessert shop and cafe where all the products are made without any of the major allergens: soy, wheat, gluten, dairy, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame and mustard. Everything they make is vegan and handcrafted and contains no artificial colors or preservatives — and it’s all delicious! This cake-pop workshop is one of several upcoming baking classes for kids and adults. You’ll create and take home six cake-pops using a wide assortment of tasty ingredients and toppings. Email emy.delights.bites@gmail.com to register.
Related: Accessible Travel Series: Easter in Dutchess
Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23, 7:20 p.m. at Four Brothers Drive-In, Amenia
Four Brothers Drive-In opens for the season with a blockbuster double feature the kids will love. See “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” (rated PG-13) and “Kung Fu Panda” (rated PG) back-to-back from the comfort of your vehicle. Be sure to snag some tasty treats from the Grand Shack, including hot dogs, burgers, lobster rolls and ice cream. Arrive early and play a round of mini golf. Click here to reserve your parking spot.
Saturday, March 23, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Common Ground Farm, Wappingers Falls
A practicing artist leads this family-friendly outdoor art workshop, which is designed for youngsters ages 5 and older. Dia Beacon, the renowned museum of contemporary art, hosts this free weekly class at Common Ground Farm. All families participating in the Saturday Studio program receive free admission to Dia Beacon for the day. Click here to complete the required registration.
Friday through Sunday, March 22 – 24 at multiple locations
Maple production in New York is among the highest in the United States, and Dutchess County is home to several family-owned, high-quality maple syrup companies offering sugarhouse tours, family-friendly activities, tastings and more during the New York State Maple Producers Association’s Maple Weekend celebration:
• Sap Happy Maple Weekend at Bowdoin Park (Wappingers Falls)
• Sugar Maple Celebration at Sharpe Reservation (Fishkill)
• Maple Weekend at Soukup Farms (Dover Plains)
Saturday, March 23, 11 a.m. at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck
The gang from Nutty Scientists Hudson Valley help their young scientists overcome incredible challenges within the secret forest of Merlin the Wizard by performing amazing experiments in this program, which is best suited for kids ages 4 and older. Click here to purchase tickets. This event is part of the Center for Performing Arts’ Saturday Morning Family Series, which features fun, age-appropriate productions every Saturday (except March 30) through May 11.
Related: Among the Top 10 Dutchess Events in March is the Princess Brunch with Ariel and Cinderella at the Beekman Arms.
Saturday, March 23, 2 – 3 p.m. at Troutbeck, Amenia
Do you know of any aspiring young chefs? The Little Cooks series at Troutbeck is perfect for them! In this installment, Troutbeck pastry chef Emma Isakoff leads a fairy gingerbread house-building workshop. Participants will decorate the gingerbread houses of their dreams with edible accoutrements like herbs, nuts, seeds, and loads of other edible materials, and they can take their houses home with them. Guests may bring elements that they want to use as well, so use your imagination! Click here to register.
Monday through Thursday, March 25 – 28 at the Gravity Vault, Poughkeepsie
Are the kids at home climbing the walls? Bring them to the Gravity Vault indoor rock-climbing facility and let them climb all they want! Choose between a half-day or a full-day of fun for these action-packed camps, which are scattered throughout the year on days kids have off from school. Climbers will participate in traversing, top-rope climbing, an obstacle course, and more! Click here to register.
Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie
Head to Falcon Hall at DCC and meet and greet authors and illustrators whose works cover reading ages from preschool to young adult. Have your picture taken with your favorite costumed book characters and make some fun crafts. Books will be available to purchase — and to have autographed by the ones who created them. Click here to see the dozens of authors and illustrators scheduled to participate.
Saturday, March 30, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Oblong Books, Rhinebeck
Oblong Books hosts New York Times bestselling comic creator Lucy Knisley, who celebrates the joys of biking in “Ride Beside Me,” a picture book about coming together to build safer streets and a brighter future for all. Click here to register for this free event, which is best for kids ages 3 – 6.
Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7 at Lilymoore Alpaca Farm, Pleasant Valley
The alpacas and llamas are getting dressed up in their bonnets for Lilymoore’s opening weekend, and farm visitors of all ages are encouraged to wear their fanciest hats, too! Take pictures with a llama and an alpaca, then embark on a one-hour, guided farm tour where you’ll meet the animals on the farm, as well as the birds of Dreaming of a Chance Sanctuary. For more details, click here.
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